Skimming Stone is one of Farrow and Ball’s most popular contemporary neutrals, it’s versatile and the perfect trade off for a bright white that’s warm and comforting.
If you’re looking for the perfect pairings in your interior, this post explores all of the best combinations and what colours go with Skimming Stone for a cohesive and well styled interior.
Is Skimming Stone Grey or Beige?
Farrow and Ball’s Skimming Stone is a warm grey colour with subtle beige undertones.
It is often described as a soft, calming colour that works well in both modern and traditional interiors. Because of its undertones, Skimming Stone can be considered as a greyish-beige colour.
The colour can also look and feel different depending on the lighting and where the room faces, so always purchase a tester pot beforehand.
Skimming Stone Colour Scheme – What Colours Go With Skimming Stone?
Neutral Combinations
Skimming Stone has beige and grey undertones, and pairing with similar tonal and neutral combinations creates a beautiful and soft Skimming Stone colour scheme.
If you’re looking to use Skimming Stone on the walls, F&B suggest using Wimborne White on areas such as skirting boards and architraves, and Strong White as an accent colour.
Through my design experience, I personally prefer to carry through the wall colour you use on the skirtings too, especially in small spaces as it instantly draws the eye up.
If you start using different colours on the skirtings to what you do on the walls it can cause instant chaos as you’re trying to take in the different colours as you enter a room.
I think choosing one colour also helps with cohesion and flow in the room, so if you’re using Skimming Stone on the walls, I’d use it on the skirtings and architraves too.
Defining Accent Combination
When you’re using a neutral in an interior like Skimming Stone you should always work to introduce a darker shade into your colour scheme.
Using a darker accent colour like F&B London Clay will add a defining colour to the room which will help to frame and ground the space.
If you’re looking to achieve this with paint, there’s plenty of other ways this can be achieved with different paint colours, Railings is a popular choice or you could opt for a standard matte black paint.
Warm, Colourful Combinations
Neutral combinations are one of the most popular Skimming Stone Colour Schemes, but incorporating some warmer shades into the mix can create an inviting and welcoming space.
Sulking Room Pink is a classic shade that brings a bit more definition than a dusty pink, and it works in a range of different settings.
If you want to play on the grey undertones of Skimming Stone, Selvedge is a great choice which has a denim, blue, grey look to it depending on the light in the room.
Skimming Stone & Black
If you want to create a transitional interior, a black accent will go a long way in pulling an interior together and bringing that all important defining detail to a room.
It contrasts beautifully with Skimming Stone for a touch of modernity. A few simple details like a lamp, radiator or door hardware is all you need.
You’ll then want to incorporate another colour into the equation for some depth and colour in the space.
Like this look? Pair with a standard bright white like F&B All White or Dulux Brilliant White on the ceiling to get a similar look like this.
Skimming Stone & Bright White
Crisp white half wall panelling like this creates a fresh, modern look when paired with Skimming Stone on the upper half. This creates a timeless look that works well in any room.
With Skimming Stone a continuation after the panelling, it helps to draw the eye up as you enter the room too.
Add a black accent in a few well placed areas for a defining looks, such as on photo frames, side tables and interior hardware accessories like sockets and switches.
Skimming Stone & Terracotta
Bright, bold accent colours, such as spicy terracotta create a powerful pop of colour when paired with Skimming Stone. This works particularly well in smaller spaces and in a few well placed areas.
As demonstrated here, a pop of this colour on some scatter cushions on a sofa is a simple, yet effective way to introduce a contrast with Skimming Stone.
You can then update your accent colour if you so wish as the seasons change.
Skimming Stone & Green
Be it forest green for some added definition or a soft touch of sage green, green makes for a perfect pairing of Skimming Stone, creating a really earthy, neutral interior. Try Green Smoke for a similar look to the bedroom shown below.
Use green as an accent colour within the space with furnishings, textiles such as cushions and throws or decorative accessories.
If you don’t want to go all in, a really simple way to introduce green is with fake or real plants.
Skimming Stone & Grey
Skimming Stone is naturally a warm grey/beige with grey undertones so layering with other shades of grey within an interior will build depth and texture.
Opt for a darker grey for a defining edge, and do layer with differing shades of grey for further visual interest. This creates a really neutral, yet warm and exciting interior, a perfect example of how you can still have a grey, warm and cosy living room when using Skimming Stone.
What Is the Dupe of Farrow and Ball Skimming Stone?
Dulux Egyptian Cotton is a perfect close match dupe to Skimming Stone, it carries the same modern warm neutral tone delivering an elegant, sophisticated feel to a space.
As you can see, it’s a near perfect match. Always grab a tester pot before committing as the shades can look different in different lights.
Looking for some other alternatives for Farrow and Ball shades? Take a look at our entire post on Dulux alternatives for Farrow and Ball paint shades.
In summary, here are some of the best colours to use with Skimming Stone;
- Creams & whites
- Browns
- Dark green – sage green
- Navy Blue
- Black
- Grey
- Mustard yellow
- Terracotta
- Pink
Whether you choose a neutral Skimming Stone colour scheme or opt for something a little bit bolder and warmer, this versatile colour is a real winner in an interior, a perfect balancing colour that’s a perfect replacement for magnolia and bright white, yet it comes into its own when paired with other colours.
Lovely.
I am painting my little kitchen Skimming Stone.
It is a very old cottage.
My shelves are painted the same colour.
(I don’t like fitted kitchens)
I use an old dumbwaiter to stack my blue and white plates etc.
What would you suggest as a paint colour?
I have used pointing for the kitchen doors leading to the pantry and the stairs.
No skirting boards . The cottage is too old pre 1600.
Would you still paint the doors skimming stone?
Thank you.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your comment, your cottage sounds gorgeous! I’d personally say paint it in the skimming stone too as it will create that cohesive flow through the space, which is called ‘colour drenching;, it creates a really enveloped feel in a space and sounds like it would suit your cottage beautifully. If it’s a small space, introducing additional colours can make a space feel smaller. However, if it’s a very large space, you can get away with introducing a new colour to the doors. Hope that helps and let me know if you need any further advice, Nicole x
Hi there I have just had my old kitchen units sprayed in ammonite but not sure what colours to put on my walls and between wall and base units. Would love some advice. Pat
Hi Pat, thanks for your comment! You can go two ways with this, keep a neutral colour scheme and introduce a grey, sage green or blush pink colouring, or lean into the darker side for more of a contrast with a darker green or navy blue. I have some more examples of these colours in situ with ammonite here; https://www.sleek-chic.co.uk/2023/07/ammonite-or-cornforth-white.html hope this helps, Nicole x
hi
we are painting our kitchen cupboards skimming stone – the wooden paneling between the oak worktop and upper cupboards is also skimming stone. we have a black range cooker and hood. We also have some olive green tiles near sink.
What colour would you go advise for the cooker smash back – we are going glass with a colour? It is an Edwardian house with the ref and black floor tiles.
thanks
Good morning, thanks for your comment! Sounds gorgeous – I would personally lean towards, a similar green on your splashback as that on your green tiles as you don’t want to be introducing too many other colours here as everything will fight for attention, if you do this you’ll create a more cohesive feel that looks intentional. If you are open to other splashback options, I would lean towards something like a white semi sheen herringbone style tile. If you need anymore advice, please send a photo across to me on email as it helps for me to visually see and recommend to hello@sleek-chic.co.uk thanks! Nicole x
Hi Nicole,
Looking for some advice. I have a north facing galley kitchen, the cupboards are painted railings. Wall colour is currently strong white but I want something warmer. What would you suggest? The worktops are tiles are like a stone colour. Thanks in advance,
Hi Elyse, thanks for your comment. I would go for something like Joa’s white, Oxford Stone or White tie they all have yellow undertones but will bring much more warmth than strong white which has a cool grey undertone to it. Hope that helps! Nicole x
Hi Nicole,
We’re painting our kitchen cupboards skimming stone. The splash back tiles are currently beige and the worktops are black. What colour would you recommend we paint the walls please. Would skimming stone all over be too much? Thank you 😊
Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment! Sounds gorgeous, I just love Skimming Stone! I’d definitely go for a different colour on the walls so you have a bit of interest, it could end up feeling flat with the same colour all over. If you want to still keep it neutral I would go for something like F&B Wevet, All White or Strong White (all slightly different in tone so do recommend a tester pot first) so you have a bit of contrast, it will draw the eye up but keep an airy, light kitchen space. Hope that helps! Nicole x
Thank you Nicole, I appreciate your reply. I will certainly look at those colours. Can I ask how you feel Elephants Breath would work on the walls with Wimborne white on skirtings and architraves? I’m determined to have pitch black doors
Love love Pitch Black for an accent, so this will look fab on your doors. Elephants Breath will definitely work, if you have a smaller space I would keep the skirtings the same colour as it will lengthen the walls and avoid it feeling like a band of colour in the middle, if not, then totally go for Wimborne White! Nicole x
Personally I like mouses back, although changing the living room from James white before Christmas, as my mother has decided she doesn’t like it anymore, is going to be a chore this month.
Whilst the rest of the house is clunch, luna and all white , the same colours don’t work with the different light in the living room. It’s a choice between skimming stone and stirabout, I didn’t think it would be so difficult to choose between white/grey and white/beige; is there an article with pictures for the stir about?
Yes, Mouses Back is a lovely shade, although a bit darker in nature. I don’t currently have an article on Stirabout, but it can be difficult as the colours can look very similar albeit with a slightly different pigment. Stirabout feels slightly pinkier in practise, I’d recommend getting a tester of each and painting onto two sheets of white paper and then taking around the room so you can see how it looks in different lights.
Interestingly mother and I have been out today to purchase the Parnham vase , before seeing the article. It will look nice with green Christmas eucalyptus and red berry foliage, although I can’t help thinking how lifelessly bland the photo of the half white walls look. Reminds me of being a child in the 90’s where everybody had cream carpet and a spare living room nobody ever wanted to sit in because it was cold and sterile, with a kind of sickly cream and pale green chintz combination, leaded light windows and the old style ercole sofas which had carved backs that looked like church furniture. Although I wish the matching rocking chair hadn’t on gone on the bonfire during the divorce, as I’d spent 4 hours recovering it, as it was my fave spot. Although I still like the Gothic look of a wooden floor, white walls and painted black furniture; accompanied the Parnham with the wrought iron black candlesticks and ceramic scented bells for Christmas. I suppose next is what to do with the decs, as they’re looking slightly tired too.
We live in a newish build (18 years old) which is currently all painted pure white all over with a few pops of colour such as dark green panelling in the kitchen (which is white handless gloss) and orla Kieley stem wallpaper (in blue/mustard/beige) on a feature wall in the lounge. Thinking of changing to skimming stone throughout downstairs but slightly worried this will look a bit dull. Thinking white trimmings. Would love your thoughts? Thanks
Thanks for your comment! Love skimming stone, perfect for a warm modern neutral and it’s got more character than a standard pure white. I would avoid white skirtings & architraves as it can look like a band of colour in the middle. Instead, paint the door a different colour – such as a sage green for example, it will add warmth and colour against skimming stone. From my personal design experience, I tend to only use the same colour if the room flows into another directly such as a living room/dining room, you can still create a cohesive space by pairing it with complementary colours in other rooms. Hope that helps, Nicole x
Hi,
We have a long narrow bedroom with bed at one end then we have fitted wardrobes (floor to ceiling on both sides of the wall) at the other end. We’re thinking about painting our bedroom walls in skimming stone and not sure whether we should do the wardrobes in the same colour or a different colour to zone the areas. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your comment, if you want to keep things minimalistic, colour drench everything in the same colour, but bring warmth in through bedding, cushions, curtains etc. Alternatively, paint the wardrobes in a different colour, but I would use the same colour on any woodwork around window and doors so there is a cohesive, running theme. Hope that helps, Nicole x
Hi Nicole,
I’m currently painting my flat Skimming Stone and was looking for a white to paint the doors. Looking for something that would give a contrast but would complement it as well. Would you also be able to recommend something in Dulux for the doors?
Thanks
Rabia
Good morning, thanks for your comment. If you want a crisp, stark contrast go for Dulux brilliant white, if you want something which is an off-white, have a look at Rock Salt which has a similar grey undertone to skimming stone. Nicole x
Great review and super helpful! Doing our bedroom in this colour and feeling nervous it will all look plain but your tips help. My only worry is what colour Roman bling to put at the window without it looking all too pale all over?
Thank you! Yes – so I would definitely pick a secondary or third colour you’re going to use in your bedroom across bedding, cushions etc and then use a similar tone on the Roman Blind. If you want to keep things neutral on the Roman Blind, go for a lovely grey or oat linen style fabric, or lean into a gorgeous olive green to add some definition. As long as the Roman Blind has a slight differentiation in colour to Skimming Stone it will still add warmth and avoid it feeling flat. Hope that helps!
Hi Nicole, having found your extremely helpful website I wonder if you can kindly assist; our kitchen units base and wall cabinets are in Purbeck Stone, panelling between the units and the remainder of the walls are Amonite but have always felt it is too “grey”. Having spent months deliberating and researching F&B colours and pairings and many testers later, I opted for the contrasting Stiffkey blue just on the non panelled walls (which are opposite ends to the units) but feel it’s completely wrong, especially around some oak beams on one part of the wall, although previously it felt bright enough to get away with going with a dark colour. ‘ House is very old cottage but fairly light with windows both to north and south (south facing one much smaller). Anyway having read your articles I’m wondering now if I should use more of a colour drenching approach with either Cornforth white or Skimming stone, or even Purbeck stone and then add colour ? of sorts with the blind and door curtain. Of note, the floor is limestone tiles and range oven in a “china” blue. I would be most grateful for advice so I can finally love the kitchen! Thank you so much
Hi Helen, thanks for your comment! From what you have said, I would personally go for a colour drenched approach, if you have slightly shorter ceilings in a cottage too it will feel warmer and cosier – either Cornforth white or Skimming Stone, Purbeck Stone is a mid grey so it will feel far too dark for the look you want to achieve. Always bring colour you’re comfortable with through textiles such as blind, door curtain and decorative accessories. Door curtain, have a look at ticking stripe, it’s a classic print but comes in a wide variety of colours. Always happy to give more recommendations with a visual so do feel free to send an image to hello@sleek-chic.co.uk if you want any further help! Thanks, Nicole
Ticking stripe! That’s exactly what I’ve got on the front door, looks very quaint still, despite living in a new build cul de sac now, instead of having a cottage living room exactly like the one depicted in morris paint chart booklet and without a strange man making himself at home on the sofa of course.
And I have to say Nicole, skimming stone does look very nice with blue.
I’ve newly painted over the All White & James White with skimming stone and matched my bedroom walls with a lovely GP & J Baker blue Persian Linen pattern called Kiana, in matching curtains and padded headboard. It’s particularly complementary with my Henshaw painted black furniture too. Although it’s the first time I’ve ever upcycled an antique Victorian mahogany bed, so let’s hope the walnut veneer around the headboard piece turns out well.