Neutral paint colours are often relied upon as a simple, beautiful and failsafe option for interior projects, suiting all kinds of properties and clients’ tastes. But depending on the light, they can also appear very different to how we expect.

That’s where Farrow & Ball comes in. The eco-friendly paint maker has created six easy-to-use Neutral Groups, which have been designed to make decorating decisions quick and effortless. Each one contains four neutral shades that work together in seemingly endless combinations, as well as in supporting roles alongside stronger Farrow & Ball colours, to suit all light conditions.

Looking for a set of neutrals for your next project, or want to help nudge indecisive clients in the right direction? Here are some top tips for how and where to use the six Neutral Groups, straight from the Farrow & Ball colour experts.

Traditional Neutrals

The Traditional Neutrals were the first shades of white created by Farrow & Ball. Their grey and green undertones give them an “aged” look that can bring a more lived-in feeling to new-builds while looking equally at home in more traditional properties.

Options Include - Lime White No.1, Off-White No.3, Old White No.4, Slipper Satin No.2004

Yellow Based Neutrals

The Yellow Based Neutrals are pale, creamy paint colours ideal for light-filled properties with lots of glass. That’s due to the generous amount of yellow pigment they contain, which helps bright rooms look warm rather than washed out.

Options Include - White Tie No.2002, New White No.59, Matchstick No.2013, String No.8

Red Based Neutrals

The Red Based Neutrals are the warmest of the six groups, making them particularly useful for rooms that receive very little light, or those that face east or north. Their subtle red undertone brings them closer to taupe than to cream or grey.

Options Include - Pointing No.2003, Dimity No.2008, Joa’s White No.226, Oxford Stone No.264

Contemporary Neutrals

The Contemporary Neutrals bring a clean and contemporary look to new-build properties. A warm lilac undertone means that the greys don’t feel cold or severe, while All White is bright and airy – the perfect combination for modern family homes.

Options Include - All White No.2005, Strong White No.2001, Skimming Stone No.241, Elephant’s Breath No.229

Easy Neutrals

Cooler than the Yellow Based Neutrals and warmer than the Contemporary Neutrals, the Easy Neutrals group is suitable for almost any property. Its four shades are incredibly easy to combine, whether as a full neutral scheme or alongside bolder Farrow & Ball favourites like Railings, Babouche, or Breakfast Room Green.

Options Include - Purbeck Stone No.275, Ammonite No.274, Wevet No.273, Cornforth White No.228

Architectural Neutrals

A great alternative to the default pure white you’ll find on many large-scale projects, the Architectural Neutrals with their cool blue undertones are modern, minimal, and subtly industrial – ideal for contemporary and more design-led builds.

Options Include - Dimpse No.227, Pavilion Gray No.242, Blackened No.2011, Manor House Gray No.265

Choosing a look: How Neutrals can help

While light and property style can be very helpful in informing paint colour choices, there’s also much to be said for the importance of personal style.

Identifying an undertone that you like can help inform further paint colour, fabric, or wallpaper choices down the line and really get those creative juices flowing.