Why Choose Farrow & Ball Paints for Your Next Project

Amongst other manufacturers of paints, Farrow & Ball is a recognisable name that certainly stands out. Known for their production of high-quality paints, Farrow & Ball are routinely chosen by DIY beginners and professionals alike. In this guide from our experts at Decorator’s Mate, you can discover everything you need to know about Farrow & Ball paints.

An Introduction to Farrow & Ball Paints

Since 1946, Farrow & Ball have been producing and manufacturing high-quality paints, renowned for their rich pigments and exceptional finishes. Founded by John Farrow and Richard Ball, the company was established in Dorset, England, where it continues to operate today, maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and premium ingredients.

Over the decades, Farrow & Ball has become synonymous with timeless elegance, with a carefully curated range of elegant paints that respond beautifully to changing light. The company also offers rolls of wallpaper, which are each handcrafted using the company’s own paints, traditional techniques, and custom equipment. The result is a highly unique paper, perfect for any home.

The Benefits of Farrow & Ball Paints

Farrow & Ball have been trusted manufacturers of paint for over 75 years for many reasons, including the high quality of their paints and the variety of colours they have to offer. Below, you can discover some of the key advantages of using paints manufactured by Farrow & Ball.

Unique Shades and Depth of Colours

Farrow & Ball pride themselves on creating unique shades, which are impossible to colour match. The paints they produce stand out amongst other paint manufacturers, thanks to their formula which helps them obtain a strong depth of colour that offers fantastic results when applied to walls, ceilings, and a variety of other surfaces.

Eco-Friendly Formulas

In 2010, the business made the move to change oil-based paint in their range to become eco-friendly water-based finishes with low volatile organic compounds (VOC). This means each of their paints, regardless of shade, are fantastic options for eco-conscious painters.

Wide Range of Finishes

It’s always important to carefully select a paint finish in your space, as the wrong finish can completely transform how the final colour will look in your space. Farrow & Ball paint colours come in a variety of finishes, allowing you to find the perfect finish for your project with ease.

Modern Emulsion

With only a slight hint of sheen, the Modern Emulsion finish is a matte finish. This Farrow & Ball finish is fantastic all throughout a property, from indoors to outdoors. As a durable finish, it is incredibly scuff-proof, which is great for large households, and will protect your walls from mould growth.

Estate Emulsion

Delicate and classic, the Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion finish is great for use in properties old and new. This Farrow & Ball emulsion has a true matte quality with a chalky feel, which invokes traditional elegance. It’s best suited to interior walls and ceilings.

Modern Eggshell

Tough and resilient, the Modern Eggshell finish is great for adding both colour and protection to surfaces in a property. Its robust nature makes it perfect for hectic households, where paint needs to be resilient to scuffs and damage. It’s a versatile finish, which can be used on many materials including concrete, metal and wood, making it a great all-round finish and a form of Farrow & Ball wood paint. Try it on skirting boards and furniture, for example.

Estate Eggshell

Suited to both interior surfaces and metal, Estate Eggshell is an understated paint finish offered by Farrow & Ball. It has a low shine finish, great for subtly reflecting the incoming sunlight. It’s washable, making it tough enough to bounce back from potential marks created from high-traffic areas.

Dead Flat®

Incredibly distinct, Dead Flat® is Farrow & Ball’s ultra matte finish that is great for multiple surfaces and materials, including walls, metals and woodwork. The non-reflective finish can help to conceal imperfections in surfaces that might otherwise be highlighted. The matte quality of Dead Flat® paints can also give deeper and richer colour results, which is great for achieving a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Why Professionals Choose Farrow & Ball

From interior designs to professional painters, experts routinely opt for Farrow & Ball paints. These paints have earned a reputation for delivering aesthetic depth, durability, and a refined, timeless appeal, making them a top choice for high-end homes, commercial spaces, and heritage restorations.

Wide Range of Colours

Farrow & Ball’s selection of highly pigmented paints is difficult to match, making them an obvious choice for professionals deciding on paint. There are a wide range of colours to pick from, each with varied undertones that create different feels. The dynamic formulation gives spaces a bespoke elegance, which is why many interior designers, architects, and decorators turn to Farrow & Ball when selecting paints.

Coverage and Durability

Farrow & Ball paints offer fantastic coverage, reducing the number of coats a professional painter needs to apply. With fewer coats needed, Farrow & Ball paints can therefore also help to reduce the time spent on a project. Particular Farrow & Ball finishes are also highly durable, as seen, which helps an application to last and as a result lessens the need for painters to return frequently.

Design Tips for Painting Projects with Farrow & Ball Paints

Ready to start painting with Farrow & Ball? These paints can be used in a vast variety of ways, giving space for creativity. In this section, discover some handy design tips for painting with Farrow & Ball paints that can help you to get a final result.

Consider the Lighting

One of the most important things to consider when painting any room is how the lighting will impact it. For some paints, undertones will be brought out by bright sunshine, while others might look distinctly different in bright white lighting.

If you’re ever unsure about how a particular paint might look in your property, it’s worth seeking out samples or consulting with a colour expert. Samples can show you exactly how it will look in your home, and colour experts can help guide you to other available options that adhere better to your vision.

Try Double Drenching

Double drenching is a process where you paint a space with two or more colours that are closely related. This process allows you to achieve a bold look, while still maintaining cohesiveness and aesthetics. This method is great for drastically transforming your space, and Farrow & Ball paints are perfect for this process.

Embrace Colour on the Ceilings

While we might typically think of paint as being used on walls, don’t be afraid to stray beyond the vertical surfaces. Ceilings can look fantastic when painted, offering a degree of elegance. Opting for a darker tone on the ceiling can create a cosy effect, while a lighter shade can help reflect natural light and make a small room feel more spacious.

Use the Right Tools

No matter how high quality a paint you choose, the final result will likely be disappointing if you use the wrong decorating supplies. If you’re new to painting or unsure which specific supplies you will need for your project, our team at Decorator’s Mate are happy to help. We can provide expert advice, explaining which tools should be used for the different aspects of your project, helping you to achieve a result you can be pleased with.

Trusted Suppliers of Farrow & Ball Paints in London

If you’re looking for Farrow & Ball paints in London, look no further than Decorator’s Mate. Since 1987, we have been London’s trusted supplier of paints and paint shop supplies, including decorating tools and sundries. We have a vast range of Farrow & Ball paints for you to choose from, whether you’re looking for soft heritage colours or stark and bright shades.

Please visit our website to shop our paints, or come see us in-store, where we would be happy to guide you through each of our available finishes and products. Alternatively, for further support and advice, please get in touch with our team directly.