Ballet White vs Swiss Coffee
Which Neutral Paint is Right for Your Space?
You pick up two paint chips at the store—Ballet White and Swiss Coffee. At first glance, they seem nearly identical. But when you get home and tape them to the wall, the subtle differences suddenly matter. One looks crisp in the morning light, the other glows softly at sunset. Which is the right choice?
Choosing the perfect warm neutral isn’t just about what looks good on a swatch. It’s about how it behaves with your space’s light, mood, and materials. In this article, we’ll compare Ballet White vs Swiss Coffee to help you make the best decision for your walls, trim, or cabinetry.
What Is Ballet White?
Ballet White (Benjamin Moore OC-9) is a soft off-white with warm undertones. It’s not a stark white—more of a creamy neutral that reads almost like a very light greige.
Key Characteristics:
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LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 73.54
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Undertones: Creamy beige with a hint of gray
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Finish: Works well in matte, eggshell, or satin
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Best Use: Whole-room color, especially for softly lit spaces
How It Looks:
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In north-facing rooms, Ballet White can appear slightly more muted or gray.
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In south-facing rooms, it glows with warm creamy richness.
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It pairs beautifully with dark floors, natural wood, and classic trims.
What Is Swiss Coffee?
Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore OC-45 or Behr 12) is a classic warm white that has become a designer favorite. It’s slightly lighter and warmer than Ballet White, with subtle yellow undertones.
Key Characteristics:
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LRV (Benjamin Moore): 83.93
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Undertones: Warm creamy ivory with faint yellow
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Finish: Versatile—can be used on walls, ceilings, and trim
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Best Use: Kitchens, bright living spaces, minimalist interiors
How It Looks:
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In bright rooms, Swiss Coffee can look almost pure white.
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In low light, it reveals its warm creamy undertones.
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Often used by designers like Studio McGee and Joanna Gaines for timeless modern interiors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ballet White | Swiss Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Benjamin Moore | Benjamin Moore / Behr |
| LRV | 73.54 | 83.93 |
| Undertones | Beige, gray (greige) | Ivory, yellow |
| Warmth | Moderately warm | Very warm |
| Visual Effect | Soft, cozy, subtle contrast | Light, airy, glowy |
| Best Room Use | Bedrooms, dens, traditional homes | Kitchens, living rooms, trim |
Which Paint Works Best in Different Lighting?
Lighting can dramatically affect how these colors read.
Ballet White:
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Works well in moderate or low light, thanks to its mid-range LRV.
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Doesn’t wash out easily in bright spaces.
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A good choice if you want a warmer alternative to greige.
Swiss Coffee:
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Glows in natural daylight, making small spaces feel larger.
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Can look too yellow in rooms with incandescent bulbs.
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Ideal for modern, airy interiors that need a clean but not cold white.
Tips for Choosing Between Ballet White and Swiss Coffee
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Test Before You Paint: Use large swatches or sample boards in various parts of the room.
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Consider Other Elements: Think about your flooring, cabinet color, and ceiling tone.
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Mind the Undertones: If your room already has warm tones (like beige carpet or honey oak trim), Swiss Coffee may enhance it too much—Ballet White may balance it better.
How to Use Each Paint in Real Rooms
Ballet White is Perfect For:
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Cozy bedrooms with soft lighting
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Traditional interiors with antique accents
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Living rooms with heavy wood or stone features
Swiss Coffee is Ideal For:
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Modern kitchens with white marble or quartz countertops
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Open-concept spaces that need light reflection
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Clean, minimal aesthetic with warm touches
Design Pairings
| Pairing Element | Ballet White Suggestion | Swiss Coffee Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Trim Color | White Dove or Simply White | Chantilly Lace |
| Accent Colors | Revere Pewter, Chelsea Gray | Accessible Beige, Pale Oak |
| Flooring | Medium to dark wood tones | Light oak or bleached wood |
| Cabinet Color | Cream or soft gray | Crisp white or warm greige |
Coffea Alchemy’s Take on Cozy Color Palettes
At Coffea Alchemy, we believe that your surroundings shape your daily rituals—especially your coffee moments. Whether you lean toward the creamy brightness of Swiss Coffee or the soft warmth of Ballet White, both colors create comforting backdrops for your slow mornings, your work-from-home days, or your favorite nook with a steaming mug. Choose the one that aligns with your personal rhythm.
Tips for a Flawless Paint Job
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Always test in natural and artificial light.
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Use primer to neutralize old wall color first.
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Consider color continuity if painting multiple rooms.
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Don’t forget ceiling and trim—contrast matters.
Recap: Ballet White vs Swiss Coffee
| Attribute | Ballet White | Swiss Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Undertones | Beige/gray (greige) | Creamy ivory with yellow |
| Warmth | Warm but muted | Warm and bright |
| Best Lighting | All lighting types | Bright or well-lit rooms |
| Popular Uses | Bedrooms, cozy spaces | Kitchens, open areas, trim |
| LRV | 73.54 | 83.93 |
| Paint Brand | Benjamin Moore | Benjamin Moore / Behr |
Final Thoughts
Both Ballet White and Swiss Coffee are beloved neutral paint choices—and for good reason. One gives you a cozy, sophisticated backdrop, while the other adds brightness and warmth. The key is how each color interacts with your space’s light and materials.
Which one would you choose to wake up to—soft Ballet White or glowing Swiss Coffee?
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