When selecting a versatile, neutral gray paint color, popular picks across brands include Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27 and Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029. Both are beautiful, adaptable grays that work well throughout homes. But what exactly sets these two shades apart?
In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, and best room usages. Read on to determine which neutral gray is the right fit for your home’s interior design needs.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray
Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray:
- Undertones – Balboa Mist is slightly cool, Agreeable Gray is a true neutral
- Light Reflectance – Balboa Mist has an LRV of 65.53, Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60
- Use – Balboa Mist for modern homes, Agreeable Gray for diverse spaces
- Rooms – Balboa Mist excels in bright rooms, Agreeable Gray fits any room
- Availability – Balboa Mist comes in more finishes
Now let’s explore Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27
With its pale taupe-gray appearance, Balboa Mist OC-27 creates a gorgeous neutral backdrop in any home. This versatile color has widespread appeal.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist:
- LRV: 65.53
- Undertones: Subtle cool grays
- Finish: Available in all paint sheens
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially bright rooms
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens
Balboa Mist is a light gray-beige with barely noticeable cool undertones. This chameleon-like paint color shifts in appearance based on lighting conditions and surroundings.
In bright spaces, its soft gray essence comes forward. In dim lighting, slight warmth is more noticeable giving a taupe look. The overall effect is a color straddling the line between cool and warm neutral.
With a 65.53 light reflectance value, Balboa Mist provides ample illumination to keep rooms feeling open and airy. The subtle cool grays prevent warmth or dinginess.
Thanks to its adaptability, Balboa Mist complements both cool and warm color schemes. Use it anywhere you want a peaceful gray backdrop. It truly excels alongside airy, bright rooms.
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is a gorgeous medium-toned neutral gray with widespread appeal. This versatile color works beautifully across design styles.
Here are some key details about Agreeable Gray:
- LRV: 60
- Undertones: True neutral
- Finish: Available in all paint sheens
- Rooms: Whole home color
- Pairs Well With: All color schemes
With its perfectly balanced undertone, Agreeable Gray reads as a true neutral gray that complements any design aesthetic. It reflects a nice amount of light while still feeling soft and reserved.
The 60 light reflectance value strikes the ideal balance of providing illumination without starkness. Rooms feel enveloped in an approachable, cozy gray atmosphere.
As a true neutral, Agreeable Gray complements any color scheme from bold to muted palettes. Its versatility makes it suitable for every room throughout homes of all styles.
Comparing Balboa Mist vs Agreeable Gray
Now that we’ve examined Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray independently, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Balboa Mist has an LRV of 65.53 compared to Agreeable Gray’s 60 LRV. This means Balboa Mist reflects more light for a brighter appearance.
However, both offer ample illumination for most average size rooms without feeling dark or gloomy.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. Balboa Mist has subtle, barely cool undertones. Agreeable Gray is a true neutral gray.
Balboa Mist’s coolness gives it an airier, brighter feel. Agreeable Gray’s perfect neutrality offers greater flexibility.
Rooms
With its subtle cool essence, Balboa Mist excels alongside airy, bright rooms with cool color schemes.
Agreeable Gray’s true neutrality allows it to adapt beautifully to any room in the home.
Availability
Balboa Mist comes in all Benjamin Moore paint sheens. Agreeable Gray is also available in any finish from Sherwin-Williams.
Balboa Mist vs Agreeable Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of how Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray compare:
| Paint Color | Balboa Mist OC-27 | Agreeable Gray SW 7029 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 65.53 | 60 |
| Undertones | Subtle cool grays | True neutral |
| Use | Bright open rooms | Suitable for all rooms |
| Sheens | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, contemporary | Versatile for any style |
Real Life Photos – Balboa Mist vs Agreeable Gray
Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray to better see how they compare in actual environments.
Balboa Mist OC-27
Agreeable Gray SW 7029
The photos show how Balboa Mist typically appears slightly cooler and brighter compared to Agreeable Gray’s more neutral essence. However, depending on light they can often look quite similar.
Should I Choose Balboa Mist or Agreeable Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist vs Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray for your space? Here are some helpful considerations:
Consider Balboa Mist OC-27 if you want:
- A light taupe-gray with very subtle coolness
- A comfortably bright backdrop for modern styles
- Enough brightness without starkness
- A sophisticated and refined neutral
Consider Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A true greige-beige gray with no undertones
- Maximum adaptability across color schemes
- Sherwin-Williams’ most popular gray
- A foolproof gray suitable for any room
As always, get paint samples before deciding. View large swatches on walls in your actual lighting and with your furnishings. This gives you the best sense of which neutral gray you prefer before finalizing your choice.
While Balboa Mist shines in modern spaces, Agreeable Gray’s neutrality offers greater flexibility across all design aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
While Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray work well throughout homes, here are some rooms best suited to their specific traits:
Balboa Mist OC-27
With its subtle coolness, Balboa Mist excels in brighter spaces. Perfect rooms include:
- Sun-filled living rooms
- Airy kitchens and dining rooms
- Bright bedrooms and bathrooms
- Laundry rooms and mudrooms
- Hallways and foyers
Agreeable Gray SW 7029
This adaptable true neutral gray fits beautifully in any space. Ideal Agreeable Gray rooms include:
- Living rooms, bedrooms, and offices
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms
- Basements, attics, and hallways
- Entryways and mudrooms
- Trim, doors, cabinets
Use light-enhancing Balboa Mist in your modern bright spaces. Let flexible Agreeable Gray work its magic anywhere you desire a classic gray backdrop.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray create peaceful backdrops. Paired with colors and textures, you can design beautiful spaces:
Balboa Mist OC-27 Ideas
- Light gray kitchen with brass accents
- Bright neutral open shelves against charcoal blue accent wall
- White wainscoting against silvery taupe dining room walls
- Glossy white trim on taupe gray front door
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 Ideas
- Cozy living room with agreeable gray shiplap fireplace wall
- Deep blue accent wall against tranquil gray bedroom
- Gray kitchen island contrasting crisp white cabinets
- Black window frames popping against agreeable gray siding
Color Pairings for Both
- Crisp whites, soft blues, natural wood tones
- Black and white graphic prints and patterns
- Metallic finishes like brass, silver, aged bronze
- Earth tones like light tans and sage greens
Keep walls a neutral gray to let accent colors shine. Easily change accents seasonally for a fresh new look.
Balboa Mist vs Agreeable Gray – Which is Best For You?
So which is better for your home – airy Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist or flexible Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray? The right choice depends on your goals:
Pick Balboa Mist OC-27 if you want:
- A light taupe-gray with very subtle coolness
- A comfortably bright backdrop for modern spaces
- A sophisticated paint color with refinement
- Flexibility mainly across modern aesthetics
Choose Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A true greige-gray with no undertones
- Maximum adaptability across all color schemes
- Sherwin-Williams’ most popular do-it-all gray
- A foolproof neutral suitable for any room
Get large paint samples before deciding. While Agreeable Gray works in any design style, Balboa Mist shines in bright modern spaces seeking soft subtle coolness.
Choose the light gray paint color that best complements your existing design, furniture, and style. Both will beautifully serve as neutral base colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Balboa Mist and Agreeable Gray? Here are some commonly asked questions:
Does Balboa Mist lean warm or cool?
Balboa Mist OC-27 is considered slightly cool-toned due to its barely detectable hints of blue-gray. However, it still reads as very neutral.
What undertone does Agreeable Gray have?
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is a true neutral gray, meaning it does not lean warm or cool. The perfect balance provides maximum adaptability.
Which gray would work better in a north-facing room?
Balboa Mist’s slightly cooler essence and higher 65.53 LRV help reflect and amplify light in darker north facing rooms without appearing dingy.
Is Agreeable Gray suitable for bedrooms?
Yes, the versatility of true neutral Agreeable Gray makes it an ideal backdrop for bedrooms. Use it on the walls or as an accent feature wall or ceiling.
What sheen should I use for Balboa Mist trim?
For durability on high contact trim areas, use a pearl, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen Balboa Mist. This adds nice dimension against flatter walls.
