In my 8 years of talking about paint and paint colors on the blog, I can’t believe that I’ve never written a post on Farrow and Ball paint. Â I receive questions all the time about Farrow and Ball paint colors and the paint itself and over the years, I have heard from many of you that you prefer to use Farrow & Ball paints when you can.
Today I wanted to share my favorite colors with you guys and explain more about this beautiful paint for those of you who are not familiar with it.
via Millan Interiors
Farrow & Ball paint was founded in the UK back in 1946. Even though the company is still based in the UK today, Farrow & Ball is widely available in the US with a very strong following of designers, home owners and architects. The paint is a very highly pigmented paint with a flat smooth absolutely stunning finish.
Farrow & Ball Blue Green #84 via Cortney Bishop
This wall painted with Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue is really the perfect example of what this paint does best. Just look at the rich depth of color pigmentation and the smooth consistent finish. The end result is unlike any other interior wall paint I have seen.
Oval Room Blue via Farrow & Ball
So what’s the catch? Unfortunately, Farrow & Ball is more expensive than tradition US based paints at around $99.00 a gallon (*gulp*) but honestly, the quality of paint is hands down a superior high end paint. Farrow & Ball has a very loyal following and for a few of my designer friends, it’s their staple paint because they love it so much. However, in my opinion, there is a time a place for the splurge (more on that in a moment).
Farrow & Ball Pale Powder via Lebey Interiors
I have only used Farrow & Ball paint a couple times for client spaces (at clients request). I have also seen it countless times on walls and I can spot it immediately when I walk into a space. In the past, I looked to use the paint but the colors were limited but recently, they expanded the color line to 132 colors, which was really needed.
When you look at a Farrow & Ball painted wall (like this one below painted in Off Black and Shaded White), you can instantly see what’s truly special about this paint and what sets it apart. Just notice how the color is more vivid and how the finish is flatter and more consistent. Almost chalk-like.
Farrow & Ball Off Black via Making Spaces
This wall and space is also a PERFECT example of when it would be advantageous to splurge on this paint. A dark rich color like this in a main living space would be worth the splurge. Again, just look at what this paint does!
Farrow & Ball Off Black via Making Spaces
Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue via Dyer Grimes Architect
Another time to consider the splurge is when painting cabinetry. Farrow and Ball paint on cabinetry is incredible. The rich consistent color and that amazing finish is pretty extraordinary!
Farrow & Ball Hardwick White via Noel Dempsey Design
Farrow & Ball Chappell Green via Amie Corley
Farrow & Ball Downpipe via House Beautiful
Farrow & Ball Wevet via Threshold Interiors
As far as the colors, the most popular Farrow & Ball paint color is called Hague Blue, a rich a deep gorgeous blue. I have seen this color everywhere lately!
Farrow & Ball Hague Blue via Willow Homes
Downpipe is a rich deep gray that’s very popular as well.
Farrow & Ball Downpipe via BHG
Here are some of my other favorite colors (names below images):
Farrow & Ball Pigeon via Sarah Sherman Samuel
Farrow & Ball Green Blue via Farrow & Blue
Farrow & Ball Herrington Blue via Perring Properties
Farrow & Ball All White via Crown Point CabinetryÂ
So what do you think? Can you see the differences with this paint? Again, I feel like there is a time and a place for the splurge and am considering using it for my dining room. I need a rich deep color to really help make a statement in the space.
As with any paint color, if you’re interested in trying one of these colors, be sure and sample the color first to see if it works in your space. Â You can order Farrow & Ball samples here.
Maggie Setler says
I think I will try Farrow & Ball paint the next time I paint my living room. The top of the line paint from SW or BM is now almost $70 –so $99 doesn’t seem so expensive. The difference is less than $100 for a whole room and I’m very interested when I hear all the rave reviews.
Cyndy says
That’s a great point Maggie! The cost doesn’t bother me for spaces that require just a couple gallons. I think for certain rich colors, it would be so worth it! 🙂
Jennifer says
Benjamin Moore can mix Farrow & Ball colors. They have all the color mixtures in their database. I did this for master bathroom.
KellyS says
Different brands can color match, but because it is not the same formulation, or even necessarily the same pigment, it’s really not the same thing at all.
Lisa Knaack says
True. Paint colors can be closely duplicated however the quality and depth of high end paints like F&B or Fine Paints of Europe, another worthy mention can NOT be duplicated. BM, SW….. all use synthetics (plastics) in their paints. The slightly more expensive high end paints use only pure pigments and the results are unequaled. These paints will also far outlast synthetic based paint as far as fading, looking just as fresh years later as day one. These paints have an unequaled quality and depth often changing hues ever so slightly throughout the day and night. The only real drawback for these gorgeous paints is convenience. Almost all of these companies are outside the US leaving us to order online and shipping. Most of these companies do offer free brochures with actual painted chips (not digital images!) Portola Paints (CA) is another worthy company that hand mixes their paints for beautiful colors & glazes. So while BM, SW, others offer tons of color options and good quality products, their costs are increasing. The small difference in pricing shouldn’t keep one from trying some really amazing paints that are truly worth it!
Isabelle says
I love Farrow and Ball paint! I had the colours matched for most of my house but for the richer colours, I went for the real thing. I have this absolutely gorgeous wall in Oval Room Blue and it is absolutely stunning. I think for accent walls or smaller rooms, it’s really worth the investment!
Isabelle says
I should add, I’m repainting my kitchen cabinets, and considering going with the real thing again 🙂 (Stiffkey Blue and Wevet)
Cyndy says
That’s exactly the way to do it! For those richer colors, I think it’s totally worth it and such a significant difference! Stiffkey Blue and Wevet would be amazing kitchen cabinet combination! You should send me a picture when you’re done! Would love to see it! 🙂
Mary says
Does the F&B paint come in different finishes? I prefer using satin on my cabinets & furniture pieces.
Johanna says
Hi- where can you purchase F&B paint? I don’t want to order it online if it’s availableat a retail location.