Farrow and ball new white reviews
88 Farrow and Ball paint colours in real homes
Our favourite Farrow and Ball paint colours
Paul Massey
Long beloved of interior designers, Farrow & Ball paint has a near cult following for its array of water-based, eco-friendly paints, that are packed with rich pigments which give a deep tonality to walls. But, with 132 colours in the palette, including almost 50 neutrals, as well as their signature dark hues, a little guidance and inspiration can help. It's one thing to look at a paint chart and think a colour is nice, but in our experience, you need to see the colours in real life to understand why the vibrant, joyous hue of ‘India Yellow’ is so popular and what makes elegant, understated ‘Setting Plaster’ the perfect pink. Drawing from some of our favourite houses, we have pulled together more than 60 of the best Farrow & Ball paints, to offer a broad gallery of paint inspiration and counsel.
We spoke to Joa Studholme, Farrow and Ball’s Colour Curator and all-round paint expert, for her top tips on choosing the right Farrow and Ball paint for your house (and you can see Joa’s own house in Somerset here).
How to work with natural light
The first thing to assess is where light is coming into the room, and from which direction. “Light is your friend when it comes to decorating – do not fight what nature has given you,” Joa explains. “Large, light rooms are best suited to lighter tones while stronger colours bring small dark rooms to life. The quality of the light will change how you perceive the colour, so you need to think about what time of day you will use the space as well as whether it faces north, south, east or west.” For example, there’s no point painting a south-facing room a colour that works with the daylight if you only use that room in the evening.
For rooms you tend to use in the evenings – i.e. when there is no natural light streaming in through the windows and you’re likely to rely on lamps and electric lighting in general, then “you can afford to choose a much stronger colour. This will create an intimate cosy space as it will be artificially lit anyway, while rooms you work in during the day probably will benefit from being kept light.
In that case you still need to consider whether the room would benefit from warm undertones or if you want to embrace cool light.”
Best Farrow & Ball paint for south-facing rooms
When it comes to the direction a room faces, Joa advises that “south-facing rooms are often the easiest to decorate as they are filled with warm light for most of the day. Pale soft tones like ‘Cromarty’, ‘Pink Ground’, ‘Hay’ or ‘Skimmed Milk White’ will maximise the feeling of light and space, while the slightly stronger ‘Blue Gray’, ‘French Gray’, ‘Setting Plaster’, ‘Sudbury Yellow’ and ‘Bone’ will all glow in south light.”
Best Farrow & Ball paint for north-facing rooms
“North-facing rooms tend to bring out the green in all colours,” explains Joa, “so if you want to avoid this then look to warm based neutrals like ‘Jitney’, ‘Oxford Stone’ or ‘Stony Ground’. Alternatively embrace the cooler north light by using stronger tones like ‘Sulking Room Pink’, ‘Brassica’ or ‘Bancha’ – deeply saturated colours are perfect for use in north facing rooms.
”
Best Farrow & Ball paint for east- and west-facing rooms
According to Joa, “choosing colour for an east- or west-facing room is totally dependent on what time of day you use the space. Light in east-facing rooms tends to be cooler in the evening and brighter in the morning.” Naturally, in west-facing rooms it’s the other way around. “So, if you are lucky enough to have a room that benefits from both east and west light the colour will change throughout the day – making the walls feel alive! East facing rooms tend to benefit from soft calming colours with an underlying warmth like ‘Peignoir’ or ‘Pale Powder’ while using cooler tones like ‘Cornforth White’ and ‘Dimpse’ in west-facing rooms will neutralise the warm light at the end of the day.”
Picking wood and ceiling colours from the Farrow & Ball colour chart
“The choice of colour for the woodwork and the ceiling is just as important as that of the walls,” notes Joa. “You must think of the room as a whole.
A bright white on either ceiling or trim will make the walls look darker as well as making you more aware of where the walls end and the ceiling begins; this causes the ceiling height to drop. Either use a complementary white (something with the same base colour as the walls – these are listed on the F&B website) or if you are braver use the same colour on the walls, woodwork and ceiling – not nearly as frightening as it sounds!”
Scroll down for House & Garden’s gallery of paint ideas from the Farrow & Ball colour chart; seeing them in situ in real people's houses will illuminate how these pigments react to the light, easing your passage to the perfect paint for your walls.
10 most popular Farrow & Ball colors in real homes
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Inky blues, dusky pinks and olive greens may be stealing the spotlight right now, but if you’re looking for a beautiful, hardworking shade to suit any space, it doesn’t get much better than a gorgeous grey.
'This versatile neutral is wonderful as a striking statement or subtle background shade, and there’s one (or more) on our color card for every kind of space,' says Farrow & Ball color specialists.
So, what are the most popular Farrow & Ball colors in 2021? Read on to find out...
- See: Grey living room ideas – for gorgeous neutral schemes
Which is the most popular Farrow & Ball color – and why?
It's Skimming Stone – a pale grey that's just off-white. Soft and subtle, light grey can be used anywhere you’d consider a white. Far from looking spartan, it can add character and depth to even the simplest of spaces.
‘The most important aspect of using color in 2021 is to create spaces that are warm and welcoming for our friends and family – colors that make us feel proud of our homes. Strong colors suit rooms we use at the end of the day when we want to relax and be comforted,’ advises Joa Studhome, Farrow & Ball Color Curator.
1. Cornforth White
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White is an extremely versatile and understated color. Decorating schemes will never tire of white but an all-white scheme can make a real statement. Glamorous yet relaxed, mix up different tones of white for a fresh and airy feel.
‘Being neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White is an extremely versatile and understated color which is fantastically easy to live with,’ shares Joa Studholme, Color Curator at Farrow & Ball. ‘It can be used on walls in combination either with the lighter Ammonite or darker Purbeck Stone on woodwork for a timeless but elegant scheme.’
As it sits in the middle of the cool/warm spectrum, Cornforth White is a good option for rooms that are both north- and south-facing, and adds a creamy aspect to a room. It’s also a fabulous blank canvas if you wish to use some color.
2. Ammonite
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Ammonite is named after the treasured fossils often found on the Dorset coast.
It has a fantastically understated quality. Its subtle grey tones create a hushed, calming feel.
It is Farrow & Ball's most popular neutral – neither too warm nor too cool, and works in all rooms, no matter their orientation. There's a very subtle grey tone to it that is only noticeably if you pair it with a brighter white such as All White .
‘Ammonite has a fantastically understated quality,’ says Joa. ‘Its subtle grey tones create a hushed, calming feel. A lighter version of the ever-popular Cornforth White, it's brilliant for woodwork and ceilings in combination with darker walls.’
The beauty of Ammonite is that it works in both old and new properties, which is one the reasons it's so popular. Farrow & Ball do recommend their ‘white and light tones’ primer and undercoat to get the best result.
Today's best deals or Farrow & Ball Ammonite:
Low Stock
Farrow & Ball Modern Ammonite No.274
£59
View
See all prices
3.
Railings(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
More blue than black, Railings is a softer alternative to black which is particularly suited to the ironwork it takes its name from. The bluer undertones of this dark hue transform rooms into dramatic and enveloping interior spaces. We love this color in studies and dining rooms, where it is wonderful for adding character and atmosphere.
Joa shares why Railings is such a good choice. ‘Despite its deep tone, Railings is extremely versatile and can be used throughout the house on both walls and woodwork. Its charm comes from being more blue than black and is the perfect softer alternative to pure black. Often used on staircases and kitchen islands as a darker accent to any Farrow & Ball colour, it is also enduringly popular for smart but understated front doors in either Exterior Eggshell or Full Gloss.’
Yes it is dramatic, but you can make this color work in a room by teaming it with mid-toned wood, grey accessories and some beautiful textures.
4. Downpipe
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Down Pipe, a dark lead grey, has definite blue undertones to it which deepen the complexity of the finish. ‘Originally inspired by the color used to paint downpipes and guttering, it has been embraced for use inside the home with fanatical zeal,’ say Farrow & Ball color specialists. We think it's a wonderful contrast to Farrow & Ball's light neutrals.
‘Enduringly popular, Down Pipe can be used in many ways in the home,’ says Joa. ‘It has been adopted as the ‘go to’ color for stronger accent walls and intimate sitting rooms as well as on woodwork to create a slightly gritty, industrial feel, it has an unusual softness which means it is seldom overpowering.’
If you’re worried about this color feeling too dark, then remember you can add in white woodwork - which would look striking - and a white ceiling, the contrast alone would be a fabulous statement.
Shop Farrow & Ball Down Pipe:
Low Stock
Farrow & Ball Modern Down pipe No.
26
£53
View
See all prices
Low Stock
Farrow & Ball Downpipe No.26 Gloss
£28
View
See all prices
5. Sulking room pink
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Named after the French word ‘bouder’ – to sulk, Sulking Room Pink is also evocative of the shade commonly used in boudoirs. It’s a dusky, muted rose that has warm tones as Joa mentions below:
‘Sulking Room Pink should not be seen as overtly pink, its powdery feel makes it incredibly soft and easy to use with complementary darker tones. This color has its roots firmly in the past but is the perfect tone for furniture and walls alike in the contemporary home.
’
Great White is the Farrow & Ball recommended ‘white’ to go with Sulking Room Pink, it’s a white with a hint of lilac so it perfectly complements a fellow warming shade.
6. Hague Blue
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
This strong blue takes its name from the fantastically colored woodwork much used by the Dutch, and still works wonderfully to ground skirtings or as an accent color. This blue has a green undertone which gives it warmth and makes it a great choice for rooms that are north- or east-facing and which receive cooler natural daylight.
‘Hague Blue oozes period grandeur and creates a really dramatic, glamorous feel. It’s very popular as an alternative to charcoal grey in living rooms or rooms that you end up in at the end of the day when you are no longer concerned with daylight,’ advises Joa. ‘It’s best not combined with white on woodwork or ceilings – it will feel far more sophisticated with the same colour on the woodwork and a dark neutral like Shaded White on the ceiling.
’
Darker shades can feel a little daunting to use, but if you follow Joa’s advice above, it will work beautifully. Hague Blue will also look great with mid-toned greys and mahogany furniture.
Shop Farrow & Ball Hague Blue:
Low Stock
Farrow & Ball Estate Hague blue No.30
£49.50
View
See all prices
7. Strong White
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
This cool white is both strong by name and strong by nature. The subtle urban feel of its light grey undertones add a contemporary twist to period homes.
‘This grey based Strong White adds a contemporary twist to period homes, while staying in keeping with modern properties,’ explains Joa. ‘Particularly popular in kitchens where it can be used on both walls and woodwork for a fresh, but not stark look, it can be combined with warmer greys like Skimming Stone or Cornforth White for an effortlessly cohesive scheme.
’
Strong White is a good option if you want to brighten up a room, or give the illusion of space. It would work particularly well in a country cottage with small windows and will lift the room visually.
Today's best Farrow & Ball Strong White eggshell deals
Low Stock
£28
View
£32
View
£37.83
View
Show More Deals
- See: Farrow & Ball paint colors: White paint
8. Duck green
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Duck Green is part of Farrow & Ball’s new Color by Nature palette that’s been created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, as Joa explains:
‘Duck Green is a wonderful reminder of the exquisite tones of the natural world.
A smart deep green, it is strong but fairly subdued and is perfect for creating chic intimate spaces when used on walls and a ‘down to earth’ look when used on kitchen units.’
It offers a contemporary alternative to charcoal shades for modern homes whilst also highlighting period features in an old property. Fabulous with white woodwork, it works really well with a hint of color as can be seen through the door way here.
9. Skimming Stone
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
This stony off white takes its name from a 19th century skim, or plaster color, but often reminds us of childhood afternoons skimming stones. With its warm light grey undertones, Skimming Stone is extremely versatile and particularly suited to soothing bedroom schemes.
‘Understated with a refined sophistication, the magic of Skimming Stone lies in the fact that it has a slight underlying lilac tone which brings a warmth to any grey decorating scheme. It works best combined with Strong White on woodwork or used in combination with the darker Dove Tale or Charleston Gray ,’ says Joa.
It is easy to see why it’s such a popular choice, Skimming Stone is very versatile and will work in both modern and trad homes – and doesn’t it look fabulous with pops of bright color?
Today's best Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone Emulsion deals
Low Stock
£5.50
View
Low Stock
£49.50
View
£54
View
Show More Deals
10. Stiffkey Blue
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
This inky blue is named after the Norfolk beach where the mud, along with the cockles, share a particular deep navy hue.
Although traditional in feel, Stiffkey Blue is often used as an alternative to Down Pipe to create a richly dramatic space with a more contemporary finish.
'Stiffkey Blue manages to feel both dramatic and optimistic and has a somewhat more uncomplicated feel to it than other strong blues,’ says Joa. ‘Still charismatic in tone due to its unrivalled depth of colour, it has a younger less sophisticated feel which creates rooms that feel somewhat more upbeat than other blues. Its fresher tone lends itself to rooms full of activity as well as spaces to relax in after a long day.’
This is an interesting color as it does change depending on the light, for example, when used in a well lit space it will appear much bluer, and in a darker room, more of an indigo shade, so bear this in mind when you are choosing it!
Shop Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue:
Low Stock
Farrow & Ball Estate Stiffkey blue
£49.
50
View
See all prices
Why are Farrow & Ball's paints so popular?
Homes & Gardens is a big fan of Farrow & Ball paint – the color palette is simply beautiful and the quality of the paint is wonderful. We spoke to Charlotte Cosby, the company's Head of Creative, who explains why she thinks Farrow & Ball enjoys such great success.
'Our paints have high levels of pigment, rich resin binders and high quality ingredients, giving them a unique depth of color. We carefully source our ingredients from suppliers to ensure you’ll find only the highest quality in each tin. We have a thoughtfully created palette of 132 colors in a range of interior and exterior, modern and traditional finishes. Our paint is meticulously tested, giving you the extraordinary color and long-lasting finish you expect every time.'
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world.
Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
16 new shades in the Farrow & Ball palette - what are they? – read on the Manders blog
In early autumn, Manders presented a new capsule collection of Farrow & Ball shades - Color by Nature. The new line captivates not only with its history of creation, but also with new stunning shades for calm interiors, expressive spaces and, of course, small rooms.
3 things you need to know about the new collection
— The new Color by Nature collection was inspired by a revolutionary start 19th century color guide - "Werner Color Nomenclature".
— The unique catalog is stored in the library of rare editions of the Museum of Natural History.
The museum became a co-author of the new collection.
- The Color by Nature palette includes vibrant oranges and reds, natural greens and blues, and a range of soft neutrals.
Quick inspiration
Werner's Color Nomenclature was published in 1814 by the Scottish florist Patrick Syme. The author of the book is the German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner. In it, he included colors found, for example, in the study of zoology, botany or mineralogy. Lyrical names such as asparagus green, saffron yellow, arterial bloody, velvety black and skimmed milk are handwritten in the catalog...
The publication has become an invaluable tool for scientists and artists alike. For example, during his famous voyage on the Beagle, Charles Darwin used Werner's guide.
Overview 16 Color by Nature, Farrow & Ball shades
Each shade is formulated with an environmentally friendly water base and available in 5 color finishes. Below is an overview of 16 fresh shades + instructions for their use in the interior.
1. No. W1 SNOW WHITE
If you've been looking for an alternative to pure white, look no further. Snow White - suitable for wooden surfaces, ceilings, harmoniously coexists with other colors and works great in dark rooms.
2. No.W5 ORANGE COLOURED WHITE
Fresh yet warm cream shade. It is suitable for rooms with north-facing windows: thanks to the red pigment in its composition, it creates warm-feeling rooms.
3. No. W7 SKIMMED MILK WHITE
The color of baked milk on the walls is the best way to fill the room with calmness. Want to create a more modern interior look? Pair it with Snow White.
4. No.W9 ASH GRAY
This calm gray-green hue creates a relaxed and fashionable atmosphere. Especially when combined with the warmer Skimmed Milk White on wooden surfaces. A duet with a lighter shade - Snow White - will add relevance to the interior.
5.
No.108 BROCCOLI BROWN The dark stone color looks beautiful with natural materials like aged wood and stone floors. This muted shade is great for cabinets. You can safely paint both the walls and the ceiling in this shade.
6. No.W29 ULTRA MARINE BLUE
This shade of blue with a romantic flair was in demand already in the 18th century, because it makes small rooms visually spacious. In modern homes, it will look great on kitchen fronts, combined with a kitchen island in a spectacular Scotch Blue color.
7. No.W40 IMPERIAL PURPLE
A deep shade of violet transforms intimate spaces into luxurious and expressive spaces. Try complementing it with Snow White and Ash Grey.
8. No.W24 SCOTCH BLUE
Deep blue pigment at the height of fashion. Scotch Blue is especially eye-catching when paired with Ash Grey.
9. No.W53 EMERALD GREEN
Emerald Green is an easy and safe way to create a cheerful yet sophisticated atmosphere at home.
This emerald shade looks beautiful side by side with Lake Red and Ultra Marine Blue.
10. No.W50 VERDIGRIS GREEN
Copper green is always a lively and joyful interior impression. The shade works especially effectively in tandem with light tones. Looks energetic in combination with Dutch Orange or Lake Red.
11. No.W56 SAP GREEN
Natural green makes the atmosphere of the room soft and cozy, for example, in combination with Broccoli Brown and Duck Green. And this shade is also a godsend for a chamber hallway or a narrow corridor: the spaces come to life and become more interesting.
12. No.W55 DUCK GREEN
Duck Green is another wonderful reminder of amazing natural colors. Hue is a modern alternative to deep shades of gray in the interior. He gives comfort and warmth paired with Deep Reddish Brow.
13. No.W76 DUTCH ORANGE
Bright orange will freshen up any room. Try complementing it with a shade of Verdigris Green or Skimmed Milk White - and the interior will sparkle with new colors.
Want to create a wow effect? Pair Dutch Orange with Duck Green.
14. No.W92 LAKE RED
Another shade that is perfect for small rooms. And it looks great on walls, ceilings, wooden elements and is especially good inside dressing rooms.
15. No.W93 CRIMSON RED
This warm pink will make any interior feel welcoming. Feel free to pair it with Skimmed Milk White on wood surfaces. And don't be afraid to complement it with dark tones: with Scotch Blue it will be especially luxurious.
16. No.W101 DEEP REDDISH BROWN
This warm and cozy shade used to be popular in country houses. Today it is successfully used for painting walls in apartments: after all, it makes the space richer and more spectacular.
Popular Manders Blog Posts
- How to choose a color for the hallway: 7 successful options
- How to improve the interior with paint: 6 design tricks
- How to use glossy paint in the interior: 9quick tips
English paints present new Little Greene and Farrow & Ball palettes in Krasnodar
English paints
“It would seem nothing like that: the paint manufacturer has created several new shades, quite an ordinary story.
However, Little Greene's new Green palette stands apart. The founder and owner of the company, David Mottershead, calls green the “new grey”, in other words, prophesies green not just success for a year or two, but many years of popularity that the gray palette had. It is also the first fruit of Little Greene's collaboration with the National Trust for Architectural and Cultural Property. The partners traveled to three and a half hundred homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to find and recognize the original colors used in historic interiors. So, one of the colors recreates the shade found in George Bernard Shaw's famous revolving hut. According to David Mottershead, the selection process turned out to be unexpectedly difficult: from the many resources at the disposal of Little Greene, it was necessary to select only a few colors that would be relevant for modern interior design,” Anastasia Panina, who oversees the direction of colors at Wonderful, told Yugopolis .
The Green Collection is a palette of 31 shades: 20 tones found in National Trust properties plus colors from the Little Greene archives and the current color palette.
The collection is divided into five color groups, which represent the main ranges of green tones: gray-green, neutral green, yellow-green, blue-green and turquoise-green.
"English Paints"
Another novelty in "English Paints" is the palette of another eminent factory Farrow & Ball. "She replenished 9shades that, like the colors of Little Greene, reflect color trends in interior design and have their own history. For example, De Nimes is an elegant blue color that highlights the uniforms of the workers of the French city of Nimes, while the soft white School House White is reminiscent of a shade commonly used in British schools,” said Anastasia Panina.
"English colors" - corner in the interior showroom Wonderful. English Paints is the official dealer of the Little Greene, Farrow & Ball and Paint & Paper Library factories in Krasnodar. All three, in addition to decorative paints, produce wallpaper.
"English colors" Krasnodar, st. Krasnykh Partizan, 134, 3rd floor
anglokraski.
