Balboa Mist OC-27 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were giving you a quiet, warm hug? That’s the magic of a well-chosen paint color—and Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist (OC-27) is one of those shades that just *works*. It’s the kind of gray that doesn’t feel cold or sterile, but instead wraps your space in a soft, sophisticated embrace. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room, designing a serene bedroom, or just craving a change, this color might be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into why Balboa Mist could be your next favorite paint choice.

First, let’s talk about what makes this color so special. Balboa Mist is a light, muted gray with warm red undertones—think of it as a whisper of color rather than a shout. It’s not stark or clinical; it’s gentle and adaptable. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 65.53%, it reflects plenty of light, making rooms feel airy and open. That’s why it’s such a hit in smaller spaces like hallways or home offices, where you want brightness without sacrificing warmth. And because it’s so neutral, it plays well with almost any decor style—modern, farmhouse, coastal, you name it.

One of the biggest questions people have about gray paints is how they’ll behave in different lighting. Here’s the good news: Balboa Mist is a chameleon in the best way. In natural daylight, those warm undertones come forward, giving it a cozy, inviting feel. At night, under artificial light, it leans more neutral, creating a calm backdrop that won’t fight with your decor. But a word of caution—if your room gets very little natural light, it might read slightly darker than expected. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day before committing.

Now, let’s talk finishes. Balboa Mist comes in matte, eggshell, and satin, so you can tailor the look to your space. Matte is perfect for hiding imperfections and giving a sophisticated, velvety finish—ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Eggshell has a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean, making it great for living rooms or hallways. Satin kicks up the reflectivity a notch, which works beautifully in spaces like home offices or nurseries where you want a bit more durability. No matter which you choose, this paint is beginner-friendly—it goes on smoothly, covers well in one to two coats, and is a breeze to touch up.

What really sets Balboa Mist apart is its versatility. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic combo) for a clean, timeless look. Or let it cozy up to natural wood tones for a rustic, lived-in feel. Brass fixtures? They’ll pop against its warm undertones. Navy blue accents? Stunning. This gray is like the quiet friend who makes everyone else look good—it’s happy to play supporting actor to your bold furniture or artwork.

If you’re worried about committing to a full room, start with an accent wall. Balboa Mist is subtle enough to blend seamlessly but interesting enough to add depth. And because it’s low-VOC and ultra low-VOC, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes, which is a win for anyone painting a nursery or home office. Plus, it’s highly washable, so it stands up to life’s little messes without losing its charm.

Still on the fence? Here’s a pro tip: compare it to some of its close cousins, like Revere Pewter or Sea Salt. While they’re in the same family, Balboa Mist leans a touch warmer and lighter, giving it a unique edge. And if you decide it’s not *quite* the right shade, Benjamin Moore offers lighter and darker variations to fine-tune your look.

At the end of the day, paint is more than just color—it’s mood, it’s atmosphere, it’s the backdrop to your life. Balboa Mist gets that. It’s not trying to be the star of the show; it’s there to make your space feel like home. So if you’re craving a color that’s calm but not boring, warm but not overwhelming, and versatile enough to grow with your style, this might just be the one. Grab a sample, brush it on, and see how it transforms your walls—and maybe your whole vibe.

Real Room Photo of Balboa Mist OC-27

Undertones of  Balboa Mist ?

The undertones of Balboa Mist are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #DAD6CC

RGB code: 218, 214, 204

Is  Balboa Mist Cool or Warm?

This color is warm, making it perfect for creating inviting spaces. It’s not overly saturated, which helps maintain a balanced and soft aesthetic.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Balboa Mist

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Balboa Mist

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Balboa Mist is 65.53%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Balboa Mist

Balboa Mist is a remarkable choice for those looking to transform their spaces with a light and airy feel. Its gentle gray tone is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional; it reflects light beautifully, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. One of its standout features is how it adapts to different lighting conditions. In daylight, it showcases a soft warmth, while in the evening, it tends to lean more neutral, providing a calming backdrop for relaxation. Pair it with crisp white trim for a clean finish, or with natural wood accents for a more rustic touch. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent wall, Balboa Mist promises to elevate your decor with its understated elegance.

Pros & Cons of  OC-27 Balboa Mist

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

FAQ on OC-27 Balboa Mist

What finishes are available for Balboa Mist?

Balboa Mist is available in several finishes, including matte, eggshell, and satin. Each finish offers a different aesthetic and level of sheen, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your space. Matte provides a flat look, eggshell gives a slight sheen, while satin offers a more reflective surface. Depending on your room’s function and style, you can select the finish that best suits your needs.

Is Balboa Mist suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Balboa Mist is particularly great for small rooms due to its light-reflective properties. It can help make a space feel larger and more open by bouncing light around. Its warm undertones add coziness without overwhelming the senses, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any compact areas in your home.

Comparisons Balboa Mist with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27