Simply White vs. Swiss Coffee: Which One’s Right for You?
Looking for the perfect white paint can feel overwhelming. Two colors keep showing up in design talks: Simply White and Swiss Coffee. These Benjamin Moore whites bring different qualities to your walls and trim.
I spent years testing white paints in various homes. These two shades stand out for their unique traits and uses. Simply White brightens spaces with its clean look, while Swiss Coffee adds a gentle warmth to rooms.
But picking between them isn’t as simple as it might seem. Each painting acts differently under various lights and pairs uniquely with home furnishings. Your room’s direction, lighting, and style all play key roles in how these whites will look.
Let’s examine what makes these paints special and help you find which one suits your space best.
Detailed Comparison of Simply White and Swiss Coffee
Simply White (OC-117)
This Benjamin Moore shade offers a clean look with hints of warmth. The paint shows soft yellow hints that keep spaces from feeling cold. The high Light Reflective Value of 89.52 makes rooms feel open and airy.
Simply White works well in modern homes, especially on trim and ceilings.
The color helps brighten darker spaces and north-facing rooms. The yellow notes might show more clearly in the afternoon light in south-facing spaces. The paint creates sharp contrasts with darker wall colors and wood tones.
Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
This shade brings a softer touch to walls and cabinets. Its Light Reflective Value of 81.91 creates more depth than brighter whites. Swiss Coffee has gentle beige notes that make rooms feel welcoming. The color fits well in homes with classic or rustic styles.
The paint works nicely on kitchen walls and living areas where you want a cozy feel. It pairs well with wood floors and natural textures. Swiss Coffee keeps its soft look throughout the day in most lighting conditions.
When choosing between these whites, consider your room’s natural light and style. Simply White creates bright, fresh spaces, while Swiss Coffee offers a gentler, more lived-in feel. Both colors work well independently or with other shades in your home.
Remember to test these paints in your space before making a final choice. Light changes how each color looks throughout the day, and small sample areas help you see how the colors work in your home.
Undertones and Their Impact
Paint colors hide subtle notes beneath their surface. White paints often carry yellow or beige hints that change how they look in your home.
Understanding Undertones
Simply White carries light yellow notes that warm up spaces without being too strong. Swiss Coffee shows beige hints that create a soft look on walls. These subtle tints make each painting feel different, even though both are white.
The base tones matter when picking items for your room. Simply White works well with cool grays and blues. Swiss Coffee fits nicely with earth-based colors and natural browns.
Impact on Different Lightings
Natural light brings out different qualities in these paints. Simply White glows in the morning sun but might look more yellow in the afternoon light. Swiss Coffee stays steady through most daylight hours.
In north-facing rooms, Simply White helps keep spaces feeling bright. Swiss Coffee adds a gentle warmth that fights against cooler northern light. Both paints look different under lamps at night – Simply White stays crisp while Swiss Coffee feels cozier.
How to Detect Undertones
Hold paint samples next to a sheet of white paper. This helps you see the hidden colors within each painting. Watch your samples at different times of the day. Morning, afternoon, and evening light show other sides of each color.
Place samples on each wall of your room. Light hits walls differently throughout the day, so this test shows you how the paint will really look in your space.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Space
Picking the perfect white paint starts with looking at your room. Small details can make a big difference in how these paints look in your home.
Assessing Room Lighting
Natural light changes everything about white paint. The morning sun makes Simply White look clean and fresh. The same room might show Swiss Coffee’s soft side as sunlight moves through the day.
Look at your windows and their direction. North-facing rooms need brighter whites like Simply White to stay light. South-facing spaces might do better with Swiss Coffee’s gentle glow to balance strong sunlight.
Your light fixtures matter, too. Warm bulbs bring out the yellow in Simply White, making Swiss Coffee feel extra cozy at night. Cool-toned lights help White stay crisp and clear.
Considering Room Purpose and Mood
Think about how you use each space. Simply White fits well in kitchens and work areas where you want clear, bright light. Swiss Coffee creates calm in bedrooms and living rooms where comfort matters most.
The size of your room also plays a part. Small spaces often feel bigger with Simply White’s bright reflection, while larger rooms can handle Swiss Coffee’s deeper tone without feeling dark.
Existing Decor and Fixtures
Look at your wood tones and floor colors. Simply White creates nice contrast with dark woods. Swiss Coffee blends smoothly with medium and light wood tones.
Your furniture colors count too. Simply White works with bold, modern pieces. Swiss Coffee matches well with classic furniture styles. Both whites need to work with items you plan to keep.
Practical Tips for Testing Paint Colors
Testing paint saves time and money. Here’s how to make sure you pick the right white for your home.
Sampling Techniques
Start with big paint samples. Small spots won’t show you how the color fills a wall. Paint two coats on large boards – at least 2 feet by 2 feet.
White paints need extra attention when testing. Paint several sample boards for each color. This lets you move them around and compare spots in your room.
Put samples against your walls, trim, and doors. Look at them next to windows and in corners. These spots show you how light affects the paint throughout your space.
Observing at Different Times
Watch your samples throughout the day. Morning light shows Simply White at its brightest. The midday sun brings out Swiss Coffee’s soft glow. Evening light creates different looks for both whites.
Take notes on what you see. Does White look too bright at noon? Does Swiss Coffee feel too warm at sunset? These observations help you choose the right shade.
Comparing Side by Side
Place Simply White and Swiss Coffee samples next to each other. This will show clear differences between the two whites. Simply White often looks brighter and cleaner, while Swiss Coffee shows its gentle, warmer side.
Move the samples around together. Check them against your furniture and floors. See which white fits better with your existing items. This direct comparison makes choosing easier.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Feature | Simply White | Swiss Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Light Reflective Value (LRV) | 89.52 – Very bright | 81.91 – Moderately bright |
| Base Undertone | Soft yellow | Gentle beige |
| Best Room Types | Modern spaces, offices, kitchens | Traditional rooms, bedrooms, and living areas |
| Light Conditions | Great in north-facing rooms | Better in south-facing rooms |
| Trim & Walls | Perfect for trim and ceilings | Works well on walls |
| Best Time of Day | Morning light | All-day balanced look |
| Room Size | It makes small rooms feel bigger | Adds depth to larger spaces |
| Style Match | Modern, clean designs | Traditional, classic looks |
| Natural Light | Very reflective | More light-absorbing |
| Furniture Pairing | Shows well with modern pieces | Matches classic furniture |
Conclusion
Choosing between Simply White and Swiss Coffee comes down to understanding your space. Both colors offer their special qualities for different homes and needs.
Simply White suits spaces where brightness matters most. Its high light value makes rooms feel open and fresh. It is a trusted choice in north-facing rooms or areas needing extra light.
Swiss Coffee brings a soft touch to your walls. Its gentle beige notes create comfortable spaces without looking dull. South-facing rooms benefit from their balanced nature throughout the day.
Your choice between these whites shapes how your room feels. Consider your lighting, furniture, and the mood you want to create. Take time to test both colors in your space. The perfect white awaits in one of these reliable options.
