Choosing the perfect paint color can feel overwhelming. French Gray might be the solution you’re looking for. In this article, I’ll show you the top French Gray options from four leading brands and help you decide which is right for your home.
I’ve been an interior designer for over 10 years and have used these exact shades in dozens of homes. My clients consistently love the results. French Gray creates spaces that feel elegant and comfortable.
Whether you’re painting a bedroom, kitchen, or entire home, you’ll find:
- Detailed comparisons of each brand’s version
- Which rooms work best with each shade
- Real customer experiences
- Tips for application and maintenance
Trust me; French Gray can transform your space while avoiding the common pitfalls of choosing paint colors that don’t work with your lighting or decor.
What is French Gray?
French Gray isn’t just gray – it’s a polished neutral with depth.
This color sits between gray and beige (some call it “greige”) with subtle blue or green undertones. Unlike stark modern grays, French Gray feels warm and inviting. It comes from traditional French country homes where it created elegant but comfortable spaces.
The color changes throughout the day as light shifts, giving your rooms different personalities from morning to night.
Top Brands Offering French Gray Paint Colors
When it comes to finding the perfect French Gray for your home, the brand you choose can make all the difference. Each brand offers its version of this classic color, with slight variations in tone and finish.
Let’s examine four top brands that offer their take on French Gray paint and how each one stands out.
1. Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams French Gray (SW 0077) is a true classic. This mid-tone gray leans slightly cool with subtle blue undertones.
Best suited rooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Home offices
Pros
- Excellent coverage (often one-coat)
- Works with many decorating styles
- Doesn’t turn too blue in natural light
Cons
- Premium price point
- Can appear darker than expected in rooms with limited light
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s French Gray (1610) is a softer alternative. This version has gentle green undertones that create a more earthy feel.
Best suited rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
Pros
- Lower VOCs than many competitors
- Excellent color consistency across batches
- Warm undertones prevent rooms from feeling cold
Cons
- Higher price point than big box brands
- May require two coats for full coverage
3. Behr
Behr Premium Plus Ultra’s French Silver (N460-3) is an affordable classic. This budget-friendly version leans slightly more silver than traditional French Gray.
Best suited rooms:
- Hallways
- Laundry rooms
- Rental Properties
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- Available at Home Depot (no special ordering)
- Good durability against cleaning
Cons:
- Less depth of color than in premium brands
- May require an additional coat for darker walls
4. Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball’s French Gray (No.18) is the luxury choice. This high-end paint offers exceptional depth and color complexity.
Best suited rooms
- Dining rooms
- Master bedrooms
- Historic homes
Pros
- Unique depth and light reflection
- Environmentally friendly formula
- Distinctive matte finish
Cons
- Significantly higher price point
- Limited availability (specialty retailers only)
How French Gray Transforms Different Rooms
French Gray is a versatile color that can completely transform any room, giving it a sophisticated and calming vibe. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy bedroom or an inviting living space, this shade adapts to various settings. In this section, we’ll explore how French Gray works in different rooms and the unique ambiance it brings to each.
Living Rooms – Sophisticated Comfort
Living rooms painted in French Gray create an instant impression of refined taste. This color provides the perfect neutral backdrop, making furniture and art stand out without competing for attention.
In my client Maria’s open-concept living area, we used Sherwin-Williams French Gray on the walls paired with white trim. The effect was dramatic yet soothing. Her colorful Persian rug and navy sofa looked richer against the gray background.
Designer tip: For living rooms, choose the eggshell finish. It provides a subtle sheen that reflects just enough light without showing imperfections in your walls.
The best feature of French Gray in living spaces is that it works equally well with traditional furnishings and modern pieces. This versatility makes it perfect for rooms that evolve as new elements are added.
Bedrooms – Restful Retreats
Nothing creates a restful sanctuary like French Gray walls in a bedroom. The color naturally recedes, making even small bedrooms feel more spacious.
Benjamin Moore’s version, with its green undertones, creates a particularly calming effect in sleep spaces. I’ve used it in dozens of master bedrooms with consistently positive feedback.
For a luxurious bedroom feel:
- Pair French Gray with crisp white bedding
- Add natural wood elements for warmth
- Incorporate soft textiles like velvet or linen
- Consider painting just the wall behind your headboard for a focal point
“Our bedroom used to feel chaotic,” my client Sam told me. “After painting with French Gray, I actually feel my blood pressure drop when I walk in.”
Kitchens – Timeless Elegance
Kitchen trends come and go quickly. French Gray provides a timeless alternative to all-white kitchens while still feeling fresh and clean.
Consider these kitchen applications.
- French Gray cabinets with white walls
- French Gray walls with white cabinets
- Two-tone cabinets with French Gray lowers and white uppers
Behr’s French Silver is particularly well-suited to kitchens due to its durability and resistance to staining. For cabinets, opt for a semi-gloss finish that withstands repeated cleaning.
I renovated my kitchen last year with French Gray lower cabinets. The color hides inevitable kitchen smudges while still reflecting plenty of light. Guests always ask about the color—it looks expensive but isn’t.
Bathrooms Spa – Serenity
Transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like retreat with French Gray. This color creates a sense of serenity and pairs beautifully with both white fixtures and natural elements.
Farrow & Ball’s version performs exceptionally well in bathrooms. Its depth of color responds beautifully to the changing light conditions typical in these spaces.
For maximum impact
- Carry the color onto the ceiling in small bathrooms
- Use the same color on walls and vanity for a custom look
- Pair with marble or stone for natural elegance
- Add brushed nickel or brass fixtures that pop against the neutral background.
The best part? French Gray complements both cool tones (blues and greens) and warm accents (terracotta or wood), giving you flexibility with accessories and towels.
Home Offices – Focus and Clarity
Working from home requires a space that promotes focus without feeling sterile. French Gray creates the perfect balance between professional and comfortable.
Sherwin-Williams French Gray has proven particularly effective in home offices. Its slightly cooler undertones promote clarity and concentration without the harshness of pure white space.
For a productive home office
- Paint all four walls for an enveloping, distraction-minimizing effect
- Add warmth with a wood desk or shelving
- Incorporate plants that pop against the neutral background
- Consider a slightly darker accent wall behind your computer to reduce eye strain
My client, who works in finance, transformed his spare bedroom into a home office with French Gray. “I was surprised how much more professional I felt on video calls,” he noted. “The background looks intentional without being distracting.”
Choosing the Right French Gray for Your Room
When selecting the perfect French Gray for your space, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
The size of the room, natural lighting, and existing décor all affect how the color appears on your walls.
In this section, we’ll explore how to choose the ideal French Gray shade that suits your room’s unique needs.
Your room’s natural light matters most when selecting French Gray:
- North-facing rooms – Choose warmer French Grays (Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball)
- South-facing rooms – Any French Gray works, but cooler versions prevent the room from feeling too warm
- East/West-facing rooms – Consider how you use the room (morning vs. evening)
Test before committing! Paint large sample patches on different walls. Check how they look throughout the day.
Maintenance and Durability of French Gray Paint
Good news! French Gray hides dirt better than lighter neutrals. This makes it practical for busy households.
For cleaning:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge
- Mild soap and water work for most spots
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the finish
Higher quality brands (especially in eggshell or satin finish) will maintain their beauty for 7-10 years in normal conditions.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
I surveyed my blog readers about their French Gray experiences. Here’s what they shared:
“French Gray in our dining room makes everything from casual breakfasts to holiday dinners feel special.” – Carlos M.
“We used SW French Gray in our vacation rental. Guests always comment on how calming it feels.” – Rebecca T.
“After three beige homes, I tried Benjamin Moore’s French Gray. It’s neutral but has personality.” – David L.
“I painted my kitchen cabinets with Behr’s French Silver last summer. They’ve held up beautifully despite daily cooking and two young children.” – Jennifer K.
“As a first-time homeowner, I splurged on Farrow & Ball French Gray for my living room. Three years later, I’m still in love with how it changes throughout the day.” – Marcus S.
“Our north-facing bedroom was always gloomy until we used Benjamin Moore’s French Gray. Now it feels cozy rather than dark.” – Elena P.
“After comparing samples in my bathroom, Farrow & Ball’s French Gray stood out for its unique depth. Worth every penny for a space I use daily.” – Olivia R.
“I work from home and painted my office with Sherwin-Williams French Gray. It provides the perfect backdrop for video calls and helps me stay focused.” – William T.
The most common praise? French Gray’s ability to look different yet harmonious throughout the home.
Conclusion
French Gray stands out as a truly remarkable color that balances timelessness with current design trends. It works in every room and adapts beautifully to different lighting conditions throughout the day.
I’ve seen this versatile shade transform countless homes from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you choose Sherwin-Williams’ classic take, Benjamin Moore’s earthy version, Behr’s budget-friendly option, or Farrow & Ball’s luxury formula, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated backdrop for years to come.
The true magic of French Gray lies in its chameleon-like quality – it shifts subtly with light, decor, and seasonal changes. It never dominates but always enhances.
Ready to transform your space? Start with a test patch today. You’ll likely find yourself reaching for French Gray in room after room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use the Same French Gray Shade Throughout My Entire Home?
Absolutely! French Gray creates a beautiful flow between spaces while still allowing each room to have its personality based on lighting and decor.
How Do I Prevent French Gray from Looking Too Blue in Certain Lighting?
Choose versions with green or warm undertones like Benjamin Moore’s, and always test in your specific room before committing. Morning and evening evaluations are crucial.
Is French Gray Suitable for Small Spaces with Limited Natural Light?
Yes, but select a lighter version and use proper lighting fixtures. Mirrors and metallic accents will help bounce light around and prevent the space from feeling closed in.
What’s the Best Way to Transition from Beige Walls to French Gray?
Start with one room that connects to your beige spaces. Choose a French Gray with warmer undertones for a smoother transition, and consider updating trim colors simultaneously.
How Can I Warm-up a Room Painted in French Gray?
Add natural wood elements, textiles in amber or terracotta tones, and warm metal accents like brass or copper. Layered lighting with warm bulbs (2700-3000K) makes a significant difference.