Color De Nîmes is one of my favorite soft blue‑gray paints from Farrow & Ball. It’s named after the French town where denim was first made, and I love how calm and timeless it feels.
I’ve used it in kitchens, living rooms, and even on cabinets and doors; it always brings a touch of quiet elegance.
In this post, I’ll share what makes De Nîmes so special, how I’ve seen it change in morning sun and evening light, and the best ways I like to use it at home.
I’ll give you easy tips for pairing it with white trim, natural wood, or even warm reds.
I’ll also show ideas I’ve tried for painting full walls, doors, and ceilings, plus how I choose the right finish and keep the color looking fresh.
Whether I’m freshening up one room or tackling a bigger project, De Nîmes always feels like a smart, stylish choice.
What Is De Nîmes (No. 299)?
De Nîmes is a paint colour from Farrow & Ball named after the French city where workers first made denim cloth.
Think of the soft, faded look of your favorite jeans; that’s the feel this shade gives a room. It sits between blue and grey, so it’s cool without feeling icy.
When sunlight hits it, you’ll see a clear blue tone; in low light, it turns into a gentle, stormy grey.
De Nîmes works on full walls for a calm background, on trim and doors for a soft contrast, or on kitchen cabinets to add a bit of character.
It goes well with crisp whites, warm wood finishes, and even soft pink or deep red accents.
This mix of tones makes it a flexible choice for both modern and classic spaces. Because it uses quality pigments, it looks rich and holds up well to everyday wear.
You can choose a matte finish for walls or a slight shine on doors and trim to catch the light. In a child’s room, it creates a calm space that still feels friendly.
You could even try it on a covered porch for a hint of blue outdoors. Overall, De Nîmes brings just the right bit of cool color without taking over your space.
How to Decorate with De Nîmes (No. 299)?
If you’re thinking about adding a soft blue-grey color to your home, De Nîmes is a great pick. It feels calm, cool, and a little like your favorite old jeans.
You can use it in small ways or all around a room. Below are some easy ideas to help you bring this color into different parts of your house.
Kitchen Scheme
Paint your lower cabinets in De Nîmes with a Modern Eggshell finish for easy cleaning. Keep the walls a warm off‑white so the blue‑grey stands out without feeling too dark.
Add brass or black knobs for a little shine, and let natural light bounce off the pale walls to keep the space bright.
Living Room Scheme
Cover the bottom three‑quarters of your walls in De Nîmes, then switch to a soft pale blue above and across the ceiling. This two‑tone look makes your walls feel taller.
For a playful pop, paint the door in a bold red. Soft rugs and cream sofas balance the deep blue.
Bathroom Ideas
Paint your bathroom in De Nîmes, walls, trim, and ceiling, for a cozy, close-in feel. Break up the blue with wood or leather accents, white fixtures, and woven baskets for a calm and simple look.
Add a few indoor plants or soft towels in neutral tones to enhance the serene atmosphere.
Trim & Door Accents
Use De Nîmes on door frames, window trim, or interior doors against pale walls. Choose a crisp white for the walls and ceilings so the blue‑grey lines look clean and sharp.
This simple contrast adds depth without strong color everywhere. Add natural wood furniture or brushed metal hardware to keep the look grounded and refined.
Exteriors
Make your front door or garden gate stand out by painting it in De Nîmes with an Exterior Eggshell finish.
This finish holds up well to weather and gives a rich, denim‑like look that feels both classic and fresh. Pair it with white window frames and warm stone or brick.
Accent Walls
If a full room feels like too much, pick one wall—behind a bed or fireplace—and paint it in De Nîmes. The deep, steady shade draws the eye and gives your space a calm, lived‑in feel without taking over the room.
De Nîmes is a versatile color. You can go bold with full walls or add it in small spots like doors or trim.
It mixes well with other colors, works in both bright and dark rooms, and adds a soft feel to any space. If you want something that’s not too bright but still brings color into your home, De Nîmes might be just right for you.
Finishes & Maintenance
When using De Nîmes, picking the right finish and knowing how to care for it will help your space look good for a long time. Below are the best finishes to use and simple tips to help your paint last and stay clean.
Recommended Sheens
If you’re painting walls, Estate Emulsion is a great choice. It gives a soft, flat look that doesn’t shine.
It also helps hide little bumps or uneven spots on the wall, which is helpful if your walls aren’t perfect.
The color looks calm and smooth with this finish, making it nice for living rooms and bedrooms.
Use Modern Eggshell for trim, doors, or cabinets. This type has a little shine and is much stronger than flat wall paint.
It’s good for spots that get touched a lot, like doors or kitchen cupboards. It doesn’t show fingerprints as much and can handle gentle cleaning with a damp cloth.
If you have kids or pets or if the room gets used a lot, Modern Eggshell is the better pick because it is more durable.
Cleaning & Care
To keep De Nîmes looking its best, it’s important to clean it correctly. Dust surfaces once in a while using a soft cloth or a feather duster to prevent dirt from building up.
If you see marks or smudges, use a damp cloth with a bit of mild soap. Gently wipe the spot, then dry it right away with a clean towel.
Don’t use scratchy sponges or strong cleaners—those can wear down the paint and take away its smooth look.
For small scratches or chips, use a small paintbrush and a little leftover paint to touch up the spot. Try to blend it in gently so it doesn’t stand out.
Keeping some extra paint stored in a cool, dry place is always a good idea for quick fixes.
Choosing the right finish and keeping it clean will help your De Nîmes walls or furniture stay nice for years. Use the soft, flat wall paint for a cozy feel, and the stronger finish for places that get touched often.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before you pick up a brush, it helps to know what not to do.
These common mistakes can keep your paint job from turning out the way you want. How to avoid them and get the best results with De Nîmes.
- Skipping a Sample Test: Never paint straight from the can without trying a sample first. Paint a small patch on your wall to see how De Nîmes looks at different times of day. This easy step saves you from surprises later.
- Painting in Poor Light: Avoid choosing colours in dim or yellow light. De Nîmes can look grey and dull under warm bulbs or in corners without windows. Always check it in bright daylight and your room’s usual lighting.
- Using Too Much Colour in Small Spaces: A tiny room covered in dark paint can feel tight. If your space is small, stick to an accent wall or use De Nîmes on lower walls with a lighter shade above to keep the room feeling open.
- Picking the Wrong Sheen: Don’t use a shiny finish on all surfaces; it can show bumps and paint drips. On walls, go for a flat or soft look. Use tougher finishes like Modern Eggshell for trim and cabinets where things get touched a lot and need easy cleaning.
- Skipping Prep Work: Painting over dirty or uneven walls leads to peeling and patchy colour. Take time to clean, fill holes, and sand lightly before you begin. A smooth, dust-free surface means your paint will stay on longer and look much better.
Even good paint like De Nîmes can look off if you skip the basics.
Try a sample, prep your space, and pick the right finish. These small steps help you get clean lines, smooth walls, and a look you’ll be happy with.
Conclusion
De Nîmes is a soft blue‑grey inspired by denim. It shifts from true blue in bright light to a gentle grey in shadow. We’ve shown how to use it in kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, on trim, doors, and even outside.
This guide provides ideas for pairing it with whites, pinks, and natural materials, tips on the best finish, and common mistakes to avoid. Thus, you can easily pick and apply De Nîmes.
Grab a small sample, paint a test patch, and see how it looks in your home. Enjoy the calm, cozy feel De Nîmes brings to your space! This color works for both small updates and full makeovers.
It blends well with other shades and materials without feeling loud. Try it in one spot, live with it for a few days, and see how it fits your style.