Balboa Mist vs Surprise Amber
Balboa Mist (Benjamin Moore) and Surprise Amber (Sherwin-Williams) come from different manufacturers. Hue-wise, Balboa Mist belongs to the beige-greige family and Surprise Amber to the beige family. The 13-point LRV gap — 66 for Balboa Mist vs 53 for Surprise Amber — means Balboa Mist will open up a space more effectively. Where Balboa Mist leans red, Surprise Amber reads warm — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 36.6 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Balboa Mist vs Surprise Amber Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Balboa Mist on one side and Surprise Amber on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Balboa Mist comparisons
See how Balboa Mist stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
