Classic Gray Paint Colors (And a Few Whites Too!)

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
Try these classic gray paint colors including Pavilion Gray – @emma_austen

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.
Vivi et Margot – In case you need ideas for classic gray paint colors: FARROW & BALL Strong White; Ceiling paint color: FARROW & BALL All White.

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
F&B Pavilion Gray is a gorgeous grey-white in a kitchen by Lauren Bradshaw

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
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray – @emma_austen

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
Pavilion Gray – Farrow & Ball

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.
FARROW & BALL All White…white pigments only with no cool blue undertones.

“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
@homebymarie – Farrow & Ball Green Smoke on cabinets and All White on walls

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
All White – @beavermillsdesign

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
@jennacooperla – Farrow & Ball All White
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.
Vivi et Margot – ceiling paint color is FARROW & BALL All White.

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.
FARROW & BALL Cornforth White…certainly lovely indeed.

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
@thewoodworks – F&B Cornforth White on kitchen cabinets

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
Cornforth White – @_houseonthemeadow
Beautiful navy blue bathroom vanity painted Farrow and Ball French Beret (a navy blue) and walls painted Cornforth White. Martha O'Hara Interiors.
Martha O’Hara Interiors…certainly lovely indeed. In case you need neutral paint color ideas: wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Cornforth White – Vanity painted FARROW & BALL French Beret.
Cornforth White walls in a beautiful serene living room with minimal luxe style - @stella.louie. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite
Cornforth White in a living room – @stella.louie

Hardwick White

Farrow and Ball Hardwick White No. 5 paint color.
FARROW & BALL Hardwick White No. 5…certainly neutral indeed.

“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
Hardwick White – @riverlanelife

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
F&B Hardwick White@our_1930srenovation_story
@averyfranksdesign - Farrow & Ball Hardwick white in a kitchen with marble farm sink and subway tile. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #bespokekitchens
@averyfranksdesign – Farrow & Ball Hardwick White

Strong White

Strong White Farrow & Ball paint color on walls of English country bath by @wallflower_cottage. #strongwhite
Strong White on walls; Treron on mirror – @wallflower_cottage
FARROW & BALL Strong White paint color.
FARROW & BALL Strong White paint color…light grey undertones impart a decidedly lovely effect for more contemporary environments.

“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.
Vivi et Margot…in case you need neutral paint color ideas: paint color on walls: FARROW & BALL Strong White.
Farrow & Ball Strong White No.2001
Strong White
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.
Vivi et Margot…in case you need a calm classic gray paint color for walls: FARROW & BALL Strong White.

Pavilion Gray: A Cool Mid Grey

Pavilion Gray No.242 - 1 Gallon
FARROW & BALL Pavilion Gray No. 242…certainly beautiful indeed.

“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
I used Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray at 66% saturation on my kitchen cabinets (SW Eider White on walls) – Hello Lovely
Beautiful serene bedroom painted Strong White with Pavilion Gray board and batten - @my.millenium.maison #paviliongray #strongwhite #serenepaintcolors
Strong White walls with Pavilion Gray board and batten paneling – @my.millenium.maison
Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) in an English country style kitchen by @emma_austen with handmade artisan elements and wood counters. #paviliongray #graypaintcolors
Pavilion Gray – @emma_austen
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray in a lovely bedroom designed by @emma_austen. #paviliongray
Pavilion Gray – @emma_austen
This serene and classic kitchen with modern minimal style by Lauren Bradshaw sports cabinets painted Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray.
Design: Lauren Bradshaw’s kitchen cabinet paint color: FARROW & BALL Pavilion Gray

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.
Photo of Patina Farm exterior: Velvet and Linen/Design: Giannetti Home…certainly breathtaking indeed.

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.
Farrow & Ball Light Gray & Gray-White PAINT COLORS
Pavilion Gray Farrow & Ball paint color on kitchen cabinets - Cheshire Furniture.
Cheshire Furniture – Pavilion Gray

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
@penlancottagebrecon – Setting Plaster & Wimborne White
Farrow and Ball Wimborne White paint color.
FARROW & BALL Wimborne White…a decidedly lovely off white with a touch of yellow warmth.

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.
deVOL kitchen cabinets painted FARROW & BALL Wimborne White.
Sarah Sherman Samuel's kitchen renovation is a relevation with Wimborne White painted upper cabinets (Farrow & Ball).
Sarah Sherman Samuel FARROW & BALL Wimborne White – lower base cabinets painted FARROW & BALL Pigeon.

Psst. Just a reminder you can add gray accents to calm a room too.

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – Farrow & Ball painted wood furniture in our courtyard

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – bench painted a 50/50 combination of FARROW & BALL Cornforth White and Hardwick White…a winning combo indeed.

How did I decide on this winning combo?

Exterior of our Nordic style cottage exterior with French Courtyard. Hello Lovely Studio.
Exterior of our former Nordic style cottage exterior with French Courtyard – Hello Lovely Studio.

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – bench painted a 50/50 combination of FARROW & BALL Cornforth White and Hardwick White…a winning combo indeed.

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – bench painted a 50/50 combination of FARROW & BALL Cornforth White and Hardwick White…a winning combo indeed.

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – bench painted a 50/50 combination of FARROW & BALL Cornforth White and Hardwick White…a winning combo indeed.

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.
Hello Lovely Studio – bench painted a 50/50 combination of FARROW & BALL Cornforth White and Hardwick White…a winning combo indeed.

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
Funny cat quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #catquotes #cathumor
Anne Lamott inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #annelamott #lifequotes #encouragementquotes #grace
Inspiring rest quote by Cole Arthur Riley: Rest is an act of defiance, and it cannot be predicated on apology... #colearthurriley #restquote #slowlivingquotes
Encouragement quote reminding us we have struggled and overcome - Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes #overwhelmquotes
Dog quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #dogquotes #petquotes
Faith, spirituality and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #jamesfinley #faithquotes
Inspirational quote from Ann Voskamp on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquote #inspirationalquotes #annvoskamp #christianity #encouragementquote
One off humor tweet about being imperfect or awkward by @delia_cai on Hello Lovely Studio. #oneoffhumor #socialfail #relatabletweet #lifetweet
Inspirational quote to encourage, uplift, and inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationaquotes #quotes #encouragement #personalgrowth #courage #kindness
Funny tweet about fall time change and dark days from @lukasbattle on Hello Lovely Studio. #timechange #fallquotes #shortdays

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

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing