Swiss Coffee vs White Dove ,both feel the same but a minor difference creates a huge difference in feel and appearance of both colors ,they both are the Benjamin Moore famous collection paints.
Swiss Coffee and White Dove are two popular warm off-white paint colors (Benjamin Moore).
They share a soft, inviting character but have subtle differences. Below, I compared their undertones, brightness (LRV), behavior in different lighting, complementary colors, and typical uses (rooms, trim, exteriors).
I include decision-making tips, a concise comparison table, and a FAQ.
Undertones Swiss Coffee vs White Dove
Swiss Coffee (BM OC-45) is a warm, creamy off-white. It carries subtle green-leaning yellow undertones, giving it a cozy, earthy feel.
By contrast, White Dove (BM OC-17) has soft yellow undertones that are heavily muted by gray, yielding a cleaner neutral white.
In practice, Swiss Coffee feels slightly warmer/creamier, whereas White Dove appears more neutral or “grayed” by comparison.
LRV of Swiss Coffee and White Dove
Swiss Coffee has an LRV around 81.9%. White Dove is slightly brighter at 83.2%. (A higher LRV means the color reflects more light and looks brighter.)
Thus White Dove will appear just a bit lighter on walls. Both are not pure whites, but off-whites – Swiss Coffee is in the high 80s LRV (so a “mid” level of reflectance) and White Dove slightly higher.
11 Best Swiss Coffee Paint Color That I recommend My Clients
Appearance in Different Light
Both colors change with lighting. Swiss Coffee (LRV ~82) remains warm even in low light: its creamy pigments keep it looking light and welcoming in dim rooms.
It often appears brighter and more golden in warm sunlight or morning light, then settles into a softer warm cream by afternoon.
White Dove looks crisp and clean in bright light and holds its warmth in shadows (its yellow undertones prevent it from graying out).
In other words, White Dove stays a softly warm white even in lower light, whereas Swiss Coffee takes on a richer, creamier cast. Always test both on your walls at various times, since lighting can dramatically affect their appearance.
Coordinating Colors
Swiss Coffee Coordinating Colors
Pairs beautifully with warm, earthy or rich tones. It complements natural wood, terra-cotta, and warm stone/granite.
It also looks great with deep blues, greens or black accents. In design terms, think Tuscan or traditional palettes.
One warning: Swiss Coffee can clash with very cool whites or blue-white marbles – it’s best matched with warm or neutral tones.
White Dove Coordinating Colors
Works well as a neutral backdrop. As an off-white, it contrasts gently with other whites (clean brights and creams) without harshness.
It also pairs nicely with beiges, taupes, warm grays (e.g. Revere Pewter, Edgecomb Gray) or richer accents (navy, charcoal).
In practice, White Dove adapts to both warm and cool schemes thanks to its muted undertone.
Room Use:Swiss Coffee vs White Dove
Living Rooms & Bedrooms
Swiss Coffee creates a cozy, inviting feel. It can warm up north-facing or dim living rooms (in one case it was preferred over White Dove because its warm green undertone complemented wood floors and stayed bright in shadows).
White Dove makes spaces feel light and clean; in a bright living room or bedroom it provides a fresh backdrop, though in shadow it looks only slightly gray rather than cream.
Kitchens & Cabinets
Swiss Coffee is often used on kitchen walls or cabinets for a classic “soft white” look with warmth.
It refreshed an older beige kitchen (turning pinky-beige cabinets into a warm cream) and pairs well with warm stone or terra-cotta floors. It also hides minor marks better than stark white.
White Dove will brighten a modern kitchen, looking crisp on walls or cabinetry. Its subtle warmth prevents an ultra-sterile look.
Bathrooms
Swiss Coffee makes bathrooms feel fresh yet not icy; it reflects light to make small baths seem larger while adding a touch of warmth. (Avoid pairing Swiss Coffee with very cool stones, as it can clash.)
White Dove is also popular in bathrooms for a clean, spa-like feel. One caveat: avoid using White Dove with very cool Carrara-style marble or blue-whites (it can look dull against ultra-cool surfaces).
Bedrooms
Swiss Coffee fosters relaxation with its gentle warmth. It is soft enough not to disrupt sleep but warm enough to make a room feel snug.
White Dove in a bedroom creates a crisp, serene look; its warmth keeps the space from feeling cold even on walls and ceiling.
Trim, Molding & Cabinets
White Dove is a classic choice for trim and millwork – it plays well with both warm and cool wall colors and provides subtle contrast (even against very dark paint).
Swiss Coffee can also be used on trim or cabinetry for a monochromatic, warm look. For example, Swiss Coffee kitchen cabinets look creamy and timeless.
However, Swiss Coffee trim may not pop on ultra-white walls and can read as cream. If you have pure white walls, White Dove is often the safer trim white.
Exteriors
Swiss Coffee’s warmth makes it a good exterior white. It won’t look stark under bright sunlight. It is often used on house trim or siding to give a softer contrast than pure white.
White Dove is primarily an interior white; outdoors it would appear as a bright clean white but is less commonly specified.
Decision Tips
Sample first. Lighting and surrounding finishes change perception.
Always test large swatches of each color on your walls (even painter’s test pots or peel-and-stick samples) and view them at different times of day. Consider your finishes.
If your floors/counters are warm (beige, wood, terracotta), Swiss Coffee’s creamier tone may harmonize better.
If your palette has cooler or very light whites, White Dove’s muted undertone may blend more neutrally.
For example, Swiss Coffee can look yellowish next to cool grays or marble, so avoid using it with very cool whites like SW Extra White or Carrara marble finishes. Conversely, White Dove can look dull in a space already dominated by cool blue-grays. Match style.
Both colors are versatile, but Swiss Coffee feels “cozy” and traditional, whereas White Dove feels slightly more clean and modern.
Swiss Coffee can work in contemporary homes too (it adapts well across styles), but if you want a sharper, crisp white, lean toward White Dove.
Pair wisely. For trim and ceilings, you can even use the other color for contrast: e.g., White Dove walls with Swiss Coffee trim (if you want a bit more warmth) or vice versa. Just test the combo – some find Swiss Coffee trim under White Dove walls can look dingy.
Comparison Table
| Property | Swiss Coffee | White Dove |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 81.9 (mid) | 83.2 (higher) |
| Undertones | Warm greenish-yellow | Muted yellow-white |
| BM Code | OC-45 | OC-17 |
| Color Family | Warm Cream/Off-White | Soft Neutral White |
| Warmth | Warm (creamier) | Warm-neutral |
Each entry uses only a few words. The table shows that Swiss Coffee is slightly darker (lower LRV) with creamier warmth, while White Dove is a bit brighter and more neutral-white.
FAQs
Which is better, White Dove or Swiss Coffee?
There’s no absolute “better” – it depends on your space. Swiss Coffee has an LRV of ~82 vs White Dove’s ~83. Swiss Coffee is just a touch darker and warmer (green-yellow undertone) while White Dove is slightly lighter with muted yellow undertones.
If your finishes are warm or you want a cozier feel, Swiss Coffee may suit better; for a brighter neutral or more modern look, White Dove might be preferable. Always sample both in your room and pick the one that complements your light and decor.
When not to use Swiss Coffee?
Avoid Swiss Coffee if you need a very crisp white or if you have very cool-toned elements. It can clash with cool white cabinets or blue-grey marbles.
Also skip it for an ultra-modern stark palette (its warmth might look muted or yellowish against pure whites). In short, if your existing whites are very cool (no yellow), test carefully – Swiss Coffee may not pop in that scenario.
Is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee too yellow?
Generally no. Swiss Coffee’s undertones do lean slightly yellow, but they are mild. It rarely reads as yellow on walls.
Only under very warm incandescent light might you notice a hint of creaminess. For most rooms, it simply looks like a warm off-white (not a true yellow).
When not to use White Dove paint?
Since White Dove has a subtle warm-beige cast, it’s not ideal if you want a very cool or icy white. Avoid pairing it with very cool surfaces (like pure Carrara marble or bright blue-whites); under those conditions it can look flat or gray.
Also, if your design calls for a bold modern white, White Dove is creamier than true whites like Chantilly Lace, so it might seem off-color next to ultra-bright accents. In warm, cozy schemes however, it works almost anywhere.
Does Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee look gray?
No. Swiss Coffee contains too much warm pigment to ever look gray. It is a muted off-white but with enough yellow/green warmth that it never reads as a cool gray. Even in shadow, it remains on the creamy side.
Can Swiss Coffee be used in modern homes?
Yes. Despite its Tuscan-friendly name, Swiss Coffee is versatile. It adapts to both traditional and modern interiors.
In fact, it’s often used in contemporary spaces to soften stark lines. Its neutrality lets furniture and accents pop, while its warmth keeps the room from feeling sterile.
Is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee darker than White Dove?
Slightly. BM Swiss Coffee’s LRV is ~81.9 vs White Dove’s ~83.2, so Swiss Coffee is just a hair darker (and thus slightly less bright) than White Dove.
What’s the difference between Chantilly Lace and White Dove?
Chantilly Lace is a very bright, clean white (LRV ~92) with cool undertones, whereas White Dove is a softer, warmer white.
In fact, one designer notes “White Dove is creamier than Chantilly Lace” – Chantilly Lace is a rare “true white”. So Chantilly is crisp and cool, and White Dove is gentler and slightly beige in comparison.
Which Sherwin-Williams color is closest to Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee?
A popular match is SW Dover White. Sherwin’s Dover White has LRV ~83 (vs 81.9 for Swiss Coffee) and leans slightly more yellow in undertone, but appears very similar in use.
(Other SW whites like Shell White or Alabaster are also compared, but Dover White is often cited as the nearest equivalent.)
What is the difference between BM Swiss Coffee and SW Swiss Coffee?
We didn’t find a direct source comparison. However, paint names can overlap without being identical. BM’s Swiss Coffee (OC-45) and Sherwin-Williams’ Swiss Coffee (7002-16) use different base formulas.
In practice, they will not match perfectly in undertone or brightness. If you want an exact color match, it’s best to get each brand’s sample and compare on your wall.
Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster?
Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster (OC-38) is even warmer. Both Alabaster and Swiss Coffee have an LRV ~82, but Alabaster has a stronger yellow undertone.
So Alabaster looks creamier and richer, while Swiss Coffee’s greenish undertones keep it a bit cooler by comparison. In short, Alabaster = “very creamy warm white,” whereas Swiss Coffee = “warm off-white that’s slightly less yellow”.
Each answer above is drawn from color experts’ reviews and Benjamin Moore data, ensuring the nuances of these whites are accurately described. Always remember to test paint in your own space for best results.
