Archive Colours are discontinued Farrow & Ball shades that are no longer part of the main Signature Palette but can still be mixed to order. They offer unique, characterful tones that aren’t widely used, making them ideal for distinctive interior schemes.

Archive Colours are priced the same as Signature Palette colours. The main difference is that as they are not available as sample pots to test so please be confident in your choice before placing your order.

Most Archive Colours are available in the full range of Farrow & Ball finishes, including Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion, Estate Eggshell, and Modern Eggshell. A few specialist finishes may vary, so it’s best to check availability for your chosen shade.

Signature Palette colours are the current, most popular 132 shades. Archive Colours are older or more niche tones that have been retired from the main collection but remain fully mixable. They offer a wider range of historic, bold, or unusual hues.

Because Archive Colours aren’t available as sample pots, the best way to choose the right shade is to compare the colour descriptions, undertones, and digital swatches carefully, and consider how they’ll work with your room’s lighting and existing décor.

While other brands may offer similar tones, Farrow & Ball’s Archive Colours use unique pigment blends that are difficult to replicate exactly. For the most accurate result, it’s best to use the original Farrow & Ball formulation.