Elf → Farrow & Ball
The closest Farrow & Ball matches for PPG Elf (PPG1131-5), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Farrow & Ball Equivalent for Elf
If you love PPG Elf but need a Farrow & Ball 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 Farrow & Ball, your local store does not carry PPG, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Elf (PPG1131-5) is a medium-dark green with medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend. To find a good Farrow & Ball match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 25) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Elf and every Farrow & Ball 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.
The good news: there is a strong Farrow & Ball match for Elf. Pigeon (No.25) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Pigeon is the closest F&B option. Very close match.
Farrow & Ball Matches for Elf
Pigeon is the closest F&B option. Very close match.
| Elf | Pigeon | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 25 | 25 |
| Hex | #99A698 | #98A196 |
| Undertone | Medium Sage | Muted Green-Gray |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Elf has medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend.
Pigeon has muted green-gray undertones. A sophisticated muted green-gray. The color of a pigeon's breast. Complex, organic, and distinctly Farrow & Ball.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Elf in Your Room
In bright rooms, a definite sage. In dim rooms, a warm gray-green.
Pigeon in Your Room
In bright light, the green is soft and natural. In dim rooms, it reads as a sophisticated medium gray. Changes beautifully throughout the day.
LRV and Brightness
Elf has an LRV of 25, while Pigeon has an LRV of 25. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Elf
PPG recommends Elf for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, exterior, living room. With an LRV of 25, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Pigeon is recommended for: kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, exterior. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Pigeon in the same rooms you planned for Elf.
Elf in Other Brands
Looking for Elf equivalents in other brands besides Farrow & Ball? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Farrow & Ball match for Elf (PPG1131-5) is Pigeon (No.25) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Pigeon is the closest F&B option. Very close match. 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. Elf is a PPG color with medium sage undertones and an LRV of 25. Pigeon is a Farrow & Ball color with muted green-gray undertones and an LRV of 25. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. 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 2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Farrow & Ball equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Farrow & Ball. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Farrow & Ball 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.