Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9: Paint Color Review
IS IT CREAM, IS IT OFF-WHITE? LET’S FIND OUT…
Are you looking for a warm neutral with a creamy backdrop, but are nervous of yellow undertones? Have you looked at colors like Navajo White, White Duck, and
Creamy, but none have hit the spot? Let me save you some time and stress by introducing you to one of my favorite warm neutral paint colors, Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White.
WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS BALLET WHITE?
In the depths of its heart, Ballet White is a cream paint color – but it’s not quite that simple.
Cream is a yellow paint color with a neutral foundation to calm it down, and Ballet White is quite neutral, making it what I fondly call a dirty cream paint color—and dirt has never looked so good.
By the way, did you know that Ballet White is also known as Benjamin Moore Muskoka Trail 974?
Clean colors have less gray or brown; dirty colors have more. If we took some of the ‘dirt’ out of Ballet White, we’d have more of a yellow.
However, Ballet White isn’t just subtle in its earth-toned approach; it’s even dirtier than my mind, giving it more flexibility for the average home.
All the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, & friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry & all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas & proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.
WHAT’S THE LRV OF BALLET WHITE?
The LRV of Ballet White is 72 (71.97), which means it’s a light color but darn close to the off-white range. If you’re not well-versed in LRV, I highly recommend you read the ultimate guide to LRV and paint colors, as it’s a game-changer.
This LRV means that while Ballet White is reasonably light, it still offers a nice, soft contrast with white trim while keeping things low-key and muted.
If you don’t know what LRV is, you should learn about it – it could save your paint-lovin’ life.
WHAT ARE BALLET WHITE’S UNDERTONES?
A typical cream paint color starts as yellow and then has a neutral base to calm it down. From there, it can sometimes grab a wink of orange, red (pink), or green.
Ballet White is an interesting neutral as it’s passive in its overall approach to cream AND undertones. So, while it rarely shows up at the party, a wee nugget of green flashes up once in a while.
There’s hardly any yellow to be found on these walls!
If you love creams that show a purposeful yellow, Ballet White might not be for you, as its neutral base takes a good chunk of its color away. However, you’ll still get a passive warmth, even in a room with north-facing light. If you need more warmth, I’ve got some comparisons listed below.
Get your Samplize Peel & Stick sample of Ballet White HERE
In this next photo, the warmth shows up a bit, but it’s still very subtle.
Ballet White in the foreground, Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere in the background
On the other hand, if you love cream but are nervous about too much yellow, Ballet White could hit the spot.
IS BALLET WHITE GOOD WITH WOOD CABINETS & TRIMS?
Heck to the YES—Ballet White is one of those paint colors that looks amazing with a wide range of wood finishes, thanks to its passive approach to undertones.
Are Wood Trims Outdated or Trendy?
DOES BALLET WHITE GO WITH CREAM CABINETS & TRIMS?
You know what? It’s worth a try. A lot of the time, we don’t know exactly what color our cream cabinets and trims are – and sometimes they ARE…Ballet White, or darn close.
If Ballet White matches your cabinets, awesome. If it’s a bit darker but still jibes (doesn’t look dingy compared to your cabinets), give ‘er a go.
This next image shows a very rare combo, whereas Ballet White (walls) works with a creamier trim…MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!
Cream trim color is unknown
In this case, because the trim isn’t too dense or intense a cream, Ballet White sits grayer and more muted on the walls, but not glaringly so. While it’s not ideal, sometimes that’s okay when working with tricky finishes.
The Best Paint Colors to Update Cream Cabinets & Trim
But sample carefully, as if your cabinets and trims are ‘legit’ cream, Ballet White will be too dirty and light.
IS BALLET WHITE GOOD FOR A HOME’S EXTERIOR?
Ballet White is a great choice for an exterior, assuming it suits your brick, stone, roof, landscaping, etc. Natural light can make Ballet White look much lighter and more like an off-white compared to interior walls, so having white trim to contrast with it is important (if you want to see your siding color a bit more).
Before Ballet White…
And after Ballet White…
A Stunning Exterior Makeover – Painted Brick and More
If you prefer a super subtle approach, you can paint your siding and trim the same color, as shown on this Colonial style exterior with dark blue-black shutters…
If your home is north-facing, Ballet White might not look as light as it could in other exposures.
If you’ve read my post re: picking exterior paint colors, you’ll know that exterior colors tend to come up lighter than you think they will, when given good natural light. Ballet White proves this point nicely without looking white or stark.
WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM OR CABINET COLOR WITH BALLET WHITE WALLS?
Ballet White is more flexible than a 10-year-old ballerina and humors a wide range of beautiful whites…
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best White Paint Colors
WHAT PAINT COLORS ARE SIMILAR?
Several paint colors are worth comparing with Ballet White; colors with similar intentions but adjustments in depth/temperature/undertones, etc.
BALLET WHITE vs. WHITE SAND
Due to their close placement in the fan deck, comparing these two shades can seem like a good idea. But while they’re both warm neutrals, they have different intentions. Ballet White is more like a dirty, muted shade of cream.
White Sand, with its increased depth (LRV 66.95), is a tan paint color, so its yellow/cream base isn’t as obvious. White Sand is a more typical ‘light depth,’ whereas Ballet White is on the high end of the range, winking politely at the off-white world.
BALLET WHITE vs. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHOJI WHITE & WHITE DUCK
These are great comparables with White Duck. Shoji White and White Duck have LRVs of 74, so they’re in the off-white world and lighter than Ballet White’s LRV of 72. By a LOT? Heck no, but these subtle shifts can make or break a color!
Sherwin Williams White Duck on exterior siding
In comparing the three shades, you’ll also see that Ballet White has a bit more color/undertone/warmth compared to the slightly more muted look of White Duck and Shoji White.
While Ballet White and White Duck have a VAGUE green undertone in common (whereas Shoji White is a wink inclined toward pink), Ballet White has a stronger warmth.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams White Duck
Some people ask what the difference is between Ballet White and Natural Cream. I didn’t want to go too deep, as I’m not a huge fan of Natural Cream (I don’t even have a review of it)—like a fart while wearing white shorts – I just don’t trust it.
The meat n’ potatoes is that Ballet White has more of a cream foundation and Natural Cream has a bit more taupe – BUT, like Ballet White, it can also pick up a wink of green!
As for depth, Natural Cream’s LRV of 64.78 means it’s a good dose darker – in the middle of the light range rather than off-white.
WHAT COLORS GO WITH BALLET WHITE?
If you’re creating a color palette with Ballet White, there’s no shortage of awesome options. While it depends on whether you need a coordinating cabinet or island color, accent wall, or a color for an adjoining room, here are some to get you started…
- Ballet White looks badass and beautiful with smokey gray-blue-greens, particularly those in the light-medium to medium range.
- I’d also check out green-gray paint colors for a soft, organic look. Lighter shades can look nice in adjoining rooms, medium to darker shades make for great accent partners.
- As far as warm neutrals go, Ballet White suits tan paint colors (yellow undertones) more than beige paint colors (orange undertones).
- I LOVE it with greige paint colors, both light shades and darker greiges when I need an accent color.
- Check out a range of navy blues with Ballet White, especially those that have a blue-gray base calming them.
- Dark green paint colors are gorgeous accents to Ballet White.
In this next photo, Ballet White is in the foyer (left) with Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray on the right. These are partnered with Benjamin Moore White Dove on the trim, ceilings, front door, and wainscoting…
A BIT MORE ABOUT BALLET WHITE
- If you’re looking for a warm color, but with LESS warmth than Ballet, check out Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray instead. Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath is great, too.
- Ballet White has a reasonable grayish backdrop, which calms the yellow down, so if you don’t love this ‘dirtier’ look and prefer a more noticeable cream/yellow, check out Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream, Sherwin Williams Casa Blanca, or Benjamin Moore Navajo White.
- Direct natural light will wash Ballet White out because of its higher LRV.
- Ballet White is a great ‘whole home’ color as it is light enough for hallways and interesting enough for larger rooms.
- Ballet White can be a great kitchen cabinet color if you want a more modern approach to cream cabinets without too much yellow. It’s a more modern choice vs traditional cream cabinet colors.
READ MORE
Benjamin Moore’s Best Cream Paint Colors
The Best Warm, Off-White Paint Colors
Paint Review of Benjamin Moore White Down
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Linen White
Color Review of Sherwin Williams Shoji White
NEED HELP?
Check out my Online Color Consulting Services; I’d love to help!
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, AWESOMELY UPDATED IN 2024
Hi Kylie,
This post was a life saver (I too was losing my mind much like Carolyn and this really, really helped me narrow it down)! I’ve got a sample of ballet white and it’s very interesting – it seems to look different on every wall but very pretty so I think I’m going to go for it!
On the other hand, I also got a sample of revere pewter and it looks straight up purple. Which I was NOT expecting (no one on the internet ever mentions revere pewter looking purple)! Anyway, I can see tinges of pink or purple in the ballet white as well (only in certain areas and angles) but nothing like that. It’s clear there is something in this room trending the colours that way (probably the bright orange fir floor), and I don’t want that – so my question is what trim colour do you normally suggest to go with ballet white?? I’m stumped on this now. I’m worried that something like white dove (with a slight yellowy undertone) will bring out any sneaky purple tones in the ballet white. My understanding is that yellow amplifies purple tones??
Anyway – I’ve noticed there aren’t many comprehensive blog posts out there about what to do with your trim when you are going for off-white walls – or at least I haven’t found any! (like whether to create the most contrast possible by going for super white trim, or go darker with the trim, or to paint the trim the same colour as the walls but in a different sheen; or how to avoid the walls looking dirty). Idea for a blog post maybe?? Unless you’ve already written it and I’ve missed it.
Thanks! Love your blog, it’s been a huge help!
I am wondering too. What is the best trim color for a room painted with off whites or something like ballet white. My living room is going to be white dove and my dining room ballet white. Not sure which color to use on my trim. PLEASE HELP lol
Thank you!
Hi Faith, with both of those in mind, I would be looking at BM White Dove for the trim!
What a great article. Getting ready to paint outside of my house and I currently have 10 shades of white samples painted . Is there a SW paint color that is the equivalent to BM ballet white? Thanks!!
Hi Nancy! Nope, I wish there was, but keep in mind that SW usually does pretty good colour matching, so you could have them whip up a sample pot for you to see how it looks!
My husband says he strongly prefers Sherwin Williams paint so I am trying to stay in the Sherwin Williams paint lexicon. Do you have any Sherwin Williams colors like Ballet White the you recommend for whole house whites (half the house gets strong Southerly sun and the rest is hallways). I am trying to decide whether we just go with SW’s Creamy or if we have them mix up their equivalent to Ballet White and give that a shot (although I keep reading about the companies bases being different and some claim you can’t get good matches). I’m also strongly considering your e-design to pick the 4 bedroom colors as doing this myself 4 more times might cause me to loose my mind. Thanks in advance for your suggestions on the whole house “white.”
Hi Ali! When it comes to personal questions, I do try to refer to my E-design, so I’m not guessing on things. Off the top of my head, check out SW Neutral Ground, it has a ‘similar’ look to Ballet White. Otherwise, you can ask SW just to colour match it for you!
Need help in choosing a wall color to go with my all over home trim and doors that are Ballet White. Currently , it is Believable Buff. I also have med. toned hardwood floors throughout. So, it is just way to warm for me and is so yellow! I’ve been sampling several colors and haven’t fallen in love yet. Foyer and hall are NW with just a few windows that let in natural lighting. It is open to the living room with two big windows on either side of the fireplace they are SE facing. The fireplace trim is also all in Ballet White. So, no cool tones in the home at all. I read your article about having equal amounts of cool tones or you feel like something is off. That is how I feel about the home. I am currently thinking of using one color and carrying it through to the kitchen , which is to the left, with very minimal natural lighting. Same colors in the kitchen, almond subway tile and have brandon beige cabinets The paint looks very yellow up against the cabinets and its driving me nuts! I’ve repainted my dining room, from a dark brownish taupe color to SilverMist BM. Its pretty, but, not as dark as I was hoping for. Looks more light blue most of the day. Any suggestions? I was thinking gray at first, but, doesn’t brighten as much as I wanted and also goes blue, except for Classic Gray BM. Its very nice as is Halo. However, not too sure I like it up against the trim. Sorry this is so long!!
Hi Sherri! Soooo, when it comes to stuff like this I ALWAYS have to refer to my E-design. This way I can take a good look at your room via photos and spend some time with your questionnaire answers, otherwise I’m really just shootin’ in the dark! It’s affordable and fun – if it interest you, the link to the interior paint colour packages is here… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-colors/
~Kylie
Hi! I wish I saw this before I bought 20 sample paints!! In the end, I also chose Balet White, and I love it every time I look at it!! It is my favorite! I have Dove white cabinets, and it looks amazing . It also compliments my other paints. manchester Tan, simply Ehite , Maritime White, Muslin, and Alabaster! I love your posts. We must have the same eye for color & you seem to be only one I agree with! Lol
Well that is what I like to hear – cheers to that!!!
Lisa I was thinking of using alabaster trim with Ballet White since I have to use Sherwin Williams paint and I heard White Dove doesn’t color match well. Pure White looked too stark for me. Just wondering if alabaster would work with Ballet White.
Hi Kylie- I have read nearly all your color reviews, love them!. I just bought a house and have been struggling with finding the perfect color for my house with poor natural lighting. I have revere Pewter in my kitchen and love it, but when I extended it into my dining room I did not like it. The rest of my home is a darker gray and i am looking to lighten it up. Would ballet White do the trick? I have also considered white dove but am worried it will be too light. How does ballet white compare to dove white?
thanks
katie
Hi Katie, I can just touch on this quickly, but Ballet White could be a beautiful choice. It’s warm but has a great neutral base, which it will likely fall back on if your home is more shadowed). Hope that helps!
Hi
What is the exact wall color in the last pict. with the crystal chandelier? Im confused, as I cant determine if it is GC or BW…
Thanks!
Hi Melissa, that one is Manchester Tan – it’s a great beige/neutral!
Hi Melissa, I believe that is BM Coventry Gray!
Hi Kylie,
I LOVE all of your posts and information! Thank you! I have been in paint color purgatory in my south facing living room. All the colors I have tried go all wonky in this room!! I have a swath of Ballet White on the wall and it is still turning a bit yellow in the afternoon light. Would Pale Oak be a comparable alternative to cool it off a little bit more? I want the room to feel light , airy and calm, but not too bright or cool. The trim and ceilings are white dove…
Thanks!!
Katie
Hi Katie, yes it can be tough! Pale Oak is not super comparable as it’s more of a greige with a soft, feminine undertone. However, you wouldn’t need to worry about the creamy/yellow popping up on you!
~Kylie
If you’re having trouble finding a white for most of the house – which is more versatile for south and north rooms different floorings I can’t change – ballet or SW alabaster?
Ooo, they do have different looks as Ballet White has more depth and Alabaster can act more like a white. I lean a bit more toward Ballet White personally…
Thank you so much! Will Ballet white work well with a green undertone scheme? In some of the pictures I almost see a green undertone but you only mention the yellow/beige/Greige (Greige is also in the scheme).
I am thinking of using ballet white on the exterior of my home. The paint swatches I tested make it look beige, but I’m wanting more of a creamy white. When I look at pictures, it looks like a nice white. Does the color change when you paint it on your entire house? Also we are doing simply white on the trim, is that a good one to pick?
Hi Kim, I’ve used it on the exteriors of clients and it’s beautiful! I wonder if a) you might need to lighten it by 25% for the look you’re going for or b) take a look at something like SW Creamy? I mean, this is without seeing your home or anything, but it might help you get closer to what you want! It’d definitely not a white, although it does look that bit lighter on exteriors – it’s not even an off-white, its more of a ‘light’ colour. I do have E-design if you’d like me to take a look? https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Thanks for your very informative blog!
My husband and I renovated our house this year (down to the studs!) I used Ballet White all over the house based on the advice you had given in the past. I’m very happy with how it has turned out.
Wahoo, I love to hear that Katherine (feel free to send photos too – I LOVE to see photos of colours in action – they can come in SO handy for my readers (if you’re so inclinded 😉 If so, you can send them to kylie@kylieminteriors.ca If not, it’s ALL good and I’m just happy to hear it all turned out 🙂
~Kylie
Once again an amazing review. After purchasing the E-design in the past and painting our bedroom Big Chill, I just love reading your color reviews. Every time I look at the walls in our bedroom, I am amazed at the way color changes based in time of day.
Do you have any suggestions for an accent color (in the darker blue or grey family) to go with the ballet white? I am thinking of using it in the powder-room, but want to paint the vanity as well with a pop of color.
Hi Kylie,
Love your emails and your advice…you have really answered questions of the universe (and wine)!
I have BM Dove White on many of my walls. I like it, and I have used it as a creamy, warmish, non-stark white. Don’t know if I
am correct, but I like it anyway. My question is: how is it different from Ballet White, and how would it contrast with Dove White trim?
Love, love, love your articles! Which Sherwin Williams trim do you recommend to go with BM Ballet White? I like more of a soft, subtle look, rather than a stark, contrasting look. Thanks!
Hi Donna, I might go for the softness of BM White Dove. SW Alabaster is also pretty 🙂
Hi Kylie!
Love all your blogs! Need to send you pictures of my nearly completed e-design bathroom! It looks great! Thank you. My question is, what SW color is most like Ballet White?
Thanks in advance,
April
Hi April, your best bet would be SW White Duck which is DAAAAAMMMN close!
How does Ballet White compare to my “go to color” Neutral Ground?
Ooo Cheryl, you are GOOD, they are close! Neutral Ground has a bit more depth, while still being in the light range. It also has some more beige/cream warmth to it as well. But really, similar idea!
Hi Kyle! Wellll, I wouldn’t call it a creamy white, more of a creamy off-white, so if you’re okay with the depth then it’s a good one!
Hi Kylie – I’m a faithful reader and always find your advice on paint colours so useful. Not to mention you are as funny as heck! Just curious how Ballet White would compare to BM Seashell? I used Seashell on my main floor and really like it.
So would it go okay in a north facing room? Will it add some color (to differentiate it from SW Extra White Trim/crown molding) without making the room drab and lifeless in the midwestern winters?
Sorry….meant north/east windowed room.
Hi Kylie !
Thanks to your review I decided to go with ballet white. It is the perfect off white.. I love it.! I’m stumped with picking the right white for the trim and base though. PLEASE HELP!!! People are saying simply white ? Or dove white? Or another perfect white? What would you choose ?
Hi Steph! With Ballet White, I like the softness of White Dove (not to be confused with Dove Wing, which is common 🙂
Hello! Is there a SW equivalent for Ballet White? Our builder will only use SW colors–not just their paint–I’ve gone round and round with them on having Sherwin Williams mix a BM color, but they say they can only apply SW colors to the house. Clearly, this is frustrating. I had planned on doing White Dove trim with Ballet White walls. Now I’m leaning toward Pure White trim with Shoji White walls….Is Shoji White a good substitute for Ballet White or is there something better? Oh, if this is important, we are building a true farmhouse on an actual 66 acre farm complete with cows, goats, chickens, and 6 children. The main living areas are NW facing with views of all the pastures and barn. The kitchen windows face East. 🙂
Thank you! Sarah
Hi Sarah! Well, with the painter/builder, it’s not them that has to mix the paint, it’s the paint store, so whether the paint store mixes their own colour or another should be irrelevant! (Trades can be a bit weird sometimes about things…).
And of COURSE, SW doesn’t have a direct comparable. But REALLY…you should be able to have them colour match. Go into the store yourself and have them do it, so you can check it in person. If all is good then that should be MORE than enough to go forward. Short of that, Shoji White can be nice, but CAN sometimes flash a tiny (like wee tiny) green. I also love SW White Duck and Sw Neutral Ground. Again, not the same, but similar idea.
I hope that helps!
~Kylie