Paint Colour Review: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9
If you’re looking for a soft, creamy neutral that adds warmth and elegance to any space, Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 might just be the perfect paint colour for your home. This beautiful off-white is loved for its subtle blend of undertones, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re considering Ballet White for your walls, cabinetry, or even a whole-house colour palette, this blog post will help you decide if it’s the right fit. Let’s get into the details and see why this timeless neutral deserves a spot on your paint shortlist!
What colour is Ballet White?
Ballet White OC-9 (also called Muskoka Trail 974) is a warm, creamy off-white with a strong neutral base and slight yellow and green undertones. Its softness prevents it from feeling stark or cold, making it a fantastic choice for creating a welcoming and relaxed ambience. In natural light, you’ll see its gentle warmth come through, while in lower light, it leans into its undertones, adding a subtle touch of cosiness without appearing too yellow or muddy.
This versatile off-white can work beautifully in various rooms of your home. Use it in a living room to create a soft, neutral backdrop, in a bedroom for a calming retreat, or in hallways and open-plan areas to add warmth and continuity throughout your home. It’s also a lovely option for kitchen cabinets if you’re aiming for a classic yet modern look.
Ballet White’s LRV
LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.
Ballet White has an LRV of 71, meaning it reflects a good amount of light while still having enough depth and colour to avoid feeling too stark or washed out. This makes it a great choice for rooms with moderate natural light, where it will feel bright and airy without being overly crisp. In darker rooms, Ballet White holds its warmth nicely, providing a soft glow rather than appearing flat or dull.
How does Ballet White look in different lighting exposures?
Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.
In north-facing rooms or afternoon eastern light, which tend to have cooler, bluish light, Ballet White takes on more of its greige undertones, offering a muted yet cosy feel. Its slight yellow undertones help it show some warmth and slightly balance out the cool light.
In south-facing rooms or afternoon western light with warm, bright light, its creamy warmth becomes more pronounced, creating a soft and inviting glow without feeling overly yellow thanks to its slight green undertones which tone down the warmth.
What about white trim colours?
Choosing the right white trim colour is essential to enhancing the beauty of Ballet White. For a crisp, clean contrast, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 is a fantastic option — it’s a bright, neutral white that won’t compete with Ballet White’s undertones. For a softer contrast, consider Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, a warm muted white that complements Ballet White’s undertones beautifully. Another lovely trim choice is Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117, which has just a hint of warmth without reading yellow, offering a fresh and inviting look. Any of these whites will provide a seamless and polished finish, whether you’re painting walls, cabinetry, or built-ins.
Which colours coordinate best with Ballet White?
To create a cohesive and harmonious colour palette with Ballet White, consider pairing it with soft, earthy tones and gentle contrasts. For a timeless look, consider a darker greige or beige like Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Bennington Gray HC-82, or Pashmina AF-100. For a touch of colour, consider a muted blue or green such as Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments 1563 or Pale Smoke 1584. Lastly, for a classic and grounding contrast, consider a warm dark grey, olive green, or muted navy blue like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 or Mohegan Sage 2138-30.
——————
Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 is a timeless and versatile paint colour that can bring warmth, elegance, and a sense of calm to any room in your home.
If you’d like help selecting the perfect paint colours for your home, I offer a custom colour consultation service tailored to your unique lighting and style. You can also explore my digital whole-house colour palettes, thoughtfully designed to take the guesswork out of creating a beautiful, cohesive home. Let’s bring your dream interior to life — one stunning paint colour at a time!
Thank you for reading and happy decorating!
Manon xx