From Ammonite to Down Pipe: Our Guide to Grey Paint

Written on 24th July 2019

Inky blues and sultry pinks may be stealing the spotlight right now, but if you’re looking for a beautiful, hardworking shade to suit any space, it doesn’t get much better than grey. This versatile neutral is wonderful as a striking statement or subtle background shade, and there’s one (or more) on our colour card for every kind of space.

Light Greys

Blackened

No.2011

Ammonite

No.274

Dimpse

No.277

Soft and subtle, light grey can be used anywhere you’d consider a white. Far from looking spartan, it can add character and depth to even the simplest of spaces.

Blackened and Dimpse, both delicate cool greys, give an architectural feel that works beautifully in industrial spaces and ultra-modern rooms, though it looks just as at home in the city townhouse pictured above. A warm light grey such as Skimming Stone is a clever choice for counteracting the cooler light of north facing rooms, giving a cosy feel while maintaining a light touch.

TIP: If you’re having trouble choosing a scheme, a look at our neutral groups could help. Each one has its own distinct undertone, from creamy yellow to cool, contemporary lilac, so see which one you’re naturally drawn to and it may help you to narrow down your search.

Mid Greys

Between the delicacy of pale grey and the drama of deep grey, you’ll find our mid greys. Far from acting as a mere middle ground, tones like Lamp Room Gray and Manor House Gray make for exciting, inviting rooms in their own right. Charleston Gray, with its distinct warm undertone, creates a lush, velvety feel in small spaces, such as a bedroom or snug. Worsted, meanwhile, looks clean and modern in any context, as the wood-clad loft and airy living room above attest – a shade ideally suited to minimal living.

TIP: Layering different shades of grey in a single room can create a hushed and calming feel. Try mixing similar shades for an effortless scheme.

Dark Greys

Shades of lead, gunmetal and charcoal grey are wonderful accent colours, adding a contemporary twist and a grounding influence to any scheme. If a deep grey wall colour feels a little strong for the space you’re working with, you could try pairing darker beams, banisters, or trim with a paler grey on walls and ceilings for a look that’s thoughtful, cohesive and modern.

But being bold with grey can hold equally rich rewards – the immersive nature of Mole’s Breath is at its very best when painted from skirting to ceiling, while our daring blue grey paint, Down Pipe, is a deep and dramatic neutral, the ideal backdrop for letting brightly coloured furniture and accessories shine.

TIP: Looking for grey masonry paint? You may be able to go a few shades darker than you first thought. Dark colours will always look a few shades brighter in full sun, so be bold!

 

 

 

Colours that Go with Grey

When it comes to pairing greys, the possibilities are practically limitless, from inky blues and fiery oranges to pale pinks and organic greens. Whether you’re considering a grey feature wall, thinking about contrasting cladding, or feeling like giving some much-loved furniture a new grey makeover, you’ll find a whole host of inspiring combinations right here on our website.

Simply head to the product page of the grey that catches your eye. There, you’ll find colour schemes suggested by our in-house experts, as well as beautiful images of real Farrow & Ball homes from our Inspiration site.

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