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, LOVE your website! I have been studying it for months now and recommending it to my friends. Quick question for you…we recently had our upstairs hallway painted Ballet White which I love, but not sure about my selection of satin Chantilly Lace for the trim/door color – seems too stark a contrast. The previous homeowner used semi-gloss Behr Ultra Pure White throughout the house for trim/doors, so I thought I would switch to Chantilly Lace as we begin repainting our home. Do you have any recommendations for a better trim color? Should I switch to SW Pure White for the Ballet White walls or stick with the Chantilly Lace for consistency? Thanks in advance! (PS We also had my son’s room painted Newburyport Blue with Chantilly Lace satin trim – LOVE IT – and as soon as the room is finished, I will send you some pics.)
After reading (too many) reviews and trying (too many) samples, I finally decided on Ballet White (25% darkened) as our whole-house color. I’m obsessed. Now I’m ready to paint our oak cabinets in the hallway. I’m thinking a medium greige, but I’m struggling to find one with undertones that don’t conflict…and make me cringe. Also, I’d like the lightest griege for the cabinets while keeping enough LRV differentiation so they don’t blend together. Any suggested colors? Thank you for any suggestions!!! 🥰
Hi Jaime, try for a greige in the medium depth range with a green undertone – avoid any violet or violet-pink hues with Ballet White!
Hi Kylie! Thank you so much for everything you post! I hope you know how much you help!
I’m painting my home’s exterior and I’ve narrowed it down to Ballet White or Inspire Awe by Clark+Kensington. The problem is I cannot find any information on Inspire Awe except the LRV 63. It’s a very similar greige to Ballet White with slight barely there purplish/taupe undertones. I have samples of both on poster boards. I’ve looked at each all around my exterior… at all hours…many, many, many times.
I live in Phoenix, AZ and my house faces southwest. I’m worried about going too yellow with Ballet White due to the western sun. But if I used Inspire Awe, the purple/taupe undertones should cancel it.
I also do not want my house to look pastel purple in low light! I also have a green lawn and don’t want it to reflect too much on the house. (But that may be inevitable with light paint). I really like Inspire Awe, but I’m afraid of it since I can’t find anything on it. Also, I think I see a tiny hint of pink/violet in Ballet White, am I mistaken?
1. My house is mid-century and I would like to do a soft white/light greige with dark trim like you have in this blog. I’m worried that a LRV of 63 would make the house look too dark in some light (like bad 90s blah beige). How do you predict how much lighter/brighter the color will be on the exterior? Is the paint on the poster board an accurate representation of how the true color will look on the house? How much of the undertone will I see once on the exterior?
2. Thanks to your information in this blog, I now have an idea for the trim: BM Willow. When picking trim, I know that contrast is good. HOWEVER, when picking contrasting trim do I always aim for the same undertone of the main color? Would a contrasting trim paint in a different undertone than the main color be a disaster? In other words, do I contrast the main color and never contrast the undertones?
***I’m determined not to mess this up. I’ve already had to pay to repaint my living room that went creamy lemon yellow when I chose BM Philadelphia Cream. It reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen growing up. I chose BM Winter Wheat (Albescent) to fix it thanks to your post on creams- and it looks great!
Hey! Just a quick note to check out Sherwin Williams White Duck, as it’s less yellowish than Ballet White but still has a bit of warmth to it!
Hi, Kylie! Scouring through colors for our exterior—it’s about 3/4 brick and 1/4 cedar siding. Our brick is orange toned (the varied, lighter kind, not super dark orange); do you think it could work to leave the brick and paint the siding ballet white? I don’t want the contrast to look jarring but I also don’t want to commit to painting the brick yet.
Ooooo, without seeing it I can’t say for sure, but right off the bat I worry that Ballet White could look too creamy/yellow with an orange-hued brick 🙂
Thank you! I looked at you packages but saw your out of office until the 21st and we have to decide by tomorrow 🙃—does dove wing seem like a pretty safe bet?
Thank you! I looked at you packages but saw you’re out of office until the 21st and we have to decide by tomorrow 🙃—does dove wing seem like a pretty safe bet?
Do you think that Ballet White and Edgecomb Gray would work in adjoining rooms. Just worried that the yellow in Ballet White may bring out pink in Edgecomb Gray. Was also looking at Wind’s Breath or White Sand if either of those would work better.
I have Ballet White bookcases, but am looking for wall color a couple shades darker for contrast. What do you suggest? I don’t want to go too beige or yellow. Thank you.
Hi Kylie,
I have been reading every tidbit of info you’ve put out there and watched countless videos and I think I finally came to a decision on exterior paint. Planning on ballet white for siding, simply white for trim, and conservative gray for shutters and doors. Thoughts?
Hi Shana, sounds good, but you MIGHT want a slightly darker gray-green for the shutters, just for a touch more contrast :).
Thanks very much for your wonderful color analyses. Trying to sort whites and off-whites is the most challenging aspect of painting, as those who have tried know. But I see on the Benjamin Moore site that “Ballet White” OC-9 is given an LRV of _71.97_. Has the formula changed since your original review?
FYI, the beautiful pale bluish-gray tiles in my bath presented a nightmare for upper wall color. After two tries with cold whites, BM “Steam” has been a winner. It seems bluish and yellowish are always a good duo. And after two attempts at yellow in the kitchen with “White Dove” cabinetsand soapstone counters, BM “Simply Irresistible” is just enough yellow without being yellow. I’d love to see you do a piece on calm, grown-up yellows that provide muted backdrops but still “read” as yellow. That’s been a tough search, too.
Hi Blair, thanks for catching this, and YES, it looks like it is lower! And I think this is a GREAT blog post idea, thank you – ESPECIALLY with warm colours coming back on the scene!
I chose ballet white to brighten a dining room it seems very yellow /cream. (It does get a bit of sun during the day) Trying to figure out what color to paint the hutch was going to do dark gray/light gray (have lighter floors) but don’t want it to bring out more yellow in the paint. What color would you do the hutch. The room next to it has pashmina but planning to get painters to lighten up the surrounding main areas in January…room with an off white color in next few months stuck in my decision not sure I’m loving my new color but want it to work
Hi Kylie! Edgecomb lightened by 50% vs Ballet White. Are they that different?
I’d have to check them out to see!
Hi Kylie! I have Alabaster for trim throughout the house and don’t want to change. Would the alabaster trim go with Ballet White on (some) of the walls?
Yup!
Hi Kylie!
I am learning so much from you and read everything that you write. Your humor is fantastic !
I am painting my large family room which faces south-east, with lots of natural light. I have two large dark grey leather pieces with warm cherry woodwork. I really love the warmer toned paint.
What color do you suggest; a warm cream or a warm gray, or any other paint color that you suggest?
Please help!!! Thank you !
Oh boy, it’s so hard to say without seeing the room and the undertones of the gray, flooring, etc…off the top, how about SW Egret White or BM Classic Gray???
Leaning towards Ballet White for western facing, brick exterior but am afraid of the green undertones (lots of tall trees).
As a rule do the undertones become more or less prominent when the color is mixed at 25% or 50% less?
Love your blog!!
Hey Theresa, unfortunately there IS no rule as it’s on a ‘per color’ basis – some colors pick up a bit more of an undertone, shift undertones, etc. depending on their exact make up!
Hello Kylie,
On a scale of 1-10, how twitchy do you get at the thought of ballet white walls with sherwin williams cold foam trim?
I’m trying to avoid alabaster because it doesn’t seem as flexible, and I need a warmer white than pure white, and I don’t want to use bm white dove advance trim paint because of the long time to recoat.
Thank you for any thoughts,
Sarah
Hey! What about using Benjamin Moore Inslx cabinet coat, which is what I use on my trims (I’ve done Advance as well, as yes, it has that longer dry time). I say this because i PREFER White Dove with Ballet White. However, between Alabaster and Cold Foam, I’m with you – i like Cold Foam with its higher LRV :).
Has anyone noticed the formula for ballet white has changed? Color is slightly different.
Hmmm, I didn’t notice that. Mind you, if you ordered it in a different ‘type/line or sheen’, that can affect how its made, for sure. But if it’s the exact same gallon/type, that’s news to me!
Hi Kylie! First of all, thank you so much for all your helpful insight! I just was re-reading this since I am repainting my kitchen Ballet White (originally painted BW in 2020), and I thought I was losing it because it looks so different where I’ve cut in. Same Regal Select Matte as before. I checked the label on top of the can, and sure enough it says “revised 8/30/2023.” This time I see much less cream, more neutral. Still absolutely lovely, but definitely different! I’ll try to get a picture. Again, thank you for all your articles! And I will be sending in some before and after pics of our kitchen! 🙂
Hi Kylie.
Love all the info you share about marrying up paint colors. I have gone with ballet white as a trim color and most of my house is half strength Swiss coffee. I love the combination but trying to choose a slightly warmer feel for a side room with French door.
I tried pashmina but it seems a bit dark. I do love a teal blue though. (?harbor haze) Any suggestions?
Hello Kylie! I love your tips on color! I’m doing a kitchen renovation and I’m going to have a light stained white oak island. How would it look to have ballet white cabinets and my walls white dove? I’m torn between doing all white dove cabinets, walls and trim or making the cabinets ballet white. I’m nervous putting the two together. Do they work with the cabinets? 😁
Hi Tara! I know this is from back in October but wondering what you decided to do? I’m thinking of the same combination!
Thank you!
Hi Kylie, I goofed! I painted my open concept kitchen/dining room/living room BM Simply White and boy what a disappointment
I just had a new white kitchen put in with quartz countertops and a hexagon marble backsplash. It’s sooo YELLOW in the western sun. The ceiling is Simply White in flat and the trim is Simply White in semi gloss. My question is if I have Simply White lightened by 25-75% and repaint the walls will it cut the yellow? If yes what percentage do you recommend? I wish I had found you before I embarked on my disastrous painting project.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Mary
Oh boy, I’m sorry to hear this! If it were ME, I would either leave it all or do it all. The risk with changing only the walls it that they could make the ceiling look even MORE yellow as now it’s being compared to a cleaner white – I would be quite worried.
Kylie, Thank you so much for the quick response. I was hoping for a different answer but I guess I will take your advice and just leave it for now. I have vaulted ceilings and repainting everything would be a nightmare for my husband not to mention the cost. I don’t understand why other designers love this color. I will continue to enjoy your blogs, your sense of humor and invaluable advice. Thanks, Mary
Hi Kylie, I am loving all your information you provide! My question is, does Benjamin Moore ballet white on walls in kitchen pair well with Sherwin-Williams alabaster cabinets? I have SW Urbane bronze on the kitchen island and pantry door. I have a very busy Santa Cecilia granite with a tan backsplash. I do hate the counters and backsplash, but that’s not in the budget right now. At some point I will paint the backsplash. Should I paint the backsplash in the same color alabaster as my cabinets, just in a semi glossy sheen? Also, for reference I have bright white doors and trim. Is that too much white going on? Thinking of painting the doors and trim the same color as the walls only in a different sheen. Also, for reference, I have dark floors. If the BM ballet white doesn’t work in the scenario on my walls. What color do you recommend accessible beige? Thank you for any suggestions
I see your pair ballet white with white dove. I brought home a sample of ballet white, & it looks great. My situation is this, I have white dove on my walls & I want to get my dark cherry cabinets painted. I know you said that white dove looks good paired *as trim with ballet white on walls. But, would you consider the opposite? Dove white walls & ballet white kitchen cabinets? I just ask because I remember you saying in a few of your videos that certain colors did not look good as cabinet colors…
Yeaaaah, I’m not sure I’d do this. I worry it will look backwards or ‘off’.
You are my go to color person. I love your choices.
CINDYYYYY, thank you :).