Inchyra Blue (289) is Farrow & Ball's muted, stormy blue-grey: deep enough to feel enveloping, soft enough to stay calm. Farrow & Ball describe it as an aged blue-grey inspired by dramatic Scottish skies, and say it can read more grey, blue or even green depending on the light. That quiet, shifting character is what makes it such a sophisticated choice for sitting rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and hallways.
It has none of the brightness of a true navy and none of the flatness of a charcoal. Instead it sits somewhere in between, which is why it works in both period and contemporary homes.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Inchyra Blue (289)
What colour is Inchyra Blue?
Inchyra Blue is a dark blue-grey with an LRV of 12.8, according to Farrow & Ball, which places it among their deeper colours. Its grey content is high enough that, in some lights, it barely reads as blue at all; in others, a hint of green comes through.
The name comes from Inchyra House, a Georgian house in Perthshire. Inchyra Blue was originally created for the house, and Farrow & Ball tie its moody tone to the wild Scottish skies above it.
Why it feels so calm
The grey in Inchyra Blue takes the edge off the colour. Rather than making a bold statement, it settles into the background, giving a room depth and atmosphere without demanding attention. Farrow & Ball suggest it as a great alternative to charcoal, a way to bring a hint of colour into a very contemporary home.
It also changes gracefully with the light. Farrow & Ball include it among their suggestions for east-facing rooms, which enjoy the most sun in the morning and cooler, more muted light in the evening. In bright light it shows more blue; on dull days and in the evening it deepens into a soft, smoky grey. As always, look at a sample in the room at different times of day before you decide, and see our guide to choosing colours by room orientation.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: Oval Room Blue (85)
Colours that go with Inchyra Blue
Farrow & Ball's complementary white is Drop Cloth (283), which they describe as neither too yellow nor too grey. Its gentle warmth balances the coolness of the blue on woodwork and ceilings. They also suggest three schemes with Inchyra Blue on the walls:
- Soft and tonal. Shaded White (201) as an accent with Drop Cloth on the trim.
- Cool and layered. Light Blue (22) with Down Pipe (26), a scheme that leans into the grey.
- Quiet and grey. Pavilion Gray (242) with Manor House Gray (265).
For a dark, intimate room, Farrow & Ball suggest combining it with Black Blue (95) or Vardo (288).
Lighter and darker alternatives
If Inchyra Blue is close but not quite right, Farrow & Ball point to a few neighbours:
- Lighter. Oval Room Blue (85) and De Nimes (299) have the same muted quality with more light in them.
- Darker and moodier. Stiffkey Blue (281), an inky navy, and Hague Blue (30), which is deeper still.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used: De Nimes (299)
Where to use it, and which finish
- Sitting rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Estate Emulsion brings out the soft, chalky depth of the colour.
- Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Modern Emulsion is washable and made for busier rooms.
- Kitchen units, doors and woodwork. Flat Eggshell for a tough, low-sheen finish.
- Front doors and exterior joinery. Exterior Eggshell.
Farrow & Ball recommend their Dark Tones Primer & Undercoat beneath Inchyra Blue; see our primers page.
Questions we are often asked
Is Inchyra Blue blue, grey or green?
It is a blue-grey, but Farrow & Ball say it can read more grey, blue or even green depending on the light. That is part of its charm.
What is the LRV of Inchyra Blue?
Farrow & Ball give it an LRV of 12.8.
What white goes with Inchyra Blue?
Farrow & Ball recommend Drop Cloth. Shaded White is a slightly lighter, softer option.
