Spotlight On: Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball has long been known for its luxurious paint finishes and characterful colour names, all created at the British brand's home in Dorset. 

From deep enticing blues and vibrant greens to charming and delicate pinks, their colours will inspire and delight you as we showcase these beautiful shades below.

Colour expertise

After 75 years in the business, it goes without saying that Farrow & Ball can teach us a thing or two about colour. Its versatile signature palette of 132 colours offers combinations to suit all kinds of homes and personal styles without overwhelming prospective painters, and ranges from subtle neutrals to bold brights and deep, dramatic shades.

Of course, no mention of Farrow & Ball would be complete without a nod to its famous colour names. 

Each shade has its own story, told below, inspired by everything from the brand’s Dorset roots to beloved members of the Farrow & Ball team.

Handcrafted quality

Every Farrow & Ball tin is filled to the brim with high-quality ingredients in generous quantities, including rich pigments, tough binders and resins, and a low-odour water base. Together, these help to create the rich depth of colour and unique response to light that Farrow & Ball paint is known for, as well as making it easy to apply for a beautifully even result.

Every colour and finish is carefully crafted at the Farrow & Ball factory in Dorset, the county the brand has called home since 1946. Here, its expert artisans and chemists ensure that every batch meets exacting standards of quality and colour accuracy before it’s sent to your local B&Q store or direct to you at home.

Water based formulas

The whole Farrow & Ball range, including the hard-working trim finishes, is 100% water based and has been since 2010. This means Farrow & Ball paint contains low levels of air-polluting compounds called VOCs, one of the culprits behind the strong-smelling fumes we associate with traditional paints. This makes it more comfortable to apply and easier to live with immediately after painting. It’s even earned an A+ score for indoor air quality.

The paint’s water base also allows for quick drying times and makes it even easier to clean  brushes and rollers just with warm, soapy water. DIYers with little ones will also be pleased to know that the Estate and Modern paint ranges have been independently tested and approved to meet Toy Safety Standards,* making them safe for use on nursery walls, cots, and even toys.

*Safety of Toys Part 3: Migration of certain elements (EN 71 3:2013+A3:2018)