Choosing the right paint for your home can be a tough decision. With so many brands and types available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this blog, we examine two of the most popular paint brands on the market today: Farrow and Ball vs Dulux. We’ll explore everything from quality and colour range to ease of application and value for money.
By the end, you should have a clear idea of which brand might be best for your next project, whether you just need one tin for personal use or trade paint for multiple jobs!
A Brief History of Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball was founded in 1946 by John Farrow and Richard Ball in Dorset, England. What sets Farrow and Ball apart is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods.
The brand is well-known for its rich, deep pigments, which provide a distinctive look. Its paints are made from natural ingredients like clay, limestone, and chalk, giving them that famous chalky, matt finish.
Over the years, Farrow and Ball has become a go-to brand for interior designers and homeowners alike, offering a curated palette of elegant, timeless shades.
A Brief History of Dulux
Dulux, on the other hand, is a brand with a much broader reach. Founded in 1931, it quickly became one of the most recognised paint brands in the world. Known for its innovation and extensive range of colours, Dulux offers quality paint for every type of project, from DIY to professional decorators.
Their paints are available in various finishes and are known for their durability and ease of use. Dulux’s affordability and accessibility have made it a favourite in homes across the UK and beyond.
Farrow and Ball vs Dulux: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between Farrow and Ball and Dulux, there are a few key factors to consider. Let’s break them down one by one.
Quality
Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and unique formulations. Their paints have a depth and richness that’s hard to replicate, thanks to the natural pigments they use.
However, some users complain that their paints require more coats and can be tricky to apply evenly, especially for beginners.
Dulux
Dulux, on the other hand, is known for its consistency and ease of use.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional decorator, Dulux paint goes on smoothly and provides great coverage. While it might not have the same depth as Farrow and Ball, it’s more durable and requires fewer coats.
Farrow and Ball score: 8/10
Dulux score: 9/10
Choice of Colour
Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball are famous for their curated palette of 132 colours, many of which are inspired by nature and history. Their colours are often described as having more depth, and they can look different depending on the lighting, which adds character to a room.
However, some find the limited range of Farrow and Ball colours restrictive, especially when trying to match a specific shade.
Dulux
Dulux offers an almost overwhelming range of colours. Whether you’re after a bold feature wall or a subtle off-white, Dulux has you covered. They even offer a colour-matching service, allowing you to get your exact shade in any finish.
This flexibility makes Dulux a winner for those looking for variety.
Farrow and Ball score: 7/10
Dulux score: 10/10
Matt Finish Offerings
Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball’s Estate Emulsion is the brand’s signature matt finish, known for its chalky, non-reflective surface. It gives rooms a luxurious, soft look, but it’s not the most durable option.
You’ll likely need three coats, and it can scuff easily in high-traffic areas.
Dulux
Dulux Trade Diamond Matt offers a completely matt finish with durability to match. It’s ideal for areas that need a bit more resilience, like hallways or kitchens.
Dulux’s matt finishes are less likely to show brush marks or need extra coats.
Farrow and Ball score: 8/10
Dulux score: 9/10
Value for Money
Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball paints are undeniably expensive. Their high-quality ingredients and premium feel come with a price tag to match.
However, if you’re after a truly unique finish and colour that can’t be matched, you might find it’s worth the investment.
Dulux
Dulux offers far more affordable options, particularly in their trade ranges, like Dulux Trade Diamond Matt. You’ll get excellent durability, coverage, and colour range without breaking the bank.
While Dulux doesn’t have the same premium feel as Farrow and Ball, its reliability and affordability make it a popular choice.
Farrow and Ball score: 6/10
Dulux score: 9/10
Ease of Application
Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball paint is often praised for its luxurious finish but criticised for being difficult to work with. It’s common to need multiple coats, and the paint can be less forgiving when it comes to brush marks.
However, for those experienced in decorating, the final result is worth the effort.
Dulux
Dulux, on the other hand, is known for its smooth application and excellent coverage
Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, Dulux is easy to work with, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Farrow and Ball score: 7/10
Dulux score: 10/10
Final Scores
It’s a close call between Farrow and Ball and Dulux, with each brand excelling in different areas. Farrow and Ball offers an unmatched range of unique colours and a luxurious, completely matt finish that feels bespoke and refined.
However, Dulux shines with its better value for money, ease of application, and wide availability, making it the winner!
Farrow and Ball: 36/50
Dulux: 47/50
In the end, your decision between Farrow and Ball and Dulux will depend on whether you prioritise high-end paint with unique finishes or prefer a more budget-friendly, modern emulsion that’s easier to work with. Either way, both brands offer exceptional paints that can help transform your home.
Appreciate high-quality brands? Check out more comparison guides on Slingo's lifestyle blog, including:
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- KitchenAid vs Kenwood
- Diptyque vs Jo Malone
- Tower vs Ninja
- NutriBullet vs Ninja
FAQs
Is Farrow and Ball Owned by Dulux?
No, Farrow and Ball is owned by a different company, Hempel Group, which also owns Crown Paints.
Why is Farrow and Ball Paint So Expensive?
Farrow and Ball paint is expensive due to the use of high-quality natural pigments, which give their colours a unique depth and richness. Their curated palette, featuring exclusive shades like Slipper Satin and Setting Plaster, adds to the premium feel.
The brand’s focus on eco-friendly, low-VOC formulations and its signature chalky, matt finish further justifies the cost, offering a luxurious, bespoke look that is difficult to replicate.
Can You Colour Match Farrow and Ball Paint?
Yes, many paint brands offer colour matches for Farrow and Ball shades, including popular names like Dulux and Crown. You can also find a Johnstones colour match, or look at designer paint brands. However, while colour matching allows you to find the 'same' colour as Farrow and Ball, the results may not be identical.
Farrow and Ball’s paints are known for their unique depth and richness, which comes from the high-quality natural pigments they use. Brands like Dulux and Johnstone's often use synthetic pigments in their paints, which can lead to slight variations in tone and finish.
For example, a matched paint might appear darker or have a different undertone compared to the original Farrow and Ball colour, particularly when viewed in different lighting conditions. Farrow and Ball’s chalky matt finish is also harder to replicate with other brands, so if you love their signature velvety texture, you might not achieve the same luxurious effect with a colour-matched alternative.
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