Choosing the right paint color can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for the perfect neutral. Two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular choices are Pale Oak and Balboa Mist.
At first glance, they might look pretty similar. But once they’re on the wall, they each bring a different feel to a room. So how do you know which one is right for your space?
In this post, we’ll examine both colors closely—how they look, what kind of light they like, and where they work best. Whether you’re painting a cozy bedroom or a bright living room, this guide will help you decide between the soft warmth of Pale Oak and the clean, calm vibe of Balboa Mist.
By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the one that fits your style—and your home—just right.
Understanding Pale Oak (#DDD7CE)
Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore is a soft, light gray paint color. Greige means it’s a mix of gray and beige—so it feels warm but still has a calm, neutral look. It’s one of those colors that can change a little depending on the lighting in your room.
In bright sunlight, Pale Oak can look almost off-white with a slight warm glow. In darker rooms or on cloudy days, it might show more of its gray or taupe side. That’s what makes it so versatile—it adjusts to the space around it.
The official color code for Pale Oak is OC-20. To get the exact shade, ask for this code at the paint store.
Pale Oak works great in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even kitchens. It gives your space a cozy, clean feel without being too bright or too dark.
Understanding Balboa Mist (#DAD6CD)
Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore is a soft, light gray with warm undertones. It’s not too cool or too warm—just a nice, balanced neutral that works in almost any room. Some people call it a “greige,” which is a mix of gray and beige.
One thing that makes Balboa Mist special is how it changes with the light. In a bright room, it looks like a clean, light gray. But in low light, you might notice a hint of purple or taupe. That soft color shift gives it depth without feeling too bold.
The paint color code for Balboa Mist is OC-27, and its hex code is #DAD6CD. If you’re picking paint or matching decor, that’s the exact shade to look for.
Balboa Mist works well in open spaces, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. It’s clean, calm, and goes with almost everything.
Pale Oak vs. Balboa Mist: Side-by-Side Comparison
Pale Oak and Balboa Mist are both light, neutral Benjamin Moore paint colors. At first glance, they may look pretty similar, but they each have their own personality. Let’s break down the differences to help you decide which one works best in your space.
Color, Tone, and Feel
- Pale Oak has a soft, warm beige tone. It leans more beige with a hint of taupe, which makes it feel cozy and calm. It’s perfect if you want a warm color that still feels light and airy.
- Balboa Mist is a light gray with subtle purple undertones. It still feels warm but just a bit cooler than Pale Oak. This color gives off a relaxed and modern feel without being too bold.
Undertones
- Pale Oak has taupe and soft pink/purple undertones that show up in different lighting. These undertones can make a room feel warm and welcoming, especially with natural light.
- Balboa Mist has violet and grey undertones, giving it a cooler, more modern look. Its subtle undertone adds just enough color to keep it from feeling flat.
Light Reflectance Value
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It tells you how much light a paint color bounces off the wall. The higher the number, the brighter the color will look in your room.
- Pale Oak has an LRV of about 70, while Balboa Mist is around 67. That means Pale Oak reflects a little more light and might look slightly brighter, especially in sunny rooms.
- Both colors are still light enough to keep your walls from feeling dark, even in rooms with less natural light. That’s why they work well in small spaces, hallways, or any room that needs a soft, airy feel.
Pros and Cons of Pale Oak vs. Balboa Mist
Choosing between Pale Oak and Balboa Mist? Both are great neutral paint colors, but they each have their look and feel. Here’s a simple breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for your space.
Pale Oak
Pros
- Warm and cozy: It has a soft greige tone that makes a room feel calm and inviting.
- Brightens a space: Its light color reflects more light, which can help smaller rooms feel bigger.
- Goes with warm decor: It looks great with wood floors, beige, and cream tones.
- Timeless feel: It works well in classic, farmhouse, or cozy-style homes.
- Easy on the eyes: It doesn’t feel too cold or too dark—just soft and natural.
Cons
- Can look pink or purple: In certain lighting, it may show a slight pink or purple undertone.
- It might feel too beige: If your space already has many warm tones, it could blend in too much.
- Not super modern: It leans more toward traditional than sleek or cool-toned.
Balboa Mist
Pros
- Clean and fresh: It’s a light gray with just a touch of warmth, making it feel airy and calm.
- Works with everything: It goes well with both cool and warm colors, so it’s easy to match.
- Great for open spaces: Looks nice in kitchens, hallways, and living rooms.
- Soft and subtle: It adds a bit of color without being bold.
- Designer favorite: Many pros use it for a clean, modern look that’s still soft.
Cons
- May show purple: Like Pale Oak, it can shift depending on the light and sometimes show a slight violet tint.
- A little cooler: In darker rooms, it can feel more gray than cozy.
- Less contrast with white trim: It might not stand out much next to bright white moldings.
How These Colors Look in Different Rooms
Living Room
- Pale Oak gives a living room a cozy, soft glow. It works well with comfy furniture and warm lighting, making the space feel calm and inviting.
- Balboa Mist adds a more modern, fresh feel—great for bright, open spaces. It’s perfect for clean lines and a more airy look.
Bedroom
- Pale Oak creates a calm, restful space, especially with soft textures like linen or cotton. It makes the room feel relaxed without being boring.
- Balboa Mist is clean and peaceful but may feel a little cooler in tone. It’s great if you like a minimal, tidy bedroom vibe.
Kitchen
- Pale Oak works beautifully with natural wood cabinets and warm metals. It brings a soft, timeless look that feels cozy and clean.
- Balboa Mist looks crisp next to white cabinets, tile, and stainless steel. It helps brighten the space without looking too stark.
Bathroom
- Pale Oak adds warmth and softness to small bathrooms. It pairs well with beige or warm-toned tiles.
- Balboa Mist keeps bathrooms feeling clean and spa-like. It looks especially good with cool-toned counters or marble.
Both colors are great. Pale Oak adds a welcoming tone, while Balboa Mist gives a light, polished look. They both help make small, narrow spaces feel open and bright.
Considerations When Choosing Pale Oak or Balboa Mist
Before picking a paint color, consider how it will look in your home. Pale Oak and Balboa Mist are both beautiful neutrals, but their appearance can depend on a few simple things.
Lighting Changes Everything
Paint can look totally different in sunlight than it does at night. Pale Oak looks warmer and more beige in natural light, while Balboa Mist can show a slight purple tint in low light.
Tip: Always test a paint sample on your wall and check it at different times of the day.
Room Size and Purpose
Lighter paint colors can make small rooms feel bigger. Pale Oak is great for cozy bedrooms or reading nooks. Balboa Mist works well in open spaces like kitchens and living rooms because it feels fresh and clean.
What’s Already in Your Room
Think about your furniture, floors, and trim. Pale Oak looks best with warm wood, beige, or soft whites. Balboa Mist pairs well with white cabinets, cool-toned furniture, and modern finishes like brushed nickel or chrome.
Try Before You Paint
Even if a color looks great in pictures, it might not look the same on your wall. Buy a sample or use peel-and-stick swatches to test it out. Look at it during the day, at night, and with your lights on.
Tips for Picking Between Pale Oak and Balboa Mist
Not sure which color to choose? These simple tips can help make the decision easier:
- Test both colors on your wall and check them at different times of day.
- Use peel-and-stick samples if you don’t want to paint just yet.
- Look at your floors, trim, and furniture to see which color fits better.
- Pale Oak is great for warm, cozy spaces.
- Balboa Mist works well in clean, modern rooms.
- North-facing rooms might make both colors look cooler.
- Bright rooms will show more of each color’s true undertones.
Take your time and trust your eye—go with the one that feels right in your space!
Conclusion
Choosing between Pale Oak and Balboa Mist doesn’t have to be hard. Both are soft, neutral paint colors that work well in almost any room.
Pale Oak leans warm and cozy, while Balboa Mist feels a little cooler and more modern. They each change a bit depending on the lighting, so testing a sample on your wall is always a good idea.
If you want something warm and calm, Pale Oak is a great choice. If you prefer something clean and fresh, Balboa Mist might be the one. Think about your room’s size, the light it gets, and the colors you already have.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with either one—they’re both timeless and easy to live with. Pick the one that feels right for your space and style, and you’ll love the result every time you walk in.