Ref. #BEC4B7 · 1128-4
Balsam
54%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Balsam Technical Profile
What color is Balsam? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #BEC4B7. Colors similar to Balsam include Behr Summer Green, Kilz Loden Frost, Kilz Loden Frost. Balsam has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 54, Balsam sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a warm neutral, Balsam pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Balsam
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Balsam
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Balsam
#BEC4B7
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#86AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Balsam
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Balsam Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar PPG Colors
Other PPG colors close to Balsam.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Balsam — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Balsam have?
Balsam by PPG has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Balsam from other brands?
The closest matches are Summer Green by Behr (#BDC4B6), Loden Frost by Kilz (#BEC5B6), Loden Frost by Kilz (#BEC5B6). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Balsam?
Balsam has an LRV of 53.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Balsam
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Balsam's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.