Dulux vs Crown paint: which is better for UK homes?

Dulux and Crown are the two most widely sold paint brands in UK DIY sheds and decorators' merchants. Both have been around for decades, both offer a broad colour range, and both claim professional-quality finishes on the tin. But walk through a B&Q or Wickes and you will find them sitting a few shelves apart at noticeably different prices, which raises the obvious question: is there actually a meaningful difference?

The honest answer is yes, in some areas, and it depends what you are painting. Here is a straightforward comparison across the factors that matter most.

Coverage and spreading rate

Dulux states a spreading rate of around 14-16 square metres per litre for its standard Easycare emulsion on smooth surfaces. Crown's equivalent, Crown Breatheasy, claims a similar 15 square metres per litre. In practice, both brands tend to fall slightly short of these figures on textured or porous walls, which is normal across all paint brands.

Where Dulux often edges ahead is in the depth of pigmentation, particularly in mid and dark tones. Decorators who regularly use both brands frequently note that Dulux requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage in colours like deep navy or charcoal, which saves time and, over a large job, can offset the slightly higher cost per litre.

Price comparison

As of early 2026, the typical retail prices for standard emulsion are roughly as follows:

• Dulux Easycare Matt 5 litre: approximately £28-£32
• Crown Breatheasy Matt 5 litre: approximately £22-£26
• Dulux Matt 2.5 litre: approximately £16-£18
• Crown Matt 2.5 litre: approximately £12-£15

Crown is consistently cheaper, which matters if you are painting a whole house or working to a tight budget. The gap narrows when both brands go on promotion, which happens frequently at B&Q and Wickes. Trade versions of both, available from decorators' merchants, are priced differently again and worth checking if you are buying in volume.

Durability and washability

Dulux Easycare is specifically formulated to resist scuffs and wipe clean without leaving shiny marks. This is particularly relevant in hallways, children's rooms, and kitchens where walls take regular abuse. It holds up well to damp cloths and light scrubbing.

Crown Breatheasy positions itself as a low-VOC, quick-drying option aimed at households with asthma or sensitivities to paint fumes. In terms of raw washability, it is slightly less robust than Dulux Easycare on a like-for-like basis, though it performs well enough for most living areas.

For bathrooms and kitchens, both brands offer dedicated moisture-resistant ranges: Dulux Bathroom+ and Crown's bathroom emulsion. These contain mould-inhibiting additives. Dulux's version has a slightly better track record in damp UK bathrooms based on user reviews across trade forums.

Colour range

Dulux has a larger colour range, with around 1,200 shades available as standard and a mixing service in most larger stores. Their Heritage range has been particularly popular over the last few years for period properties, offering chalky, historically accurate tones that hold up well in older rooms with natural light.

Crown's colour range is smaller but well curated. Their Breatheasy range covers around 1,000 colours and the quality of the mid-tones is generally consistent. Decorators who prefer Crown often cite the speed of mixing (Crown's tinting system tends to be faster in store) and the fact that the base whites are slightly warmer than Dulux's, which suits rooms with north-facing light.

What professional decorators tend to use

Most professional decorators in the UK do not work exclusively with one brand. For new builds and rental properties, many default to Crown or trade equivalents because the lower cost adds up significantly across multiple rooms. For higher-end residential work where clients are paying for quality and want specific heritage colours, Dulux tends to be specified more often.

One thing both brands share: the trade versions sold through Crown Decorating Centres and Dulux Decorator Centres are noticeably different from the retail tins. Trade emulsions have higher pigment loads and better opacity, which is why a professional's finished room often looks better than a DIY effort using the same brand bought from a superstore.

Which should you choose?

A few practical guidelines:

• Budget and large area coverage: Crown offers solid quality at a lower price
• High-traffic walls, kitchens, hallways: Dulux Easycare is worth the extra cost
• Bathrooms: either brand's dedicated bathroom range works, Dulux slightly ahead in damp conditions
• Sensitive households or low VOC priority: Crown Breatheasy is formulated specifically for this
• Period properties or heritage colours: Dulux Heritage has a wider selection

The gap between the two brands is narrower than the price difference suggests for standard rooms. Both will give you a good result if you prepare the surface properly and apply two coats. Where Dulux earns its premium is in specific situations: high-traffic areas, tricky colours that need fewer coats, and period interiors where colour accuracy matters.