Swiss Coffee BM OC-45

Swiss Coffee LRV and undertone

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) has an LRV of 81.91, placing it in the light range with substantial light reflectance. Light reflectance value measures the amount of visible light a paint color reflects, using a scale from 0 to 100. This value indicates that Swiss Coffee can help maintain brightness without reflecting as much light as higher-LRV whites. Its white color family and light depth make it an option for walls, ceilings, or trim where a softer-looking white is being considered.

The calculated Lab undertone is warm yellow. Undertones are subtle underlying colors that become easier to notice beside other paints, flooring, and furnishings. Warm yellow undertones may appear more pronounced under warm artificial lighting. North-facing daylight can emphasize cooler contrasts, while southern exposure often provides stronger, warmer illumination. Test Swiss Coffee beside fixed finishes before selecting it for an entire room, especially when neighboring whites have different undertones.

Swiss Coffee in other brands

Cross-brand alternatives vary in both color difference and light reflectance. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) has an LRV of 82.0 and a ΔE of 0.8. A ΔE below 1 indicates a near-identical match. Behr Swiss Coffee (12) measures ΔE 1.1, while Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) measures ΔE 1.2. Both are very close matches. However, their LRVs of 84.0 are higher than Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee’s 81.91.

Valspar Swiss Coffee (7002-16) and Valspar Cream Delight (7002-14) each have a ΔE of 1.5, indicating very close matches. Their LRVs are 86.15 and 84.94, respectively. Behr Polar Bear (75) has an LRV of 90.0 and a ΔE of 2.1, making it a close but visibly different option when compared side by side. ΔE measures color difference rather than paint performance or finish compatibility.

Lighter and darker Benjamin Moore alternatives

Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) has an LRV of 83.16, slightly above Swiss Coffee. Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130), at 85.05, and Benjamin Moore White Heron (OC-57), at 86.69, offer progressively higher light reflectance. These lighter alternatives may suit rooms where walls or trim need to reflect more light while remaining within the white family.

Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) has an LRV of 89.52, making it the lightest of these listed alternatives. For less contrast between walls and trim, compare the samples together rather than judging them separately. Lower-sheen finishes generally reduce surface glare, while higher-sheen finishes can make reflections more noticeable. Evaluate the colors in the actual room before choosing.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on Benjamin Moore’s page for Swiss Coffee.