SW Dover White vs BM Swiss Coffee: What’s the Difference?

SW Dover White vs BM Swiss Coffee

When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, two gorgeous options to consider are Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45. Both offer warm, flexible neutrals that work across various design styles. But what’s the difference between Dover White and Swiss Coffee? And how do you determine which is better for your home?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Dover White and Swiss Coffee in depth. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to find out whether crisp Dover White or deep Swiss Coffee is the best neutral paint color for your interior design.

Key Differences Between Dover White and Swiss Coffee

Before diving into specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45:

  • Undertones – Dover White has cool blue undertones, Swiss Coffee has warm brown undertones
  • LRV – Dover White has an LRV of 83, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
  • Use – Dover White complements modern styles, Swiss Coffee traditional décor
  • Rooms – Dover White excels in well-lit spaces, Swiss Coffee darker rooms

Now let’s explore Dover White and Swiss Coffee more closely.

Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385

Sherwin-Williams Dover White SW 6385

A crisp bright white, Dover White SW 6385 creates an airy, refreshing backdrop. This versatile neutral complements styles from modern farmhouse to contemporary.

Here are some details about Sherwin Williams Dover White:

  • LRV: 83
  • Undertones: Blue
  • Finish: Available in all finishes
  • Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
  • Pairings: Browns, grays, blues

Featuring subtle cool blue undertones, Dover White maintains a clean bright appearance rather than looking too stark or sterile. The barely-there blue influence provides an airy feel.

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With an 83 light reflectance value, Dover White reflects a significant amount of light to keep rooms feeling spacious and ethereal. This bright neutral avoids dinginess or shadows.

Use Dover White SW 6385 to create an uplifting, minimalist interior backdrop. This flexible white works beautifully across many interior design styles. It looks especially pleasing in these rooms:

  • Living Rooms
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Rooms

Some colors that pair beautifully with Dover White include:

  • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
  • Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
  • Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
  • Sherwin Williams Silver Strand

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45

swiss coffee

A beloved neutral paint color, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 provides a warm coffee-inspired backdrop. This versatile deep brown excels across styles from contemporary to cottage.

Here are some key details about Swiss Coffee:

  • LRV: 81.91
  • Undertones: Brown
  • Finish: Available in all finishes
  • Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
  • Pairings: Creams, taupes, blues

Featuring strong brown undertones, Swiss Coffee has a rich mocha or espresso appearance. In some lights it appears more neutral chocolate brown. In others, it takes on slight red or orange tones. This flexibility allows Swiss Coffee to suit many style needs.

With an 81.91 light reflectance value, Swiss Coffee reflects very little light. This creates an intimate, enveloping ambiance perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, and other private living spaces.

Use Swiss Coffee OC-45 to create an elegant, inviting backdrop. The brown warmth complements color schemes featuring creams, taupes, navy blues, and wood tones. This versatile neutral excels in these rooms:

  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Rooms
  • Living Rooms
  • Offices
  • Entryways

Some colors that coordinate seamlessly with Swiss Coffee include:

  • Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
  • Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
  • Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
  • Benjamin Moore Oakwood Floor Stain

Comparing Dover White vs Swiss Coffee

Now that we’ve looked at Dover White and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Dover White is much lighter than Swiss Coffee, with LRVs of 83 vs just 81.91. Dover White will create a more airy, bright space.

Undertones

Dover White has subtle cool blue undertones, giving it an ethereal quality. Swiss Coffee has deep warm brown undertones, providing enveloping elegance.

Use

The exceptional brightness of Dover White complements modern, contemporary designs. The enveloping Swiss Coffee excels in traditional, transitional spaces.

Rooms

Dover White’s airy clarity is perfect for open concept main living areas. Swiss Coffee’s intimacy excels in bedrooms, dining rooms, and private nooks.

Paint Finish

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Both Dover White and Swiss Coffee come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.

Pairings

Dover White pairs beautifully with grays, blues, and wood tones. Swiss Coffee complements creams, taupes, navy blues, and wood stains.

Dover White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of the key differences between Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45:

Paint Color Dover White SW 6385 Swiss Coffee OC-45
LRV 83 81.91
Undertones Blue Brown
Use Modern, contemporary Traditional, transitional
Rooms Bright open living areas Cozy bedrooms and dining rooms
Sheens All finishes All finishes
Pairings Grays, blues, woods Creams, taupes, blues, woods

Real Life Photos: Dover White vs Swiss Coffee

To give a sense of how Dover White and Swiss Coffee compare in real spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:

Dover White SW 6385

Swiss Coffee OC-45

Real Room Photos Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

In real spaces, Dover White appears much brighter and crispier than the darker, moodier Swiss Coffee. However, lighting impacts their look. Overall, Dover White has an ethereal feel while Swiss Coffee provides enveloping elegance.

Should I Choose Dover White or Swiss Coffee?

When choosing between Dover White and Swiss Coffee, consider your goals for the space and overall design style:

Consider Dover White SW 6385 if you want:

  • A bright, airy neutral white
  • To create an uplifting, minimalist backdrop
  • A versatile foundation for modern styles
  • A fresh alternative to warm antique whites

Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:

  • A deep, enveloping coffee-inspired brown
  • Cozy elegance for bedrooms and dining rooms
  • To complement traditional color palettes
  • More contrast against lighter trims/ceilings

To decide, get samples of each. View in your actual space at different times and lighting. Compare undertones and mood they create.

While both are lovely neutrals, Dover White suits modern open concepts and Swiss Coffee traditional cozier spaces. Choose the one aligned with your goals!

Best Rooms for Dover White and Swiss Coffee

Here are rooms that tend to be especially well suited to Dover White SW 6385 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:

Dover White SW 6385

  • Living Rooms
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Open floor plans
  • Hallways

Swiss Coffee OC-45

  • Bedrooms
  • Offices
  • Dining rooms
  • Entryways
  • Living rooms

Of course, both can work in any space. But the above applications maximize Dover White’s bright openness and Swiss Coffee’s intimate elegance.

Design Ideas for Dover White and Swiss Coffee

On their own, Dover White and Swiss Coffee create simple backdrops. Use colors, textures, materials and decor to complete your room designs:

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Dover White Color Pairings

  • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (walls)
  • Natural oak wood floors
  • Brass light fixtures and hardware
  • Navy blue, gray and white textiles

Swiss Coffee Color Pairings

  • Benjamin Moore Linen White (trim/ceiling)
  • Hardwood floor stain
  • Antique brass lighting fixtures
  • Creamy textiles with blue accents

Dover White vs Swiss Coffee: Which is Better for Your Home?

Is airy Dover White or elegant Swiss Coffee the better neutral paint color for your space? It depends on your goals and style preferences:

Consider Dover White if you want:

  • A bright, uplifting neutral white
  • An ethereal backdrop for modern styles
  • Crisp contrast against darker colors
  • A versatile alternative to warm antique whites

Consider Swiss Coffee if you want:

  • A deep brown with enveloping elegance
  • Ultimate coziness for bedrooms and dining rooms
  • A flexible “greige” alternative with richness
  • Contrast against light walls and ceiling

Dover White excels in living spaces needing an airy minimalist feel. Swiss Coffee shines in elegant bedrooms and transitional homes needing intimacy.

Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both are stunning versatile neutrals – choose the one that fulfills your goals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Dover White SW 6385 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:

What are the main differences between Dover White and Swiss Coffee?

The main differences are their lightness and undertones. Dover White is an ethereal crisp white while Swiss Coffee is a deep, dark brown.

Does Dover White have gray undertones?

Dover White has only the slightest hint of blue-gray. It comes across primarily as a clean bright white rather than a true gray-white.

What colors complement Swiss Coffee?

Colors like cream, white, light gray, navy blue, and antique wood tones pair beautifully with Swiss Coffee. It provides a cohesive base that allows accent colors to pop.

Can you use Dover White in a bathroom?

Absolutely. At 83 LRV, Dover White prevents bathrooms from feeling dark and dingy. It provides a bright, refreshing backdrop.

Is Swiss Coffee suitable for kitchens?

In well-lit kitchens, Swiss Coffee can work well. But its 81.91 LRV may feel too somber and dark for some. Consider pairing it with plenty of task lighting.

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