French Gray vs RAL 520-1
French Gray (Farrow & Ball) and RAL 520-1 (RAL Effect) come from different manufacturers. French Gray reads as beige-greige, while RAL 520-1 reads as pink — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 28-point LRV gap — 72 for RAL 520-1 vs 43 for French Gray — means RAL 520-1 will open up a space more effectively. A ΔE of 25.8 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
French Gray vs RAL 520-1 in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Seeing French Gray and RAL 520-1 in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
Bathroom
Small bathrooms intensify color. A shade that seems quiet in a larger room can feel immersive when you're surrounded by it on four walls. RAL 520-1 returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
House
A full exterior is the most demanding test for a paint color — scale and outdoor light both amplify differences that seem small on a swatch. RAL 520-1 returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
French Gray vs RAL 520-1 Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see French Gray on one side and RAL 520-1 on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More French Gray comparisons
See how French Gray stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
