Edward Bulmer is the real deal when it comes to natural paint, mate. This isn't greenwashing — the paint is plant- and mineral-based, free of acrylics and petrochemicals, and genuinely breathable. For period properties, lime-plastered walls, or anyone who wants a low-toxicity finish, it's one of the few brands that walks the talk.
The colour is where it really earns its keep. Edward Bulmer himself is a historic interiors expert, and it shows — the palette has a depth and softness that feels authentically old without being gloomy. The greens are the standout (31 of them in our library), but the creams and off-whites are lovely too. Silver White is a beautifully soft, cool-leaning neutral; Milk White is a warmer, gentler companion; and Jonquil is a proper characterful soft yellow that brings warmth without going custard. The brand spans LRV 3.8 right up to a near-pure 98, so there's range from the deepest darks to the brightest whites.
Now the honest bit. Natural paints behave differently to modern acrylics. The matt emulsion is genuinely breathable, which is brilliant on lime and old plaster but means it's softer and less scrubbable than, say, a Dulux Diamond Matt. It's not the paint for a busy hallway with kids and dogs unless you accept you'll touch it up. Coverage and drying can also feel different — give it time and don't over-work it.
Who else does this well? Earthborn is the other natural option we'd put alongside it, and it's a bit more forgiving and cheaper. If you love the breathability but want more durability in a wet room, that's a conversation about substrate, not just brand.
My advice: use Edward Bulmer where its strengths shine — living rooms, bedrooms, period walls, and anywhere you want that natural finish and historic colour. For trim and high-traffic surfaces, be realistic about the trade-off, or pair it with a tougher product where it matters.