ColorplanFrench Gray
No.18 · Farrow & Ball
LRV 42 · mid-tone
0 black100 white
Farrow & Ball French Gray (No.18) is a mid-tone warm gray (greige) with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 42. Closest matches: Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray (HC-111), Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage (SW 6178) and Behr Granite Boulder (790D-4). For trim, try Wevet (No.273).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Farrow & Ball whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Gray |
| LRV | 42.3 (mid-tone; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #B0AF9B |
| RGB | 176, 175, 155 |
| HSL | 57°, 12%, 65% |
About French Gray
French Gray (No.18) is a mid-tone warm gray (greige) from Farrow & Ball with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 42, French Gray has visible color without darkening a room much.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down French Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. Next to Blue Gray (No.91), it's warmer and more colorful.
How French Gray changes with the light
French Gray has a gentle warm undertone that keeps it from going cold in north-facing rooms, and it looks a touch warmer again in afternoon west light.
North-facing rooms
French Gray's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
French Gray will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
Bright south light shows French Gray close to its true color, slightly lighter and warmer.
West-facing rooms
French Gray will glow warmer in the late afternoon.
See French Gray in real homes
Photos people have shared of French Gray in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
French Gray equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Benjamin Moore
Very close · ΔE 2.1
Also close: Cheyenne Green (ΔE 2.1)
Compare side by side →Sherwin-Williams
Very close · ΔE 1.5
Also close: Sage (ΔE 2.4)
Compare side by side →Similar Farrow & Ball colors
French Gray questions
What undertone does French Gray have?
French Gray has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down French Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is French Gray a light or dark color?
French Gray has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 42.3 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a mid-tone color. With an LRV of 42, French Gray has visible color without darkening a room much.
What is the closest match to French Gray in other paint brands?
Benjamin Moore: Nantucket Gray HC-111 (very close, ΔE 2.1); Sherwin-Williams: Clary Sage SW 6178 (very close, ΔE 1.5); Behr: Granite Boulder 790D-4 (close, ΔE 3.6). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with French Gray?
Try Wevet (No.273) on trim and All White (No.2005) on the ceiling. Both are Farrow & Ball whites that share French Gray's undertone.
Where does French Gray work best?
French Gray works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 42, French Gray has visible color without darkening a room much.
Planning more than one room?
Build a whole-house palette and share it with your contractor. Free.