Choosing a paint color might seem like a simple task until you see seemingly endless options. It’s not just a color – it’s the atmosphere of your home, and that’s why it’s crucial to get it right.
Today, we’re comparing two top colors from Benjamin Moore — Pale Oak and Swiss Coffee. I’ll break down the unique features of each to help you decide which one best fits your style and needs.
Whether you’re planning a minor touch-up or a major remodel, I’ll do my best to make choosing a paint color a whole lot easier for you.
Pale Oak vs Swiss Coffee at a Glance
Pale Oak is that essential pair of jeans you reach for again and again — it’s reliable, versatile, and fits in just about anywhere. With an LRV of 68.64, it has a comforting depth, yet it’s light enough to keep a room from feeling closed in.
It’s my go-to when I need to create a laid-back space with a balanced atmosphere that isn’t too bright or too dull.
Swiss Coffee is your little black dress — timelessly chic, with a sense of occasion. Its higher LRV of 81.91 brings in an element of brightness that can lift up any space instantly.
I’ve found it’s particularly suitable for areas you want to feel warm and welcoming, such as kitchens and living rooms.
| Pale Oak | Swiss Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Color Code | OC-20 (858) | OC-45 |
| Light Reflectance (LRV) | 68.64 | 81.91 |
| Color Family | Greige | Off-White |
| Undertones | Beige, Gray | Beige, Yellow |
| Best For | Bedrooms, Offices | Kitchens, Living Rooms |
| Versatility | High | High |
Best Settings for Each Color
Pale Oak
Living Rooms: Pale Oak acts like that versatile, comfy sofa everyone loves. Its nuanced blend of beige and gray provides a relaxing yet stylish backdrop that feels both put-together and inviting.
Home Offices: The color’s muted tones help maintain focus and minimize distractions, making it an excellent choice for your home office.
Swiss Coffee
Kitchens: Swiss Coffee is a hit in kitchens. With this color, white tiles look even better next to wood or marble counters. Plus, the color’s high brightness makes your kitchen look big and super clean. It’s like having an extra boost to help you enjoy cooking.
Bedrooms: In the bedroom, Swiss Coffee is like a really comfy, high-quality mattress. It works great with soft, white sheets and maybe a few colorful pillows. The room feels peaceful and fancy, just the way a bedroom should be.
Lighting
Pale Oak
Natural Light: In natural daylight, Pale Oak doesn’t just warm up — it comes alive. The color nuances become more distinct, turning your room into a space that feels both welcoming and designed with intent.
Artificial Light: Depending on your bulbs’ wattage and color temperature, it can adjust its character. This means you won’t lose the color’s true essence – it won’t appear washed-out or too dark. It’s a good pick for rooms with a lot of electric lighting.
Swiss Coffee
Natural Light: When the sun pours in, Swiss Coffee isn’t just bright — it’s transformative. This color distributes sunlight effortlessly around the room, enhancing the decor and making even small spaces appear grand.
Artificial Light: Its high LRV lets it capture whatever mood you aim for with your lighting choices — a soft, romantic glow or a vibrant, energetic burst.
Matching Colors & Decor
Pale Oak
Matching Colors: It works great with soft blues, light pinks, and gentle grays. You can add these colors with things like wall art or a standout rug.
- Antique Wooden Pieces: Do you have a classic roll-top desk or maybe a mahogany dining table? Pale Oak complements the detailed craftsmanship and warm tones, making the room feel timeless and fresh.
- Texture Play: If you have special fabrics like a fluffy blanket or silky pillows, Pale Oak helps them stand out.
Swiss Coffee
Colors from Nature: Swiss Coffee looks fascinating with colors you’d see on a walk — greens, browns, and soft grays. You can bring in these colors with plants or rugs.
- Modern Art Pieces: If you’re a fan of contemporary art, like geometric sculptures or abstract paintings, Swiss Coffee will ensure your artwork becomes a focal point without overpowering the rest of the space.
- Earthy Elements: Love that natural, earthy style? This color is the perfect canvas for decor like woven baskets, terracotta pots, and macrame wall hangings.
Which Should You Choose?
So, you’ve got all the info, but now comes the big question: Pale Oak or Swiss Coffee?
Both Pale Oak and Swiss Coffee offer something unique, and the right choice really depends on what you want to feel when you walk into the room.
When to Choose Pale Oak
Pale Oak is your go-to when you want a calm and balanced mood. If you’re after a relaxed space where you can unwind or focus, this is your color.
When to Choose Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee is your pick if you’re aiming for a bright, open, and welcoming vibe. It’s the sort of color that makes a room feel spacious and airy.
Hi!
We are starting to set up our nursery room and I’ve been debating between these 2 colours.
Our main floor is painted entirely in pale oak and I absolutely love it, especially on sunny days. However, our nursery has a smaller window and not extremely bright (sunny in the morning, darker in the later half) so I am worried Pale Oak might be too dark.
On the other hand I have read that Swiss Coffee can look a bit too warm, and I’m not sure if it will be too light. Our intended furniture for the room will consist of white as well as natural wood.
Which colour would you recommend? Thanks!!
Hi Nina,
For your nursery, I’d go with Swiss Coffee. It’ll keep the space bright with that smaller window and work great with your white and wood furniture. If it feels too light, try Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove” – it’s a touch deeper but still airy.
Start with a couple of paint samples and see how you feel! You can always add depth with artwork, textiles, or even an accent wall in a slightly deeper tone later on.
It’s easier to warm up a light space than to brighten a dark one 🙂
Hi!
I’m freshening up my kitchen with paint and a light oak flooring. I have black granite countertops I really don’t want to replace…I’m wanting to use Swiss Coffee on the cabinets or walls or…both. Thoughts on that look? Or should I look at a complimentary color on one or the other? I have an island I’m considering painting in BM Lush as an accent. I’m probably overthinking this, but I don’t want to make a mistake!
Thanks,
g
Hi Georgia,
Swiss Coffee will beautifully complement your light oak flooring and contrast nicely with the black granite. For added depth, consider using a slightly creamier shade for the cabinets. Using it on both cabinets and walls could work well, with BM Lush on the island adding a perfect pop of color.
As always, test samples or consult an in-person designer for the best results.
Hi! Great article. Question – we are painting our main living area in Swiss Coffee (after a lot of back and forth!). However, I would like to have a different color in the bedrooms. I had initially picked Sherwin Williams Shoji White. But, I’m afraid it will look too beige? Now I’m considering Pale Oak or Balboa Mist as well. I want to keep the house light and bright. So, I’m worried that either one of those would look too gray in the bedrooms. What do you think? What option would you go for? Thanks!
Hi Hannah,
Congrats on choosing Swiss Coffee for your main living area! As for your bedrooms, I’d lean towards Pale Oak or Balboa Mist. They have a bit more depth than Shoji White without being too contrasting.
Between the two, Balboa Mist might be the better choice due to its warmer undertone, creating a cozy feel while maintaining brightness. Please see this image of Balboa Mist in a bedroom.
Ultimately, I recommend testing samples of each color in your bedrooms to see how they look in your specific lighting conditions at different times of day. This will give you the best understanding of which color works best for your space.
Hope this helps!
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your kitchen renovation plans. It sounds like a lovely project!
Painting the cabinetry in Swiss Coffee would work well with your existing color scheme. It would complement the Simply White trim and provide a subtle contrast against the Pale Oak walls.
Swiss Coffee adapts to the changing light throughout the day, which is especially important considering your cabinetry’s various exposures. It will also provide an excellent backdrop for any decorative elements or accent colors you might introduce.
Please check out these reference photos (1 and 2).
However, it’s hard to provide accurate advice with such limited information. Consider buying paint samples, which cost only $20-$50 and could potentially save you hundreds.
Best of luck with your renovation!
Warm regards,
Betty
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your kitchen renovation plans. It sounds like a lovely project!
Painting the cabinetry in Swiss Coffee would work well with your existing color scheme. It would complement the Simply White trim and provide a subtle contrast against the Pale Oak walls.
Swiss Coffee adapts to the changing light throughout the day, which is especially important considering your cabinetry’s various exposures. It will also provide an excellent backdrop for any decorative elements or accent colors you might introduce.
Please check out these reference photos (1 and 2).
However, it’s hard to provide accurate advice with such limited information. Consider buying paint samples, which cost only $20-$50 and could potentially save you hundreds.
Best of luck with your renovation!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth