One colour, endless possibilities – discover the Shade Collection

Choosing a paint colour is often only the beginning of the decorating journey. Once you’ve found a colour you love, new questions quickly arise. Is it too dark for this room? Would it work on the ceiling? How can I create a home that feels connected without using exactly the same colour everywhere?

The Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Shade Collection was developed to answer these questions, making it easier to decorate with confidence while staying true to the beauty of natural colour.

What is the Shade Collection?

The Shade Collection features three lighter versions of twenty of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint’s most popular colours. Each original colour is available alongside three carefully developed shades of 60%, 40% and 20%.

Rather than introducing entirely new colours, the collection allows you to explore different strengths of the same hue, creating subtle variation while preserving the original character of the colour.

Why would I choose a lighter shade instead of a different colour?

Many decorators assume that every room needs its own distinct colour palette. In reality, some of the most harmonious interiors use variations of the same colour throughout a home.

Using lighter shades of one colour helps to create a natural flow from room to room. It also allows each space to respond to changing light levels and different uses, while maintaining a cohesive scheme.

For example, you might choose a full-strength colour for a cosy sitting room, a 60% shade in the adjoining hallway and a 40% or 20% shade for ceilings or smaller spaces.

Isn’t this just the original paint mixed with white?

No. While adding white paint can lighten a colour, it will also change its character, making it appear flatter or chalkier.

The Shade Collection has been developed by carefully reducing the pigment so that each lighter shade retains the distinctive qualities of the original colour. The result is a family of shades that feel naturally related rather than simply diluted. See an example of the colours in the Ethereal Blue shade collection below. 

Which rooms are lighter shades best suited to?

There are no fixed rules with our colours, but lighter shades are particularly useful in:

• North-facing rooms where natural light is cooler.
• Hallways and landings where you want to maximise light while maintaining warmth.
• Bedrooms, where softer colours can create a calm atmosphere.
• Ceilings and woodwork, providing gentle contrast without introducing another colour.
• Smaller rooms where a lighter tone can create an airy feel.

Of course, darker shades can work beautifully in compact spaces too. The choice depends on the atmosphere you want to create rather than the size of the room alone.

Can I use different shades of the same colour throughout my home?

Absolutely. In fact, this approach has long been used in historic interiors.

Instead of treating each room as a separate decorating project, varying the strength of one colour creates visual continuity. As you move through the house, the colours relate to one another, giving the whole home a sense of balance and harmony.

Will the colour look different in different lights?

Yes, and that is one of the joys of natural colour.

Light changes throughout the day, and every room has its own orientation, architecture and atmosphere. A colour that feels warm and glowing in a south-facing room may appear more muted in a north-facing one.

The Shade Collection allows you to adjust the depth of colour without abandoning the palette you’ve chosen.

Is the Shade Collection suitable for period and contemporary homes?

Yes. Although inspired by traditional decorating principles, the Shade Collection works equally well in modern interiors.

Whether you’re restoring a Georgian townhouse, renovating a Victorian terrace or decorating a newly built home, using related shades creates a timeless, considered look that complements the architecture rather than competing with it.

Why choose colours from the Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Shade Collection?

The Shade Collection reflects Edward Bulmer’s long-held belief that successful decorating is about harmony rather than following trends. By offering carefully balanced lighter versions of some of the brand’s best-loved colours, it becomes easier to create interiors that respond to light, architecture and the way we live.

Instead of asking, “Should I choose another colour?”, the Shade Collection invites a different question: “What if the perfect colour is the one you’ve already chosen, simply in a different shade?”

Colours featured in this article. Click on each colour to see the shades swatches 

How do I create my own interior colour scheme? 

Choosing the right colours is about creating a palette that feels balanced and perfectly suited to your home. If you’re not sure where to start and would like a helping hand, our Colour Consultants can guide you in selecting colours that complement your home, taking into account the architecture, natural light and your personal preferences.

We also recommend ordering our A5 colour swatches and sample pots, giving you the opportunity to see how each shade changes throughout the day and ensuring you feel confident before bringing your natural colour scheme to life.