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More blue than black, Railings is a softer alternative to black which is particularly suited to the ironwork it takes its name from. When used in Full Gloss on front doors it creates a handsome and commanding entrance, but becomes much more relaxed in feel in our Estate Eggshell finish. The bluer undertones of this dark hue transform rooms into dramatic and enveloping interior spaces. -
Pitch Black is as pure a black as you can get and is strong and uncomplicated in all lights. Named after the dark sticky residue of coal tar often used in roofing, this true black has an unsurpassable depth and almost velvet quality. As with All White at the other end of our colour palette, it is easy to understand and indispensable for ironwork, woodwork or even walls if you are feeling daring!
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This soft black is one of the original Farrow & Ball colours - an uncomplicated name for a well loved classic. Off-Black is much more flattering to adjacent colours than stronger blacks because it feels so much milder in tone and has less of the underlying cool blue of Railings or Black Blue.
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Down Pipe, a dark lead grey, has definite blue undertones to it which deepen the complexity of the finish. Originally inspired by the colour used to paint downpipes and guttering, it has been embraced for use inside the home with fanatical zeal! This daringly dark hue is fabulous as a background to art, and extremely effective for use in halls to create a deeply dramatic entrance to the home.
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Our darkest drab is named after the craftsmen who tan the hides and skins used to create leather. Tanner's Brown will read as almost black in lower lighting and is extremely useful to create a slightly softer look when used on the interior of fireplaces. It does, however, become browner in colour within well lit homes and exteriors due to its warm red undertones.
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Mahogany is an invitingly rich brown which takes its name from the dark red wood used by master cabinet makers like Thomas Chippendale. Packed with warm tones that give a unique depth of colour, the almost burnt brown pigments create a welcoming retreat which envelopes the room in an earthy darkness. Often used with Dead Salmon to enhance historic art and antique furniture.
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This strong blue takes its name from the fantastically coloured woodwork much used by the Dutch, and still works wonderfully to ground skirtings or as an accent colour on the walls when teamed with Borrowed Light. The green undertones of this timeless, deep and dramatic blue means it sits as happily outside as it does in small dark rooms.
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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. When used in well lit areas of the home it will appear much bluer, working wonderfully when contrasted with Ammonite.
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This strong cobalt blue, with its dose of black pigment, takes its name from the dark sticky tar often used in roofing. Pitch Blue has an almost purple feel to it and is extremely lively in south facing rooms, especially when contrasted with bright shades such as All White. However, it looks more sober and rich when used in areas deprived of light or those lit in the evening by candles.
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This clean and vivid blue is inspired by a colour originally found in the hall at 17th century St Giles House in Wimborne St Giles, Dorset. Its striking blue hue cannot fail to make you smile and will hold its own even in the darkest of places, so is often used as an accent in the back of bookshelves.
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First used as a wallpaper ground colour in our damask collection, Blue Ground creates an upbeat and happy atmosphere which is often used in playrooms as an accent colour alongside Wevet or James White. This clean mid blue tone is both optimistic and friendly, but never cold.
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A subtle white with the slightest hint of blue, Cabbage White takes its name from the most delicate of butterflies. This palest of blues is perfect for rooms that go up into the eaves where you want to use just one colour on both walls and ceiling. This colour really comes into its own when contrasted with All White.
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Cook’s Blue was inspired by the rich and poignant finish in the cook’s closet at Calke Abbey where the walls had been untouched for many decades. This bright and deeply pigmented colour is perfect for use both in kitchens and exterior eating areas, as this vibrant tone is said to deter flies! But it is perfectly at home anywhere in the house.
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This fresh mid blue’s name comes from the shade of the sea at beautiful Lulworth Cove, Dorset. Typical of a formal Regency hue, Lulworth Blue sits happily alongside similarly clean Wimborne White and Parma Gray. Despite its brightness, it can promote deep and peaceful sleep when used in low lit rooms, especially when used on both walls and woodwork.
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Reading as a cool blue, Parma Gray is another colour attributed to the great colourist John Fowler. Used as the backdrop to numerous costume dramas, it creates the perfect period feel when contrasted with Wimborne White. Though its cool nature can feel quite formal when contrasted with a bright white, it is a firm favourite for those who prefer a clean and crisp finish.
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This silvery blue was so named because it was the lightest blue Farrow & Ball made in its first collection of colours. Light Blue becomes a little more silver in tone when used in shaded areas so is very popular for use on the walls of internal halls, especially when the remainder of the house is painted in cooler, more neutral greys. When used in well lit areas it feels both peaceful and calming, especially when paired with a cool white like Blackened.
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This pale blue grey takes its name from the soft natural light that often pours through ceiling skylights. However, it is less reflective than Borrowed Light, reading as a definite cool blue when used in small spaces but becoming paler and greyer when used in larger areas.
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Evoking the colour of summer skies, Borrowed Light is a wonderfully pale blue named after the delicate light that cascades through small windows and fanlights. It works as well in a room deprived of light as it does in an airy sunroom. This soft and classic tone is perfectly suited to children’s bedrooms, especially when contrasted with Stiffkey Blue on furniture or woodwork.
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This rich teal takes its name from highly decorated traditional horse drawn Romany wagons. Often used in the intricate patterning of these beautifully painted homes, Vardo is so full of life and joy it seemed natural to name it after something renowned for its flamboyant colour. This bright colour works particularly well with reds or dark greys.
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This vintage blue takes its name from one of the first Farrow & Ball stockists based in East Anglia. Like many of our blues, Dix Blue has a large dose of green included in it, making it both warm and easy to live with. A touch of black pigment brings a slightly aged and relaxed vintage feel, making it perfect for use on upcycled furniture, panelling and woodwork, as well as living room walls.
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This chameleon colour needs no other name, it is exactly what it says – sometimes blue and sometimes green depending on the changing light throughout the day. Green Blue is a great favourite for family bathrooms, as the soft green adds warmth while the light blue brings a certain freshness. Try pairing with Pale Powder walls as a lighter accent.
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This mid aqua is named after a much valued, early member of our creative team - and yes, the pun is intended! Teresa's Green owes its freshness to a rich blue base and its warmth to soft green undertones. In the middle of our range of aquas, Teresa’s Green has a calming and therapeutic effect, but still feels cheerful when combined with delicate shades like White Tie.
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Our most popular shade of aqua is a lighter version of an archived Farrow & Ball colour, Powder Blue. Pale Powder has an unparalleled softness and in north facing rooms can read almost as a delicate grey, but it is rarely cold due to the addition of green pigment. It is a great favourite for use in pretty attic bedrooms where it can be brushed onto both ceiling and walls to create an airy feeling of light and space.
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This fresh green blue is inspired by the wonderful Regency colours of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, although a little lighter in tone. When teamed with All White it creates a clean and delicate finish, without feeling too cool, making it a brilliant choice for bathrooms. Pavilion Blue can also be used on woodwork with stronger tones such as Green Blue.
