Farrow & Ball De NimesvsFarrow & Ball Oval Room Blue
Why this comparison: Two muted F&B blues; Oval Room Blue is greener and more vintage. De Nimes and Oval Room Blue are close but distinct (ΔE 8.67). Visible difference on the wall, especially in flat daylight.
Built from our full reviews of both colors — same measured data, same real-room photos. About the testing process →
The Numbers
Oval Room Blue is meaningfully lighter (LRV 31 vs 21). On a wall, Oval Room Blue reads mid-tone; De Nimes reads dark, dramatic.
What Each Color Really Is
De Nimes (No. 299) reads as blue-green / cool at LRV 21 — dark, dramatic.
Oval Room Blue (No. 85) reads as blue-green / cool at LRV 31 — mid-tone.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | De Nimes | Oval Room Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Farrow & Ball | Farrow & Ball |
| SKU | No. 299 | No. 85 |
| Hex | #748284 | #889B9B |
| RGB | 116, 130, 132 | 136, 155, 155 |
| LRV | 21 | 31 |
| Undertone | blue-green / cool | blue-green / cool |
| Family | Teal | Teal |
How Light Changes Them
With an LRV of 21, De Nimes is a deep, dramatic shade. It soaks up light in north-facing rooms and looks richest where strong daylight hits it. Its teal undertone is the part to watch: it gets picked up by whatever sits next to it, so test it against your trim, floor and the room's main light before committing. Warm artificial light softens it; cool LED can make it look flat, so match your bulbs to the mood you want.
Oval Room Blue sits in the mid-range at LRV 31, so it shifts visibly through the day — lighter and more open in morning light, deeper and moodier after dark. Its teal undertone is the part to watch: it gets picked up by whatever sits next to it, so test it against your trim, floor and the room's main light before committing. South-facing rooms will pull it lighter and warmer, while north light cools it down.
When to Pick Which
Best when you want a cooler, more architectural read — pairs with chrome, steel, and crisp whites.
Best when you want the slightly lighter, airier read.
No comparison page can see your light. Upload one photo of your room and try both colors on the same walls, seconds apart.
De Nimes vs Oval Room Blue FAQ
Which is lighter, De Nimes or Oval Room Blue?
Oval Room Blue is lighter: LRV 31 vs 21. Oval Room Blue is meaningfully lighter (LRV 31 vs 21). On a wall, Oval Room Blue reads mid-tone; De Nimes reads dark, dramatic.
Which is warmer, De Nimes or Oval Room Blue?
They share the same undertone family — both read blue-green / cool. The difference between them is lightness and depth, not temperature.
How similar are De Nimes and Oval Room Blue?
De Nimes and Oval Room Blue are close but distinct (ΔE 8.67). Visible difference on the wall, especially in flat daylight. The only reliable test is seeing both in your own room and light — a side-by-side on a screen or chip flattens the difference.
Can I use De Nimes and Oval Room Blue together in one house?
Yes, in separate rooms. They are close enough to feel related but different enough to notice, so give each its own room and connect them with a shared trim white. Avoid putting them on adjoining walls.
Ask a Question