Farrow & Ball vs Little Greene vs Dulux: The London Paint Guide

Choosing the right paint for your home isn't just about picking a shade from a strip of card. For London homeowners—whether you’re renovating a stucco-fronted townhouse in Kensington, a Victorian terrace in Dulwich, or a modern apartment in Battersea—the brand of paint you choose dictates the depth of colour, the longevity of the finish, and how the light plays across your walls throughout the day.

At The Painters London, we’ve spent years applying thousands of litres of paint across the capital. We know how these brands behave on old lime plaster, how they stand up to the humidity of a South East London basement, and which ones truly offer the best value for money.

In this guide, we’ll break down the "Big Three": Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Dulux Trade, to help you decide which is right for your next interior painting project.

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Farrow & Ball: The Heritage Heavyweight

Farrow & Ball is arguably the most famous name in premium paint. Based in Dorset, they have become the go-to choice for period properties in areas like Chelsea and Hampstead.

The Pros: Pigment and Depth

What sets Farrow & Ball apart is their high pigment content and the use of natural ingredients like umber and linseed oil. This creates a "knack" for catching the light. In the shifting grey skies of London, a colour like Hague Blue or Skimmed Milk White looks remarkably different from morning to evening, providing a depth that cheaper paints often lack.

The Cons: Application and Cost

From a decorator’s perspective, Farrow & Ball can be "fussy." It often requires more coats than its competitors to achieve full opacity. The "Estate Emulsion" finish is beautiful but notoriously delicate—if you scuff it in a high-traffic hallway, it can be difficult to touch up without it showing.

The Painters London Recommendation: We suggest using Farrow & Ball for lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms or formal dining rooms where the aesthetic finish is the priority. If you have children or pets, consider their "Modern Emulsion" finish, which offers a bit more scrubbability.

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Little Greene: The Professional’s Choice

If you ask our team at The Painters London which premium brand we prefer to work with, the answer is frequently Little Greene. This independent British manufacturer has gained a massive following in Greenwich and Clapham for its incredible quality and historical accuracy.

Superior Coverage

Little Greene paints generally contain about 40% more pigment than many DIY store brands. Unlike Farrow & Ball, their paints often cover in two solid coats, which can save you money on labour costs in the long run.

The "Intelligent" Range

One of their standout products is the "Intelligent Matt Emulsion." It provides that sought-after chalky, flat finish but is technically a water-based eggshell. It is incredibly tough, making it perfect for kitchens or busy family homes.

Eco-Credentials

For those looking for eco-friendly painting options, Little Greene is a leader. Their water-based paints have virtually zero VOCs, and their oil-back paints use sustainable vegetable oils.

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Dulux Trade: The Reliable Workhorse

It’s important to distinguish between "Retail Dulux" (found in big-box DIY stores) and Dulux Trade. Here at The Painters London, we almost exclusively use the Trade version when a client opts for Dulux.

Consistency and Durability

Dulux Trade is designed for professionals. It spreads further, hides better, and is much more durable than the retail version. For large-scale projects or rental properties in Putney or Wandsworth, Dulux Trade provides a clean, professional finish that lasts.

Colour Matching

While Dulux has its own extensive range (the Heritage collection is particularly good), one of its greatest strengths is its colour-matching service. If you love a specific shade from a boutique brand but need the durability of a trade paint for a feature wall, we can often have it matched in a Dulux Diamond Matt finish.

Value for Money

Dulux Trade is significantly more affordable than Farrow & Ball or Little Greene. It’s the pragmatic choice for ceilings, woodwork, and large open-plan spaces where you need a high-quality finish without the premium price tag.

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Direct Comparison: How They Stack Up

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Which Brand is Right for Your London Home?

The "best" paint depends entirely on the specific room and your lifestyle.

For the Victorian Terrace in Dulwich

If you are restoring original features like coving and cornicing, Little Greene’s historical palettes are unmatched. Their colours are researched through English Heritage and feel "correct" in a house built in the 1890s.

For the Modern Apartment in Battersea Power Station

In a space with floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of natural light, the subtle nuances of Farrow & Ball can really shine. However, for the high-traffic areas, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt offers a crisp, modern finish that can handle the rigours of city living.

For Exterior Brickwork and Stucco

When it comes to exterior painting in London’s soot-heavy environment, durability is king. While all three brands offer masonry paint, Little Greene’s "Intelligent Masonry Paint" is highly regarded for its resistance to mould and bloom, which is vital for those damp London winters.

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The Importance of Professional Application

Regardless of which brand you choose, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. Premium paints like Farrow & Ball are less forgiving of poor plasterwork. They highlight every bump and crack if the walls aren't properly sanded and primed.

As experienced painters and decorators in London, we always recommend using the brand's specific primer. It might seem like an extra expense, but it ensures the topcoat adheres correctly and the colour remains true to the swatch.

At The Painters London, we take the time to discuss these options with every client. We don’t just show up with a tin of paint; we look at the orientation of your rooms (north-facing rooms need warmer tones!), the age of your property, and how you use the space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Farrow & Ball worth the extra money?

If you are looking for a specific, deep, "heritage" look that reacts beautifully to light, yes. However, if you are painting a high-traffic area like a hallway or children's playroom, you may find the durability of Little Greene or Dulux Trade more "worth it" in the long run.

Can you match Farrow & Ball colours in Dulux paint?

Technically, yes, many paint shops can scan a Farrow & Ball swatch. However, because Farrow & Ball uses different pigments and a different base, the match is rarely 100% perfect. It will look like the colour, but it won't have the same "glow" or depth.

Which paint is best for London's damp conditions?

For bathrooms or kitchens where moisture is an issue, The Painters London recommends Little Greene Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer) followed by their Intelligent Matt or Eggshell. These are breathable yet highly water-resistant.

Do I really need two coats?

Yes. Especially with premium brands. The first coat bonds to the surface, and the second coat provides the depth of colour and the protective "film." For some Farrow & Ball shades, we may even recommend a third coat to get the perfect finish.

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Ready to Transform Your Home?

Choosing between Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Dulux is a big decision, but you don't have to make it alone. Whether you're in Kensington, Greenwich, or anywhere across London, our team is here to provide expert advice and a flawless finish.

Contact The Painters London today for a free, detailed quote and colour consultation.

Farrow & Ball vs Little Greene vs Dulux: London Guide