Farrow & Ball, Little Greene and other premium ranges have a devoted following, and for good reason, the colours are beautiful and the finishes have real depth. But they cost noticeably more than standard trade paint, so is the upgrade always worth it? Having decorated countless West Sussex homes with both, here's our honest view.
What you're paying for
Premium paints typically offer richer pigments, a more refined finish and a carefully curated palette. The famous Farrow & Ball depth of colour comes from how the paint handles light, flatter, chalkier matts and beautifully soft sheens that can genuinely transform a room.
Where premium paint earns its money
- Feature rooms. A living room, dining room or hallway you really want to feel special is where the finish shows.
- Period homes. Heritage colours suit older properties beautifully and feel in keeping with the building.
- Specific colours. Sometimes a particular shade simply can't be matched well in a cheaper range.
Where good trade paint makes more sense
For ceilings, utility spaces, rentals, children's rooms that get repainted often, or large areas on a budget, quality trade paint (such as Dulux Trade) gives a hard-wearing, excellent finish for less. Don't underestimate it, applied well, trade paint looks superb.
Our honest advice: spend where it shows. Premium paint on the rooms you live in and look at most, sensible trade paint elsewhere. A good decorator will tell you where the upgrade is worth it and where it isn't.
Application matters as much as the paint
Here's the truth: the best paint in the world looks ordinary if it's poorly applied, and good trade paint looks fantastic in skilled hands. Preparation and technique do more for the final result than the label on the tin.
If you'd like help choosing colours and finishes for your home, see my interior painting service or ask for a free quote and a chat about colours.