Ref. #D5DBDB · 235
Borrowed Light
70%LRV Value
Cool (Green)Undertone
Borrowed Light Technical Profile
What color is Borrowed Light? It's a light cool gray with the hex code #D5DBDB. Colors similar to Borrowed Light include Behr River Veil, Vista Paint Ocean Crest, PPG Sea Frost. Borrowed Light has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With a Light Reflectance Value of 70, Borrowed Light reflects a generous amount of light, making it well-suited for north-facing rooms or smaller spaces that benefit from extra brightness. As a cool neutral, Borrowed Light pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Borrowed Light
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Borrowed Light
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Borrowed Light
#D5DBDB
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8599AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Borrowed Light
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Borrowed Light Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Farrow & Ball Colors
Other Farrow & Ball colors close to Borrowed Light.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Borrowed Light — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Borrowed Light have?
Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball has a cool (green) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Borrowed Light from other brands?
The closest matches are River Veil by Behr (#D7DDDD), Ocean Crest by Vista Paint (#D4DBDB), Sea Frost by PPG (#D5DCDC). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Borrowed Light?
Borrowed Light has an LRV of 69.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Borrowed Light
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Borrowed Light's cool (green) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.