French Toile and Boothbay Gray: the documented difference
French Toile has an LRV of 42.8; Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray HC-165 is 43.26. The difference is 0.46 points, with Boothbay Gray returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. French Toile's fabric-inspired description provides a design association, not a specification that guarantees a particular undertone in every room. Boothbay Gray is a blue-gray with a noticeable midtone presence.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| French Toile | Benjamin Moore CSP-595 | 42.8 |
| Boothbay Gray | Benjamin Moore HC-165 | 43.26 |
The choice beside cream linen and a faded patterned rug
A faded rug contains several colors and values, so matching one blue detail should not override the palette of the rug as a whole.
Set up both candidates with cream linen and a faded patterned rug. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
For a second point of reference, Santorini Blue is recorded at LRV 44.67.
Compare the paint to the rug's blue area without assuming that the color name guarantees a historic fabric match. Assess French Toile and Boothbay Gray alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Benjamin Moore French Toile CSP-595. The recorded LRV is 42.8. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Benjamin Moore does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.