Farrow and Ball's Parma Gray 27, often labeled as Blue Gray, captures a subtle blend that balances the softness of blue with the tranquility of gray, providing a versatile backdrop. With its RGB composition of (178,191,197), this hue beautifully melds warmth with a cool elegance, making it an ideal choice for spaces requiring a calming ambiance. Its timeless appeal works harmoniously in both contemporary and traditional settings, enhancing interior aesthetics with a refined grace.
Color Description
Parma Gray 27 by Farrow and Ball is a cool mid-blue color. It has a soft blue-gray hue that exudes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, making it suitable for various rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas.
Undertones
The undertone of Parma Gray can be accurately described as a blue hue. This blue undertone is evident when analyzing the color in its pure form, without tints, tones, or shades.
Color Values
- HEX: #B2BFC5 or #B1C0C2 (slightly varying depending on the source)
- RGB: 178, 191, 197 or 177, 192, 194
- CMYK: 9; 1; 0; 24
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): Approximately 51
Usage
Parma Gray is versatile and can be used in various settings:
- Interior Walls and Ceilings: Available in different sheen levels such as Dead Flat (2% sheen), Modern Emulsion (7% sheen), and Estate Emulsion (2% sheen).
- Wood and Metal: Can be used with Estate Eggshell (20% sheen) and Modern Eggshell (40% sheen) finishes.
- Floors and Cabinets: Suitable with Modern Eggshell finish.
Atmosphere
Parma Gray creates a clean and crisp finish, often feeling formal when contrasted with bright whites. It is ideal for those who prefer a period feel, especially when paired with Wimborne White. The color contributes to a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic in both modern and traditional settings.
Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 Color Alternative
Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 offers a distinctive tone that many designers appreciate, and its color alternatives provide similar sophistication while maintaining unique characteristics. Tikkurila K492 and Tikkurila Haven K498 deliver comparable depth and balance, ensuring that any project retains an elegant aesthetic without sacrificing personality. Additionally, Tikkurila Secret X438 introduces a fresh, subtle twist, making these three options excellent stand-ins for Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 when seeking varied yet harmonious palettes.
Bathroom
For a bathroom, Farrow and Ball’s Parma Gray 27 paired with the Modern Emulsion finish creates a refined yet practical space. Its water-based formulation yields a 7% sheen that is fully wipeable and washable, meeting the demands of areas prone to condensation and moisture.
Designed to withstand high-humidity environments, this finish offers durability that combats mould, scuffs, and stains. Available in convenient tin sizes, it is highly recommended for ensuring a long-lasting, maintenance-friendly solution in moisture-rich settings.
Bedroom
Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 is an excellent choice for a bedroom color scheme, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere that works beautifully on both walls and ceiling. It pairs harmoniously with crisp whites and light greys for a clean, contemporary feel, while warmer accent shades offer a traditional touch, enhancing the overall design in rooms with low ceilings.
Using a flat finish helps to smooth out wall textures and conceal imperfections, contributing to the cozy ambiance. The color shines across various decor styles, blending seamlessly with elements in gold, tan, and white to produce a cohesive, unified look throughout the space.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 offers an elegant base that pairs beautifully with crisp whites and light greys to create a clean, contemporary look. It can be applied to walls, cabinets, or even used as an accent to contrast with cooler white surfaces and polished metallic finishes.
Complementing natural materials and neutral tones, Parma Gray works harmoniously with elements like grey and beige damask rugs or natural linen upholstery to maintain a balanced, sophisticated aesthetic. Warm accent colors, including darker blue tones, further enrich the overall design, adding depth and character to the space.
Living Room
For living rooms, Farrow and Ball Parma Gray 27 offers a clean and crisp finish that beautifully suits both modern and traditional styles. The shade can be paired effectively with crisp whites and light greys to achieve a contemporary aesthetic, or combined with deeper tones for a richer ambiance.
Available in several finishes such as Dead Flat, Modern Emulsion, Estate Emulsion, Estate Eggshell, and Full Gloss, this color adapts to various needs. For example, the Dead Flat finish is well-suited for hallways and living areas due to its washable, wipeable, and scuff-resistant properties, while Modern Emulsion performs well in high-usage spaces like kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its high-performance characteristics and low sheen.
Outdoor
For outdoor home applications, Parma Gray 27 is not the most suitable choice due to its formulation designed for interior use. Instead, specialized exterior paints offer the necessary durability and protection against weather elements and environmental factors.
The Exterior Masonry option is particularly effective for brick, render, and concrete surfaces, delivering a high-performance super matt finish that resists common issues like flaking, peeling, and fading for an extended period. For wood and metal surfaces, the Exterior Eggshell alternative provides a flexible, breathable satin finish designed to maintain its integrity and appearance over time.
