Trying to find the perfect soft white paint color? I compare Cameo White vs Swiss Coffee to see which on might be right for your space.
I love soft whites and off-whites when I'm looking for something that feels both neutral and inviting. Soft whites are great because they avoid the starkness of a true, bright white.
However, there are many, many soft whites and off-white paint colors out there! Each has its own unique twist.
Some soft whites are almost pure, while others are creamier or more beige. They also come with different undertones, and those can really change the look depending on your natural light.
So today, I want to look into two popular shades: Cameo White and Swiss Coffee. Let’s see the similarities and differences.
Read my full review of Behr Cameo White
Read my full review of Behr Swiss Coffee
Cameo White vs Swiss Coffee
Cameo White and Swiss Coffee are both warm off-whites that look fantastic in many spaces.
They share a lot of similarities, but they also have some key differences that can make one a better fit for your home.
What is similar about Cameo White vs Swiss Coffee?
Both Cameo White and Swiss Coffee fall into that soft white/off-white category. They each have warm undertones that make them feel inviting rather than sterile.
They’re also light and bright enough to be used throughout your entire home if you want a cohesive, neutral look. I think either of these would be a great choice for whole house paint colors.
Fun fact: both of these colors also have counterparts from Benjamin Moore with the exact same names!
What is different about Cameo White vs Swiss Coffee?
Cameo White has a bit more depth and can lean slightly taupe or beige, while Swiss Coffee usually appears as a softer, clean white.
Cameo White is a bit darker, with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 81, putting it in the off-white category.
Swiss Coffee, with an LRV of 84, is lighter and falls into the true white category, though it's still soft enough to avoid that bright white harshness.
The undertones are also different. Cameo White has a soft, peachy blush undertone, whereas Swiss Coffee has a slight yellow undertone.
| Cameo White | Swiss Coffee | |
| LRV | 81 | 84 |
| RGB | R: 235 G: 232 B: 226 | R: 241 G: 237 B:224 |
| Undertones | soft, peachy blush | slight yellow |
Light Reflectance Value
Light Reflective Value (LRV) measures how much light a paint color reflects, on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
Cameo White, with an LRV of 81, is slightly darker than Swiss Coffee, which has an LRV of 84. The difference isn’t huge, but it is noticeable when the colors are side by side.
Even though they have similar LRVs, Cameo White is technically considered an off-white, while Swiss Coffee is a true white. Generally, anything between 72-82 is off-white, while anything above 82 is true white.
Undertones
Cameo White and Swiss Coffee both have warm undertones, but they’re not identical.
Cameo White’s undertones are a soft, peachy blush, which gives it a touch of warmth without being overwhelming.
Swiss Coffee, on the other hand, has slight yellow undertones that add a gentle, sunny vibe.
These undertones will be more pronounced in rooms with a lot of natural light.
If you have a south-facing room, both of these colors will feel even warmer and cozier. In a north-facing room, which gets cooler light, they might lean a bit more neutral.
I always recommend swatching colors on your walls to see how they look in your specific space, both during the day and at night, before you commit.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
How do I decide between these two colors?
If you want a true soft white, go with Swiss Coffee. It’s lighter and has that clean, welcoming feel.
If you’re looking for something creamier, a bit warmer, and slightly deeper, Cameo White could be perfect for you.
If you love the idea of peachy blush undertones, Cameo White is the one. But if you’re more into a soft yellow undertone, Swiss Coffee is your pick.
And if you're on the hunt for a soft white trim color, Behr Cameo White is one of my top recommendations!
Behr Cameo White Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Behr Swiss Coffee Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
