Is Farrow and Ball Paint Worth the Hype?

The Paint Dilemma Every Homeowner Faces

Quick Verdict

Yes—Farrow & Ball is worth it if you value distinctive color depth, designer-driven finishes, and are painting smaller, high-impact interior spaces.

No—it’s not the best choice if you need maximum durability for large, high-traffic areas or are working within a tight budget.

That nuance matters—especially in Denver homes.

Why Designers (and Some Painters) Love Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball isn’t just premium paint—it’s a design-forward coating system built around pigment quality, finish character, and how color reacts to light.

Unmatched Color Character

Shades like Hague Blue, Railings, and Setting Plaster are known for their layered, atmospheric look. Farrow & Ball uses a high pigment load and traditional color formulations, which create depth many mass-market paints don’t fully replicate—even when color-matched.

This is why designers gravitate toward it: the colors shift subtly throughout the day, rather than staying flat.

Signature Finishes

• Estate Emulsion: Ultra-flat, chalky, and elegant. Exceptional at hiding surface imperfections, but designed for low-traffic spaces.

• Modern Emulsion / Modern Eggshell: More washable and scuff-resistant, making them better suited for kitchens, baths, and family areas.

Estate Emulsion is about visual softness—not durability.

Low-VOC, Eco-Conscious Formula

Farrow & Ball’s water-based, low-VOC formulas appeal to homeowners prioritizing indoor air quality—especially relevant in tightly sealed Denver homes during winter months.

How Durable Is Farrow & Ball—Really?

This is where expectations need to be realistic. Farrow & Ball delivers stunning color and designer finishes, but performance varies by line:

• Estate Emulsion is wipeable, not truly washable. It performs best in bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, and other low-traffic areas.

• Modern Emulsion / Eggshell is more durable and holds up well to routine cleaning, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moderately active spaces.

In practice, many professionals find that other premium lines may outperform Farrow & Ball in pure durability:

• Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Regal Select offer strong washability and scuff resistance.

• Fine Paints of Europe (FPE) is a European luxury option with exceptionally hard, long-lasting finishes—particularly in high-traffic or high-abrasion areas—though it comes at a premium cost.

That said, none of these alternatives fully replicate the color depth, texture, and designer character that Farrow & Ball provides. At DAECO, we choose the right product based on room function, exposure, and aesthetic goals, treating Farrow & Ball as a strategic, high-impact solution, rather than a universal interior paint.

At DAECO, we treat Farrow & Ball as a design-specific solution, not a universal interior paint.

How Much Does Farrow & Ball Cost in Denver?

Pricing varies by finish and retailer, but most Denver homeowners should expect:

The table’s numbers align well with 2026 U.S. retail pricing trends for these premium paints, though exact costs vary by retailer, location (e.g., Denver)

Farrow & Ball
Price: ~$125 – $158+ per gallon
Notes: Ultra-premium pigment load. Best for depth of color, not high durability.View: Farrow&Ball

Sherwin-Williams

~$85–$110+ matches Emerald/Duration retail (videos confirm ~$110–$120 retail, with pro discounts lowering it); Emerald Designer Edition hits ~$120. Durability emphasis is accurate. View: Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore

Price: ~$75 – $105+ per gallon
Notes: Aura offers similar color technology; Regal Select is the industry workhorse. Benjamin Moore

Fine Paints of Europe

Price: ~$110 – $145+ per gallon
Notes: Dutch luxury. Exceptionally hard finishes (Hollandlac/Eco). Requires high labor skill to apply. View: Find Paints Of Europe

Coverage Note: Two coats typically provide full coverage on properly primed surfaces—similar to other premium paints. At this level, surface prep matters more than the brand.

How Farrow & Ball Performs in Denver Homes

Denver’s environment plays a bigger role than most homeowners expect.

• Dry air can increase the risk of flashing if surfaces aren’t properly primed.

• High UV exposure through large windows can affect deeper, saturated hues over time.

• Rapid seasonal changes make finish selection more important than color alone.

In real-world applications, we often recommend:

• Deeper hues in lower-light rooms

• Modern Emulsion over Estate Emulsion in active family homes

• Extra attention to prep, primer choice, and application technique

Example: In a recent Wash Park powder room, we used Hague Blue in Modern Eggshell to balance dramatic depth with frequent cleaning needs.

Application Tips (From the Field)

Farrow & Ball rewards good technique—and exposes shortcuts.

• Use high-quality microfiber rollers and synthetic brushes

• Apply two thin coats, allowing full dry time

• Avoid overworking the paint; it flows differently than thicker contractor-grade products

• Prime properly—Farrow & Ball performs best over quality primer (or their own system)

This is where experienced crews make the difference.

Common Myths—Debunked

“You can’t touch it up.”
You can—especially with Estate Emulsion—but only after full curing (about two weeks) and careful feathering.

“It’s too hard to apply.”
It’s not difficult, just unforgiving. Technique matters more than speed.

Where to Buy Farrow & Ball in Denver

Availability is more limited than big-box brands.

• Lovejoy & Company (Denver) — boutique design retailer familiar with Farrow & Ball finishes

• Online ordering direct from Farrow & Ball (plan ahead for delivery)

Stock can vary, so early ordering is smart—especially for full-home projects.

So…Is Farrow & Ball Worth It?

Best for:

• Design-driven homeowners

• Small, high-impact spaces (powder rooms, dining rooms, accent walls)

• Clients who prioritize finish character over cost per gallon

Not ideal for:

• Large, budget-sensitive projects

• High-traffic family areas unless using Modern finishes

• Rental properties or frequent repaint cycles

The DAECO Take:
We use Farrow & Ball strategically—where its strengths shine and its limitations won’t become a liability. When applied thoughtfully, it delivers results few paints can match.

A Final Word on Color-Matching

Color-matching Farrow & Ball shades into other brands can reduce cost, but the pigment load and finish character won’t be identical. We view this as a calculated compromise for secondary spaces—not a true substitute.

Thinking about Farrow & Ball for your Denver home?
At DAECO Painting, we’ve completed numerous Farrow & Ball projects across Wash Park, Cherry Creek, and other Mile High City neighborhoods. If you want a flawless, design-forward finish and expert guidance on which colors and finishes work best for your space, we’d love to talk.

Contact DAECO Painting →