Inchyra Blue → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue (No.289), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Inchyra Blue
If you love Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue but need a PPG alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers PPG, your local store does not carry Farrow & Ball, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Inchyra Blue (No.289) is a dark blue with complex blue-green-gray undertones. A dark, complex color that shifts between blue, green, and gray. One of F&B's most chameleon-like colors. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 14) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Inchyra Blue and every PPG color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
Honestly, PPG does not have a perfect equivalent for Inchyra Blue. The closest option is Elf (PPG1131-5) with a Delta E of 5.2, but at that distance the difference will be visible. Elf is the closest PPG option. In the same family but noticeably different. If getting this exact color is critical, you may want to explore custom color matching at a PPG store.
PPG Matches for Inchyra Blue
Elf is the closest PPG option. In the same family but noticeably different.
| Inchyra Blue | Elf | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 14 | 25 |
| Hex | #777C78 | #99A698 |
| Undertone | Complex Blue-Green-Gray | Medium Sage |
| Family | Blue | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Inchyra Blue has complex blue-green-gray undertones. A dark, complex color that shifts between blue, green, and gray. One of F&B's most chameleon-like colors.
Elf has medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Inchyra Blue's complex blue-green-gray quality may read differently than Elf's medium sage character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Inchyra Blue in Your Room
Reads differently in every light. In daylight, it leans blue-green. Under warm light, it's more gray. At night, it approaches a moody dark neutral. Endlessly fascinating.
Elf in Your Room
In bright rooms, a definite sage. In dim rooms, a warm gray-green.
LRV and Brightness
Inchyra Blue has an LRV of 14, while Elf has an LRV of 25. That means Elf reflects more light. If you switch from Inchyra Blue to Elf, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Inchyra Blue
Farrow & Ball recommends Inchyra Blue for: living room, bedroom, accent wall, office, exterior. With an LRV of 14, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Elf is recommended for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, exterior, living room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Inchyra Blue in Other Brands
Looking for Inchyra Blue equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Inchyra Blue (No.289) is Elf (PPG1131-5) with a Delta E of 5.2, which rates as a "approximate" match. Elf is the closest PPG option. In the same family but noticeably different. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Inchyra Blue is a Farrow & Ball color with complex blue-green-gray undertones and an LRV of 14. Elf is a PPG color with medium sage undertones and an LRV of 25. With a Delta E of 5.2, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 5.2, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a PPG equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in PPG. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing PPG work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.