Some colours just have that certain something – a subtle magic that makes them endlessly versatile and effortlessly stylish. Mushroom grey is one of those rare gems.
Earthy, elegant and intriguingly complex, this warm neutral shade has been popping up everywhere, and it's easy to see why. Whether you’re refreshing a kitchen, transforming a vintage dresser or giving your hallway a makeover, mushroom grey brings sophistication with a natural twist.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes mushroom grey so irresistible – and how you can incorporate this chic shade into your home using our signature Frenchic paint ranges.
What exactly is mushroom grey?
Imagine the perfect blend of grey and beige – that's mushroom grey in a nutshell.
It’s neither too warm nor too cool, making it a wonderfully balanced and calming choice. Inspired by the soft, organic tones of woodland fungi, it has subtle brown and taupe undertones that give it a cosiness and depth lacking in stark greys.
Depending on the lighting and what it's paired with, mushroom grey can lean into various moods. It might look fresh and airy in a sun-drenched room, or take on a moody, cocooning character in a darker space. That chameleon-like quality is one of its superpowers.
Why we love these fungi favourites
At Frenchic, we’re head over heels for mushroom grey.
Not only does it work with just about every other colour under the sun, it also adds a soft elegance wherever it’s used. It’s understated yet stylish, modern yet timeless. We think of it as the perfect backdrop – gentle enough to let other elements shine, but interesting enough to hold its own.
It also reflects the growing trend for earthy, organic interiors – discussed in our earth-toned paint guide. As more of us look to create calmer, cosier spaces inspired by nature, mushroom grey steps up as a top choice.
Our favourite mushroom grey shades
Mushrooms offer up plenty of variety, from portobello to porcini and everything in between. Mushroom greys have a similar selection to choose from, ranging from light to dark and soft greys to stronger brown undertones.
Here are some of our favourite mushroom grey shades:
Stone in Love (Chalk Wall Paint and Trim Paint) – A dreamboat of a neutral with subtle warmth that you can add to your walls or trims like skirting boards and doors.
Salt of the Earth (Lazy Range, Chalk Wall Paint and Trim Paint) – A grounded, warm neutral with earthy undertones, this shade offers a natural mushroom-like depth that’s perfect for furniture, panelling and cosy interiors.
Cool Beans (Chalk Wall Paint, Trim Paint and Al Fresco) – With just the right balance of grey and beige, this velvety soft wall colour brings a serene, organic feel to any room, especially when paired with natural textures.
Dream Catcher (Chalk Wall Paint and Trim Paint) – A soft, subtle mushroom-meets-mocha shade that’s simply stunning on upcycled furniture. It layers beautifully with wax or sealants for a classic artisan look.
Smoke Signal (Chalk Wall Paint, Trim Paint and Al Fresco) – This soft beige-toned brown has super-smoky undertones. While it’s leaning towards the browner side, it’s certainly on the mushroom grey spectrum!
Perfect pairings for mushroom grey
Much like its namesake veg, mushroom grey is a brilliant team player. It works beautifully with a wide range of hues, making it easy to slot into your existing décor or build a whole new scheme around it.
- Soft whites – Create a tranquil, airy look by pairing mushroom grey with clean or off-whites like Whistle or Moon Whispers.
- Deeper browns and greens – Embrace a woodland vibe by adding earthy greens like Constance Moss or brownish tones such as Funky Dora.
- Dusky pinks and plums – Add a touch of romance with muted pinks like Dusky Blush or rich shades like Plum Pudding for a sophisticated, layered look.
- Charcoal and black – For a striking, modern edge, combine mushroom grey with bolder tones like Blackjack or Smudge.
Whether you want to go minimalist and monochrome or cosy and layered, mushroom grey gives you the freedom to express your style.
Perfect for any (mush) room
Because it’s so versatile, mushroom grey fits in almost anywhere. Here are some inspiring ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Kitchens – Give cabinets a timeless twist with Cool Beans. Team with brushed brass handles for a classic, yet on-trend finish.
Living rooms – Use Stone in Love on the walls for a soft, cocooning atmosphere, especially when layered with natural textures like wood, rattan and linen.
Bedrooms – Create a serene retreat with mushroom grey furniture pieces or panelling in Salt of the Earth. Pair with blush tones or creamy whites for a soothing effect.
Bathrooms – Try a mushroom hue on panelling or cabinets to bring a spa-like calmness. Our durable, water-resistant Al Fresco range is perfect for these moisture-prone spaces.
Hallways and front doors – Make a great first impression with a mushroom grey door. Smoke Signal is available in the Al Fresco range, with weatherproof properties making it a top pick for exteriors.
Tips for the perfect finish
You wouldn’t just buy any mushrooms and throw them into a pan. Okay, maybe some people would! Either way, there are a few handy tips that can help you get the best results on your mushroom grey paint project:
- Prep properly – A quick clean and a light sand are usually all you need before applying Frenchic paint. Check out our guide to surface preparation to find out more.
- Use the right brush – Our premium brushes help give a smooth, professional finish, especially on detailed furniture. Read our brushing vs rolling vs spraying comparison if you’re interested in the other application methods.
- Build your layers – Two coats are usually enough, but build up slowly to achieve your desired depth. Always follow the coverage guidance on the tin to avoid coats that are too thin or too thick.
- Try a tester – Our handy samples let you see how the colour behaves in your space before you commit. Rather than getting messy with tiny pots, we use peel-and-stick samples which have been painted using real paint for an accurate colour.
Embrace the mushroom grey magic!
With its earthy elegance and timeless appeal, mushroom grey is one of those colours that quietly steals your heart. Whether you go bold with a full room refresh or start small with an upcycled bedside table, this neutral-with-a-twist has the power to transform your home.
From subtle wall shades to statement pieces, there’s a mushroom grey tone in the Frenchic range for everyone. No matter which mushroom grey paint you fall in love with, you’ll get the same creamy, easy-to-apply finish that makes Frenchic paints a joy to use.
All our paints are water-based, contain minimal VOCs and are virtually odourless. With self-priming qualities, you can minimise prep and the Al Fresco range is also water- and UV-resistant for outdoor use. Rest assured, our products are EN 71-3 certified too, so you can use them on children’s furniture and toys with complete peace of mind.
Visit your local Frenchic stockist or browse our collections online to find a mushroom grey that tastes just right!
