Updated on Oct 21, 2025
19 Minute Read

French Beret 1610 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore

A Fresh Take on Classic Elegance

As I paint from one corner of my home to another, experimenting with various hues and finishes, I recently turned my attention to a particular shade recommended by a friend: 1610 French Beret by Benjamin Moore. Intrigued by its name and hoping to achieve an elegant yet cozy atmosphere, I decided to give it a try in my study—a place where I spend a lot of time reading and working.

French Beret is not just any gray; it holds a richness that drew my attention as soon as the first stroke hit the wall. As the paint dried, the color deepened into a complex charcoal with navy undertones that seem to shift with the room’s changing light. This dynamic quality ensures the area feels alive, adapting from morning’s bright influx to the softer, shadow-filled evenings.

Choosing this shade was a reminder of how a fresh coat of paint can renew a room’s identity. It’s more than just a backdrop—it’s a statement.

Whether you’re updating a room or simply seeking a change, the deep, captivating appeal of French Beret might be just what your area needs to reflect elegance and charm.

French Beret 1610 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore
via benjaminmoore.com

What Color Is French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore?

French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore is a deep, muted navy with hints of charcoal, making it a distinctive choice for interior walls. The color has an earthy tone that brings warmth to an area while maintaining a sense of calm neutrality. It’s an adaptable shade that fits various settings, accommodating different tastes and decor styles.

This hue works particularly well in modern and contemporary interiors, adding depth and focus without overpowering the senses. It’s especially striking in minimalist designs, where it can make lighter tones stand out or serve as a dramatic backdrop in monochrome schemes.

French Beret 1610 pairs beautifully with natural materials such as wood, leather, and linen, enhancing their organic textures with its rich, grounding presence. Metallic accents in copper or gold also complement its depth, adding a hint of elegance to the overall aesthetic.

In terms of texture, French Beret 1610 harmonizes perfectly with plush fabrics like velvet or wool, which help soften its intensity and create a cozy, inviting mood. Using this color in a room with ample natural light highlights its complexity, revealing subtle undertones that might otherwise stay hidden in dimmer settings. This shade is a refined choice that brings personality and warmth to any interior.

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Is French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore Warm or Cool color?

French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore is a deep, almost charcoal gray with a subtle hint of navy blue. This rich shade is perfect for adding depth and drama to any area of a home. When used on walls, it creates a strong backdrop that helps artwork and furniture stand out beautifully.

For those wanting to create a cozy, intimate mood in a room—like a bedroom or a reading nook—this color is an excellent choice. It gently absorbs light, making larger rooms feel more enclosed and comfortable.

In smaller areas, using it on an accent wall prevents the shade from becoming too dominant while still adding a refined touch of elegance. French Beret pairs wonderfully with bright whites for crisp contrast or with warm wood tones and soft textures to form a welcoming ambiance. Overall, French Beret 1610 delivers a bold yet soothing atmosphere that enhances any interior.

Undertones of French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore

French Beret1610 by Benjamin Moore is a complex color that incorporates a variety of undertones. These undertones include navy, dark green, brown, dark turquoise, purple, olive, and grey. The presence of these subtle shades plays a crucial role in how French Beret1610 is perceived in different settings and lighting conditions.

Undertones are essentially the hidden hues that influence the main color. They can make a color appear cooler or warmer depending on the lighting and surrounding colors. This is important to consider when choosing paint for interior walls, as the perceived color can change throughout the day with natural light variations or under artificial lighting at night.

In the case of French Beret1610, the navy and dark green undertones add depth and richness, making it a strong choice for a statement wall or an accent area. The brown and olive undertones bring in a touch of warmth, which can make a room feel cozy and inviting. Dark turquoise and purple add a slight vibrancy, offering subtle hints of brightness in a dominantly dark color. Lastly, the grey undertone provides a neutral base, helping to balance the intensity of the other undertones.

When applied to interior walls, French Beret1610 will likely look different from one room to another and at different times of the day. This chameleon-like quality makes it an interesting choice for those who enjoy a dynamic interior environment. Choosing furnishings and decor that complement or contrast effectively with these undertones can further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

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What is the Masstone of the French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore?

The color of French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore is a dark gray, similar to the shade #2B2B2B. This dark, solid gray tone adds a strong, grounded feeling to any area it’s used in. When applied to walls, it provides a deep backdrop that makes other colors stand out, especially whites, yellows, and blues. It’s excellent for areas that you want to feel cozy, such as living rooms or bedrooms.

Because it’s quite dark, using it in a small room without much natural light might make the area feel a bit smaller. However, in a well-lit setting or used on just one accent wall, it can make the room feel more secure and enclosed.

This shade also works well in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens because darker colors hide dirt and scuffs better than lighter tones. Accessories and decor in brighter hues or metallic finishes look particularly striking against this dark gray, creating a pleasing contrast. Overall, this color is practical as well as stylish and can work beautifully in different home settings.

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How Does Lighting Affect French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore?

Lighting significantly influences how colors appear in any area. Different light sources can make the same paint color look varied throughout the day or in different environments. “French Beret” by Benjamin Moore is a shade that shows these changes beautifully under various lighting conditions.

In artificial light, the subtleties of “French Beret” often depend on the type of bulb used. LED bulbs that emit a cooler light can make this color appear slightly bluer, enhancing its depth. In contrast, warmer bulbs, like incandescent or soft white LEDs, can soften its tone, bringing out more grey and making the room feel cozy and inviting.

Natural light, however, presents a dynamic side to “French Beret.” Each room’s exposure influences how this color reveals itself. In north-facing rooms, which receive less direct sunlight and more ambient light, the shade can appear more muted and cooler, emphasizing the grey elements of “French Beret.” This gives the area a calm and collected feel but with less brightness than other spots.

South-facing rooms get plenty of direct sunlight, which can warm up the color, softening its intensity and making it appear slightly lighter. This creates a brighter and more pleasant atmosphere, especially during sunny hours.

In east-facing rooms, “French Beret” greets the morning sunlight, which highlights its velvety tones beautifully. The shade appears warm and welcoming in the morning but shifts to a cooler tone as the day progresses and the light fades.

West-facing rooms experience the opposite—little sunlight in the morning but full warmth during sunset. This lighting brings a richer, cozier look to “French Beret” in the afternoon and evening, as golden tones cast a soft glow across the area.

Overall, “French Beret” adapts gracefully in every room and under different lighting, reflecting a range of moods and atmospheres throughout the day.

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What is the LRV of French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore?

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, which measures how much light a paint color reflects back into the room. Basically, it’s a percentage used to indicate brightness—higher values mean the color reflects more light and appears lighter. This number is essential when choosing paint since it affects how light or dark a color will look once applied to your walls.

If a room doesn’t receive much natural light, using a color with a higher LRV can help make the area feel brighter and more open. Conversely, colors with lower LRVs absorb more light, giving them a richer and more intense appearance.

For the French Beret paint color, with an LRV of 9.06, it reflects only a small amount of light. This means it’s a darker shade that creates a more moody and cozy atmosphere in the area. It’s perfect for softly lit rooms where you want to enhance a sense of intimacy and warmth.

However, if used in a smaller or dimly lit room, it might make the area feel even tighter or darker. In those cases, pairing it with lighter tones or good lighting can help balance the depth of the walls. Understanding the LRV helps you choose the right paint to achieve the mood and brightness you want for each area.

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Coordinating Colors of French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore

Coordinating colors are hues that complement each other on a color palette, creating a cohesive look in any area. By selecting coordinating shades like OC-45 Swiss Coffee, OC-117 Simply White, 092 Arizona Peach, and OC-65 Chantilly Lace, one can achieve a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. These tones work together by enhancing each other’s qualities and creating a smooth visual flow that feels intentional and pleasant.

OC-45 Swiss Coffee is a warm, creamy white that offers a soft backdrop, perfect for a calming environment. It pairs beautifully with richer hues to create a soothing yet friendly atmosphere. OC-117 Simply White is a clean, crisp white with just a hint of warmth, making it highly adaptable for combining with bolder tones or softening darker shades.

092 Arizona Peach brings a gentle splash of color, with its light peachy tone that adds a fresh vibrancy without overpowering other elements. Lastly, OC-65 Chantilly Lace is the brightest white of the group, providing a sharp contrast that’s ideal for highlighting features and drawing light into a room. With these coordinating shades, you can easily create a beautifully balanced color scheme in any interior area.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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What are the Trim colors of French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore?

Trim colors, such as those used in home painting, are essential for defining and emphasizing the architectural elements of a room, such as door frames, moldings, and baseboards. Selecting an appropriate trim color can accentuate these details and create a beautiful contrast with the wall color, enhancing the overall aesthetic of an area. For a color like French Beret by Benjamin Moore, choosing the right trim shades can greatly influence the room’s character and mood.

OC-68 Distant Gray is a light, almost ethereal gray that offers a subtle contrast, making it a suitable companion for deeper tones like French Beret. This shade is gentle and unobtrusive, providing a clean and refreshing appearance when used as trim.

On the other hand, OC-61 White Diamond is a crisp, clear white that delivers a stronger contrast to richer tones, adding a fresh and refined edge to any area. This color works beautifully to define the boundaries between walls and trim, creating a sharp outline and a polished finish in the overall design.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors Similar to French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore

Choosing colors that are similar can be very important when decorating an area, as they create a harmonious blend in the environment. When shades like French Beret 1610 are paired with related tones such as Nightfall, Midnight Blue, Cheating Heart, and Westcott Navy, they ensure continuity and coherence in design.

These subtly varied hues convey a consistent aesthetic without sharp contrasts, making the area feel thoughtfully composed. When used skillfully, these similar colors can enhance one another, creating a unified appearance while still showing gentle distinctions between different elements of the design.

Nightfall 1596 is a deep charcoal with a hint of blue that adds a mysterious, moody touch to interiors—perfect for achieving a dramatic effect in areas meant for relaxation or reflection. Midnight Blue 1638, by contrast, features a rich, deep blue tone that mirrors the evening sky, offering a soothing, reflective mood to the decor.

Moving on to Cheating Heart 1617, this very dark gray almost appears black, providing a bold and refined option that’s surprisingly adaptable for both modern and traditional settings. Lastly, Westcott Navy 1624 is a classic navy shade suited for elegant environments, adding depth and intensity to any area that needs an anchoring tone. Together, these shades create a cohesive yet varied palette that enhances the overall design when used with care.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors that Go With French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore

Choosing the right colors to pair with French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore is essential for achieving a harmonious and appealing look in any area. French Beret is a deep, almost charcoal gray that serves as an adaptable foundation for a palette.

When chosen thoughtfully, complementary colors can highlight this depth, creating a balanced and welcoming atmosphere. Each shade contributes a unique character and mood, enhancing the overall aesthetic of an interior.

Silvery Moon 1604 is a soft, light gray with a subtle luminous touch, ideal for brightening areas while keeping a cohesive connection with French Beret. Winter Solstice 1605 is slightly cooler and adds a crisp, refined quality when paired with deeper tones.

Cobblestone Path 1606 offers a mid-tone gray that bridges the transition between light and dark, ensuring a seamless color flow throughout the design. Englewood Cliffs 1607, a warmer shade, introduces a gentle contrast that adds warmth to areas dominated by cooler grays.

Temptation 1609, leaning toward a darker gray, mirrors the boldness of French Beret, creating a dramatic yet refined effect. Lastly, Ashland Slate 1608 completes the palette with its deep, rich gray that can serve as either a grounding element or a statement feature, depending on how it’s used alongside French Beret. Together, these hues form a polished and visually engaging combination, offering endless possibilities for cohesive and elegant design.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

  • 1604 Silvery Moon
  • 1605 Winter Solstice
  • 1606 Cobblestone Path
  • 1607 Englewood Cliffs
  • 1609 Temptation
  • 1608 Ashland Slate
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How to Use French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore In Your Home?

French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore is a rich, deep gray paint color that can add a touch of elegance to any area in your home. It’s adaptable, making it suitable for various rooms like living areas, bedrooms, or even kitchens.

When used on walls, it creates a striking backdrop that highlights artwork or furniture while keeping a cozy atmosphere. You can also apply it on cabinetry or interior doors for a stylish contrast against lighter walls.

If your room is smaller or lacks natural light, consider using French Beret on just one accent wall to keep the area feeling open and bright. Pairing it with crisp whites on trims or ceilings can make the color stand out beautifully. This shade works well in both modern and classic interiors, allowing you to refresh an older area or give a new one a refined, enduring look.

French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore vs Cheating Heart 1617 by Benjamin Moore

French Beret and Cheating Heart, both by Benjamin Moore, are two deep, rich shades, but each brings its own distinct character. French Beret is a cool slate gray that conveys a subtle, understated elegance. It’s adaptable, fitting beautifully in areas that aim for a modern yet comfortable feel.

In contrast, Cheating Heart is a darker gray, nearly black, that introduces a bold and commanding presence to any interior. This tone is ideal for statement walls or cabinetry, drawing attention and making surrounding elements stand out—especially when paired with lighter hues.

While French Beret suits areas where you want a calm and composed atmosphere, Cheating Heart is perfect for settings that call for a more dramatic, expressive mood. Both shades complement different design goals, allowing flexibility depending on the ambiance you wish to create.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore vs Midnight Blue 1638 by Benjamin Moore

French Beret is a soft, dark gray with subtle bluish undertones, giving it a cool and gentle appearance. This shade is adaptable and works beautifully in many areas, providing a neutral backdrop that isn’t too intense. In contrast, Midnight Blue is a deeper and more striking hue.

As its name suggests, it mirrors the color of the sky at midnight, offering a richer and more vivid blue tone. This makes it a bolder option, perfect for creating a strong statement within a room.

While French Beret adjusts easily to different settings, Midnight Blue commands attention and is ideal for rooms where you want to introduce drama and depth. Both shades can add distinctive character to an interior, but their effects differ—French Beret conveys subtle sophistication, whereas Midnight Blue delivers a more dynamic and expressive energy.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 1638 Midnight Blue
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French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore vs Westcott Navy 1624 by Benjamin Moore

French Beret is a deep, slate gray hue that brings a bold, statement-making presence to any area. It’s a shade that feels both modern and enduring, blending seamlessly with a variety of decor styles. With its subtle blue undertone, it serves as an adaptable choice for creating a chic, cozy atmosphere. It’s especially effective in places where you want a hint of drama, such as living rooms or bedrooms.

In contrast, Westcott Navy is a classic navy blue that leans toward a true dark blue without drifting into black. It’s an excellent option for those seeking to introduce a rich burst of color to their surroundings.

The depth of this blue can make smaller areas feel intimate and cocooned, while in larger interiors, it adds a layered, embracing quality. Westcott Navy pairs beautifully with both neutral and vibrant tones, making it a flexible choice for a variety of design styles.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 1624 Westcott Navy
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French Beret 1610 by Benjamin Moore vs Nightfall 1596 by Benjamin Moore

The main color, French Beret by Benjamin Moore, is a soft gray shade with gentle blue undertones, giving it a calm and relaxing feel. It’s adaptable and works beautifully in different areas, whether used as a main wall color or for accent details.

In contrast, Nightfall by Benjamin Moore is a deeper and moodier hue. It’s a dark gray with pronounced blue undertones, offering a more dramatic and striking appearance compared to French Beret. Nightfall delivers a bold visual impact, making it perfect for feature walls or furniture pieces that anchor a room’s design.

Both colors are neutral yet serve distinct purposes depending on the atmosphere you want to create. French Beret is lighter, helping areas feel more open and bright, while Nightfall adds depth and intensity, ideal for crafting a focal point. Used together, they create a refined balance of light and shadow, enhancing the overall harmony of an area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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After reading about the 1610 French Beret by Benjamin Moore, I can say this paint color is truly special. It’s a deep, dark blue that almost looks black depending on how much light touches it. People love using this shade because it makes any area look more elegant and cozy. Whether you want to paint an entire room or just one wall, this color can make your interior look stunning.

I learned that French Beret is not just about appearance; it’s also about the feeling it brings to the room. It blends beautifully with many other tones, so you can pair it with shades you already have in your home—like whites, grays, or even bright accents such as yellow or red. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re tired of traditional black or blue and want something that feels richer and more distinctive.

Overall, choosing the right paint color can completely renew how a room feels, and 1610 French Beret by Benjamin Moore is an excellent option if you want to give your area a refined, fresh look without making it too dark or heavy.

Whether for your bedroom, living area, or a cozy corner, this shade adds a unique touch that makes any interior feel more inviting and stylish.

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