Ballet White OC-9 by Benjamin Moore

You walk into your living room, coffee in hand, and pause. Something feels off. The walls are too stark, too cold—like they’re sucking the warmth right out of the space. You love the idea of a neutral backdrop, but pure white feels clinical, and beige feels dated. What you need is a color that bridges the gap: something soft, elegant, and just warm enough to make your home feel like a sanctuary. That’s where Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White (OC-9) comes in.

Ballet White is the kind of color that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly elevates everything around it. It’s a creamy off-white with a whisper of yellow undertone, giving it that perfect greige balance—warm but not heavy, light but not sterile. With an LRV of 71.97%, it reflects plenty of light, making rooms feel airy and open without the harshness of a true white. Whether you’re working with a sun-drenched living room or a dimly lit bedroom, this shade adapts beautifully, shifting subtly with the light to create a serene, inviting atmosphere.

One of the best things about Ballet White is its versatility. It plays well with almost every decor style, from modern minimalist to cozy farmhouse. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic, polished look, or let it soften the edges of dark wood furniture and brass fixtures for a more traditional feel. In a Scandinavian-inspired space, it acts as a clean canvas for natural textures and muted tones, while in a modern setting, it provides just enough warmth to keep things from feeling cold.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint goes on smoothly with a roller or brush, dries quickly, and covers well in one to two coats. It’s also touch-up friendly, so if you nick the wall moving furniture, a quick dab blends right in. Choose a matte finish for a velvety, sophisticated look, or opt for eggshell if you need something more durable and wipeable—perfect for kitchens or high-traffic areas. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes lingering in your home.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. Ballet White’s warmth means it can show dirt more easily than cooler tones, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms. And while its undertones are subtle, they can shift depending on your lighting. North-facing rooms might pull out a hint more yellow, while south-facing spaces will keep it looking fresh and neutral. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day before committing.

If you’re worried about small spaces feeling cramped, don’t be. Ballet White is a champion at making rooms feel larger. Its light-reflecting properties bounce brightness around, while the warmth keeps things cozy—no sterile, boxed-in feeling here. It’s equally stunning in open-concept homes, where it creates a seamless flow from room to room without monotony.

For accents, lean into its complementary hues. Soft blues (like Benjamin Moore’s HC-154) add a refreshing contrast, while deeper greens (think CSP-535) bring in earthy sophistication. If you’re craving drama, pair it with a darker shade like HC-90 for an accent wall that grounds the space without overwhelming it. And if you ever want to go lighter or darker, Ballet White’s sibling shades—OC-13, OC-45, or HC-99—offer a seamless transition.

At the end of the day, Ballet White is more than just paint. It’s a mood. It’s the quiet confidence of a well-designed space, the kind that feels lived-in and loved. Whether you’re refreshing a rental or crafting your forever home, this color delivers timeless appeal with just enough personality to make it special. So go ahead—give your walls the soft, sophisticated embrace they’ve been waiting for.

Real Room Photo of Ballet White OC-9

Undertones of  Ballet White ?

The undertones of Ballet White are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. 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: #E5E0D0

RGB code: 229, 224, 208

Is  Ballet White Cool or Warm?

This color is predominantly warm, making it ideal for spaces where you want to foster a welcoming and cozy environment. The warmth helps to balance cooler tones, adding depth and richness to the overall color palette in your room.

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 Ballet White

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 Ballet White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Ballet White is 71.97%, 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  Ballet White

Ballet White is a delightful choice for anyone wanting to add a touch of softness to their home. This off-white hue offers just enough warmth to create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. When applied, it has a subtle glow that enhances natural light, making spaces feel larger and more open. It’s versatile enough to work in both contemporary and classic settings, allowing you to pair it with various accent colors and decor items seamlessly. Expect a smooth application process with minimal splatter, making it beginner-friendly. Overall, Ballet White is a reliable choice that will elevate your space.

Pros & Cons of  OC-9 Ballet White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Ballet White

FAQ on OC-9 Ballet White

Is Ballet White suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Ballet White is perfect for small spaces. Its light, reflective quality helps to create an illusion of more space, making rooms feel larger and more open. Plus, its warm undertones add a cozy touch without making the space feel cramped.

How does Ballet White perform in low light?

In low light, Ballet White maintains its warmth, despite less natural light. The gentle undertones become more pronounced, providing a calm and inviting atmosphere. It’s ideal for spaces that don’t receive much sunlight, as it helps to brighten up the room without feeling harsh.

Comparisons Ballet White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9