French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that exudes sophistication while remaining effortlessly versatile, Benjamin Moore’s *French Beret* (1610) deserves a spot on your shortlist. This deep gray with subtle blue undertones is like that perfectly tailored blazer—timeless, elegant, and adaptable enough to work in almost any setting. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bedroom, designing a sleek home office, or giving your living room a moody makeover, this shade brings a touch of Parisian charm without feeling overly dramatic.

One of the first things you’ll notice about *French Beret* is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 9.06%, it sits firmly in the “dark” category, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. That might sound intimidating if you’re used to lighter hues, but don’t let that scare you off. Dark colors like this have a magical way of making a room feel intimate and enveloping—think of it as wrapping your space in a cashmere throw. In a well-lit room, it softens into a refined, almost misty gray, while in lower light, it takes on a richer, more dramatic presence. The key is balance. If you’re painting a smaller room, pair it with plenty of natural light, crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s *White Dove* is a classic choice), or lighter furniture to keep the space from feeling too heavy.

The blue undertone is what sets *French Beret* apart from other grays. While some grays lean warm (with hints of brown or taupe), this one stays cool and modern, making it ideal for creating a calm, serene atmosphere. It’s especially stunning in bedrooms and home offices where you want a retreat-like vibe. That said, undertones can be sneaky—they shift depending on the light and the colors around them. Before committing, test a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. You might notice the blue coming forward more in north-facing light, while evening lamps could soften it into something more neutral.

When it comes to application, *French Beret* is a dream. It covers well in one to two coats, and its smooth consistency means fewer brush marks or roller streaks—a big plus if you’re DIY-ing. The finish options (matte, eggshell, or satin) let you tailor the look to your space. Matte is my go-to for a velvety, high-end feel, especially in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Eggshell and satin, with their slight sheen, are better for kitchens or hallways where wipeability matters. And speaking of maintenance, this paint holds up beautifully. Scuffs and smudges clean off easily, and touch-ups blend seamlessly, so you won’t end up with patchy spots down the road.

Now, let’s talk pairings. *French Beret* plays well with a surprising range of colors. For a classic contrast, crisp whites and soft creams keep things fresh. If you want warmth, try accents in caramel leather, brass fixtures, or even terracotta—the blue undertone makes those earthy hues pop. Feeling bold? Mustard yellows or burnt oranges (its complementary opposites on the color wheel) create a striking, modern contrast. For a monochromatic scheme, layer it with lighter grays like *Kendall Charcoal* or *HC-178* to add dimension without overwhelming the space.

As for rooms, this color shines almost anywhere. In a living room, it creates an inviting backdrop for art and textured fabrics. In a dining room, it sets a moody, intimate tone—especially with a glossy black table or gold accents. Kitchens can feel surprisingly fresh with *French Beret* on lower cabinets (paired with white uppers) or as an accent wall behind open shelving. And in a home office? It’s pure focus fuel, especially with a sleek walnut desk and a leather chair.

A few pro tips: If your room lacks natural light, lean into the coziness with warm-toned lighting (think 2700K bulbs) and plenty of mirrors to bounce light around. And remember, dark colors like this look best when they’re not fighting with too many other shades. Keep your palette tight—two or three colors max—to let *French Beret* be the star.

So, is *French Beret* right for you? If you love depth, sophistication, and a color that adapts to your style (whether that’s modern farmhouse, industrial loft, or minimalist chic), then yes. It’s the kind of shade that feels intentional, like every room was designed with purpose. And isn’t that what great paint should do?

Real Room Photo of French Beret 1610

Undertones of  French Beret ?

The undertones of French Beret are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #4C4F52

RGB code: 76, 79, 82

Is  French Beret Cool or Warm?

This color leans cool, making it ideal for spaces that benefit from a calm, soothing atmosphere. The cool undertones can help create a serene environment, perfect for relaxation or focused work. In combination with warmer decor elements, French Beret can balance the overall feel of a room beautifully.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on French Beret

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of French Beret

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of French Beret is 9.06%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  French Beret

Applying French Beret is an experience that many homeowners will appreciate. This paint glides on smoothly, providing excellent coverage without being overly thick. It’s beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for DIYers. The matte finish offers a sophisticated look, while the eggshell and satin options allow for subtle sheen where desired. Overall, French Beret stands out not just for its color but for its application ease and versatility. It pairs beautifully with a variety of trim colors, enhancing its adaptability in different rooms. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or an entire room, this paint delivers a refined look that’s hard to beat.

Pros & Cons of  1610 French Beret

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore French Beret

FAQ on 1610 French Beret

Can I use French Beret in a small room?

Absolutely! While French Beret is a deeper color, it can actually create a cozy atmosphere in small spaces. To avoid making the room feel too closed in, consider using plenty of natural light and pairing it with lighter decor elements. Accent pieces in white or soft pastels can help balance the richness of the gray.

What type of finish should I choose for my project?

It really depends on the room and the look you want to achieve. For a sophisticated, modern look, a matte finish works beautifully. If you’re in a high-traffic area or need something more durable, consider the eggshell or satin finishes, which offer a bit of sheen and added washability. Each finish has its unique charm, so think about your space’s needs.

Comparisons French Beret with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore French Beret 1610