Mylands is one of the best-kept secrets in the London paint world. Founded in 1884 and still based in Norwood, South London, Mylands has supplied paint to some of London's most prestigious buildings — the Royal Opera House, the Houses of Parliament, the National Gallery — for over a century. Among professional decorators, it is held in the highest regard. Among consumers, it is far less well known than Farrow & Ball. This guide compares the two honestly.
About Mylands
Mylands operates differently from Farrow & Ball. It does not have the same retail presence, glossy marketing, or celebrity endorsements. It sells directly from its Norwood factory, through specialist decorating merchants, and online. What it does have is:
- Exceptional woodwork products: Mylands' oil-based eggshell, gloss, and satinwood are among the finest available — traditional oil-alkyd formulations that flow beautifully, level to a glass-smooth finish, and cure to a hard, durable film. For painted woodwork, they are arguably superior to anything Farrow & Ball produces.
- A heritage colour archive: Mylands' London Colour palette is based on historical research into authentic London decorating colours — deep, rich tones with genuine period provenance that are distinct from Farrow & Ball's more widely imitated palette.
- Professional respect: Mylands is the paint that experienced London decorators recommend to clients who want the best possible woodwork finish. Hampstead Painting Company uses Mylands oil eggshell on woodwork for clients who want traditional oil-based quality.
How They Compare
- Wall finishes: Farrow & Ball's Dead Flat and Estate Emulsion are superior for flat, deep-colour wall finishes in principal rooms. Mylands' emulsions are good but do not quite match Farrow & Ball's characteristic depth and complexity.
- Woodwork finishes: Mylands wins clearly. Its oil-based eggshell and gloss produce a harder, smoother, more durable film on skirting boards, architraves, and doors than Farrow & Ball's water-based equivalent. If you want painted woodwork that looks brilliant for a decade, specify Mylands.
- Colour range: Farrow & Ball's 132-colour palette is compact but iconic. Mylands offers over 200 colours including an excellent historical range that suits period London properties extremely well.
- Price: Mylands is comparable to Farrow & Ball in price for wall products; its oil-based woodwork products are well priced given their performance.
- Availability: Farrow & Ball has extensive retail coverage; Mylands requires a bit more effort to source but is available online and from specialist merchants.
Our Recommendation
For period North London properties where woodwork quality is a priority, Hampstead Painting Company often recommends a combination: Farrow & Ball emulsion on walls for the depth of colour and beautiful flat finish, and Mylands oil eggshell on skirtings, architraves, and doors for the finest possible oil-based result. It is a combination that represents the best of both brands.
To discuss paint product recommendations for your project, contact Hampstead Painting Company for a free consultation and quote.
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About the Author
James Mitchell is our Senior Color Consultant, bringing a designer's eye to every project and helping clients choose perfect palettes for their spaces.
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