British Color Standards
UK colour specifications and heritage colors
Complete British Standard (BS) color database with UK color specifications, architectural colors, and professional color matching for British applications.
British Color Standards
BS 4800
Paint colours for building purposes
Colors Available
Established: 1972
Applications:
- Architecture
- Building exteriors
- Interior design
- Construction
BS 5252
Framework for colour coordination
Colors Available
Established: 1976
Applications:
- Design coordination
- Color harmony
- Interior schemes
- Product design
BS 381C
Specification for colours for identification
Colors Available
Established: 1996
Applications:
- Safety marking
- Industrial identification
- Equipment coding
- Signage
Popular BS 4800 Colors
00 A 01
Jet Black
Deep black for contrast
#000000
00 E 53
White
Pure white for highlights
#FFFFFF
04 B 15
Damson
Rich purple accent
#8B008B
08 C 37
Red
Traditional British red
#DC143C
12 B 29
Golden Yellow
Warm yellow tone
#FFD700
14 C 39
Holly Green
Classic British green
#228B22
18 E 53
Porcelain Blue
Elegant blue shade
#4169E1
10 A 03
Cream
Warm neutral tone
#F5F5DC
BS 5252 Color Notation System
Hue
Color family designation
Notation:
02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
08 = Red family
Greyness
Amount of grey content
Notation:
A, B, C, D, E
A = High grey, E = Low grey
Weight
Lightness or darkness
Notation:
01-99
01 = Very dark, 99 = Very light
British Heritage Colors
Georgian Green
14 C 35
Period:
1714-1830
Usage:
Window shutters, doors
Victorian Maroon
04 C 39
Period:
1837-1901
Usage:
Front doors, trim
Regency Cream
10 B 15
Period:
1811-1820
Usage:
Interior walls, ceilings
Tudor Brown
06 C 37
Period:
1485-1603
Usage:
Timber frames, beams
Edwardian Blue
18 C 35
Period:
1901-1910
Usage:
Feature walls, accents
Arts & Crafts Sage
14 B 17
Period:
1880-1920
Usage:
Interior schemes
British Color Families
Reds (04-08)
Traditional British reds from burgundy to scarlet
Available Colors
Examples:
- Pillar box red
- Burgundy
- Crimson
- Cherry red
Yellows (10-12)
Warm yellows and creams for British interiors
Available Colors
Examples:
- Buttercup
- Primrose
- Cream
- Golden yellow
Greens (14-16)
Classic British greens from sage to forest
Available Colors
Examples:
- Racing green
- Sage green
- Forest green
- Mint green
Blues (18-20)
Traditional blues from navy to powder blue
Available Colors
Examples:
- Navy blue
- Royal blue
- Powder blue
- Wedgwood blue
Greys (00-02)
Sophisticated greys and neutrals
Available Colors
Examples:
- Charcoal
- Dove grey
- Pearl grey
- Slate grey
Purples (22-24)
Rich purples and violets for accent colors
Available Colors
Examples:
- Aubergine
- Lavender
- Plum
- Violet
Professional Applications
Architecture
Uses:
- Building facades
- Window frames
- Roofing materials
- Interior walls
Standards:
Benefits:
- Weather resistance
- Color coordination
- Heritage compliance
Heritage Buildings
Uses:
- Historic restoration
- Listed buildings
- Conservation projects
- Period properties
Standards:
Benefits:
- Authentic colors
- Conservation approval
- Historical accuracy
Public Buildings
Uses:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Government buildings
- Public facilities
Standards:
Benefits:
- Safety compliance
- Durability
- Professional appearance
Industrial
Uses:
- Safety markings
- Equipment identification
- Machinery colors
- Warning signs
Standards:
Benefits:
- Safety compliance
- Clear identification
- Regulatory approval
Why Choose British Standards
British Heritage
Authentic colors reflecting British architectural and design traditions
Weather Resistance
Colors tested for British climate conditions and durability
Professional Standards
Rigorous testing and quality control for consistent results
Design Coordination
Systematic approach to color harmony and coordination
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