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OrangeBalboa Mist OC-27 By Benjamin Moore. Ultimate Guide
Its undertones, coordinating colors, and where to use this paint in your home
Finding a proper paint for your interior is always a challenge, especially if you are not much knowledgeable in home decor and paints in particular. And the task becomes even more complicated when it comes to choosing a suitable neutral paint color for your home!
With all the variety of neutrals and greiges, it may seem to be nearly impossible to pick up the right shade. But if you are looking for a really universal option, we would recommend you pay attention to Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore. This warm grey is very versatile, and after you read this article, you will understand why it is so.
What Color Is Balboa Mist By Benjamin Moore?
First of all, before we proceed to a more detailed and precise description of this paint color viewing it from different angles, let us explain to you what it actually is. So in general, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist belongs to the brand’s go-to neutrals. It can be considered a warm, even slightly pale greige since it sits somewhere in between gray and beige.
This paint color amplifies the light in open and large spaces creating an airy and light effect, as Encycolorpedia says. Also, thanks to an understated hint of greige, this neutral is perfect for being used as a unifying wall color around the house. In addition, it is literally timeless since it looks crisp, clean, and modern. Due to this, by the way, it fits rustic wood tones ideally, and also it is a top and stylish companion to a crisp white trim!
Many homeowners often wonder how certain paint will react to lighting in their house. It makes sense since certain paints can get darker or, on the contrary, release their undertones when being differently lit!
As for the BM Balboa Mist, the light reflectance value of this paint color is sixty seven. It means that this paint can be considered light without even approaching a light-medium range. Since it reflects light pretty well, you can easily make use of this paint color in any space in your house from the hall or the kitchen to staircases or the living room!
In a north-facing room, for instance, it will show more of its gray undertones, and in a room that is facing the south, this greige will reveal more of its greige tones. Besides, the same effect can be seen in a warm afternoon sunshine!
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Balboa Mist By Benjamin Moore Undertones
To be able to pick up the paint correctly, you always need to pay attention to its undertones. As for the Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, this paint color is much warmer than a classic gray even though it is a part of a gray family.
To be precise, it is a neutral greige that has slightly warm undertones which means that, hanging upon the lighting in a room, it will favor its warm tones more or less. However, the warmth that beige tones give this paint color provides a reliable greige tint most of the time.
This is why Balboa Mist is a very versatile color that works well in any room and can fit quite many design styles from farmhouse to modern or coastal styles. It is especially good in open plan homes, and in addition, it looks astonishingly amazing throughout the day!
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Best Coordinating Colors For Balboa Mist By Benjamin Moore
Picking the correct paint for your home renovation project is only half of a task! Finding proper coordinating colors – that’s a challenge! It might seem to you that it is difficult to do with such bright colors as red, yellow, or pink, but more subtle neutrals are no less difficult.
Fortunately, colors that Balboa Mist goes well with are quite easy to pick. For instance, this warm and neutral greige pair especially well with whites making this combo really pop! But if you need to know the exact names of the paint colors that Balboa Mist will blow up with, here is a short list of hints for you!
- BM November Rain
- BM Manchester Tan
- BM Revere Pewter
- BM Dragon’s Breath
- BM Grant Beige
- BM White Dove
- BM Horizon
These colors include both warmer and cooler alternatives, but since Balboa Mist is very flexible with reflecting light, you can be sure that it will pair exceptionally well with each and every of these colors!
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What is LRV? Read It Before You Choose Your Ideal Paint Color
What’s The Best Trim Color For Balboa Mist By Benjamin Moore?
Selecting a trim color for your home repainting project is not an easy task, we agree. But since you are working with such a versatile paint as Balboa Mist from Benjamin Moore, you will have no troubles with the trims!
Usually, BM Balboa Mist works best of all with the trims painted with White Dove paint from the same brand. Nevertheless, other whites can work well, too, for instance, BM Simply White, BM Horizon, BM Cloud White, BM Swiss Coffee, BM Chantilly Lace, as well as BM White Heron or BM Decorator’s White.
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BM Balboa Mist Similar Paint Colors
Why would you decide to make use of a similar paint color instead of applying BM Balboa Mist? Well, the reasons may vary.
For instance, you were initially going to use this paint but they didn’t have it at the store. No matter the reason, knowing what alternative paint colors exist is always a good thing to keep in mind before starting any painting projects in your home!
So can we substitute Balboa Mist for something else? Of course, we can! You can successfully use BM Pale Oak paint or BM Classic Gray instead of Balboa Mist since these colors are almost the same with Pale Oak having a bit more prominent beige tone.
If you don’t mind a slightly more noticeable distinction, we can recommend you Sherwin Williams Repose Gray which will be slightly darker than Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore with somewhat cooler undertones that are closer to gray rather than beige.
By the way, if you are looking for a warmer substitution, try out Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams!
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Where to Use BM Balboa in Your Home?
Balboa Mist is an exceptionally versatile paint color since it can be used anywhere in your house or apartment! Thanks to its light reflectance value and a mixed gray and beige nature, this color will fit any room or space. You can apply it in a living room, in your bedroom, in the kitchen, or in the bathroom. This paint will even look great in a hall or on the walls of your staircase!
To show you exactly how this paint will show itself in different rooms, check out our detailed description of how BM Balboa Mist looks when being applied throughout the house.
Using BM Balboa Mist In the Living Room
When thinking of painting your living room with Balboa Mist, you will surely make the right choice! No matter where your living room is faced, this paint will reveal its best features in any type of lighting.
For example, in the room that faces North, this neutral and warm greige will reveal more of its cool gray undertones, whereas in a living room that faces South, it will look more like beige showing its warm undertones more intensively.
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BM Balboa Mist For Bedrooms
Balboa Mist is a very calming and tranquil paint color in terms of the tones it has.
It is not too cool and not too warm being a perfectly balanced neutral and warm enough greige.
And since it has no expressed lightness or darkness in it, this color can be successfully used on your bedroom walls.
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Can I Use BM Balboa Mist For Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting kitchen cabinets requires us to pick up the colors especially carefully since the color of the cabinets must fit the color of the ceiling and walls. And of course, it must complement all the other colors in the room, such as the color of furniture, textile, etc.
So can BM Balboa Mist be used for this purpose, you may wonder?
The answer is yes! Especially if your kitchen is painted in gray and white colors. Since Balboa Mist belongs to neutral greige colors that have rather warm undertones, it will fit both a cooler and a warmer interior when applied on the kitchen cabinets.
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Is BM Balboa Mist Suitable For the Kitchen?
Most of you are probably not sure whether such a paint color can be used for painting the kitchen walls. It may seem way too light for such a room, but believe us, this is just your imagination!
BM Balboa Mist will perfectly fit your kitchen, especially if you combine this wall color with white elements, for instance, trims or even white furniture, textile, or decor.
Since Balboa Mist tends to create an airy and light atmosphere in a room, it will make your kitchen look more spacious. Besides, in warm lighting, the room painted with this color will look cozy and homey!
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Exterior Use Of BM Balboa Mist
As you probably know, not all paint colors that look gorgeous indoors have the same stunning appearance when applied outside of the house.
This is why, if you are going to paint your house from both inside and outside using the same paint color, we would recommend you make sure first that the shade you chose will be suitable for this purpose.
Luckily, if you laid your eyes on BM Balboa Mist for repainting your house facade, you don’t have to worry about how it will look.
This color can be successfully used on both internal and external walls! Of course, you will need to take into account that your facade might change its color a bit depending on the lighting outdoors, but don’t expect any dramatic changes since Balboa Mist does not tend to “shapeshift” that drastically! It will simply look a bit cooler on a cloudy day, and will reveal more of its warm beige undertones in the sun.
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How Does Balboa Mist Work With Other Greiges?
It may seem at first that all neutral greiges are the same (well, except for a few really distinct variants), however, if you take a closer look at these paint colors, you will see that they differ from each other even when being pretty close in terms of undertones.
So, to help you out with making a correct choice when buying such a paint, we prepared a comparative analysis of several pairs of paint colors that look pretty much alike but still have distinctions.
Balboa Mist vs. Pale Oak
If we compare Pale Oak to Balboa Mist, it may seem that they are totally the same since Pale Oak is also a light gray. But this is not true!
Upon closer examination, we will easily see that Pale Oak is slightly less concentrated. Besides, if we look really close, we will notice that Pale Oak has a somewhat more brownish tint in it compared to a slightly more gray Balboa Mist. It also has a little less blue in it.
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Balboa Mist vs. Agreeable Gray
When compared to Balboa Mist, Agreeable Gray looks way more beige and warm. That’s because Balboa Mist has more of greener undertones whilst Agreeable Gray possesses more of brown and purple notes in it. So yes, Agreeable Gray is darker but it is also warmer.
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Balboa Mist vs. Edgecomb Gray
These two paint colors have similar light reflectance value, but still, Edgecomb Gray looks darker since it has more of brownish undertones. It is way more taupe than Balboa Mist which also looks significantly greener!
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Balboa Mist vs Classic Gray
Balboa Mist is a warm greige with the same warm purple undertone. If we compare it to Classic Gray , we will see that this paint color is warmer and more delicate with the soft and dusky undertone that picks up a faint purple-pink hue at times.
But in general, these two look pretty much alike so, if you are thinking of an alternative paint color to be used instead of Balboa Mist, consider Classic Gray.
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Balboa Mist vs Repose Gray
If we compare these two, we will easily notice that Repose Gray is significantly greener and bluer. In general, it looks even darker than Balboa Mist!
The light reflectance value of these colors is also different. The LRV of Balboa Mist is 67 and LRV of Repose Gray is 58 meaning it tends to reflect less light thus looking a bit darker and dusk.
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Balboa Mist vs Revere Pewter
If we put these two paint colors side by side, we will see how darker Revere Pewter is. That’s because this paint color has more brown undertones that make it warmer in comparison to Balboa Mist that looks significantly more gray with a slightly greenish hint.
In addition, these paints have another distinction. Even though both of them are considered warm, Balboa Mist belongs to warm neutral greiges whilst its counterpart is a warm gray.
So now you know what BM Balboa Mist paint color is, and where in your home it can be applied.
Since it is a neutral greige, this color is very versatile which enables you to apply it in any room with almost any type and intensity of lighting. In any case, it will look gorgeous and stylish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ When to avoid using Balboa Mist paint color?
If you have products that have green undertones in them.
⭐ What are the most popular Benjamin Moore exterior paint colors?
They are China White, Seapearl, Edgecomb Gray, Balboa Mist, Revere Pewter, Stonington Gray, Sag Harbor Gray, Foothbay Gray, and Cape May Cobblestone.
⭐ Is Balboa Mist warm or cool?
It is a warm greige color.
23 thoughts on “Balboa Mist OC-27 By Benjamin Moore. Ultimate Guide”
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Good evening
I am looking for wall colors to complement balboa mist kitchen cabinets with a deep griege backsplash
Hi! Could you please tell me whether OC-28 by Benjamin Moore is a cool-toned or warm color?
Hello. BM Collingwood OC-28 is a shade of gray with lightly cool undertones.
Recently, I was visiting a paint store looking for a white paint for my home. And the shop assistant I was talking to recommended me Benjamin Moore OC-68. But when I checked the paint, I saw it’s called Distant Gray. So what color is it? Is it gray or white? Can anyone explain?
Hey there! This particular color is technically white. I have no idea how those brands make up names for their colors, but that’s how it is. The names are weird and often misleading. Back to the color though. BM Distant Gray is considered a classic bright white. However, it has a hint of blue-gray undertone, which can be more pronounced in certain lighting! So, if you need the white that will read white in any type of light, with no side undertones, this color is probably not the best option for you.
I’m looking for a light gray color that will fit any room. Would you say that Benjamin Moore OC-52 is the one?
Hi! Well, yes, I would say that the Gray Owl color is the one. It is a light gray color with a beautiful cool and crisp cast! I really love how it works on the walls! I used to have it in my house, by the way, and I didn’t get tired of it for several years! We had this gray in our living room and bathroom. But if you truly love grays, you may not want to repaint your walls for much longer!
Hi. New build is getting close to wall colour, trim and ceiling. Cabinetry in kitchen and butler’s pantry is BM Cloud Cover, Pantry and Back hall is Balboa Mist, Ensuite is Swiss Coffee. Looking for colour suggestions please that can blend with all three colours perhaps. Thanks!
Hi! Could you help me a bit with paint colors? Please, explain me the difference between Benjamin Moore Light Pewter vs Balboa Mist! I can’t see any distinctions no matter how hard I try! To me, these colors are absolutely similar. Is it me or they’re really the same?
Hello! It’s easy to see these colors as similar ones since they are really pretty much alike. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist is similar to Benjamin Moore Light Pewter in terms of its LRV. The LRV of Light Pewter is 68, whilst Balboa Mist is 67. Not a big difference, as you can see. However, if you take a closer look at them, you will see Balboa Mist definitely reads a bit browner, while Light Pewter reads grayer. The distinction is present, but it’s pretty hard to notice, to be honest.
Is Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist color suitable for bedroom walls? I’m looking for a calm color that reads balanced, not too warm and not to cold. Will this one look nice on the walls?
I guess it depends on other colors in your bedroom too. But generally, this color suits your requirements since BM Balboa Mist is neutral that sits between gray and beige. I’d call it a pale greige. I guess it will make your bedroom look cozy and calming, especially if you pair it with white!
Hi –
I used BM Balboa Mist in my basement, and was thrilled with the choice since some parts aren’t very bright. I have painted the stairwell going down the same color with White Dove trim. Right now I am painting the risers of the steps white (White Dove) and I am looking for a good coordinating color (thinking medium gray) to paint the treads and the railing. Any suggestions. Part of the stair space gets good lighting and the other part is quite a bit darker.
Hi there I want to use Balboa Mist in our large laundry room with large bright windows. I would love a suggestion for the laundry room cabinets, white dove, cloud white or something darker than balboa mist?
thanks so much
We are building a new house and will have grey cabinets in the kitchen and an oak center island and matching oven hood. I like the Balboa Mist, but will it make the kitchen look too dark with so much grey? I also plan to use Healing Aloe in the half bath, would I need to worry about the green undertones in the adjacent room?
Hello Kim! As for your kitchen, it won’t look dark with that much of gray, but it may indeed look a bit “monotonous” and monochromatic. However, it depends on what shade of gray you have there now. Regarding the bathroom, green undertones may show up if there’s not enough daylight in the room.
Hi Melinda,
This article is very helpful. However, I am still confused between Edgecomb Gray and Balboa Mist. I have a open floor plan in which living room faces north and kitchen faces south. There are 4 huge windows, 2 on each side of the floor. I have a green sofa and kitchen cabinets are dark brown color. I have a media console of English oak color and sideboard of honey oak color in the living room.
Considering the above furniture, which wall color would go better?
In what rooms is it best to apply Balboa Mist paint? I know this color is considered versatile, but does it mean I can paint any room with it no matter where it faces?
I’m not a professional wall painter, but I already did quite a lot of home painting projects. So what I can tell you is that this paint will be exceptionally good on the walls of a south-facing, north-facing, east-facing, and west-facing rooms. But usually, it holds itself rather well inn most lights as long as its undertones suit the space!
I have repose gray in 2 rooms and hallway. Looking to paint my family room. Would balboa mist work with adjoining rooms of repose gray?
Hello, Caryn!
Thanks for getting in touch! Regarding your question, yes, these two colors will work well if applied on the walls of the adjoining rooms.
Since both Balboa Mist and Repose Gray share slight purple undertones, they look harmoniously when placed side by side.
Also, as Repose Gray also has very subtle brown undertones, and Balboa Mist is greige, they complement each other perfectly.
I want to repaint my living room which now has all white walls (I know it sounds awful!). So I’m thinking of something neutral, maybe, greige. I heard that Balboa Mist is very popular, but why? What makes it so good?
Well, as an owner of the house where three rooms out of six are painted with Balboa, I can tell you that it is really good! It’s universal, that’s how I’d say about it. It has very soft and subtle undertones that give this romantic and soft feeling. And at the same time, the color still looks fresh and crisp!
I also like that I can combine it with almost any other color, even with other neutrals, and it always pairs well. And also, it’s a very stylish and calming color which I also adore.