• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Paint Color Project logo
  • About
  • Colors by family
  • Colors by room
  • Explore Our Expert Services and Products
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Colors by family
  • Colors by room
  • Explore Our Expert Services and Products
    • Amazon
    • Etsy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Colors by family
    • Colors by room
    • Explore Our Expert Services and Products
    • Amazon
    • Etsy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Blog

    Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak

    Published: May 8, 2024 by Meg · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Looking for the perfect light neutral paint color for your home? Let's compare Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak to see if one might be perfect for your space!

    Light neutral paint colors are like a blank canvas for your walls – cozy, warm, and inviting.

    Those in-between shades of white, gray, and greige are a hit because they're soft and easy to match with any decor.

    But with so many options, it can get overwhelming. That's where details like LRV and undertones come in handy.

    Today I want to compare two super popular shades of neutral paint – Balboa Mist and Pale Oak.

    Let's talk about what makes each of them stand out.

    Read my full review of Balboa Mist

    Read my full review of Pale Oak

    Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak

    You'll notice that Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are quite similar paint colors. They both straddle the line between warm off-white, gray, and greige.

    Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak

    What is similar about Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak?

    When you compare them side by side, Balboa Mist and Pale Oak often look alike, despite Balboa Mist being considered more of an off-white and Pale Oak leaning towards a warm gray or greige.

    Both colors are great choices for many rooms in your home. Some even use Balboa Mist or Pale Oak as whole house paint colors.

    Just remember to swatch the colors in your space first, because lighting can really impact how they appear on your walls.

    What is different about Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak?

    There are a few small differences between Balboa Mist and Pale Oak. Overall, Pale Oak is a bit more muted, warmer, and gray, and Balboa Mist is a bit lighter, cooler, and leans more towards off-white.

    Pale Oak has a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 70, making it slightly brighter than Balboa Mist, which has an LRV of 66.

    When it comes to undertones, Balboa Mist has soft violet and beige hints, while Pale Oak leans towards warm yellow tones with hints of violet and pink.

    Balboa MistPale Oak
    LRV6670
    RBGR: 218 G: 213 B: 204R:222 G:216 B:205
    Undertonessoft violet and beigewarm yellow, slight violet and pink

    Light Reflectance Value

    Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.

    Both Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are light and bright without being too light.

    Balboa Mist has an LRV of 66, and Pale Oak has an LRV of 70. This means Balboa Mist is a bit darker than Pale Oak.

    Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist
    BM Balboa Mist
    benjamin moore pale oak color swatch
    BM Pale Oak

    Undertones

    Both Balboa Mist and Pale Oak have warm undertones. Balboa Mist has soft violet and beige undertones. Pale Oak has warm yellow undertones, along with slight violet and pink undertones.

    In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, Balboa Mist will look more like a soft, warm white. Pale Oak will look creamy and off-white.

    In north-facing rooms without much natural light, Balboa Mist will look like more of a gray or a greige. Pale Oak will also look more gray, possibly even a bit pink or purple.

    It's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.

    Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!

    How do I decide between these two colors?

    Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are very similar colors. If you prefer more of an off-white look, go with Balboa Mist. On the other hand, if you lean towards gray, Pale Oak is your best bet.

    For north-facing or dimly lit rooms, you may want to go with Balboa Mist, as Pale Oak may show those slight pink and violet undertones.

    In a south-facing room, Balboa Mist is a great choice if you want a soft, warm white. If you want something a bit creamier and slightly darker, Pale Oak is a great choice.

    Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist color palette

    Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!

    Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!

    Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist Paint Color Palette

    Benjamin Moore Pale Oak Color Palette

    Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!

    Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!

    paint color palette inline promotion image

    Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?

    Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.

    👉 Click here to download the free guide!

    paint color formula square mockup

    My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.

    Learn more about the Paint Color Formula here!

    The best way to sample paint? Samplize!

    Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!

    Thanks for reading!

    meg-hemmelgarn-headshot
    Meg

    Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.

    More Color comparisons

    • Benjamin Moore Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream
      Benjamin Moore Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream
    • Behr Limousine Leather vs Black
      Behr Limousine Leather vs Black: Let's compare!
    • Benjamin Moore Dove Wing vs White Dove
      Benjamin Moore Dove Wing vs White Dove: Let's Compare!
    • Benjamin Moore Wind's Breath vs Swiss Coffee
      Benjamin Moore Wind's Breath vs Swiss Coffee

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Primary Sidebar

    about me paint color project picture

    Hey - I'm Morgan!

    Here’s what I believe: choosing paint should be fun, not overwhelming. 

    That’s why I consider myself more than just a color consultant; think of me as your paint-savvy friend who’s here to guide you through every step of the process.

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    More about me

    Still unsure which paint color to pick?

    Grab my free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide and avoid the most common mistakes!
    📥 Get the Free Guide

    Footer

    Navigation

    Home
    Blog
    Work with us
    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter
    Pinterest
    Instagram
    Contact us

    Browse by category

    Room Colors
    Colors Families

    Paint Color Formula
    Picking Paint

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Success Stories
    • Glossary of Paint Terminology

    Learn More!

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Enroll in the Paint Color Formula
    • Shop Pre-made Color Palettes

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Book a Consult

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Foodie Pro on the Feast Plugin