When selecting the perfect light gray paint color, two top options from Benjamin Moore are Balboa Mist OC-27 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173. At first glance, these two grays can appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their aesthetics and uses.
In this article, we’ll compare Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray in-depth. We’ll analyze their undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and ideal room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these two grays differ and which light gray is the best choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray differ:
- Undertones: Balboa Mist is a green-gray, Edgecomb Gray is a blue-gray.
- LRV: Balboa Mist has a higher LRV of 65.53, Edgecomb Gray is darker at 63.09 LRV.
- Use: Balboa Mist works well whole-home, Edgecomb Gray best accenting.
- Rooms: Balboa Mist suits bedrooms, Edgecomb Gray excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray more closely!
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27
Balboa Mist OC-27 is a gorgeous pale green-gray paint color with an inviting warmth. Its versatility makes it a popular choice.
Here are some key details about Balboa Mist:
- LRV: 65.53
- Undertones: Green-gray
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs With: Greens, blues, tans
Balboa Mist is a very light gray with the subtlest hint of green undertone. The faint greenness injects a sense of tranquility without creating too much contrast.
With a 65.53 LRV, Balboa Mist reflects ample light to keep the gray feeling open and uplifting. The green tint maintains a relaxing vibe.
This welcoming light gray complements a variety of color schemes. Pleasing combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White
While suitable for any room, Balboa Mist truly excels when used as the main gray in bedrooms, living areas, offices, and dining rooms.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is a gorgeous blue-gray paint color with crisp, cool sophistication. Its versatility makes it widely popular.
Here are some details about Edgecomb Gray:
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Blue-gray
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, accent walls, trim
- Pairs With: Whites, blues, grays
Edgecomb Gray is a medium-light blue-hued gray. The subtle blue influence provides definition without appearing too cold or stark.
With an LRV of 63.09, Edgecomb Gray reflects a decent amount of light but less than very pale grays. This allows it to add cool sophistication as an accent color.
Some pleasing color combinations with Edgecomb Gray include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
While fitting for any room, this refined blue-gray excels when used judiciously to accent:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Accent walls
- Doors and trim
- Cabinets
Comparing Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray
Now that we’ve explored Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore grays:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 65.53, Balboa Mist reflects substantially more light than the 63.09 LRV of Edgecomb Gray. Balboa Mist will feel brighter and more uplifting.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Balboa Mist is a green-gray while Edgecomb Gray is a blue-gray.
Balboa Mist’s greenness provides natural relaxation. Edgecomb Gray’s blue tones feel sharper and more sophisticated.
Rooms
Balboa Mist’s brightness makes it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Edgecomb Gray excels as an accent in bathrooms, kitchens, and with deep trim.
Paint Finishes
Both Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray come in any sheen from matte to pearl. They provide beautiful, refined gray finishes.
Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Balboa Mist OC-27 | Edgecomb Gray HC-173 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 65.53 | 63.09 |
| Undertones | Green-gray | Blue-gray |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray
To better visualize Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two Benjamin Moore grays:
Balboa Mist OC-27
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
The images demonstrate how relaxed Balboa Mist differs from the sharper Edgecomb Gray. But lighting can make them appear somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Balboa Mist or Edgecomb Gray?
So which Benjamin Moore gray is better for your space – versatile Balboa Mist or sophisticated Edgecomb Gray? Here are some tips for deciding:
Pick Balboa Mist OC-27 if you want:
- A very light gray with faint green undertones
- A soothing, relaxing backdrop for bedrooms
- A versatile color suitable for whole-home use
- A tranquil vibe with natural green-gray tones
Choose Edgecomb Gray HC-173 if you want:
- A medium-light blue-gray with crisp sophistication
- Cool contrast for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim
- A sharper look with more definition than pale grays
- Beautiful accent color for architectural details
If still uncertain between the two grays, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting before deciding.
Either Benjamin Moore gray you select will provide beauty and refinement. But their differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that typically suit Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray best:
Balboa Mist OC-27
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices/studies
- Libraries
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Doors and trim
- Cabinets
- Entryways
Both can work beautifully throughout any home. But the above applications tend to maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors for gorgeous rooms:
Balboa Mist Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim/ceilings)
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (furniture)
- Brass light fixtures
Edgecomb Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/molding)
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White (furniture)
- Chrome fixtures
Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray – Which Gray is Best for You?
When choosing between Balboa Mist and Edgecomb Gray, consider your goals and style:
Pick Balboa Mist OC-27 if you want:
- A very light green-gray suitable for whole-home use
- Soothing, relaxing color for bedrooms and living rooms
- Faint green-gray tones that feel uplifting
- Versatility to work with many color schemes
Choose Edgecomb Gray HC-173 if you want:
- A medium-light blue-gray accent color
- Crisp, sharp look for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim
- Much more contrast than extremely light grays
- Sophisticated color for architectural details
While they share some similarities, the differences likely mean one better suits your space. Get color swatches before deciding between calming Balboa Mist and crisp Edgecomb Gray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Balboa Mist work well in bathrooms?
Definitely! While not as popular as Edgecomb Gray in baths, Balboa Mist also provides a gorgeous relaxing backdrop for bathrooms when paired with white tiles and grout.
What colors complement Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with light tones like white, cream, and taupe. It also looks gorgeous with navy blue and charcoal black for dramatic contrast.
Which Benjamin Moore gray has a higher LRV?
With an LRV of 65.53, Balboa Mist reflects substantially more light than the darker 63.09 LRV of Edgecomb Gray. Balboa Mist will generally feel brighter.
Can you use Edgecomb Gray in a bedroom?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray can work well in bedrooms, but may fit best as an accent wall color. Paired with light airy walls, its sharp gray provides nice contrast without feeling too bold.
Is Balboa Mist suitable for kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! Balboa Mist looks beautiful on kitchen cabinets paired with white countertops. Its green-gray tones provide a relaxed warmth perfect for cabinets.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist vs Edgecomb Gray, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Balboa Mist is a green-gray suitable for whole-home use, providing natural relaxing warmth.
- Edgecomb Gray is a blue-gray that excels as an accent, adding sharp, sophisticated contrast.
While they share some similarities, the undertone and formality contrasts help one likely better suit your goals. Consider your space when deciding between laidback Balboa Mist and refined Edgecomb Gray. With large samples, you’ll confidently select your perfect Benjamin Moore gray!
