Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster

Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster: the measured difference

Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster is a comparison between two warm whites with a ΔE 2000 of 0.8. A difference below 1 indicates that these colors are near-identical by this measurement. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) has a hex value of #EEECE1, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) has a hex value of #EDEAE0. Their values are extremely close, so the distinction may be difficult to identify without placing samples together. On adjoining walls, the difference is likely to be subtle rather than pronounced. Both colors have warm yellow undertones, which further aligns their overall appearance. However, the surrounding finishes and lighting can influence how small differences appear. Compare physical samples side by side before choosing between them, especially if both colors will occupy large wall areas.

Lightness and depth

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster has an LRV of 82. The gap is just 0.09 LRV points, making their measured light reflectance nearly identical. LRV indicates how much visible light a surface reflects, with higher values generally corresponding to lighter colors. Both whites fall within the light range and should provide similar overall brightness when used on walls. Neither has a meaningful advantage in measured reflectance. Therefore, choosing between them is unlikely to produce a noticeable change in room brightness by itself. Window size, light direction, surrounding colors, and artificial lighting can affect the result. If you need a slight visual distinction, assess the samples under the lighting conditions in the actual room rather than relying on the LRV figures alone.

Undertones and where each works

Both Swiss Coffee and Alabaster have warm yellow undertones. Their shared undertone makes them straightforward candidates for spaces where consistent warm-white walls matter more than a strong color contrast. In north-facing rooms, cooler daylight can make warm whites appear less warm. South-facing rooms generally receive warmer, more direct daylight, which can emphasize their yellow undertones. These are general lighting tendencies, so the effect will depend on the room and time of day. Either color can work alongside white trim, but the small measured difference may create only a restrained separation between surfaces. For adjoining rooms, using both colors may preserve visual continuity rather than establish a distinct change. Test each color on separate sample boards, then move them between rooms and observe them in morning and afternoon light. If the trim must stand apart from the walls, compare the samples directly with the intended trim color and finish before making a final selection.

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