Are you trying to decide between Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster for your next home painting project? With both colors being highly popular, it can be tough to know which one is the best fit for you.
This article will discuss the differences between these two whites regarding undertone, hue, sheen, coverage, light reflectivity, color matching, exterior use, price, stain resistance and popularity. Read on to learn more and make an informed decision.
The Differences Between Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster are two of the most popular paint colors in the architectural industry. There are some key differences between the two shades that should be noted.
You can see the differences between these two paints at a glance in the table below.
| Property | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Sherwin Williams Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | Approx. 81.91 | Approx. 82 |
| RGB Values | R: 237, G: 234, B: 224 | R: 237, G: 234, B: 224 |
| Undertones | Warm, subtle yellow | Warm, soft beige |
| Color Tone | Off-white, creamy | Off-white, warm |
| Ideal For | Classic and traditional interiors, spaces with warm accents | Neutral and warm interiors, timeless settings |
| Recommended Applications | Interior walls, trim, and cabinets. Works well with wood and stone accents. | Versatile for walls, ceilings, and trim. Suitable for both modern and traditional spaces. |
| Complementary Colors | Soft blues, greens, and earthy tones. Warm woods and natural materials. | Soft grays, muted pastels, and earthy shades. Darker wood finishes. |
| Design Styles | Traditional, Farmhouse, Coastal, Rustic | Transitional, Scandinavian, Contemporary, Cottage |
Undertone
The main difference between Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster is their undertone. Swiss Coffee has a slightly warm undertone, while Alabaster has a much cooler one. This makes each of them suitable for different types of rooms depending on the desired atmosphere.
Warmer colors are better for creating a cozy ambiance, whereas cool colors are better for modern and contemporary spaces. It’s also important to note that the undertones will appear differently when combined with other colors, so it’s best to test out paint swatches before making any decisions.
Hue
When it comes to hue, Swiss Coffee is a creamy, off-white color with no yellow or gray tint. In contrast, Alabaster is a pure white color with a hint of beige undertone. As such, Alabaster can be used as a great brightening agent in darker rooms while still providing some warmth.
It is perfect for those who don’t prefer stark whiteness and want something more inviting. On the other hand, Swiss Coffee is ideal for rooms where you want to keep the walls neutral without making them too loud.
Sheen
Both Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster come in various sheens, from flat to semi-gloss, but they look different depending on what level of sheen you choose.
Generally speaking, Swiss Coffee appears richer in matte or eggshell sheen, whereas Alabaster looks better in satin or semi-gloss finishes that bring out its brightness and vibrancy.
Coverage
Swiss Coffee generally covers better in only one coat than does Alabaster, which may require an additional layer for full coverage due to its lighter shade of white.
Therefore, if you’re looking for efficient coverage without having to spend too much time painting multiple coats, then Swiss Coffee would be the way to go here.
Light Reflectivity
In terms of light reflectivity, Swiss Coffee is more light-reflective than Alabaster, making it a great choice for smaller rooms or those with limited natural light sources.
For example, north-facing windows can help make up for these deficiencies by bouncing whatever little light there may be around the room more effectively than its counterpart.
Also, due to its slightly warmer tone, it also helps create an atmosphere that’s both bright and inviting simultaneously, which can be quite difficult when using regular whites due to their tendency towards sterility and lifelessness.
Color Matching
Regarding color matching, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster are two great options. Swiss Coffee has a warmer beige tone that will fit into most decor styles with ease. It is a versatile color that goes well with any accent colors you may choose.
On the other hand, Alabaster is an off-white shade that has a slightly cooler tone. While this can still work with various decor styles, it may require more consideration to ensure it creates a cohesive color scheme in your home.
Exterior Use
Both Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster are suitable for exterior use in residential homes.
But Swiss Coffee is typically the preferred choice when it comes to trim around windows and doors, shutters, and other accents on homes’ exteriors. Meanwhile, Alabaster tends to look best as the main body of the house.
Stain Resistance
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is known for its superior stain resistance compared to other paint colors, including Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee option.
This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or living room where there is greater potential for spills or messes that could stain your walls. If you want stain resistance and aesthetic appeal, then Alabaster may be your best bet for those rooms in particular.
Popularity
Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee is one of the most popular shades of white among homeowners and designers alike due to its versatility and compatibility with multiple decor styles, as mentioned earlier.
Although Alabaster also has its own set of fans looking to create a classic look in their home, overall Swiss Coffee edges out in popularity due to its universal appeal and ability to fit into almost any space without much effort needed on the part of the homeowner or designer.
Price
As far as price goes, Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee tends to cost slightly higher than Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster due not only to its popularity but also because of the quality of paint used along with the pigments included in each option respectively.
As you can see, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster have their own unique features that can make them ideal for different home decor styles and situations. Ultimately, your choice will be based on your preferences and needs.
Get the Perfect Paint Job for Your Home
When it comes down to choosing Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee or Sherwin Williams Alabaster for a home improvement project, both colors have distinct advantages depending on your individual needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a warmer white that still looks great when exposed to sunlight, then Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is probably the better choice. On the other hand, if you want a white with excellent coverage and stain resistance, then Sherwin Williams Alabaster might be the better option.
Whichever color you choose, make sure you take into account all of the factors above to get the perfect paint job.
S. Pushon is a paint expert, self-taught artist, and currently working as an adviser in the paint industry as a Quality Improvement and Development Assistant.
An artist by heart, he draws remarkable art pieces and as a professional paint industry individual, he seeks the insight and shares with enthusiasts. Read more…
