Choosing the perfect neutral paint color feels overwhelming when two shades look almost identical. Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak both promise that ideal gray-beige balance, but picking between them can leave you second-guessing your decision.

I’ll break down the key differences between these two popular Benjamin Moore colors so you can choose with confidence.

In this blog, I’ll compare their undertones, how they look in different lighting conditions, and which rooms work best for each color. You’ll also see real examples of both shades in action, plus tips for testing them in your own space before making the final call.

Balboa Mist and Pale Oak Color Descriptions

Balboa Mist (Benjamin Moore OC-27/1549) is a versatile, warm-leaning pale gray with subtle beige undertones, making it an ideal neutral for modern and transitional spaces. This color reflects a moderate amount of light, brightening interiors without feeling stark.

Balboa Mist’s HEX color code is #DAD6CC. While it doesn’t have a Sherwin-Williams (SW) equivalent code, it pairs beautifully with crisp whites and muted blues for a balanced, welcoming look.

Pale Oak (Benjamin Moore OC-20) is a soft, light greige that offers a gentle warmth and subtle sophistication to any room. It is slightly lighter than Balboa Mist and ideal for creating airy, open spaces. The HEX color code for Pale Oak is #EAE3D8.

Pale Oak’s undertones are muted and flexible, adapting well to different lighting conditions. It’s often compared to SW’s Accessible Beige for a similar vibe.

Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak: How Each Color Looks at Home

Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are both beloved Benjamin Moore neutrals, but they create distinctly different moods at home. Balboa Mist offers a cooler, modern vibe with subtle violet undertones, while Pale Oak feels warmer and cozier with soft beige and taupe notes. Both adapt beautifully to changing light, making them versatile choices for any space.

The following are a few real room examples of Balboa Mist vs pale oak.

1. Living Room

In this bedroom, I chose Balboa Mist for a serene, cooler-gray impression that complements modern minimalism. It balances shadows nicely without feeling stark. On the right, Pale Oak brings a gentle warmth, adding a creamy softness that increases natural light and gives the space a restful, sun-kissed tone.

Both work great with neutrals, but Balboa Mist leans elegant and crisp, while Pale Oak evokes a more relaxed, cozy retreat feel, perfect for clients who prefer warmth without boldness.

2. Bathroom

I used Balboa Mist on the left side for clients preferring a grounded, neutral backdrop. It offers subtle depth with its cool undertones, playing well with stone textures and dark hardware. On the right, Pale Oak warms the space immediately, bouncing light and giving a natural softness that complements the wood cabinetry.

Both shades keep the bathroom timeless, but Balboa Mist feels spa-like and tranquil, while Pale Oak feels inviting, organic, and beautifully blends with sunlight and soft finishes.

3. Bedroom

In this bedroom, I chose Balboa Mist for a serene, cooler-gray impression that complements modern minimalism. It balances shadows nicely without feeling stark. On the right, Pale Oak brings a gentle warmth, adding a creamy softness that increases natural light and gives the space a restful, sun-kissed tone.

Both work great with neutrals, but Balboa Mist leans elegant and crisp, while Pale Oak evokes a more relaxed, cozy retreat feel, perfect for clients who prefer warmth without boldness.

4. Kitchen

I worked in this kitchen to highlight the undertone difference. Balboa Mist on the left feels more muted and leans cool with its soft greige base and a touch of gray, giving a classy, calming ambiance. Pale Oak on the right reads warmer, almost creamy in comparison, catching sunlight in a way that adds coziness and airiness.

Balboa Mist pairs well with stainless finishes, while Pale Oak flatters warm woods and gold accents beautifully for a soft, welcoming glow.

How to Know Which Color is for You?

Pale Oak is a soft, warm greige with beige and taupe undertones, making it ideal for creating a cozy, airy, and inviting atmosphere, especially in spaces with ample natural light or for those seeking a brighter look.

Its higher Light Reflectance Value (LRV) means it reflects more light, brightening up rooms.

Balboa Mist, meanwhile, is a light greige with subtle violet and gray undertones, offering a slightly cooler, more modern vibe.

It works well in both bright and dim spaces, providing a calm, grounded atmosphere. Test both colors in your space to see how they react to your home’s unique lighting.

Similar Colors to Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak

Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are both popular greige (gray-beige) paint colors from Benjamin Moore, loved for their subtle warmth and versatility.

While they may look similar at first glance, their undertones and brightness levels give them distinct personalities, depending on the lighting and surrounding decor.

Color Name	Color Code	Hex Code	LRV	Undertone	Preview
Classic Gray	OC-23/1548	#E8E6DF	74	Soft, warm gray, slight violet
Collingwood	OC-28/859	#D3CEC4	62	Warm greige, subtle taupe
Athena	858	#D5D0C5	63	Warm gray, beige
Light Pewter	1464	#D8D5CB	67	Warm gray, slight green
Elmira White	OC-84/2140-50	#E3DFD2	64	Warm beige, soft taupe
Abalone	2108-60	#D9D2C9	61	Warm greige, pinkish taupe
Edgecomb Gray	HC-173	#DAD6CA	63	Warm greige, green-beige

Wrapping It Up

Both Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are fantastic neutral choices, but they serve different purposes.

Balboa Mist works better in spaces that need warmth and coziness, while Pale Oak shines in rooms where you want crisp, clean lines.

The right neutral can completely transform how your home feels. It affects your mood, makes rooms look bigger or smaller, and sets the foundation for all your other design choices.

I hope this blog has helped you decide between Balboa Mist vs Pale Oak. Get sample sizes of both colors and paint large swatches on your walls. Live with them for a week, watching how they change throughout the day.