🎨 Why We’re Called Harlequin Paints – And Why Painting Should Be Fun

Looking for a paint brand with personality? You’re in the right place. Welcome to Harlequin Paints — a company founded on the belief that paint should be fun, not frustrating.

Here’s the story behind our name, our colours, and the joy we try to splash into every tin.

1. It all began in 1999 (the last century!)

In a world of serious-sounding paint companies, Tony Onwood, our founder, wanted to do something different. He set out in 1999 with a clear mission:

Make painting joyful, colourful, and just a little cheeky.

The name Harlequin popped into his head — bold, bright, full of mischief — and it stuck. A name that perfectly captured the brand he was about to build.

2. What does “Harlequin” actually mean?

Great question. The name Harlequin goes way back to 16th-century Italian theatre, where the Harlequin character was a clever, quick-footed prankster in a colourful diamond-patterned costume. He wasn’t just a clown — he was a trickster, a smart servant, and the life of the party.

Today, that legacy lives on through brands like ours — bold, unpredictable, and full of character.

3. Humour is part of our formula

Tony’s dry wit is legendary. He jokes with the team, laughs at himself, and brings humour into every corner of the company. His attitude?

“If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re doing life wrong.”

That energy is reflected in everything we do — especially our quirky paint colour names.

4. Our paint names are anything but boring

You won’t find “Light Beige No. 7” here. Instead, you’ll spot names like Bill & Ben & Little Weed — a nod to the iconic 1950s British children’s show, The Flower Pot Men.

👉 Watch the full 1953 episode here

These charming characters made generations smile — and we think your walls should do the same. Whether it’s Granny’s Wallpaper or Squashed Strawberry, our creative paint names add personality to every project.

5. The slapstick connection

Did you know the term slapstick comedy comes from the Harlequin character’s wooden paddle? It made a loud smacking noise in performances — purely for laughs. We’re not saying you should slap your walls with a stick, but painting them should still be a fun experience.

That’s the spirit we channel every day at Harlequin Paints.

6. Our diamond-pattern roots

Harlequin’s iconic diamond costume is instantly recognisable — and it’s become a symbol of playfulness, boldness, and contrast. That’s exactly how we see colour too.

We want your walls, furniture, and finishes to pop, stand out, and tell a story. Whether you’re painting a nursery or a feature wall, it should feel like an adventure.

7. The name shows up everywhere (even in nature!)

From the Harlequin duck (a brightly coloured seabird) to DC Comics’ Harley Quinn, and even Harlequin romance novels, this name keeps showing up in creative, expressive places.

But for us, it’s not just about appearances. It’s about personality. Playfulness. And creating paint that doesn’t just look good but feels good to use.

8. Why it still fits

We don’t just sell paint — we sell colourful experiences, personality-driven design, and a healthy dose of humour. Harlequin is more than a name; it’s a mindset. Painting shouldn’t be stressful. It should be expressive, relaxing — maybe even a little funny.

So if you’re looking for a South African paint brand with a sense of humour, you’ve found it.

Whether it’s our cheeky colour names, our friendly team, or the satisfaction of brushing on your favourite shade, we want your Harlequin experience to feel like a celebration — not a chore.

Because painting should be fun. Always.

And if you need help choosing a colour, we know a Little Weed who can help. 🌱

Thank you for reading

The Harlequin Team