The Best Farrow and Ball Whites for 2025: Soft, Elegant Neutrals Designers Love

Few paint colours are as endlessly discussed as white — and few brands do them better than Farrow and Ball. Their whites are never flat or sterile; they have depth, character, and a distinctive softness that makes them a favourite among designers.

But here’s the secret: choosing the best Farrow and Ball white isn’t about picking the one that looks best in a sample pot. It’s about how each shade interacts with your light, flooring, and architectural details. A white that feels calm and creamy in a north-facing bedroom might look cool and crisp in a sunny kitchen.

As an interior designer, I’ve specified dozens of Farrow and Ball whites over the years — and the right one can completely transform a room. In this guide, I’ll share my go-to shades, how to use them, and the subtle undertones that make each one special. Whether you’re after warmth, brightness, or timeless elegance, these are the whites that never fail.

At a Glance

• Learn how to choose the perfect white for your home’s light direction

• Discover nine of the best Farrow and Ball whites designers love

• Understand undertones and how they affect colour

• Explore combinations that work beautifully with each white

• Get expert designer tips for walls, ceilings, and trims

1. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Understanding Undertones

Before you pick your paint, it’s important to understand what makes Farrow and Ball whites so unique — undertone. These subtle hints of colour within the white affect how it behaves in natural and artificial light.

Cool Undertones (Blue or Grey Base)

Fresh and architectural; ideal for modern interiors and bright, south-facing rooms.

Warm Undertones (Yellow, Pink or Red Base)

Soft, comforting, and timeless — perfect for traditional homes or north-facing spaces that need extra warmth.

Neutral Undertones (Balanced Mix)

The most versatile and easy to live with, suiting both contemporary and classic schemes.

Always test at least three whites side by side in your space. Farrow and Ball’s pigment-rich formulas shift beautifully throughout the day — you’ll want to see how they evolve in different light.

2. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: All White (No. 2005)

If you want a pure, crisp white, this is it. All White contains no pigment except white, making it bright and contemporary without feeling stark.

Best for south-facing rooms, modern kitchens, and ceilings or trims for a gallery-like finish.

Use Estate Emulsion on walls and Estate Eggshell on woodwork for subtle contrast.

3. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Wimborne White (No. 239)

A true designer classic, slightly warmer than All White with a hint of yellow pigment that gives it a gentle glow. Quintessentially British — fresh yet welcoming.

Best for north-facing rooms, traditional homes, and hallways.

Pair with Slipper Satin or Dimity for a calm palette, or contrast with London Clay for depth.

Wimborne White looks beautiful with warm wood flooring and brass accents — it ties the whole space together effortlessly.

4. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Pointing (No. 2003)

Pointing is a warm, slightly pink-toned white that feels inviting and timeless.

Best for north- or east-facing rooms, living rooms, and dining spaces.

Pair with Joa’s White or Oxford Stone for an elegant tonal scheme.

In rooms with limited natural light, Pointing reflects a gentle blush warmth that softens the atmosphere — perfect for period homes.

5. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: School House White (No. 291)

A soft, muted white with a grey undertone that feels vintage yet clean — understated but never dull.

Best for neutral layered interiors, walls and cabinetry, or mid-century and Scandi-inspired schemes.

Pair with Shadow White or Drop Cloth for depth.

Looks stunning with oak, rattan, and linen — great for clients wanting “white with soul.”

6. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Strong White (No. 2001)

Delicate grey undertone; crisp, modern, and ideal for urban flats. Best for south-facing rooms or minimalist interiors.

Pair with Ammonite or Wevet for a grey gradient.

Highlights architectural shapes beautifully — use it to define edges and light.

7. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Wevet (No. 273)

Airy and lightly greyed, creating a whisper-soft feel perfect for calm, coastal spaces. Best for bedrooms, bathrooms, and naturally bright homes.

Pair with Cornforth White or Purbeck Stone for tone-on-tone harmony.

Modern yet tranquil — great for serenity seekers wanting a cooler neutral.

8. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Slipper Satin (No. 2004)

Soft and creamy with a subtle pinkish undertone that adds gentle warmth. Best for classic interiors and south-facing living rooms with warm woods.

Pair with Lime White or French Gray for sophistication.

Adds warmth without yellowing — a forever favourite for elegant homes.

9. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Ammonite (No. 274)

Balanced, modern neutral — a perfect midpoint between white and grey. Best for contemporary kitchens, cabinetry, or whole-home schemes.

Pairs beautifully with black, marble, and pale woods.

If you’re undecided between white and grey, choose Ammonite — timeless, modern, endlessly flexible.

10. Best Farrow and Ball Whites: Choosing the Right One for Your Space

• Bright sunny rooms → cooler whites like All White or Strong White

• North-facing rooms → warmer tones like Pointing or Slipper Satin

• Multi-room schemes → balanced tones like School House White or Ammonite

• Classic look → Wimborne White or Wevet

Base your choice on flooring and light direction — oak prefers warmer whites; stone or grey floors suit cooler tones.

Conclusion

The best Farrow and Ball whites aren’t one-size-fits-all — each has its own personality and tone. Their magic lies in how they react to light, creating calm sophistication and visual depth.

Whether you’re refreshing one wall or designing a whole home, these shades are timeless foundations that adapt to any style.

The perfect white is the one that feels right in your light, with your materials, and your mood — and once you find it, everything else falls beautifully into place.

FAQ

1. What is the most popular Farrow and Ball white?

Wimborne White — a warm, versatile favourite that suits almost every space.

2. Which Farrow and Ball white is best for dark rooms?

Pointing or Slipper Satin — both add gentle warmth to shadowy rooms.

3. What’s the best white for ceilings and trims?

All White — pure, bright, and perfect for clean contrast.

4. Are Farrow and Ball whites good for modern homes?

Yes — Strong White, Wevet, and Ammonite bring a fresh, contemporary edge.

Ready to find your perfect Farrow and Ball white? Book your 1:1 Online Design Consultation with BY Design And Viz for personalised colour advice, lighting analysis, and expert palette curation.

Author Bio

Written by Beril Yilmaz, founder of BY Design And Viz — a UK-based interior designer known for creating timeless, layered homes that feel beautiful, balanced, and authentically you.