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.
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 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.
What’s helpful about perusing inspiration photos and images of paint swatches is you’ll be able to compare the variation of colors.
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.
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
“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.
One of our Contemporary Neutrals, All White pairs seamlessly with Skimming Stone and Strong White for a warm scheme with a slight edge.
For a clean and almost graphic finish, contrast with fresh, strong tones like Pitch Black and St Giles Blue.”
Cornforth White
“Cornforth White is the mid tone in the group of Easy Neutrals which are totally understated and extremely versatile.
Neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White sits contentedly between Ammonite and Purbeck Stone to create a hushed and calming retreat.
Named in memory of John Cornforth, the revered architectural historian, contrast with Wevet to enhance its grey qualities.”
Hardwick White
“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.
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.”
Strong White
“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.”
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.”
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.
In case you need more evidence that the exact same paint color with a different source of light will look vastly different…
Wimborne White
“This just off white is named after the market town of Wimborne in Dorset and home to Farrow & Ball.
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.”
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.
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.
How did I decide on this winning combo?
I looked to the home’s siding which is a gentle stone-like greyish white hue somewhere between Cornforth and Hardwick whites.
Not Quite a Perfect Match…Which Was Perfect
By combining them, it was a pleasing (not perfect – I wasn’t going for that) result.
I liked it so much, we used that same formula for more exterior trim areas.
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!
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!
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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