Farrow & Ball - Bancha (298)

Bancha 298 is a rich, protective olive-green with a calm and thoughtful presence. It’s described as a darker, more grounded version of Farrow & Ball’s archive Olive, giving it a mid-century modern feel that’s both strong and reassuring. The name itself is inspired by Japanese tea leaves — “Bancha” tea — which helps evoke the soothing, earthy warmth of the colour.

Visually and emotionally, Bancha is designed to create a serene, secure environment. It’s described as “sober” yet warm, bringing a sense of quiet strength to interiors rather than bold drama. The olive-green hue pairs beautifully with soft pinks and warm browns — these combinations add balance and nuance, leaning into Bancha’s natural, grounded quality.

From a practical standpoint, Farrow & Ball recommends using a dark-tone primer and undercoat when working with Bancha to ensure full, even coverage and richness. The complementary white suggested by Farrow & Ball is Shaded White (201), which offsets Bancha's depth without clashing.

Bancha (298) is a sophisticated, understated olive tone — strong and modern, but with a comforting, grounded feel. It’s ideal for spaces where you want more colour than a neutral but still seek calmness and a sense of maturity.