Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly feels like a warm hug—soft, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee (OC-45). It’s not just another off-white; it’s a creamy, sophisticated hue that transforms spaces into serene retreats. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or designing a cozy bedroom, this color has a way of making everything feel intentional and harmonious.

Swiss Coffee sits beautifully in the beige family, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s bland. With an LRV of 83.33%, it reflects light brilliantly, making rooms feel airy and bright without the starkness of a pure white. Its subtle yellow undertones add warmth, so it never feels cold or clinical. This is the kind of color that adapts—whether your style leans modern farmhouse, coastal, or even minimalist Scandinavian, Swiss Coffee plays well with others.

One of the biggest wins with this shade is its versatility. It works on walls, trim, and even ceilings, giving you a cohesive look without monotony. Pair it with crisp white trim like White Dove for a classic contrast, or let it stand alone for a monochromatic vibe. In kitchens, it brings a softness that balances sleek cabinetry; in bedrooms, it creates a restful backdrop for layered textures. And because it’s low-VOC and fast-drying, it’s a dream for DIYers tackling weekend projects.

But here’s the thing about Swiss Coffee—it’s a chameleon. Natural light brings out its creamy warmth, while artificial lighting can shift it slightly cooler. Always test a swatch in your space at different times of day. North-facing rooms? It’ll feel cozy. South-facing? It’ll glow. And if you’re worried about small spaces, don’t be. This color opens things up, making cramped hallways or tiny home offices feel more expansive.

Now, let’s talk finishes. Matte is gorgeous for a velvety, sophisticated look, especially in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Eggshell strikes a balance between durability and subtle sheen—perfect for living rooms. If you need something tougher, like in a kitchen or hallway, satin offers a hint of gloss while still feeling refined. Just remember: the higher the sheen, the more it’ll highlight imperfections in your walls, so prep work matters.

As for pairings, Swiss Coffee loves earthy tones (think warm woods and linen textiles) but also plays surprisingly well with bold accents. Try navy blues or deep greens for a striking contrast, or keep it tonal with lighter beiges and taupes. It’s also a fantastic backdrop for metallic finishes—brass and gold pop beautifully against its creamy base.

Of course, no color is perfect. Swiss Coffee’s warmth means it can clash with cool-toned trim or flooring if you’re not careful. And while it’s highly washable, lighter finishes might show scuffs more than darker ones. But with its excellent coverage (often just one or two coats!) and touch-up-friendly formula, maintenance is a breeze.

So, is Swiss Coffee right for you? If you’re after a color that feels fresh yet timeless, warm but not overwhelming, and adaptable to almost any style, the answer is probably yes. It’s the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home—quietly confident, endlessly inviting. Grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it changes the mood of your space. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every room feel like the best version of itself.

Real Room Photo of Swiss Coffee OC-45

Undertones of  Swiss Coffee ?

The undertones of Swiss Coffee are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #EEECE1

RGB code: 238, 236, 225

Is  Swiss Coffee Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, thanks to its soft beige hints. It creates a welcoming environment, making spaces feel inviting and homey, perfect for areas where relaxation is key.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Swiss Coffee

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Swiss Coffee

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Swiss Coffee is 83.33%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Swiss Coffee

Swiss Coffee is more than just a paint color; it’s a warm embrace for your walls. This shade effortlessly brightens rooms while maintaining a sense of comfort. Whether you’re looking to refresh a small nook or transform an entire room, Swiss Coffee adapts beautifully. Its creamy undertones prevent it from feeling too harsh or sterile, making it a great choice for various decor styles. You’ll find it works especially well in spaces that benefit from natural light, as it can soften the brightness without losing its vibrancy. Apply this paint in a matte or eggshell finish for a sophisticated look, and enjoy how it pairs with both bold and muted accessories.

Pros & Cons of  OC-45 Swiss Coffee

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

FAQ on OC-45 Swiss Coffee

Is Swiss Coffee suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Swiss Coffee works wonders in small spaces, as its light and warm nature can make rooms feel larger and more open. It reflects light beautifully, creating an airy atmosphere. Just be mindful of the lighting; natural light enhances its warmth, while artificial light may shift its tone slightly.

What finish is best for Swiss Coffee?

The best finish for Swiss Coffee depends on your space and desired effect. For a soft, elegant look, consider a matte or eggshell finish. If you want something more durable, especially in high-traffic areas, satin or semi-gloss can provide a nice sheen and added washability.

Comparisons Swiss Coffee with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45