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

When selecting a warm, versatile neutral paint color, popular picks across brands include Sherwin-Williams Shoji White SW 7042 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45. Both are beautiful light tan browns that work well throughout homes. But what exactly sets these two apart?

In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare Shoji White and Swiss Coffee. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, and best room usages. Read on to determine which warm neutral is the right fit for your home’s interior design needs.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Shoji White and Swiss Coffee

Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Shoji White and Swiss Coffee:

Undertones – Shoji White is more gray, Swiss Coffee is more brown
Light Reflectance – Shoji White has an LRV of 74, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
Use – Shoji White for modern homes, Swiss Coffee for traditional decor
Rooms – Shoji White shines in bright rooms, Swiss Coffee excels in cozy spaces
Availability – Swiss Coffee comes in more finishes

Now let’s explore Shoji White and Swiss Coffee more thoroughly.

Sherwin-Williams Shoji White SW 7042

Sherwin-Williams Shoji White SW 7042 is a gorgeous light tan neutral with subtle gray undertones. This versatile color works beautifully across design styles.

Here are some details on Shoji White:

LRV: 74
Undertones: Gray beige
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens

Shoji White has barely noticeable gray-beige undertones that give this light brown a refined sensibility. While called a white, it reads as a very soft neutral with only hints of gray.

The 74 light reflectance value strikes a nice balance – rooms feel illuminated without starkness. The white appears bright and cheerful thanks to the subtle coolness.

With its barely-there gray influence, Shoji White suits modern, transitional, and contemporary spaces beautifully. Use it alongside cool-toned colors like grays and blues. Ideal rooms include:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms and offices
Entryways and halls
Bathrooms

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a warm, natural-looking light brown that has widespread appeal. This gorgeous neutral beige works beautifully across interior design styles.

Here are some key details about beloved Swiss Coffee:

LRV: 81.91
Undertones: Creamy brown
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Browns, greens, blues

True to its name, Swiss Coffee has noticeable creamy brown undertones resembling a latte. This gives the paint color a very welcoming and cozy appearance.

The 81.91 light reflectance value provides enough brightness to prevent dreariness, while maintaining the brown warmth. Rooms feel cheerfully nestled but not dark.

With its creamy brown essence, Swiss Coffee excels alongside natural color schemes featuring cream, taupe, sage green, and sky blue. Popular Swiss Coffee rooms include:

Cozy living rooms
Bedrooms and nurseries
Dens, studies, libraries
Dining rooms
Kitchens and bathrooms

Comparing Shoji White vs Swiss Coffee

Now that we’ve examined Shoji White and Swiss Coffee independently, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Shoji White has an LRV of 74 compared to Swiss Coffee’s lower 81.91 LRV. This means Shoji White reflects more light for a brighter appearance.

However, both reflect enough illumination for most average size rooms without feeling dark or dreary.

Undertones

Here is where the main difference lies. Shoji White has subtle cool gray undertones. Swiss Coffee has very warm creamy brown undertones.

Shoji White’s gray gives it a refined modern vibe. Swiss Coffee’s brown warmth provides a welcoming traditional feel.

Rooms

With its barely cool gray undertone, Shoji White excels alongside brighter rooms with cool color schemes.

Swiss Coffee’s cozy warmth makes it ideal for more intimate spaces like bedrooms, dens and dining nooks.

Availability

Shoji White comes in any paint finish from flat matte to high gloss enamel. Swiss Coffee offers the full range as well.

Shoji White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Shoji White and Swiss Coffee compare:

Paint Color	Shoji White SW 7042	Swiss Coffee OC-45
LRV	74	81.91
Undertones	Gray beige	Creamy brown
Use	Modern, transitional spaces	Traditional cozy rooms
Sheens	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Contemporary, modern	Traditional, farmhouse

Real Life Photos – Shoji White vs Swiss Coffee

Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Shoji White and Swiss Coffee to better see how they compare in actual environments.

Shoji White SW 7042

Swiss Coffee OC-45

The photos demonstrate how Shoji White generally appears cooler and more refined compared to the warmer, more brown Swiss Coffee. However, depending on lighting they can look quite similar.

Should I Choose Shoji White or Swiss Coffee?

So how do you decide between Sherwin-Williams Shoji White vs Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee for your space? Here are some helpful considerations:

Consider Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:

A light tan brown with subtle cool gray undertones
A versatile neutral suitable for modern styles
Enough warmth without going too creamy-brown
A sophisticated and refined neutral

Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:

A light brown with noticeable creamy brown undertones
A super cozy and welcoming traditional paint color
Benjamin Moore’s most popular brown
A soft neutral that works in nearly any room

As always, get paint samples before fully committing. View large swatches on your actual walls to determine which color you prefer.

While Shoji White suits contemporary spaces, Swiss Coffee’s cozy vibe gives it an advantage in traditionally styled homes seeking a soft backdrop.

Ideal Room Pairings

While Shoji White and Swiss Coffee work well throughout homes, here are some rooms best suited to their specific traits:

Shoji White SW 7042

Thanks to its barely cool gray influence, Shoji White excels in bright rooms. Perfect spaces include:

Sunlit living rooms and kitchens
Bright bedrooms and nurseries
Bathrooms and laundry rooms
Dining rooms and offices

Swiss Coffee OC-45

This welcoming neutral excels in cozier, more enclosed living areas. Ideal Swiss Coffee rooms:

Cozy living rooms and dens
Bedrooms and nurseries
Offices, libraries, studies
Windowless spaces needing warmth

Use Shoji White to illuminate your brighter modern rooms. Let Swiss Coffee provide coziness in your home’s traditional living areas.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Shoji White and Swiss Coffee create peaceful backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, you can design beautiful spaces:

Shoji White SW 7042 Ideas

Light tan modern kitchen with cool gray marble counters
Sophisticated gray-brown dining room with brass accents
Tan bedroom with light blue and gray bedding
Crisp white open shelving against shoji tan walls

Swiss Coffee OC-45 Ideas

Cozy living room with chocolate leather furniture
Creamy beige bedroom with natural fiber bedding
Warm galley kitchen with butcher block countertops
White wainscoting against creamy tan accent wall

Color Pairings for Both

Crisp blues, grays, and whites
Black and white graphic prints
Warm metals like brass and bronze
Rich wood stains and finishes

Keep walls a neutral tan to let accent colors pop. Easily change accents seasonally for a fresh look.

Shoji White vs Swiss Coffee – Which is Best For You?

What’s better for your home – light modern Shoji White or cozy traditional Swiss Coffee? The right choice depends on your goals:

Pick Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:

A light tan with subtle cool gray undertones
A sophisticated neutral for modern spaces
Flexibility across contemporary design styles
A comfortable backdrop without going too warm

Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:

A light brown with noticeable creamy brown undertones
Benjamin Moore’s beloved cozy paint color
A super welcoming backdrop for living areas
A versatile neutral that fits any traditional style

Get large in-home paint samples before deciding. While Swiss Coffee excels in cozy traditional homes, Shoji White shines in laidback modern spaces seeking soft refinement.

Choose the light tan paint color that best complements your existing design, furniture, and style. Both will beautifully serve as neutral base colors.