Mylands Paint: London's Heritage Colour Range for Period Homes

A Paint Brand Born in London

Mylands has been manufacturing paint in South London since 1884, making it one of the oldest independent paint companies in the capital. Originally based in Lambeth, the company grew up alongside the very buildings its products now protect, from Victorian terraces in Clapham to Edwardian mansion blocks in Kensington.

What distinguishes Mylands from newer boutique brands is its deep connection to London's architectural history. The colour range is directly inspired by the city, with shades drawn from landmarks, neighbourhoods and materials that define the capital's built environment.

The Marble Matt Finish

Mylands' flagship interior finish is Marble Matt, and it has become a firm favourite among our decorating teams working across Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico. The formulation uses real marble powder in the recipe, which gives the dried film a distinctive chalky depth that standard matt emulsions cannot replicate.

In practical terms, Marble Matt sits at around 3% sheen. This places it between a true dead flat and a standard matt, offering exceptional colour saturation while remaining slightly more durable than ultra-flat alternatives. The marble content also means the surface has a subtle mineral quality when viewed in raking light, which works particularly well on the high-ceilinged walls of Georgian townhouses.

Coverage is generous. On properly prepared surfaces, two coats of Marble Matt will achieve full opacity with most colours, and the paint is pleasant to work with, flowing smoothly from both brush and roller without excessive spatter.

Historic London Colours

The Mylands colour card reads like a tour of the capital. The range is organised by London themes, and each shade carries a story.

Colours of London Collection

This core palette includes shades such as Clerkenwell, a sophisticated mid-grey with green undertones that suits north-facing studies in Hampstead; Covent Garden, a warm off-white that brightens hallways across Mayfair without feeling clinical; and Ludgate, a rich burgundy that brings warmth to dining rooms in Westminster and Islington.

Borough Market Collection

Drawing on the earthy tones of London's oldest food market, this selection includes warmer, spicier shades. Saffron and Cardamom work beautifully in kitchens and breakfast rooms, while Smoked Paprika adds drama to a feature wall in a Fulham sitting room.

Theatrical Collection

Mylands' heritage in theatre and film set painting informs this bolder range. Deep blues, vivid greens and saturated reds are available in finishes designed to look exceptional under varied lighting, a quality that translates perfectly to London homes where natural light shifts dramatically between morning and evening.

Choosing the Right Finish for Each Room

Beyond Marble Matt, Mylands offers several other finishes that our teams specify regularly:

• Eggshell No. 1 for woodwork and skirting boards. This oil-modified formula levels superbly and provides excellent durability on doors and window frames across Knightsbridge and Notting Hill properties.
• Wood & Metal Gloss for front doors and ironwork, offering a traditional high-shine finish that weathers well against London's rain and pollution.
• Masonry Paint for exterior brickwork and render, particularly useful on the stucco facades of Belgravia's garden squares.

Preparation Matters

As with any premium paint, preparation determines the final result. Our teams follow a consistent process before applying Mylands products:

Fresh plaster must be left to cure fully, typically three to four weeks in a well-ventilated London property. A mist coat of diluted Marble Matt (70/30 paint to water) seals the surface and provides a key for subsequent coats.

On previously painted walls, we wash down with sugar soap, fill any cracks with flexible filler and sand smooth. In older Marylebone and Bloomsbury properties, we often find multiple layers of historic paint that require thorough preparation to prevent lifting.

Bare wood receives a dedicated primer before any Mylands topcoat. The brand's own primer-undercoat works well, but we also pair Mylands topcoats with Zinsser BIN on knotty softwood to block resin bleed.

Why Our Teams Recommend Mylands

Three qualities keep Mylands in our regular rotation. First, the colour palette genuinely reflects London light, warm enough for north-facing rooms yet sophisticated enough for bright south-facing spaces in Richmond and Wandsworth. Second, the Marble Matt finish ages gracefully, developing a soft patina rather than showing wear. Third, the brand's consistency across batches means we can return to a property years later and achieve a seamless colour match.

For homeowners restoring or refreshing a period London home, Mylands offers an authenticity that few competitors can match. Our decorators are always happy to discuss colour options and help you choose the right Mylands shades for your property.