Farrow & Ball’s 10 Best Blue Paint Colors (Reviews)

The 10 Most Popular Shades of Blue from F&B

When it comes to finding the best blue paint color for your room, cabinets, doors, or exterior, there’s no shortage of options. However, this doesn’t mean they’re all GOOD options.

And while I talk a lot about Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams (let’s be honest, I talk a lot, in general), today we’re taking a look at the best blues from Farrow and Ball.

Farrow and Ball is more of a boutique paint brand than the other big boys. This means they’ve curated their colors to be the best options in each color family—132 colors in total. This makes life easier when picking your best color, but it also makes it darn challenging to COMPARE colors within Farrow and Ball.

Comparing paint colors is an important step in choosing the best color for your home.

In a brand like Benjamin Moore, there are over 3500 colors to choose from. This makes comparison MUCH easier. Then, via my 600+ blog posts, you can narrow these 3500+ options down to the best eight or so for comparison.

So, to help you find your best blue hue (and I hope you do), I’ll let you know how these Farrow & Ball colors compare to other popular blues on the market.

However, to show you REAL homes with REAL budgets, this blog is run 99.5% on photos submitted by my Online Color Consulting clients. And because I haven’t had any clients use many Farrow and Ball colors (yet), I don’t have photos of them in action.

But don’t worry, I have AWESOME info and insights on these gorgeous colors.

I’m also going to add a few photos from other brands, simply because nobody wants to read 4000 words with no images—myself included.

Now, before we get started, let’s have a quick chat about LRV.

FARROW & BALL’S LRV NUMBERS

Farrow & Ball doesn’t make its LRV numbers public—I’m not sure why, but I’m hoping to solve this (along with world hunger and homelessness). In other words, it’s really a first-world problem.

Why does LRV matter?

LRV is another HELPFUL TOOL for picking paint colors, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with the wild world of color. If you want to see this lil Ging’ get EXCITED, watch me start talking about LRV and how it can change your paint pickin’ GAME!

Anyway, I digress.

Farrow & Ball Pigeon (its quick review is found in this blog post, along with other great tips and ideas). 

In the meantime, I’ve summarized the info I’ve found and combined it with a guess about each shade’s LRV.

How do I do this?

I’ve compared these blues to similar colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, as I know their LRVs. Is this an exact science? HECK NO, but for choosing paint colors for your home, it will be more than enough.

Cool beans?

So, without further ado, let’s check out these blue-tiful colors from Farrow & Ball…

1. FARROW & BALL HAGUE BLUE No. 30

Hague Blue is a stunning dark blue. Not quite ‘colorful’ enough to be a navy, but still blue enough to be darn interesting!

WHAT’S THE LRV OF HAGUE BLUE?

According to the great Google, Hague Blue has an LRV of 7. After some comparisons, I agree it’s pretty darn close. While this doesn’t make Hague Blue the DARKEST of blues, it’s definitely in the dark range (approx 0-10).

If you’re unsure what LRV is, it’s a game-changer, and this is my second passive-aggressive nod to get you to READ THIS!

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Hague Blue…

DOES HAGUE BLUE HAVE UNDERTONES?

Just because Hague Blue is a ‘color’ doesn’t mean you’re free from undertones. Blue tends to favour either blue-green or blue-violet – Hague Blue favours blue-green.

If you compare Hague Blue with Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray, you’ll see that Anchor Gray favours blue-purple, which is a different approach to blue.

Want to see MORE? READ THIS

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR HAGUE BLUE?

Whether you’re painting your trim or cabinets, Hague Blue loves the subtle warmth of Farrow & Ball Wimborne White No. 239, as well as the simple approach of All White No. 2005.

The Best Blue Paint Colors for Cabinets, Walls, Doors & More

2. FARROW & BALL DRAWING ROOM BLUE No. 253

While some blues sit on the more passive side of things, intermingled with gray, green, and purple, Drawing Room Blue is coming in hot with the perfect balance of color (hue), saturation (intensity), and depth (value). Sorry for nerding out on you; I can’t help myself sometimes.

PEEL & STICK sample coming soon! For now, check it out HERE.

WHAT’S THE LRV OF DRAWING ROOM BLUE?

Drawing Room Blue’s LRV is around 10, give or take a few points. Again, this is based on comparing it to similar colors. Knowing that this color sits somewhere in this range tells you that Drawing Room Blue sits on the light end of the dark range.

WHAT ARE DRAWING ROOM BLUE’S UNDERTONES?

While Drawing Room Blue comes off as pretty true-blue, compared to other popular shades of blue, you’ll see it’s a REALLY well-balanced choice —not catering too hard to blue-green or blue-violet.

The TWO Types of Blue Paint Colors & Where They Work Best!

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR DRAWING ROOM BLUE?

Drawing Room Blue coordinates well with the clean, crisp look of All White No. 2005. However, it also responds well to the more muted approach of Farrow & Ball’s Wevet No. 273.

3. FARROW & BALL PITCH BLUE No. 220

Pitch Blue takes a LIGHTER approach compared to many of the previous colors in this blog post.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Pitch Blue…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF PITCH BLUE?

Based on comparison, the LRV of Pitch Blue is somewhere around 17 and not likely any higher or lower. This LRV lets you know that Pitch Blue has some depth and some definitive meat on its bones, but isn’t in the dark range.

Benjamin Moore Blue Nova: Full Paint Color Review

WHAT ARE PITCH BLUE’S UNDERTONES?

Pitch Blue is a wicked example of a blue that leans into purple. Not so much that it’s BORDERLINE violet, but it gives a polite nod.

Here’s Benjamin Moore Bachelor’s Blue, which is also a gorgeous blue-purple with some gray…

How to Choose the Best Blue for YOU

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR PITCH BLUE?

If you want a dynamic play between warm and cool, try Farrow & Ball’s Pointing No. 2003 with Pitch Blue. Really, I could easily see Pitch Blue with any of Farrow & Ball’s whites, but in the words of Matthew McConaughey, it’s All White All White All White for me.

4. FARROW & BALL BLUE GROUND No. 210

If you’re looking for a cheerful, but not overwhelming approach to blue, look no further than Blue Ground.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Blue Ground…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF BLUE GROUND?

Blue Ground has an approximate LRV of 52. This LRV puts Blue Ground in the light-medium range. A color with this depth can be pretty for a whole room or as a feature wall.

WHAT ARE BLUE GROUND’S UNDERTONES?

There’s NO doubt about it; Blue Ground is definitely inspired by a glorious green hue.

The Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR BLUE GROUND?

Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White No. 239 is one of my fave partners with Blue Ground, as I love how Wimborne’s wink o’ warmth plays with Blue Ground’s cool hues. But again, it’s alwhite to go with All White No. 2005.

5. FARROW & BALL ST. GILES BLUE No. 280

St. Giles is LOVELY if you want a more intense blue hue. But while it’s lovely and bright, I’ve only had a handful of Online Color Consulting clients ask for a blue with this kind of personality.

Of course, this doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect shade of blue for you – don’t let the crazy Ginger sway you; keep reading!

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of St. Giles Blue…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF ST. GILES BLUE?

St. Giles Blue has an LRV somewhere around 34, give or take a few points. Again, being exact with this type of color isn’t necessary for the average homeowner—heck, even I RARELY ‘need’ the LRV to be exact.

An LRV of 34 tells you that this paint color is a very solid, medium-depth color. This depth is great for feature walls. And while you can paint an entire room this color, St. Giles Blue’s particular intensity could be a bit much (that’s my perception, anyway).

Thanks to its intensity, this color is also nice for a front door with personality or a creative kitchen island, especially if you’re looking for a fun pop without going too primary.

WHAT ARE ST. GILES BLUES UNDERTONES?

There’s no fooling around; this is one BLUE PAINT COLOR. Sure, there’s a touch of gray in there, but not enough to slow it down. It’s like when Tim hits me with a tranquilizer dart, but I keep stumbling around with toss cushions and paint swatches. YOU CAN’T SLOW ME DOWN, FOOL!

Anyway.

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR ST. GILES BLUE?

With St. Giles Blue having that next level of intensity, it makes sense to hit it with the clean contrast of All White No. 2005, although I kind of like it with Wevet No. 273 as well.

6. FARROW & BALL STIFFKEY BLUE No. 281

Stiffkey Blue might look like a more classic approach to navy blue, but this moody shade has more in store for you.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Stiffkey Blue…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF STIFFKEY BLUE?

The RUMOUR IS that a) Ryan Gosling has a soft spot for Gingers who over-consume Starbucks, white wine, and Cornuts, and b) Stiffkey Blue has an LRV JUST over 10. So while this blue is on the darker end of things, it’s kissing the lighter tip of this range.

When a blue like this hits the five range (LRV), you start worrying it might flash a bit BLACK in certain situations (depending on its intensity/degree of gray). With an LRV around 10, it’s FAR more likely to hold its color in dark corners and lower-light areas.

DOES STIFFKEY BLUE HAVE UNDERTONES?

As you read earlier, there are TWO types of blue paint colors – blue-purple and blue-green. Of course, there are a few blues that sit in the middle, but they can be easily influenced by their immediate surroundings and your room’s exposure. And let me tell you, Stiffkey Blue is DEFINITELY one of these blues!

With no strong allegiance to purple or green, this blue is great if you’re looking for a more straightforward approach to this classic hue.

And because it’s helpful to see pictures, and Stiffkey Blue and Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue are reasonably similar, let’s look at Newburyport in action…

THANK you to my clients for sending in their photos—you make my colorful world go round!

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR STIFFKEY BLUE?

When it comes to the calm, collected look of Stiffkey Blue, I’m putting my money on either Wimborne White No. 239 or All White No. 2005.

Your ULTIMATE Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

7. FARROW & BALL LULWORTH BLUE No. 89

Compared to MANY of the blues in this blog post, Lulworth Blue is a BIT more soothing, thanks to its soft gray backdrop. Let’s learn more about this beautiful blue to see if it will work for you.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Lulworth Blue…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF LULWORTH BLUE?

Lulworth Blue has an LRV somewhere around 53, give or take one or two points. This LRV means that Lulworth is in the light-medium range, but on the lighter end of this scale – nowhere near the medium depths.

WHAT ARE LULWORTH BLUE’S UNDERTONES?

As mentioned earlier, compared to Blue Ground, Lulworth Blue’s beautiful blue-purple approach is easier to see. And while Lulworth Blue certainly has gray in it, there’s still a lot of color left on the table (or on the wall might be more the point).

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR LULWORTH BLUE?

Lulworth Blue looks fresh and clean with All White No. 2005, although the play between Wimborne White’s warmth and Lulworth’s cool blue hue is pretty gorgeous too.

8. FARROW & BALL’S COOK’S BLUE No. 237

Cook’s Blue doesn’t look like any blue I’VE ever cooked with. But then I don’t cook, soooo…

If you’re looking for a lighter approach to blue, but one with some good meat on its bones, look no further than Cook’s Blue.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Cook’s Blue…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF COOK’S BLUE?

With its LRV around the mid-20s (25 strikes me as a good place to land our plane), Cooks Blue is solidly in the medium depths.

At this depth, Cook’s Blue could be a STUNNING island paint color for those who love blue but don’t want navy. The same goes for front doors and feature walls; Cook’s Blue is wicked pretty.

WHAT ARE THE UNDERTONES OF COOK’S BLUE? IS IT A TRUE BLUE?

Cook’s Blue is pretty darn blue, with no strong preference for blue-green or blue-purple.

Benjamin Moore’s Britannia Blue is another beautiful shade of blue. 

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR COOK’S BLUE?

Cook’s Blue has a great level of saturation—not too much or too little. To jack up its color potential a bit, partner it with the warm yellow undertones of Wimborne White No. 239, keeping in mind that Cook’s Blue will enhance the yellow hue in any warm white.

9. FARROW & BALL PARMA GRAY No. 27

Of ALL of the beautiful blues on this page, Parma Grey has me breathing a deep sigh of contentment.

Paint a room Parma Gray, throw Ryan Gosling in it drinking a glass of white wine, and eating Doritos, and I’m one HAPPY lil Ginger.

Not that the other blues aren’t stunning, but for me personally, Parma Gray is pretty darn perfect. Let’s find out why.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Parma Grey…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF PARMA GRAY?

Parma Gray’s LRV is somewhere around 52, give or take. Again, this is compared to similar colors, as there are no ‘confirmed and official’ reports on F&B’s LRVs.

With its moderate LRV, Parma Gray could be gorgeous on an island with marble countertops. Parma Gray could also be great for an entire room, especially a south-facing one (balance out those warm rays).

Benjamin Moore Steel Wool

WHAT ARE PARMA GRAY’S UNDERTONES?

While Parma Gray is blue, not gray, it has a reasonably strong gray base, calming it down. It’s this considerable gray base that has me sighing in contentment. I love that Parma Gray SHOWS that it’s blue, without visually knocking us upside the head with its intensity.

The Best Light Blue Paint Colors

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR PARMA GRAY?

Because Parma Gray is a bit more muted than many of Farrow & Ball’s other blue hues, I would lean into All White No. 2005 for a cleaner contrast.

10. FARROW & BALL RAILINGS No. 31

While Railings might sit more appropriately in the BLACK section, you know I’m anything but appropriate (wink wink).

The reason we’re looking at Railings is that although it’s a SOFT BLACK at heart, it has blue undertones, making it an interesting choice for black-inspired front doors, moody and dark, neutral accent walls, kitchen islands, and even trim and exteriors!

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Railings…

WHAT’S THE LRV OF RAILINGS?

Ahhh, that IS the magical question, isn’t it?! There are mixed answers about the LRV of Railings. The most common answer is 7, which sits well with me.

WHAT ARE THE UNDERTONES OF RAILINGS?

Just because a color is BLACK, doesn’t mean it’s boring! Railings has a lovely but subtle blue undertone. And while I’ve put Railings with the blues for this reason, if you’re looking for something just a touch softer (not quite so black), check out Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart, which picks up a bit more blue…

REVIEWS: BM Charcoal Slate | BM Gray 2121-10 | BM Cheating Heart

Cheating Heart is a great substitute for Railings if you want a touch more softness while still seeing a blue undertone.

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron is also a soft black with a blue hue. However, it’s less saturated or dense looking. This gives Wrought Iron a softer look compared to Railings.

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron shutters

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR RAILINGS?

The depth of Railings sets it up to humor a wide range of whites. However, while Farrow & Ball suggests Blackened as a partner, I lean toward Wevet No. 273 for a slightly cleaner approach. I also like the simplicity of All White No. 2005 if you want a warmer look.

Of course, Farrow & Ball has some beautiful, considerably lighter blues, but for the sake of TMI, I’m saving those bad boys for another blog post.

READ MORE

Farrow & Ball Color Matching: The Ultimate Guide

The 10 Best Blue-Gray Blend Paint Colors – Calm, Relaxing & Cool

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

Get the best color advice…

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting.

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2022, UPDATED IN LATE 2025