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How it reads
School House White No. 291 is, in Farrow & Ball's words, "pared back, timeless and familiar without the cool undertones of the more contemporary neutral groups". The brand says the soft off-white is reminiscent of the colour used in old school houses.
It is the lightest of a family that includes Shadow White, Shaded White and Drop Cloth. Ideal Home deputy editor Ginevra Benedetti calls it 'a lovely creamy shade that works well in north facing rooms'.
What School House White is
School House White is a soft off-white that Farrow & Ball describes as pared back, timeless and familiar, without the cool undertones of its more contemporary neutral groups. The brand says it recalls the colour used in old school houses.
It is the lightest of a family with Shadow White, Shaded White and Drop Cloth, so it can be layered with them on woodwork and walls.
How it behaves in light
Its warmth is what makes it reliable in cool light. Ideal Home's Ginevra Benedetti says it works well in north-facing rooms, and Homes & Gardens writes that there are no cool undertones to be seen.
Designer Jaimie Zehner, quoted in Homes & Gardens, says it enhances dimension while keeping the space light.
Where to use it
The rooms on this page show its range. Anja Michals Design uses it in a kitchen with white tile, marble and warm wood cabinetry. Fare Inc., the London design studio, uses it across a hospitality interior with dining spaces and a staircase.
It suits kitchens, dining rooms and halls where you want a white that feels relaxed and old-fashioned rather than crisp.
What it sits next to
Farrow & Ball's complementary white is Wimborne White No. 239. Lonika Chande, in Livingetc, pairs it with Charlotte's Locks in a kitchen, and in Ariel Okin's home, featured by Domino, the ceiling and crown are All White for contrast.
It is also the complementary white Farrow & Ball names for Light Blue. On this site, compare it with Wimborne White and Pointing.
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Settled, side by side
Featured inThe best white paint colors, in real roomsRoom guidesKitchen paint colors, in real kitchens · Dining room paint colors, in real dining rooms
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