diff --git a/lisp/rfn-eshadow.el b/lisp/rfn-eshadow.el
index 5fb31561c41..84731115d1a 100644
--- a/lisp/rfn-eshadow.el
+++ b/lisp/rfn-eshadow.el
@@ -113,10 +113,7 @@ system, `file-name-shadow-properties' is used instead."
   :group 'minibuffer)
 
 (defface file-name-shadow
-  '((((background dark))
-     :foreground "grey50")
-    (t
-     :foreground "grey70"))
+  '((t :inherit shadow))
   "Face used by `file-name-shadow-mode' for the shadow."
   :group 'minibuffer)