Cornforth White (228) is a soft, light grey with a gentle stone quality that Farrow & Ball describe as neither too warm nor too cool. That balance is the reason it works in almost any room. It is calm without being cold, quietly elegant in a period hallway and equally at home in a modern kitchen or a bedroom.
If you are looking for a grey that will not turn blue and stark on a dull day, or creamy and yellow in the sun, Cornforth White is one of the most dependable choices in the Farrow & Ball palette.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Cornforth White (228)
What colour is Cornforth White?
Despite the name, Cornforth White is a light grey rather than a white. Farrow & Ball describe it as a mid-tone grey with a greige quality, with soft grey and stone undertones, and say it creates a hushed and calming retreat. It has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 58.2, so it reflects plenty of light while still reading clearly as a colour.
It is named in memory of John Cornforth, the respected architectural historian. In Farrow & Ball's neutrals it sits between the lighter Ammonite (274) and the deeper Purbeck Stone (275), which makes it easy to build a scheme of related tones around it.
Why it works in almost any room
Many greys lean noticeably one way. Cool greys can look chilly in a north-facing room; warm greys can drift towards beige in strong sun. Cornforth White's balance keeps it steady, so it changes with the light, as every Farrow & Ball colour does, without losing its character.
- Hallways and stairs. It brightens a narrow space and suits both period and modern joinery, as the hallway above shows.
- Kitchens. A calm backdrop for painted units, timber and stone worktops alike.
- Bedrooms and sitting rooms. Restful in the day and cosy in the evening, particularly with warmer lamplight.
- Open-plan spaces. Because it sits comfortably in different light, it can run through several connected areas.
As with any colour, sample it on a large board and look at it at different times of day. Our guide to choosing colours by room orientation explains what to look for.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Wevet (273)
Colours that go with Cornforth White
Farrow & Ball's complementary white for Cornforth White is Wevet (273), which they describe as clean, understated and easy to live with. Used on ceilings and woodwork, it gently brings out the grey in Cornforth White. They also suggest three schemes with Cornforth White on the walls:
- Light and tonal. Wevet (273) as an accent with Ammonite (274) on the trim.
- Deeper and layered. Purbeck Stone (275) with Mole's Breath (276), for more contrast on doors and skirting.
- Crisp and fresh. All White (2005) with Strong White (2001).
For a slightly lighter wall, Farrow & Ball point to Wevet and Ammonite; for something deeper, Elephant's Breath (229) and Purbeck Stone.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Ammonite (274)
Which finish to choose
- Living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Estate Emulsion, Farrow & Ball's chalky matt, gives the softest, most characterful finish.
- Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Modern Emulsion is washable and better suited to rooms that work hard.
- Woodwork, kitchen units and furniture. Flat Eggshell is tough with a low sheen, and a lovely way to colour-match walls and joinery.
Farrow & Ball recommend their White & Light Tones Primer & Undercoat beneath Cornforth White; you will find the options on our primers page.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Elephant's Breath (229)
Questions we are often asked
Is Cornforth White grey or beige?
It is a grey, but a soft one with stone undertones, which is why some people describe it as greige. Farrow & Ball call it neither too warm nor too cool.
What is the LRV of Cornforth White?
Farrow & Ball give it an LRV of 58.2.
Can I use Cornforth White on woodwork too?
Yes. Painting walls and woodwork in the same colour, in Estate Emulsion and Flat Eggshell, is a calm, contemporary look. For contrast, use Wevet or Ammonite on the woodwork instead.
