The 8 Colors That Go Best with Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee Paint Color
When it comes to painting your home, all shades of white are not created equal. “Isn’t white just … white?” you might find yourself asking. To the inexperienced eye, the answer is yes, but if you look closely, you’ll see that they’re all very different, and choosing the right shade can make a tremendous impact in any room.
For many designers, Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee paint color is a go-to shade of white — especially if a warm, inviting feel is the goal. I spoke to three interior designers to find out why Swiss Coffee is so popular, and what other paint colors pair perfectly with the warm white hue.
Why Is Swiss Coffee So Popular?
The first thing you’ll notice when you compare the Swiss Coffee paint color to pure white is that Swiss Coffee has a warm, yellow-almost-green undertone. These undertones make it a versatile choice, and, as New York City-based interior designer Paulina Hospod of AhA!nteriors points out, makes it “suitable for a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary.”
The color rose to fame in recent years after celebrity designer Shea McGee of Studio McGee used the color to paint her own home. Nate Berkus, another celebrity designer, also revealed that Swiss Coffee is one of his favorite shades of white.
Swiss Coffee 8-Ounce Paint Color Sample
Benjamin Moore
$5.99
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While there’s no one color that complements every room, Swiss Coffee is definitely one that can warm up many spaces while maintaining an open, inviting feel. It pairs with so many other warm hues, and it can even be paired with white itself. “It looks lovely against a true white trim, and there’s a reason it’s so well-loved!” says interior designer Kelsey Haywood.
If you’re considering using Swiss Coffee in your own space, here are a few colors that pair beautifully with this stunning shade.
Swiss Coffee and Hunter Green
This Los Angeles craftsman-style home is a perfect example of how the green undertones in Swiss Coffee make it an ideal shade for pairing with a dark hunter green. The surrounding trees only further complement the pairing.
Swiss Coffee and Rust
“Swiss Coffee blends seamlessly with warm, rich hues,” says Haywood. “Its creamy hue allows it to mix well with other warm whites and wood tones.” In this Los Angeles apartment, the warm white walls allow the bright rust-colored couch to take center stage without feeling out of place.
Swiss Coffee and Chocolate Brown
Historic homes, like this one built in 1793, often feature brick, stone, wood, and other natural materials. “This is a great color combination!” says Haywood. “The warmth in the undertone of Swiss Coffee allows it to play so well with deep, rich chocolate browns.”
Swiss Coffee and Gold
Because of Swiss Coffee’s yellow undertones, it lends itself perfectly to brass and gold finishes. Case in point: This studio apartment in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. “Unlacquered brass or gold complements the warm undertones of Swiss Coffee, making them an excellent pairing,” says Hospod. “Warm off-whites also pair beautifully with brass.”
“Swiss Coffee melts with other warm whites,” adds Haywood. “It doesn’t allow any one thing to steal the show; instead everything feels soft and cohesive.”
Swiss Coffee and Light Blue
In an earlier AT feature, designer Chrissie Haim talked about her love for Swiss Coffee, showing off how she paired it with light blue. “This creamy white has significant staying power because it is relatively neutral but has creamy undertones,” she explains. “You can experiment with furniture and accessory colors when the mood strikes — rest assured that Swiss Coffee can safely remain the same with whatever you choose.”
Swiss Coffee and Dark Blue or Navy
The combination of Swiss Coffee and dark blue steals the show in this Washington, D.C. townhouse. “[I] love using Swiss Coffee in north facing rooms or those that don’t have abundant natural light,” says Haywood. The depth of the house makes the color a great choice for keeping the space bright, and the creamy white pairs beautifully with a rich blue.
Swiss Coffee and Black
Black goes with everything and anything, and Swiss Coffee is no exception. “White and black complement each other beautifully, creating a striking contrast that makes a bold statement,” says Hospod. “When using a warm white like Swiss Coffee, the contrast feels warm and more inviting.” Even the subtlest pop of black against a Swiss Coffee-colored wall can make a big statement, as seen in this photo from Benjamin Moore’s own website.
Swiss Coffee and Dark Green
White cabinets are out and bold colors are in, like the dark green used to refresh this New York City apartment. “Warm white and dark green create a nice combo,” says Hospod. “Swiss Coffee undertones include green as well, so it’s a great pairing of the two.”
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
