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Ballet White by Benjamin Moore is a soft, neutral, off-white paint color with a very subtle cream-like look.
Welcome back to another exhilarating paint color review.
If you have been following my reviews, the last couple have been non-neutral colors, BM Hale Navy and SW Sea Salt, to be more specific. These are two absolutely fantastic paint colors. If you haven’t checked them out, I highly suggest you do.
But I mention that because we are back to reviewing a neutral color.
I feel neutrals are a bit more complex and can sometimes surprise you with how they may or may not look on a wall. So that’s one of the reasons I review a lot of neutral paint colors. I find them to be more helpful, which is why I do this. To help you guys!
Now, let me introduce the lovely, lovely paint color we are reviewing today…..
BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE OC-9
WHAT COLOR IS BALLET WHITE?
You may be thinking this is a ridiculous question, right? I mean White is in its name. Though I’m here to tell you that it’s not particularly a white paint color.
Benjamin Moore describes it as:
A crowd-pleasing off-white that offers just the right amount of color.
Benjamin Moore
In balanced lighting, Ballet White is best described as a light, warm, neutral, off-whitish tan. It’s definitely not a clean white like BM Chantilly Lace. It is too colorful or saturated to be white, and it’s also too dark.
This neutral color has a slight creaminess but not too much. It comes from the yellow hue family, so it has yellow in it. That’s where you get the warmth.
Ballet White has a natural beige-ish-greige white feel to it.
But remember how the color will look for you in your home depends on the lighting and wood and surrounding colors. This is why I always push grabbing a sample.
If you are looking for a white paint color that has a bit more depth than a clean, bright white, Ballet White may be exactly what you have been looking for.
LRV, HUE FAMILY, AND COLOR COLLECTIONS OF BALLET WHITE
- LRV: 71.97
- HUE FAMILY: Yellow leans towards YR
- COLOR COLLECTION: Off-White Collection
- AKA:974
Let’s start with LRV, What is it and why does it help to know and understand?
LRV or Light Reflectance Value is a measurement commonly used by design professionals that measures the amount of light reflected from and absorbed by a surface. LRVs range from 0 -100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black.
A great article to read to learn more about LRV is Light Reflectance Value: What Do Those Numbers Mean?
Ballet White has a high LRV of 71.97, which is pretty high on the scale. It’s plainly not the highest, but it will certainly reflect a fair amount of light.
I think it’s always helpful to know what the hue family of a paint color is. It’s very beneficial because it allows you to understand the paint color a bit better as in what color it may shift to or show in certain qualities of light.
Ballet White comes from the yellow hue family, leaning a bit towards the yellow-red side.
As for the color collections, I think it’s fun to see what other colors are also in the collection.
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BM BALLET WHITE COLOR STRIP
- Elephant Tusk OC-8
- Ballet White OC-9
- White Sand OC-10
- Clay Beige OC-11
- Muslin OC-12
- Soft Chamois OC-13
- Natural Cream OC-14
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IS BALLET WHITE WARM OR COOL?
Ballet White OC-9 is a warm-toned paint color. It’s not overly warm, it leans more neutral.
If you are struggling to determine whether a paint color is warm or cool, I suggest comparing it to another color you are familiar with.
What this does is allow you to see the warmth or coolness better. Visuals always help, so here’s an example
Let’s compare it to Sherwin Williams Passive. Seeing the two colors placed side by side makes it easier for you to spot which is the cool and which is the warm paint color.
In this case, Passve is the cooled-toned paint color.
Whenever you are struggling with the tone of a color, compare it to another color. Sometimes, all you need is a comparison to help you through.
INTERESTED IN MORE WARM PAINT COLORS? CHECK THESE OUT!
- Sherwin William Kilim Beige
- SW Natural Choice
- SW Greek Villa
- BM Swiss Coffee
- Warm Mushroom Paint Colors
- BM Classic Gray
- BM Manchester Tan
DOES BALLET WHITE LOOK YELLOW?
Not really. Ballet White will not look or show overly yellow tones on the walls for the most part. However, depending on the lighting and elements in your home, there is a slight chance.
Remember, it is from the yellow hue family, so there is a possibility. However, if you see a slight yellowness to it it’s because of the lighting, fixed elements, and decor going on around it.
This is why it’s a good idea to test your paint sample in your home.
READ MORE: FANTASTIC SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS
DOES BALLET WHITE LOOK DINGY?
No, Ballet White isn’t a dingy color. But you need to keep in mind that there is a chance it, or any paint color for that matter, will look dingy or a bit grayed out.
This is because paint colors react to everything around them, including lighting, decor, and the color of the floors, as well as what’s going on outside the window.
With that in mind, if your room already feels dingy, the color may feel the same.
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WHAT UNDERTONES DOES BALLET WHITE HAVE?
Ballet white has undertones of yellow and gray. It’s a warm paint color, and its warmth comes from the yellow hue family. However, it has that little bit of gray to keep it from ever looking straight-up yellow.
Paint colors can appear different depending on the lighting and elements in the space. Everyone’s home is different, so Ballet White may not look the same as someone else’s.
It’s important to remember that undertones and the colors you see a paint color present are strictly reliant on what’s going on around them, such as lighting, decor color, and fixed elements.
Undertones are subjective and not the same for everyone. This is something that really isn’t conveyed enough, and it’s why I push sampling paint colors so much. (possibly too much)
If you are wondering what undertones may appear while using Ballet White, you need to grab a paint sample and test it in your home. It’s the best way to get a precise representation of how the paint color will look.
BM BALLET WHITE, LIGHTING & CARDINAL DIRECTIONS
Lighting is one if not the most, important factor when it comes to what a paint color will look like
It largely impacts how you will perceive a paint color. For this reason, it’s a great idea to be knowledgeable about the lighting condition and the cardinal direction of the room you are choosing the right paint color for.
The table shows the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west, with a brief description of how the light looks from each direction.
NORTH-FACING ROOMS – Light in North-facing rooms comes off cooler and somewhat bluish. Lighter colors will appear more muted, while bolder colors will show up, or appear sounder.
SOUTH-FACING ROOMS – In South-facing rooms, there tends to be a consistently bright light throughout the day. Warm and cool tones work with south-facing light, This light intensifies colors, so darker colors will seem a bit brighter while softer colors will appear to look like they are gleaming.
EAST-FACING ROOMS – East-facing rooms have the brightest light in the mornings, with a yellow-orange tone. If an east-facing room will be used mainly in the evenings, going with a warm palette will help balance the lack of natural light.
WEST-FACING ROOMS – Early evening is when West-facing rooms have the most favorable light. Warmer tones might seem overwhelming because of the red-orange the light gives off. However, if the main use for the room is in the mornings, the colors won’t appear as strong as they would in the evening.
You can expect to see more warmth in south-facing rooms, as well as in the mornings of east-facing rooms and the evenings of west-facing rooms.
Ballet White is a great option for north-facing rooms. Its warmth holds up well to the cooler north light, but it may show a bit more gray.
It’s noteworthy to always consider lighting when choosing a paint color. However, you cannot forget about the other elements that influence how a paint color may look.
This includes fixed features like cabinetry, flooring, tiles, etc., as well as the decor colors you choose for your home.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LIGHT BULBS TO USE?
Just as natural light affects paint colors, so does artificial lighting.
The color of the light bulbs you use will influence how a room’s paint color looks. Unfortunately, this is an important detail that is often overlooked.
With the variety of light bulbs available, it can become overwhelmingly confusing. I mean, what is really soft white and bright white?
Thankfully, it becomes easier once you know a little bit about light bulbs.
For reference, light color or light appearance is measured on the Kelvin (K)temperature scale. Lower Kelvin numbers mean more yellow light; the higher the Kelvin number, the whiter or bluer light.
Remember, lower Kelvin (K) numbers = yellow light, Higher Kelvin (K) numbers = white/blueish light
I always recommend using this type of light bulb.
Be cautious of the light bulb names such as “daylight” or warm light”. I’d advise against picking a light bulb by its name.
Instead, always check the package for actual facts. This allows you to choose the best bulb for you.
Don’t forget, as much as lighting plays a significant part in how a paint color will look at times, there are other determinants to be aware of. For instance, decor, furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, and floors. These are all elements that can affect and/or influence the way a paint color will look in your room.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SAMPLE?
I’m an advocate for testing and sampling paint colors. I wholeheartedly believe it’s a surefire way to see how a paint color will look in a room. I feel as though many people brush over this step in the painting process, and I think it’s wildly insane.
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WHAT’S THE BEST TRIM COLOR FOR BALLET WHITE?
White paint colors are tricky to pair with one another. If done incorrectly, they can look dirty or just simply off. For this reason, I find it extremely helpful to share a few white trim paint colors that will work with Ballet White.
As I said, mixing whites can be really challenging. And even though Ballet White isn’t a white, white it still can cause a bit of confusion.
That said, I suggest you use the same white BM Ballet White but in a different sheen.
A semi-gloss finish is usually used on the trim, so opt for a satin or eggshell for the walls. The difference in sheen (shine) will give you enough of a contrast, plus you know it will match!
READ MORE: THE BEST WHITE PAINT COLORS FOR TRIM
WHERE TO USE BALLET WHITE?
Ballet White is a fantastic option to use in homes that were heavily decorated during the Tuscan Style Era. For example, when golden and yellow tones in countertops, backsplashes, and tile were popular.
Paint is an easy update when you aren’t ready to dive into a complete reno. But the challenge is finding an updated color that works with those types of tones.
Additionally, Ballet White is a great color even if you aren’t trying to update from the Tuscan Era.
This means I think it’s a great color for any application.
BATHROOM
Justdetailspainting on Instagram painting this bathroom using BM Ballet White. You can see how it looks like a very light, soft, neutral off-white/ greige.
You can also see how beautiful it looks with a clean white trim.
LIVING ROOM
Another great opportunity is to use it is on the living room walls.
Coastalwestpainting on Instagram used Ballet White in this very grand living space. This is a fantastic color to create a clean yet warm and welcoming atmosphere.
DINING ROOM
Jennifer @jenbaldwinathome on Instagram has Ballet White on her dining room walls.
It is a great neutral color to use as a backdrop in a room. It also is a great paint color to pair with dark wood.
IS BALLET WHITE A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?
Yes! Ballet White is a fantastic exterior paint color. As I mentioned earlier, choosing the right white paint color can be a challenge, and that is no different for the exterior.
Colors on the exterior of the home will appear lighter and brighter in the sunlight. Some may also look a bit washed out.
A color like Ballet White is a fantastic option for those who want a white paint color. Its warmth and colorfulness allow it to withstand the sun without looking glaringly stark.
EXPLORE MORE EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS:
WHAT’S THE SHERWIN WILLIAMS EQUIVALENT TO BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE?
There isn’t an exact Sherwin-Williams dupe for Benjamin Moore Ballet White. I have yet to come across any color dupes.
But there are paint colors that are similar.
The SW color that is found to be a close match to Ballet White is:
ARROWROOTE SW 9502 from the Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition.
They look nearly identical in the computer swatch.
Keep in mind that the colors on the computer screen are not 100% accurate representations of the actual paint color. This is why you need to sample the paint colors to see how they truly perform.
SHOULD YOU COLOR MATCH?
If you decide to try your hand at color matching, that’s entirely up to you.
There is nothing wrong with it, and there is a chance the color you get is exactly what you hoped for.
The reason I am hesitant about color matching is that brands formulate paint colors differently. This means that if they mix a paint color that isn’t theirs, it has the potential of being slightly off.
If you are willing to give it a shot, I highly recommend starting with a sample of the color to start. This way, you can see if the color is what you were expecting.
Follow these helpful painting tips and avoid these mistakes to get the job done right!
BALLET WHITE COORDINATING COLORS
Some paint colors are more challenging to coordinate with. These are predominantly white and neutral paint colors. Ballet White can be one of those colors.
Luckily, I have a few colors I’m going to share to inspire you to create your own color palette.
Before I do that, I want to say that if you have two colors and you swatched them and think they look great together, then you are all set. Sometimes, we can get so wrapped up in what others will think or what social media is saying that we forget that it is about what we personally like.
So, if you are happy and like the way colors look together, then run with it. It’s your space, and you have to love it.
As promised, here are a few colors that go well with it.
COLOR COMPARISONS
I’m big on comparing colors. It can be helpful in your paint color decision, and it is also fun to see how popular paint colors are.
BALLET WHITE VS SWISS COFFEE
- Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 83.93, higher than Ballets’s 71.97
- Both colors fall under the white paint color category.
- Swiss Coffee is the lighter paint color of the two.
- Both are considered warm paint colors
- Ballet White has more color/saturation and depth
READ MORE: BENJAMIN SWISS COFFEE FULL PAINT COLOR REVIEW
BALLET WHITE VS SW ALABASTER
- Alabaster has an LRV of 82, higher than BW’s LRV of 71.97
- Alabaster is the lighter paint color or the two colors.
- Both are categorized as white paint colors on the SW website.
- Ballet White has more depth and color/ saturation to it.
- Both are warm paint colors and are from the yellow hue family.
READ MORE: ALABASTER FULL REVIEW
BALLET WHITE VS WHITE DOVE
- White Dove has an LRV of 85.38, much higher than BW’s 71.97
- Both are warm-toned paint colors
- White Dove is lighter
- BW has more depth and colorfulness to it.
- White Dove is a white paint color, and BW is more of an off-white neutral.
READ MORE: BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE PAINT COLOR REVIEW
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RECAP
I just threw a ton of information at you. So here’s a brief recap of Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9.
- LRV: 71.97
- HUE FAMILY: Yellow leans towards Yellow-Red
- COLOR COLLECTION: Off-White Collection
- AKA:974
- it’s a very versatile neutral off-white
- considered a warm paint color
- It is a very usable paint color for all areas of the home
- looks great with many other colors
- has a neutral creaminess to it
- looks great with white trim colors like Dove White and Pure White
- SW Arrowroote SW 9502 is a very similar paint color
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FINAL THOUGHTS
We have made it to the end of this paint color review, and I have a few thoughts.
I will start off by saying I like Benjamin Moore Ballet White. I think it’s a fantastic paint color. Is it going to be the color for everyone? No, of course not.
I think Ballet White is a fantastic option for those of you who want a neutral white paint color that has a bit more depth to it.
Ballet What is a soft, neutral that has the qualities of a white paint color without being too white.
With grays losing some steam, neutral colors like Ballet White are on the rise. These updated “builder beige” colors are what a lot of people are after now. It’s more of a natural vibe.
If you are moving on from gray and want something a bit different, Benjamin Moore Ballet White might be an excellent place to start.
As always, grab a sample to see if it is the perfect pant color for your home.
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.