Even though it’s not quite time to address our bedroom (more work on the first floor first), I’m considering BLACKENED By Farrow & Ball for it. Of course, I’ll be sampling it to see how it works with the light and flooring, and as you’ll see below, it can read blue or grey or white. What I like most is how peaceful it seems. Now that I have been living with other grey colors, I can attest to the calm they impart. Let’s look at Blackened in a number of different rooms, and maybe you’ll be inspired to try it too!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Inspiring Rooms Painted BLACKENED By Farrow & Ball
If you haven’t used grey paint colors then you may not realize how much they can vary according to their undertones. This grey is actually a very cool white.

What Does Blackened Look Like?
Here’s how Farrow & Ball describes it:
“Our coolest white, with the slightest hint of grey, was historically made with the addition of lamp black pigment gathered from the smoke of burning oil lamps. Blackened sits perfectly with each of our Architectural Neutrals for a minimal look or stronger industrial feel. It’s particularly spectacular when used in Full Gloss within stainless steel kitchens, or when paired with All White for an uncompromisingly modern finish.”
I find the image above helpful since we get to see Blackened surrounded by a lot of bright white. Since the trim in my own home is a bright white, it seems like a great pairing. In this next room, we can see there is less natural light, and the color appears less blue:
How Does Blackened Compare to Other Farrow & Ball Grey Paint Colors?
I found the image of the palette with different grey paints on Elle Decor UK. What is so helpful is seeing the actual colors as dry paint and all together.
If you’re unsure whether you want a light, mid range or deeper grey, you could start with samples of these four:
Blackened Appears Atmospheric in a Kitchen
In this first example, the kitchen is minimal, and you can see the paint color’s coolness contrasted with the warm wood shelves:
Another kitchen with this greyed white feels modern with bright white trim and black accents:
Is Blackened a Tranquil Choice for a Kids Room?
It’s helpful to see how this color looks across different lighting scenarios and different seasons. The paint color looks wintry tranquil here:
and very calm in spring or summer light here:

How Does Blackened Look With Marble Tile?
Just in case you are considering the color for a bath or kitchen where it will join marble tile, here’s an inspiring image to give us an idea…
How Does Vertical Fluted Wall Paneling Look With This Gray?
Here’s a beautiful example of Blackened on skinny wood wall paneling.
Isn’t it beautiful with that wood cabinet? Here’s another example of the color with light wood tones:
Blackened in Tranquil Bedrooms
A lot of folks love this color for their bedroom, and if you’re after a restful retreat-feel, then maybe it will be a contender.
You can see how it works well with the gold tones above and below.
This may be the most helpful example of Blackened in a bedroom of all! Skip to 16:40 to see it in a beautiful Hamptons bedroom and sitting room:
I hope the glimpses help you on your own journey to find the best light grey or greyed-white paint color for your space.

You’ll find many more ideas and paint color inspiration on this blog. Start HERE. Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

If this color is speaking to you, I just added the best silvery-grey towels and robe to my bath. I highly recommend these:

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Loved the video and touring Christy’s home…I already adhere to parts of her design philosophy of buying things you love because you CAN always find a place for them and buying unique/quirky things you don’t see everywhere else! Makes for such a special home to enjoy like hers! Also love blackened as a very calming paint color!
Author
I’m so glad you liked it – I adore how Blackened looks in Christy’s bedroom, and her endorsement got me super curious. Can’t wait to try it and report. Let me know if you decide to experiment with it too! Love to you, Amy.
Hi there!! I am about to paint a bedroom and will be considering this color for sure. Love to hear the word peaceful in any room. I also have a hutch that I would like to paint a very light blue or blue gray. I bought a sample of the farrow light blue and it didn’t work with my lighting. Is there another color that is very light that you would recommend? I am so looking forward to see the pix of your house when it is completed. Love to hear you speak of living deliberately and slowly. Coming from a person who seems to be rushing all the time, it helps me slow down. That is such a peaceful way to live. Thank you so much
Author
Great to hear from you! I am ordering a sample of Blackened and will be comparing it to the custom grey I mixed here for my cabinets (2 parts Pavilion Gray, 1 part bright white). Anxious to see if it reads more blue. I hear you in your quest for the perfect pale blue grey, and I’m always after it! Light Blue read green here at my house. I have had no luck starting with blue paint colors and paling them with white. It seems greys with blue undertones are the better answer. Living peacefully and more slowly is a challenge for me as well. It is not as though I think peaceful decor will create more peace in me…rather, it reminds me to slow down and only then in stillness can I get centered and anchored in peace.
thanks for information
Author
you bet