When you’re after a calm look for a room, no matter the style of the space, the paint color can set the tone. When you decide on a gray color, there are endless options so it can be tricky to know where to start. The classic sophistication and timeless appeal of color options imagined by Farrow & Ball is a smart place to begin. We’ll explore Farrow & Ball Classic Gray Paint Colors in a Variety of Settings with photos of the colors in different lighting situations to help you decide which greys to sample (along with a few whites too) before you choose the just right color for your unique context.
![Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) in an English country style kitchen by @emma_austen. #paviliongray #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emma_austen-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-kitchen.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Classic Gray Paint Colors
When you’re searching for the perfect gray, remember that the color’s name may not contain the word “gray.” Here’s an example–Strong White sounds as if it might be a bright crisp white. Nope!
![Farrow & Ball Strong White in a French farmhouse bathroom with clawfoot tub and reclaimed terracotta hex tile floor - Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/001-farrow-ball-strong-white-bathroom-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Farrow & Ball has a very particular way they choose color names, and often the name is rooted in history (i.e. the color pavilions were painted) rather than a color’s appearance.
![Modern farmhouse kitchen with cabinets painted Pavilion Gray - Lauren Bradshaw. #paviliongray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lauren-bradshaw-kitchen-cabinets-farrow-ball-pavilion-gray-floating-shelves.jpg)
What’s helpful about perusing inspiration photos and images of paint swatches is you’ll be able to compare the variation of colors.
![Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) in an English country style kitchen with Shaker shelf by @emma_austen. #paviliongray #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emma_austen-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-kitchen-shelf.jpg)
A paint color’s ultimate appearance in your space is impacted by the light in a room or the exposure outside as well as undertones in the paint’s formula.
![Pavilion Gray paint color on front door of a beautiful English home with wisteria. #paviliongray #farrowandballpaviliongray #greypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/@tina-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-dront-door-wisteria.jpg)
It always pays to take the time to test samples in the space and watch them as the light changes throughout the day. When you have several samples side by side, suddenly you begin to see subtle and not so subtle differences.
We Pause to Shift Into a Tranquil Mood (Like Calm Paint Colors Create)
Farrow & Ball Paint Color: All White
![Farrow and Ball All White No. 2005 paint color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/farrow-and-ball-all-white.jpg)
“All White is exactly what it says! Unusually, it contains no other pigment except for white, creating the softest most sympathetic colour without the colder blue undertones of a brilliant white.
![@homebymarie - Farrow & Ball All White and Green Smoke in a kitchen, #farrowandballgreensmoke #greenkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/homebymarie-all-white-green-smoke-farrow-ball-kitchen.jpg)
One of our Contemporary Neutrals, All White pairs seamlessly with Skimming Stone and Strong White for a warm scheme with a slight edge.
![All White (Farrow & Ball) paint color in entry with built-in bench - @beavermillsdesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/all-white-farrow-ball-entry-mud-room-beavermillsdesign.jpg)
For a clean and almost graphic finish, contrast with fresh, strong tones like Pitch Black and St Giles Blue.”
![@jennacooperla - Farrow & Ball All White in a beautiful living area with Jenni Kayne furnishings (photo: Tessa Neustadt). #farrowandballallwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jennacooperla-farrow-ball-all-white-photo-tessaneustadt.jpg)
![Tranquil, timeless and sophisticated design in a French farmhouse bedroom by Vivi et Margot with Farrow and Ball's Strong White on the walls and French Gray for trim.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/square-french-farmhouse-master-bedroom-7-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Cornforth White
“Cornforth White is the mid tone in the group of Easy Neutrals which are totally understated and extremely versatile.
![Farrow and Ball Cornforth White paint color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/farrow-and-ball-cornforth-white-paint-color.jpg)
Neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White sits contentedly between Ammonite and Purbeck Stone to create a hushed and calming retreat.
![Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) warm beige kitchen cabinets in an English country kitchen - @thewoodworks. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite #beigepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/farrow-ball-cornforth-white-kitchen-cabinets-english-country-@thewoodworks.jpg)
Named in memory of John Cornforth, the revered architectural historian, contrast with Wevet to enhance its grey qualities.”
![Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) paint color on paneled wall of a serene bedroom by @_houseonthemeadow](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cornforth-white-farrow-ball-bedroom-paneled-wall_houseonthemeadow.jpg)
![Beautiful navy blue bathroom vanity painted Farrow and Ball French Beret (a navy blue) and walls painted Cornforth White. Martha O'Hara Interiors.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/martha-ohara-designed-bathroom-farrow-ball-cornforth-white-paint-color-walls.jpg)
![Cornforth White walls in a beautiful serene living room with minimal luxe style - @stella.louie. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cornforth-white-bedroom-walls-with-cockapoo-stella.louie-2.jpg)
Hardwick White
![Farrow and Ball Hardwick White No. 5 paint color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/farrow-and-ball-hardwick-white.jpg)
“This traditional grey was originally created to touch up the old limewash at Hardwick Hall and doesn’t look very white to most, unless contrasted with strong shades like Off-Black.
![Hardwick White (Farrow & Ball) paint color on walls in kitchen - @riverlanelife](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hardwickwhite-farrow-ball-kitchen-riverlanelife.jpg)
Less blue than Lamp Room Gray and with an unsurpassed depth of colour, Hardwick White’s rich and chalky hue sits just as well in a contemporary room as it does in a historic house.”
![Farrow & Ball Hardwick White in a beautiful bedroom by @our_1930srenovation_story. #hardwickwhite #farrowandballhardwickwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hardwick-white-farrow-ball-our_1930srenovation_story-bedroom.jpg)
![@averyfranksdesign - Farrow & Ball Hardwick white in a kitchen with marble farm sink and subway tile. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #bespokekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/farrow-ball-hardwick-white-averyfranksdesign-kitchen-marble-farm-sink-3.jpg)
Strong White
![Strong White Farrow & Ball paint color on walls of English country bath by @wallflower_cottage. #strongwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-white-farrow-ball-wallflower_cottage.jpg)
![FARROW & BALL Strong White paint color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Farrow-Ball-Strong-White.jpg)
“This cool white is both strong by name and strong by nature. One of our Contemporary Neutrals, the subtle urban feel of its light grey undertones add a contemporary twist to period homes, while staying in keeping with modern properties. Pair with Skimming Stone, Elephant’s Breath and All White in any combination for an effortlessly cohesive scheme.”
![Within a thoughtfully renovated authentic French farmhouse near Bordeaux, Charlotte Reiss of Vivi et Margot has added authentic and romantic decor from France to create a timeless home with European country charm.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/vivi-et-margot-french-farmhouse-5.jpg)
![Farrow & Ball Strong White No.2001](https://www.farrow-ball.com/globalassets/products/paint/strong-white/strong-white-3.jpg)
![Breezy and unfussy with Belgian linen curtains from Pottery Barn, this French farmhouse living room with white (Farrow and Ball's Strong White) and French Gray accents is as timeless as it is refreshing - Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/french-farmhouse-living-room-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
Pavilion Gray: A Cool Mid Grey
“This classic mid grey was originally created for a bespoke pavilion, but is also reminiscent of an elegant 18th century Swedish colour. One of the Architectural Neutrals, the subtle blue undertones of Pavilion Gray add a contemporary touch and sense of spaciousness. Combine with Dimpse, Blackened or Manor House Gray in any combination for a scheme that is perfect for the modern family home.”
![Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray at 66% on kitchen cabinets, SW Eider White on walls - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #paviliongray #eiderwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-modern-french-002-1440x1920.jpg)
![Beautiful serene bedroom painted Strong White with Pavilion Gray board and batten - @my.millenium.maison #paviliongray #strongwhite #serenepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-white-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-bedroom-my.millenium.maison.jpg)
![Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) in an English country style kitchen by @emma_austen with handmade artisan elements and wood counters. #paviliongray #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emma_austen-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-kitchen-1.jpg)
![Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray in a lovely bedroom designed by @emma_austen. #paviliongray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emma_austen-pavilion-gray-farrow-ball-bedroom.jpg)
![This serene and classic kitchen with modern minimal style by Lauren Bradshaw sports cabinets painted Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lauren-bradshaw-kitchen-cabinets-farrow-ball-pavilion-gray.jpg)
Even though it is a custom gray on the trim and windows at Patina Farm (Giannetti Home), Brooke Giannetti says it is similar to Pavilion Gray.
![Breathtaking exterior of the modern farmhouse Patina Farm in Ojai, California by Giannetti Home.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/patina-farm-exterior-velvet-and-linen.jpg)
In case you need more evidence that the exact same paint color with a different source of light will look vastly different…
![Dining room painted in Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray.](https://www.farrow-ball.com/globalassets/products/paint/pavilion-gray/dining-room.jpg)
![Pavilion Gray Farrow & Ball paint color on kitchen cabinets - Cheshire Furniture.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/farrow-ball-pavilion-gray-kitchen-cheshire-furniture.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
Wimborne White
“This just off white is named after the market town of Wimborne in Dorset and home to Farrow & Ball.
![English country cottage kitchen with Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster cabinets and Wimborne White walls - @penlancottagebrecon. #settingplaster #englishcountryinterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/penlancottagebrecon-english-country-kitchen-farrow-ball-setting-plaster-cabinets-wimborne-white-walls-rustic.jpg)
![Farrow and Ball Wimborne White paint color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/farrow-and-ball-wimborne-white.jpg)
Only a shade away from a pure white, the addition of the smallest amount of warm yellow pigment creates a very versatile shade which is just a little softer than All White.”
![Farrow and Ball's Wimborne White paint is magical on these Shaker kitchen cabinets by bespoke furniture maker deVOL.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/deVOL-Shaker-kitchen-farrow-ball-wimborne-white.jpeg)
![Sarah Sherman Samuel's kitchen renovation is a relevation with Wimborne White painted upper cabinets (Farrow & Ball).](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sarah-sherman-kitchen-wimborne-white-farrow-ball-cabinets.jpg)
Psst. Just a reminder you can add gray accents to calm a room too.
![Hello Lovely European country bedroom with Stikwood shiplap (Hamptons), Zuma rug, Montara pillow on bed (Amber Lewis x Loloi) and Belgian linen chair. #europeancountry #romanticbedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/001-bedroom-montara-pillow-hello-lovely-studio-gold-velvet-nightstand.jpg)
Combine a Couple Farrow & Ball Classics
Sometimes you’re just on the fence when you are searching for the perfect grey or white-grey. When we bought a neglected fixer upper in 2015 and redesigned the front courtyard (just the wildest jungle!), I needed quick easy fixes on my shoestring budget.
![French country garden with bench and stone wall - Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hello-lovely-garden-boxwood-bench.jpg)
After clearing weeds and all but one perennial, I brought in pea gravel and outdoor furniture snagged at a garage sale which I painted a combination of two colors mentioned above: 50% Farrow & Ball Cornforth White and 50% Farrow & Ball Hardwick White.
![My French farmhouse inspired courtyard in summer with pea gravel, ferns, galvanized buckets, and boxwood - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/my-french-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio-22.jpg)
How did I decide on this winning combo?
![Exterior of our Nordic style cottage exterior with French Courtyard. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fall-inspiration-0023-1440x2160.jpg)
I looked to the home’s siding which is a gentle stone-like greyish white hue somewhere between Cornforth and Hardwick whites.
![My French country courtyard with stone wall and serene furniture resting in pea gravel - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-bench-2.jpg)
Not Quite a Perfect Match…Which Was Perfect
By combining them, it was a pleasing (not perfect – I wasn’t going for that) result.
![Romantic, simple, French courtyard with pink accents for a tea party - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cupcakes-in-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio-4.jpg)
I liked it so much, we used that same formula for more exterior trim areas.
![Our French country inspired French courtyard is simple and easy to maintain with its pea gravel, painted distressed furniture, and boxwood plantings - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-2.jpg)
Also…just in case you’re ready to discover more classic gray paint color ideas…GO HERE, and then repin these ideas on a Pinterest board you create with your favorite paints to try!
![Hello Lovely's French courtyard with pea gravel and wood furniture painted 50/50 Cornforth White/Hardwick White from Farrow & Ball.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-bench-2.jpg)
Need a less messy way to sample and try paint colors in your space? Order peel and stick samples with Samplize & get them delivered to your door.
Quotes to Pin
If you’re in the mood to pin lovely inspirational quotes, do visit THIS TREASURE TROVE of quotes…and maybe re-pin them to your own Pinterest board devoted to quotes!
![Funny cat tweet about imposter syndrome from @jenkatwrites on Hello Lovely Studio. #cattweets #cathumor #impostersyndrome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/funny-cat-tweet-jenkatwrites-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Funny cat quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #catquotes #cathumor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cat-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Anne Lamott inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #annelamott #lifequotes #encouragementquotes #grace](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BLUE-GREY-inspirational-quote-about-grace-anne-lamott.jpg)
![Inspiring rest quote by Cole Arthur Riley: Rest is an act of defiance, and it cannot be predicated on apology... #colearthurriley #restquote #slowlivingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rest-is-defiance-we-will-not-be-owned-quote-cole-arthur-riley-this-here-flesh-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Encouragement quote reminding us we have struggled and overcome - Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes #overwhelmquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/encouragement-quote-diagram-percentage-of-all-time-worst-days-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Dog quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #dogquotes #petquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dog-quote-hello-lovely-studio-007.jpg)
![Faith, spirituality and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #jamesfinley #faithquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/faith-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-pink-love-is-our-destiny-james-finley-1.jpg)
![Inspirational quote from Ann Voskamp on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquote #inspirationalquotes #annvoskamp #christianity #encouragementquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/inspirational-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-time-seize-sacrifice.jpg)
![One off humor tweet about being imperfect or awkward by @delia_cai on Hello Lovely Studio. #oneoffhumor #socialfail #relatabletweet #lifetweet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/funny-tweet-about-imperfection-delia_cai-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Inspirational quote to encourage, uplift, and inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationaquotes #quotes #encouragement #personalgrowth #courage #kindness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/aqua-blue-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-seeds-you-plant.jpg)
![Funny tweet about fall time change and dark days from @lukasbattle on Hello Lovely Studio. #timechange #fallquotes #shortdays](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/funny-tweet-fall-time-change-@lukasbattle-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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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