Picking that perfect off-white shade for your interior can seem like an impossible task when there is virtually 100s of different white shades available. When it comes to Farrow & Ball’s white paints, choosing between Ammonite or Cornforth White is one of the most popular conundrums.
How do you choose when the tones are so similar?
Firstly, when choosing between two very similar shades I would always recommend trying a tester pot of a couple of different shades in your home before committing. This part is SO important as shades can look wildly different in one home to another due to natural light, and the CRI & colour temperature of the bulbs you use in your light fittings.
If you’re stuck between Ammonite or Cornforth White, I explore these rich paint colours in depth, along with examples in situ and how to decide which shade is most suited to your home.
What Colour Is Ammonite?
Farrow & Ball’s “Ammonite” is a pale, warm grey colour.
It is named after the fossilised seashells called ammonites, which often have a similar greyish hue.
Ammonite is a versatile and popular neutral shade, known for its ability to create a soft and calming atmosphere in interior spaces.
What Colours Go With Ammonite?
Ammonite is a pale grey colour so naturally it is one of the best off-white colours to pair with a whole host of colours.
It’s earthy tones makes it pair well with neutrals, earthy colours and warmer tones such as dusty pink for a beautiful accent and pop of colour.
Soft Purples:
Pairing Ammonite with soft mauve or lavender shades can create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.
These gentle hues work well in bedrooms and living spaces. Take a look at shades such as Peignoir or Calluna.
Dusty Blues:
Combining Ammonite with muted or dusty blue tones can create a serene and coastal-inspired look.
This pairing evokes a sense of calmness and is well-suited for bathrooms or living areas. My favourite soft blue from Farrow and Ball is Parma Gray.
Warm Greens:
Shades of warm green, such as sage or olive, can beautifully complement Ammonite. If you’re looking for a paint shade, try Breakfast Room Green.
This combination brings a natural and organic feel to a space, particularly in kitchens or areas with a connection to nature.
Introduce natural texture to a colour scheme like this, plenty of rattan or sea grass will give a further nod to the natural world, as well as creating a layered space.
Blush Pinks:
Soft blush pink shades paired with Ammonite can create an elegant and sophisticated ambience.
This combination works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas. Introduce pink through wall art, decor accessories and layer with the colour.
Layering with textiles such as cushions, throws and pillows will help to create that gorgeous depth and warmth in a space.
Navy Blue:
For a bold and dramatic contrast, consider pairing Ammonite with deep navy blue. Hague Blue or Stiffkey Blue are popular navy blue shades.
This combination creates a striking and timeless look, suitable for accent walls or statement furniture pieces.
Warm Neutrals:
Ammonite can be combined with other warm neutrals, such as beige, taupe, or creamy whites, to create a cosy and inviting space.
This pairing works well in any room and provides a versatile backdrop for various design styles.
What Colour Is Cornforth White?
Cornforth White is a soft and sophisticated grey colour. It is named after John Cornforth, a prominent historian of architecture.
Cornforth White has a hint of warmth to it, with subtle undertones of taupe and blue. It is a versatile neutral shade that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings, providing a timeless and elegant look to interior spaces.
What Colours Go With Cornforth White?
Just like Ammonite, Cornforth White is a highly versatile neutral colour that works well with tonal combinations that match its taupe and blue undertones, but it works with more bold, statement making shades too.
Here are some of the best colour combinations to pair with Cornforth White.
Soft Blues:
Shades of soft blue, such as pale blues, light aqua, or powder blue, complement Cornforth White beautifully because of its soft blue undertones.
Tonal combinations are always the most effective as it creates a cohesive feel through the space.
This combination creates a serene and soothing atmosphere, perfect for coastal inspired properties and modern interior schemes.
Warm Greys:
Since Cornforth White is grey with warm undertones, pairing it with other warm greys can create a cohesive and harmonious look, whilst drawing this undertone out of Cornforth White.
Consider incorporating shades like Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath or Purbeck Stone for a sophisticated colour scheme.
When it comes to decorating, layer with different shades of grey, textures and patterns for a rich, layered look that creates a cosy feeling.
Pale Pinks:
Combining Cornforth White with delicate, dusty pinks or blush tones can add a touch of femininity and elegance to a space.
This pairing creates a gentle and sophisticated ambience. This colour scheme is perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
Natural Earthy Tones:
Earthy colours, such as warm browns, taupes, and muted greens, work well with Cornforth White. Taupe is one of the undertones of Cornforth White so this really helps to create a collective, cohesive colour scheme.
These tones create a connection to nature and can bring a sense of grounding and tranquility to a room.
Metallic Accents:
Cornforth White serves as an excellent backdrop for metallic accents.
Adding touches of gold, brass, silver, or copper through accessories, lighting fixtures, or hardware can introduce a touch of glamour and sophistication to the space.
Ammonite or Cornforth White… Which White Shade Is Best?
Choosing the perfect off-white for your space is ultimately down to personal preference and what other colours you may want to introduce the space.
Ammonite has warmer undertones, leaning towards a pale warm gray, while Cornforth White has cooler undertones, leaning towards a soft and sophisticated grey with hints of taupe and blue.
Consider which undertone complements your desired colour scheme and existing furnishings. This is the best starting point as it will help you to learn towards which off-white is best for your interior.
Ultimately, which I always stress is that the lighting conditions in your space can influence how the colours appear.
Ammonite’s warmer undertones can help create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, particularly in spaces with less natural light. Cornforth White’s cooler undertones can lend a sense of freshness and brightness in well-lit areas.
ALWAYS purchase a tester pot. I’d recommend grabbing a tester pot of each if you still can’t choose. Place them next to each other in the chosen room so you can see how the colour looks in different lights during the day.
So, Ammonite or Cornforth White, which F&B shade is your favourite?
Before You Go…
Still looking for the perfect off-white shade by F&B? I’m personally a huge fan of Skimming Stone. A warm grey colour with beige undertones, take a look at the following blog for colour pairing ideas with this popular F&B shade.
