How much paint do I need?

As a general guide, 1 litre covers approximately 16 square metres per coat. A 2.5 litre tin covers a standard room wall in two coats. For larger rooms or deeper colours, a 5 litre tin is recommended. If in doubt, order a sample pot first — it's 125ml, enough to test a generous area before committing.

How many coats does Placepaints require?

Most colours require two coats for full, even coverage. Allow each coat to dry fully — typically 2–4 hours — before applying the next.

Is Placepaints paint low VOC?

Yes. All Placepaints colours are low VOC (volatile organic compounds), making them safer for indoor use and better for air quality. They are water-based, have minimal odour during application, and are safe for homes with children and pets.

Is Placepaints a breathable paint?

Yes. Placepaints has a breathable formula, allowing moisture vapour to pass through the paint film rather than becoming trapped. This makes it particularly well suited to older and period properties, and qualifies it as a heritage paint — ideal for traditional plaster, lime render, and historic masonry.

How does Placepaints compare to Farrow and Ball?

Placepaints has benchmarked its formula directly against Farrow and Ball across coverage, durability, washability, and scuffability — meeting or exceeding performance in all categories. As a breathable, low VOC, multi-surface paint sold exclusively online, Placepaints offers comparable quality at a significantly lower price point.

Can I order a sample before buying a full tin?

Yes. Every Placepaints colour is available as a 125ml sample pot for £5.50, delivered by Royal Mail within 2–3 days for a flat fee of £3.75. Sample pots are large enough to test a generous area under different lighting conditions before committing to a full order.

How long does delivery take?

Sample pots are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 48 and arrive within 2–3 working days. Full-size tins are dispatched via APC Next Day courier — order before 12pm GMT for next working day delivery. Free delivery on orders over £60.

Placepaints Memphis Coal – warm dark charcoal matt emulsion paint inspired by Memphis

Memphis Coal

Name: Memphis Coal
Brand: Placepaints
SKU: PP0212
Price: 5.5 GBP
Availability: InStock

£5.50

A cool off-black with subtle blue undertones, inspired by the smoky hues of coal against the twilight sky. This sophisticated shade brings a touch of coolness and depth, offering a modern, urban edge to any space. Its subtle blue hints provide a unique twist, making it a perfect choice for creating a refined, contemporary atmosphere with a hint of intrigue.

Mix & match any 4 sample pots for £20
or choose a curated bundle for £18.

Size:

Sample pot 2.5 litre 5 litre

Variant

Apply to all interior surfaces

Absolute matt finish (2%)

Family & pet friendly formulation

Order by 12pm for next working day delivery

Free next day delivery (£60+)

Not sure which colour is right for your space? Take the quiz →

True matt finish rich, flat colour in any light
Multi-surface for walls, ceilings, woodwork, radiators
Low odour, child and pet friendly
Unbeatable coverage ~12-16m² per litre

Memphis Coal

£5.50

Need to know

The Paint
A premium matt emulsion with a 2% sheen level — true matt in every light. Formulated for exceptional coverage, durability and a smooth, rich finish that hides surface imperfections without the need for multiple coats.

Sizes & coverage
125ml sample pot, try before you commit
1 litre covers approx. 12-16m²
2.5 litre covers approx. 35-40m²
5 litre covers approx. 70-80m²

Coverage is based on two coats on a smooth, previously painted surface. Actual coverage may vary depending on surface porosity and texture, ambient temperature and humidity during application, and whether you are painting a darker colour over a lighter one or vice versa. Figures are a guide only.

Use our paint calculator

Surfaces
Suitable for walls, ceilings, woodwork and panelling. One formula, throughout your home.

Application
Apply with a roller or brush. Two coats recommended. Allow 2–4 hours drying time between coats.

Product Specifications

Application
Apply with a roller or brush. Two coats recommended. Allow 2–4 hours drying time between coats.

Delivery & Returns

Next-day delivery
Order before 12pm for next working day delivery via APC. All orders are made to order and dispatched the same day.

Delivery costs
Sample pots — £3.75 via Royal Mail
Standard orders — £7.95 next-day delivery
Free delivery on all orders over £60

Returns
Because every tin is made to order specifically for you, we're unable to accept returns on opened or used paint. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours and we'll make it right.

Safety & Sustainability

Low VOC
Our formula is ultra low VOC — safer for your home, your family and your pets. Low odour during application and once dry.

Safe for the whole home
Suitable for use in rooms with children and pets. No harsh chemicals, no heavy fumes.

Made in the UK
Every tin is produced in small batches by an expert team with over three decades of experience. Made to order — never mass produced, never sitting on a shelf.

Packaging
Our tins are recyclable. Once empty, clean out any residue and place in your kerbside recycling.

Our customer transformations

From £5.50

From £5.50

From £5.50

From £5.50

From £5.50

Need help?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Placepaints different from other paint brands?

Our paints are made to order in the UK using high quality ingredients and a carefully curated palette of colours inspired by real places. We focus on one perfect matt finish that works beautifully across your entire home, combining durability with a refined, modern look.

What surfaces can I use Placepaints on?

Placepaints is designed for versatility. It can be used on walls, ceilings, woodwork and even radiators, making it easy to achieve a consistent finish throughout your home without needing multiple paint types.

Is Placepaints durable and easy to clean?

Yes. Despite its ultra matt finish, Placepaints is highly durable and designed for modern living. It resists marks and can be gently wiped clean, making it suitable for high traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and living spaces.

How do I choose the right colour?

We recommend starting with our sample pots to see how colours look in your space and lighting. Every Placepaints colour is carefully curated, so you can feel confident that whichever you choose will work beautifully in your home.

How quickly will my order arrive?

All of our paints are made to order in the UK. Orders placed before 12pm are typically delivered the next working day, so you can get started on your project without delay. Samples are usually 2-3 days.