Mylands is the oldest family-run paint maker in Britain — they've been mixing in London since 1884 — and it shows in the depth of their colour. Where Mylands really earns its keep is in rich, atmospheric interiors: dining rooms, snugs, libraries, panelled studies and dramatic feature walls. The pigment load is generous, which gives the colours a saturated, almost velvety quality on the wall that cheaper paints can't touch.
FiniSpec carries 211 Mylands colours, and the brand's strongest suits are its neutrals (40), greens (32), whites (25) and greys (25). The greens are particularly special — Acanthus Leaf No.12 is a deep, sophisticated green that looks superb in a dining room or behind shelving, the kind of colour that turns moody and intimate by candlelight. For something with more weight, Alderman No.60 is a proper statement shade for a room you want to feel enveloping. And if you're after a warm, liveable mid-tone, Amber Grey No.156 sits beautifully in north-facing spaces where you want softness without going cold.
The finish to know is Marble Matt Emulsion — a wipeable, durable flat matt that's their workhorse for walls and ceilings. It lays off smoothly and gives that flawless chalky depth. They also do a cracking eggshell for woodwork and a wood and metal range, so you can carry a colour right through a room.
But is it worth the money over Dulux Heritage or Little Greene? If you want bold, deep, characterful colour and a luxurious finish, yes — Mylands holds its own with Farrow & Ball and Mylands' depth in the dark end of the palette is genuinely excellent. For pale, breezy schemes it's less of a standout; you'd do just as well elsewhere.
Practical tip: Mylands deep colours benefit from a tinted grey primer/undercoat underneath — it cuts your coats and stops patchiness on strong shades. Always order a sample pot and test it on the actual wall, both in daylight and lamplight, before you commit.