Finding the perfect paint color can be tricky. But there’s one color that stands out: Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore.
What makes it special?
It’s a colour that suits almost every room. Not too grey, not too beige—just the right balance.
Think of it like your favorite pair of jeans that go with everything in your closet. That’s how Balboa Mist works in your home.
Fun fact: It changes slightly depending on the lighting.
An Overview of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC – 27)
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27) is a soft, light grey with subtle beige undertones, offering a warm and neutral feel.
As part of the Off-White Collection, it’s a versatile color that works well in both modern and traditional spaces.
An LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 67 reflects light without being too bright, creating a serene and balanced atmosphere.
Balboa Mist effortlessly pairs with various other colors, making it ideal for walls, trim, and ceilings.
The color’s subtle nature provides a perfect backdrop for any interior style.
Best Pairings with Balboa Mist
Here are a few colors that I think look great together with Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist,
| Category | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Calm Colours | White trim (Chantilly Lace or Pure White), Light wood floors, Soft grey furniture, Natural stones (e.g., marble), Silver or brushed nickel hardware |
| Bold Colours That Work | Navy blue (Hale Navy for doors), Dark grey (Wolf Grey for cabinets), Deep green backsplash tiles, Black metal light fixtures, Gold or brass handles |
| Natural Pairings | Warm wood furniture, Marble countertops, Greystone fireplaces, Woven baskets, Linen curtains |
| Pro Tips | Use metals in the same room, but stick to warm (gold/brass) or cool (silver/chrome); Mix textures—smooth walls with rough stone or woven materials; add plants to bring in natural green colours; use white trim to frame the walls nicely, Pick one bold colour as your main accent. |
| colours to Avoid | Yellow-based beiges (Clash with undertones), green greys (Fight with the violet base), Creamy whites (Make it look dirty), True greys (Feel too cold) |
The best pairings often come from examining what you already have in your room—Balboa Mist is great at working with existing furniture and decor!
Climatic Impact on BM’s Balboa Mist
Choosing Balboa Mist isn’t just about style – it affects how your home feels and functions throughout the year.
Here’s how Balboa Mist works with your environment,
1. Temperature Management
Light-colored paints like Balboa Mist can help keep your home cooler in summer.
Since this paint has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 67, it bounces back about 67% of light instead of absorbing it as heat.
This means your air conditioning might not have to work as hard compared to using darker colors.
2. Seasonal Changes
The way Balboa Mist works with different types of light helps your home look good all year,
- Summer – When harsh sunlight hits your walls, this paint won’t look too bright or washed out.
- Winter – During darker months, it keeps rooms feeling warm and bright without looking cold or stark.
- Spring/Fall – The paint adjusts well to changing natural light, helping maintain consistent room brightness.
3. Indoor Air Quality
Like other modern paints, Balboa Mist comes in different formulas, including,
- Zero VOC base
- Low VOC formulation
- Water-based options These choices help keep indoor air clean, which is important as we spend more time inside due to changing weather patterns.
4. Light Energy Use
Because Balboa Mist reflects light well, you might need less artificial lighting. This could mean,
- Using lower-wattage bulbs
- Turning on fewer lamps
- Making better use of natural daylight
Balboa Mist vs Other Neutral Hues
Comparing neutral paint colors helps you pick the right one for your space.
I’ve found that small differences in undertones and light reflection can change how a room feels.
Here’s how Balboa Mist compares to other popular neutral colors,
| Comparison | Balboa Mist | Classic Grey | Revere Pewter | Agreeable grey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Warm, soft greyish-beige with grey undertones | Warm, soft grey with a hint of beige | Warmer, more beige and taupe | Warm, brown undertones with beige |
| Lightness | Slightly darker, stays light | Lighter, almost looks white in bright rooms | Darker, with more depth | Lighter than Revere Pewter but with more brown |
| Suitability for Rooms | Works in all types of lighting, versatile for many spaces | Best for bright rooms | Works best in bright rooms | Works well in cozy, warm spaces |
| Appearance in Bright Rooms | A clean, fresh look | Appears almost white | Deeper, more beige | Slightly darker, more brown |
| Comparison to Other colors | A middle ground between light and dark | Much lighter white | Deeper and more beige | More brown and warmer |
| Best for | Versatile, it suits many furniture styles and color palettes | Great for bright, airy rooms | Works in bright spaces and complements warm tones | Great for cozy, warm environments with wood furniture |
Application Tips for Balboa Mist
I’ve painted many rooms with this color and learned that proper steps make all the difference in the final look. Here’s what you need to know.
Clean Your Walls First
- Use mild soap and warm water
- Pay extra attention to greasy spots in kitchens
- Let walls dry completely (usually 2-3 hours)
- Wipe down with tack cloth for a dust-free surface
Fix Previous Wall Issues
- Fill holes with sparkle
- Sand smooth when dry
- Check walls with a light held at an angle
- Fix any rough spots you find
Protect Surfaces
- Use good-quality blue tape for clean lines
- Cover outlets and switches
- Remove outlet covers completely
- Put down thick drop cloths
Cost Considerations to Keep In Mind While Choosing
Before you go on and get gallons of Balboa Mists’ paint buckets, you should at least consider the budget first.
Budget for Balboa Mist Interior Paints
These products are available on the official Benjamin Moore website.
Just go to cart and select interior paint, it will give you a list.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Waterborne Ceiling Paint | $60.99/1 gallon |
| Aura Bath & Spa Waterborne Interior Paint | $98.99/1 gallon |
| Aura® Interior Paint | $98.99/1 gallon |
| Regal® Select Waterborne Interior Paint | $76.99/1 gallon |
| ben® Interior Paint | $56.99/1 gallon |
| ADVANCE® Interior Paint | $81.99/1 gallon |
Sheen Recommendations for Interior Paint
It also has different sheens that go with each paint type.
| Sheen | Recommended Surfaces |
|---|---|
| Flat | Ceilings and walls in low-traffic spaces |
| Matte/Ulti-Matte | Walls and rooms in low-traffic spaces |
| Eggshell | Walls and rooms in high-traffic spaces |
| Low Lustre | Doors, trim |
| Pearl/Satin | Walls in high-traffic spaces, doors, trim, cabinets |
| Semi-Gloss/Soft Gloss | Doors, trim, cabinets, wainscoting |
| Gloss/High-Gloss | Doors, trim, cabinets, architectural details |
Paint Quantity Needed
- One gallon covers 350-400 square feet
- Plan for two coats in most cases
- Add 10% extra for touch-ups later
- Factor in primer if changing colors
How to Add Balboa Mist Into Your Homes
Balboa Mist in Your Homes can give you different results, which can be great if you understand where to add what.
1. Kitchen Magic
- Paint cabinets with Balboa Mist to freshen them up
- Use it on walls if you have white cabinets
- Works great with both light and dark counters
- It makes small kitchens look bigger
2. Living Room Tips
- Paint all walls for a calm feeling
- It looks good with both brown and grey couches
- Great for built-in bookshelves
- Add white trim for clean edges
3. Bedroom Ideas
- Creates a peaceful room for sleeping
- It goes well with white bedding
- It makes the room bright but still cozy
- Perfect for guest rooms, too
4. Bathroom Tricks
- It makes small bathrooms feel larger.
- Matches with any color tile
- Good for bathroom cabinets
- Easy to keep looking clean
Simple Style Ideas
I’m going to add some inspirations here for your reference. This will help you visualize this color in your home better.
Modern Look
For a clean, modern look, paint both walls and trim in the same color.
Incorporate black lighting fixtures and keep the decor minimal to maintain clean lines and get a modern, refined look.
Classic Charm
Pair Balboa Mist with white trim, rich wood furniture, and soft, flowing curtains to create a timeless look.
This combination creates a warm, inviting atmosphere with a touch of traditional vibe.
Cozy Country Vibe
For a rustic, cozy country look, paint wood walls in Balboa Mist. Add black door handles and woven baskets for storage to bring texture and warmth, creating a welcoming, homely environment.
Remember to test the paint in your room first—it might look different in your home than in the store!
How to Maintain Balboa Mist
A good maintenance plan helps this paint stay clean and bright in your home. I’ll share what works best for different surfaces and situations.
High Traffic Areas
-
- Wear shows near light switches, door frames, and baseboards.
- Touch-ups are needed after 2 years for door frames and 18 months for corners.
Surface Durability
-
- Smooth Drywall: Lasts 4-5 years, easy to clean, and touch-ups blend well.
- Textured Walls: Hold color longer, may need extra coats in valleys, and are harder to clean but hide marks better.
Scuff Marks
-
- Kids’ backpacks, chair backs, and moving furniture can leave marks, but shoe and suitcase marks clean off easily.
Cleaning Tips
-
- Use warm water and dish soap.
- Avoid harsh magic erasers.
- Baby wipes work for quick marks, and always dab; don’t scrub.
Touch-Up Success
-
- Keep the original paint batch and use the same roller type.
- Touch up whole wall sections and paint corner to corner.
- Do touch-ups using the same lighting as the original painting.
Conclusion
Balboa Mist offers a soft, clean look that’s versatile and timeless.
It works well in sunny and dark spaces, making it ideal for many styles. Its grey-beige mix complements modern and traditional décor.
Balboa Mist shifts subtly as the light changes throughout the day, maintaining its warm, comforting feel.
Take a look at my last blog about Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee for more color ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colour is Similar to Balboa Mist?
Benjamin Moore’s Collingwood is the closest match to Balboa Mist but slightly darker. Sherwin-Williams Grey Heron and City Loft are also similar options.
What is the Code for Balboa Mist?
Balboa Mist’s code is OC-27 in Benjamin Moore’s paint collection.
Does Kendall Charcoal Go with Balboa Mist?
Yes, Kendall Charcoal pairs well with Balboa Mist. The darker gray creates a nice contrast while sharing compatible undertones.