Updated on Feb 5, 2026
19 Minute Read

French Lilac 1403 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore

Soft Elegance in Every Brushstroke

When you think about repainting a room or freshening up your home decor, choosing the right color can make all the difference. This is where something like 1403 French Lilac by Benjamin Moore comes into play. If you haven’t encountered it yet, imagine a shade that subtly balances a soft, muted purple with the calming qualities of a classic neutral. I was looking for something unique yet understated for my study, and I stumbled upon French Lilac.

What struck me first about French Lilac was how it seemed to adapt to different lighting conditions, showing off various intriguing hues throughout the day. This adaptability means it can suit a variety of interiors, from creating a soothing atmosphere in a bedroom to adding a touch of elegance to a living area. It’s not just a paint color; it’s a subtle change for your room without overpowering your existing decor.

In my experience, finding a color that you can live with day in and day out, that reflects your personal style, and enhances your home’s aesthetic, can be challenging. French Lilac manages to tick all those boxes, acting as a perfect backdrop for both vibrant and muted furnishing palettes.

Choosing this color could be a gentle, yet effective, way to refresh your home.

French Lilac 1403 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore
via benjaminmoore.com

What Color Is French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore?

French Lilac by Benjamin Moore is a soft, gentle purple that brings a fresh and airy feel to any room. With its subtle lavender hue, this color adds a touch of femininity and warmth, making it perfect for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. The color has a muted quality that prevents it from feeling too heavy in a room, making it an excellent choice for both small and large interiors.

This adaptable shade works beautifully in a variety of interior styles. It’s particularly well-suited to modern and minimalist themes due to its clean and understated look. However, it can also look charming in a country or shabby chic setting, especially when paired with floral accents and rustic furniture. French Lilac fits well into a Scandinavian decor as well, where the focus is on light colors and natural materials.

When it comes to pairing with materials and textures, French Lilac coordinates well with light woods, such as pine or birch, adding to the room’s airy feel. It also pairs beautifully with white and pastel furnishings, creating a soft contrast. For textures, consider soft, plush fabrics like cotton, linen, or velvet which complement its gentle nature. Metals like brushed nickel or soft matte brass can add a subtle shimmer that enhances the gentle qualities of the paint without feeling overpowering.

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Is French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore Warm or Cool color?

Benjamin Moore’s French Lilac 1403 is a gentle and soft purple shade that brings a cozy and cheerful atmosphere into any room. This color is perfect for interiors where you want to create a warm and inviting feel, like living rooms or bedrooms.

Its light purple tone is easy on the eyes and works well with many decor styles, from modern to traditional. French Lilac 1403 pairs nicely with white trim or furniture, enhancing its airy and calming qualities. This color also helps to reflect light, making smaller rooms appear bigger and more open.

Because it’s not too bold or overpowering, it’s an excellent choice for someone looking to add a touch of color without making a room feel cramped or too vibrant. Overall, Benjamin Moore’s French Lilac 1403 is ideal for adding a subtle yet cheerful touch to your home.

Undertones of French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore

French Lilac, a paint selection from Benjamin Moore, features a rich set of undertones that deeply influence its appearance under different lighting conditions and when paired with various decor elements. This particular shade has subtle hints of light purple, light blue, pale yellow, lilac, pale pink, mint, and grey.

Understanding undertones is vital because they can drastically alter the perception of the main color. For instance, light purple and lilac undertones bring a soft, gentle feel to the color, making it more soothing to the eye. Light blue and mint hints can give it a fresher, cooler look, which might make the room feel more airy and open. Meanwhile, pale yellow can add a subtle warmth, making the room more welcoming.

Grey undertones provide a neutral base, ensuring that the color doesn’t lean too strongly toward any particular hue, thus maintaining a balanced look. The mix of undertones like pale pink also adds a delicate touch, enhancing the overall richness of the color.

When used on interior walls, these undertones allow French Lilac to adjust subtly to different settings and lighting changes throughout the day. In natural light, the cooler undertones might become more prominent, giving a calm, refreshing feel. In artificial lighting, warmer undertones like pale yellow and pale pink could stand out, providing a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This adaptability makes French Lilac a flexible option for various rooms, blending well with multiple decoration styles and color palettes.

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What is the Masstone of the French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore?

French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore has a masstone of light gray, which gives it a subtle and adaptable appearance, making it an excellent choice for home interiors. This particular shade of light gray can help make small rooms look bigger and more open since lighter colors tend to create the illusion of more room.

This color also has a clean and fresh quality to it, making it easy to match with a wide range of decor, from modern to traditional. Additionally, its neutrality allows homeowners to add various accent colors in furniture or decorations without clashing.

This quality makes it a great option for common areas like living rooms and kitchens, where you might want to switch up the decor occasionally without a complete repaint. Overall, this gentle gray tone provides a calm and inviting backdrop for any room, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overpowering it.

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How Does Lighting Affect French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore?

Lighting strongly impacts the way colors appear in different environments, significantly altering their perception and effect. For the color French Lilac by Benjamin Moore, various lighting conditions can change how this shade is seen and felt in a room.

In artificial light, French Lilac tends to look warmer and more vibrant. Artificial lighting, especially warmer bulbs, can enhance the red and blue undertones of the lilac, making it richer and more noticeable on the walls. This makes it a great color for rooms that are lit with lamps and soft lighting fixtures, where it adds a cozy and lively feel.

In contrast, under natural light, French Lilac shows more of its true color. Natural light usually brings out the subtler, truer elements of color. French Lilac will appear softer and more muted in a room with plenty of sunlight, creating a calming and pleasant atmosphere.

The direction a room faces also affects how French Lilac looks:

  1. North-Faced Rooms: Rooms that face north usually receive less direct sunlight, which can make French Lilac appear slightly cooler and more shadowy. This can highlight its soothing qualities, making it ideal for a bedroom or a relaxing room.
  2. South-Faced Rooms: These rooms get a lot of natural light throughout the day. Here, French Lilac will look lighter and more vivid, reflecting a lively and fresh ambiance. It’s perfect for living rooms or kitchens where a cheerful mood is welcome.
  3. East-Faced Rooms: With morning light, French Lilac will start the day with a bright and cheerful look, gradually shifting to a cooler tone as the day goes on. This gentle change makes it suitable for rooms used mainly in the morning, like breakfast nooks.
  4. West-Faced Rooms: Evening light in these rooms will give French Lilac a warmer glow, ideal for dining rooms or areas used mostly in the evenings where a welcoming and warm atmosphere is desired.

Overall, French Lilac’s flexibility under different lighting conditions makes it a great choice for a wide range of interiors and moods.

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What is the LRV of French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore?

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, which is a measure of how much light a color reflects back into the room as opposed to absorbing it. This value is particularly useful when choosing paint colors because it helps predict how light or dark a color will look once it’s on your walls. A higher LRV means the color will appear lighter, making rooms feel more open and airy, while a lower LRV means the color will look darker, which can make a room feel smaller but cozier.

The LRV of French Lilac by Benjamin Moore is 56.14, which places it in the mid-range of light reflectance. This means it isn’t extremely light or dark but holds a moderate brightness level that offers flexibility in various lighting situations.

In a room with plenty of natural light, French Lilac will look vibrant and fairly lively, reflecting a good amount of light without being overpowering. In dimmer rooms, it will appear more subdued and can help create a calm, inviting atmosphere. This balance makes it suitable for many different rooms and decorative styles.

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Coordinating Colors of French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore

Coordinating colors are those that complement each other well when used together in a design aesthetic, creating a harmonious and visually appealing room. The idea is to select shades that either contrast effectively or blend seamlessly with the main color to enhance the overall look of the room. For instance, when you have a primary color like French Lilac, you might choose additional colors that can balance or stand out without overpowering the senses.

White Dove OC-17 is a soft white with a hint of warmth, making it an excellent calming background color that allows other colors to stand out, such as the more robust shades of French Lilac. Bachelor Blue 1629 offers a dusky, deep blue hue that can provide a calming, grounded feel when paired with lighter, airier colors.

Balboa Mist OC-27 is a light, warm gray that acts as a neutral backdrop, enabling brighter or darker colors to stand out without clashing. Cloud White OC-130 is another pale neutral, slightly lighter and cooler than White Dove, and works well to create a clean, crisp edge in a room dominated by richer colors like French Lilac. These coordinating colors work together to create a room that is visually cohesive and pleasing, allowing each hue to perform at its best without overpowering the other.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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What are the Trim colors of French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore?

Trim colors are specifically chosen shades that are used for painting the architectural elements like door frames, window frames, and baseboards in a room. These colors are usually in contrast to or in harmony with the wall color to enhance the overall aesthetic of the interior.

Using trim colors effectively can make the architectural details stand out and give a polished look to the room. For instance, when using a soft shade like French Lilac by Benjamin Moore, selecting the right trim color can really accentuate the walls and make the color pop, ensuring that the room feels well-balanced and visually pleasing.

White Wisp OC-54 by Benjamin Moore is a gentle off-white shade that brings a subtle breath of freshness without feeling too intense. It pairs beautifully with softer tones, providing just enough contrast to make the trim noticeable without clashing. Chantilly Lace OC-65, on the other hand, is a crisp, clean white. It offers a more distinct boundary against more pronounced colors, making it ideal for use where you really want the trim to stand out against deeper wall colors. The purity of Chantilly Lace makes it a go-to for creating a clear, sharp edge, helping to define the areas between walls and trim clearly.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors Similar to French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore

In home decor, incorporating color harmonies creates a cohesive and visually appealing interior. Selecting similar colors is important for establishing a unified and balanced atmosphere. For example, shades similar to French Lilac like North Cascades, Violet Petal, Lavender Mist, and Blue Orchid by Benjamin Moore work together perfectly to achieve this effect. When colors in the same family are used together, they naturally complement each other, leading to a design that feels connected and purposeful.

French Lilac, a subtle and gentle hue, pairs well with colors like North Cascades, which holds a dusky mauve tone that shares a lilac’s gentle appeal. Violet Petal adds a whisper of soft purple, deepening the lavender family presence without feeling too intense.

Lavender Mist offers a lighter, airy touch to the palette, introducing a breath of freshness that enhances rooms seeking a light and soothing feel. Blue Orchid lends a slightly more saturated contrast while maintaining the theme, offering a richer yet compatible undercurrent to the surrounding lilacs and mauves. These shades all work together to create a calm, pleasant atmosphere, making any room feel inviting and stylishly coordinated.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors that Go With French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore

Colors that harmonize with French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore are essential because they help create a cohesive and appealing look in any room. By selecting colors that complement French Lilac, such as Spring Iris 1402, Crocus 1404, Snugglepuss 1405, Mauve Bauhaus 1407, Nosegay 1401, and Purple Heart 1406, one can design a room that feels harmonious and balanced. Each of these colors has unique qualities but shares a common ability to support the gentle hue of French Lilac.

Spring Iris 1402 is a slightly brighter lavender shade that brings a fresh and airy feel to the palette. Crocus 1404 offers a more subtle purplish-pink, lending a gentle touch that doesn’t overpower. On the other hand, Snugglepuss 1405 is a warmer, beige-toned color that adds a cozy and comforting element to the interior.

Mauve Bauhaus 1407 leans toward a deeper, more muted mauve that provides depth and drama without clashing. Nosegay 1401 is a light, soft pink that highlights the sweetness of French Lilac. Lastly, Purple Heart 1406 is the strongest among them, offering a rich purple that can act as an excellent accent, making the lighter tones pop. Together, these colors work seamlessly with French Lilac to shape rooms that are inviting and stylish.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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How to Use French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore In Your Home?

French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful shade of light purple with soft, subtle tones. This color can add a gentle and refreshing touch to any room in your home. For those looking to freshen up their living room, French Lilac is an excellent choice for bedrooms because it has a calming effect, making it perfect for a restful sleep environment. It also works great in bathrooms for a clean and airy feel.

You can pair French Lilac with whites or light grays for a modern, minimalistic look, or combine it with darker purples and blues to create more depth and interest. If you have a small room, painting it in French Lilac can help make the room appear bigger because light colors generally make rooms look more open.

This color is also ideal for a child’s room or a nursery, providing a soothing background that’s not too bold. It’s simple to apply and can instantly freshen up walls, trim, or furniture, letting you make a noticeable change without too much work.

French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore vs Lavender Mist 2070-60 by Benjamin Moore

The main color, French Lilac, is a soft purple with a hint of gray, giving it a muted yet elegant look. This creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room, perfect for interiors where you want a gentle touch of color without feeling overpowering to the senses.

On the other hand, Lavender Mist is a lighter shade of lavender that brings a fresher, airier feel. It’s brighter compared to French Lilac and tends to add a more youthful and vibrant energy to rooms. Both colors are great for creating a relaxed environment, but their different tones can affect the mood of a room.

French Lilac works well in areas meant for rest or calm activities, while Lavender Mist is ideal for rooms that could benefit from a lighter, more cheerful ambiance. Each has its unique appeal, depending on your color preference and the specific vibe you want to achieve in your interior.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore vs Blue Orchid 2069-50 by Benjamin Moore

French Lilac is a soft, subtle purple with a soothing, gentle appearance that brings a light, airy feel to any room. It leans slightly toward a warmer tone, making it very welcoming and cozy. This color is perfect for bedrooms or any area meant for relaxation due to its calming nature.

On the other hand, Blue Orchid is a brighter, more vivid shade. This color is a vibrant blue with a hint of periwinkle, making it stand out more than French Lilac. Blue Orchid has a playful, cheerful vibe, which makes it a great choice for energizing a room like a kitchen, bathroom, or a child’s room.

Both colors are distinct in their intensity and mood. French Lilac is muted and gentle, ideal for creating a soft backdrop. Blue Orchid stands out more, providing a lively splash of color that can liven up any area. Together, they offer varied options depending on the atmosphere you want to create.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore vs Violet Petal 1382 by Benjamin Moore

French Lilac by Benjamin Moore is a gentle, soft purple that has a subtle hint of gray. This color feels airy and light, making it perfect for creating a calm and inviting atmosphere in any room. Its understated quality allows it to blend well with softer hues and natural materials, offering a soothing backdrop that’s neither too bold nor too pale.

On the other hand, Violet Petal, also by Benjamin Moore, is a slightly deeper shade of purple. It carries a touch more intensity than French Lilac, which gives it a bit more presence in a room. This color is still pretty mild, so it won’t feel too intense in a room, but it does provide a bit more depth and warmth compared to French Lilac.

Both of these colors are great choices for rooms where you want a touch of color without feeling too intense to the senses. French Lilac works well for a minimalist or relaxed vibe, while Violet Petal is ideal if you’re looking for something with a bit more warmth but still keeping it light and airy.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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French Lilac 1403 by Benjamin Moore vs North Cascades 1411 by Benjamin Moore

French Lilac and North Cascades, both by Benjamin Moore, offer soft and welcoming hues, though their underlying tones set them apart distinctly. French Lilac is a gentle, pale purple with a soothing vibe, perfect for creating a light and airy feel in a room. It can easily bring a sense of calm and simplicity to any interior, making it particularly ideal for bedrooms or quiet areas.

On the other hand, North Cascades leans toward a deep, muted green, reminiscent of lush forests. This color is great for adding a touch of nature’s calmness to an environment without feeling too heavy or dark. It works well in areas that benefit from a connection to the outdoors, like studies or living rooms, where it complements natural light and wooden furnishings.

Together, these colors could be used to highlight elements of nature and softness in a home, offering a fresh, decorative perspective without being too bold.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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As I wrap up my thoughts about 1403 French Lilac by Benjamin Moore, I’m really impressed! This paint color feels like a gentle hug for any room. French Lilac brings a sense of calm and lightness everywhere it goes, whether on a bedroom wall or in a cozy corner for reading. Its soft purple shade isn’t too strong but has just enough color to make a room look special. It’s perfect for anyone who likes their room to feel happy and peaceful without trying too hard.

I think that if you’re looking for a new color for your room and you like colors that are quiet but pretty, 1403 French Lilac could be a really great choice. It seems to go well with lots of other colors too! You can pair it with whites, greys, or even some bold colors if you want something fun.

Finally, painting a room with this color is like opening a new book to a page that makes you smile. It’s easy to enjoy and sure to brighten up your day every time you walk into the room. So if you’re thinking about changing up your room a bit, French Lilac is a lovely option that can make a small change feel like a big improvement.

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