Back in college, I always dreamed of buying a home and doing whatever I want to do with it.
I already had everything planned.
When I rented my first space and got my owner’s permission I experimented a lot.
Being a green person, I had tons of wooden elements, plants, curtains and other things accordingly.
After exploring green paints and other paints that seem to give green energy, I came across Essex Green Benjamin Moore HC-188.
Since it’s very close to black in the dark shade of green, pairing it with light colours seemed like a smart decision to me. Essex Green seems amazing for trims and cabinets too.
Now we’re going to discuss more about the color in every required detail along with the necessary coordination of elements and colors you can try pairing it up.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore: A Quick Overview
Essex Green belongs to Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, inspired by classic American landmarks which makes it timeless and versatile for exterior and interiors.
Essex Green is rich and deep which is why I like the shade in the first place.
After doing more research on this green color through Benjamin Moore’s offical website, I found that there’s no clear mention of its undertones so I had to go to my nearest utility store to get a better understanding of them.
There, I found this color and I learned it has dominant black with a little bit of yellow in it that prevents it from going all black.
It gives off a very dramatic and luxurious look.
Lighting plays an important role in how the color will appear in your space. Add some warm lights, it will appear like warm green.
Add white LED light, it will deepen it’s black-green tone.
To light the vibe of the space, hang white or creamy curtains on your windows and you’re done with basic decor.
That’s how I used Benjamin Moore Essex Green without it overpowering my entire place.
How great! I personally loved it in college, because of not having to own a lot of stuff.
| Feature | Details |
| Name | Essex Green |
| Code | HC-188 (formerly PM-11) |
| Collection | Benjamin Moore Historic Collection |
| Color Family | Green |
| Undertone | Near-black green, hints of Yellow |
| RGB | 39, 54, 46 |
| Hex | #27362E |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 5.64 |
| Recommended Use | Interior focus, not recommended for exteriors |
| Coverage per Gallon | 350-400 sq ft (Aura Eggshell) |
| Recommended Coats | 1-2 |
| Full Cure Time | 14 days |
| Available Finishes | Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Satin, Semi-gloss |
| Peel & Stick Sample | Available |
| Historical/Design Notes | Evokes classic estates and ivy, suited for traditional/contemporary spaces |
Exploring Essex Green Benjamin Moore HC-188 Undertones
I couldn’t find undertones enlisted on Benjamin Moore’s site.
But let’s talk about what you will encounter in reality.
In direct sunlight you will see a yellow tone but in the night and ambient you come across slight blue, grey and yellow tones.
Which undertone is going to be on the face of the color really depends upon the shadow and lighting of your home.
But other than these three colors you will not stumble on any other tone.
It has an earthy depth with forest-like qualities which shifts according to the lighting and surroundings.
Contemplating on the dominant color of Essex Green BM will always be Green only.
Sometimes, there’s an overlap you may see between undertones which can be neutralized if you don’t like a particular cool or warm tone by making changes in the decor and lighting.
For instance, if you prefer a cool tone you can go for silver metal elements, white LED lights and crisp white curtains and furniture.
Even so, settle on a warm tone – wooden elements, warm lights, off-white or cream curtains while pairing it up with warm color complimentary paints.
Light Reflectance Value of Benjamin Moore Essex Green Explained
The light reflection value of Essex Green Benjamin Moore is 3.53 which is very dark and very near to black.
The value it represents is how much of a percentage light it reflects.
Around 97% of light it absorbs which can be a good estimate to judge and understand how your color is going to appear in your space.
LRV affects the vibe and aesthetic you desire to have in your surroundings, sometimes people wish to try dark colors but are afraid to lose the shine and brightness into their homes.
They can try other bright colours in pairs instead of painting the entire home with one dark color.
Some of my favorite pairings that Essex Green looks good with – Powell buff, Monterey White, Simply White, Overcast, Dover White SW, or even crisp white.
Working with dark colors can be challenging If your wants and everyday habits are different.
Changing the atmosphere completely can be sometimes refreshing but it can be stressful too if you don’t like the outcome.
So, I will suggest you to test the color in your home on every alternative wall and observe if you like it throughout the day. This can bring ease in your heart.
Essex Green BM (HC-188) Vs Roycroft Bottle Green SW 2847
Essex Green and Roycroft Bottle Green, these two colors have always been in the conversation of which one is better.
When people search for essex green benjamin moore sherwin williams equivalent, the color Roycroft Bottle Green comes quite close to it.
The main difference lies in its undertone and depth.
They both are dark but Essex Green is darker and has more drama and depth to it.
Their undertones are opposite — Essex Green is cooler but Roycroft Bottle Green is warmer.
Essex Green HC-188 is closer to black and green with Blue-Gray undertone creating a moody and enlightening effect.
While on the contrary, Roycroft Bottle Green is warmer with a brown and yellow undertone inspired by historic arts and crafts styles.
They both might appear very close to each other notwithstanding really depends upon your preference about warm and cool between Roycroft bottle green SW 2847 and Essex Green BM (HC-188) respectively.
Meanwhile, The LRV of Essex Green BM (HC-188) and Roycroft bottle green SW 2847 has a very minor difference of 0.64 which makes them somewhat equally reflective.
But as per the darkness, they absorb almost all the natural or artificial light.
| Feature | Benjamin Moore Essex Green (HC-188) | Sherwin Williams Roycroft Bottle Green (SW 2847) |
| Color Family | Very dark green with near-black depth | Deep, dark green with earthy warmth |
| RGB Values | 39, 54, 46 | 50, 64, 56 |
| Hex Code | #27362E | #324038 |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 5.64 (low reflectance, very dark) | 5 (similarly low reflectance) |
| Undertones | Cool green with earthy, blue-gray hints | Warmer green with noticeable brown and yellow undertones |
| Finish Options | Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Satin, Semi-gloss | Multiple finishes available, including exterior grade |
| Inspiration | Historic ivy-covered estates, classic American design | Arts and Crafts movement, historic bottle green inspiration |
| Common Uses | Interior walls, cabinetry, dramatic accents | Interior and exterior, especially in historic homes |
| Visual Impression | Moody, shadowy, almost black-green | Rich, classic, deep bottle green with slight warmth |
| Durability & Cleanability | Varies by finish; eggshell or higher recommended for washability | Durable finishes available suitable for exterior use |
Essex Green BM (HC-188): My personal Review
You need to know more than you learned so far about in this Essex Green Benjamin Moore review. Knowing how this color looks isn’t enough as I thought it was when I was exploring.
You need to have knowledge about its finish and texture, so you know which one to pick for your different spaces and it will affect your daily activity in terms of maintenance and durability.
We will also discuss coordinating colors so you don’t have to look around for your specific theme.
Finish and Texture
Benjamin Moore offers Flat/Matte, Eggshell, Pearl and Satin, and Semi-gloss.
Now, picking the right finish is not a task if you know the traffic in your home at a particular place. These finishes are pretty simple to understand.
Flat/Matte color offers deep, rich color with minimum sheen and ideal for low traffic areas like bedroom and ceiling.
Where you want imperfection to go unnoticed.Flat finish has a soft,velvety appearance with less washable.
The most popular finish is Eggshell for enhancing its color depth and slightly washable because of its medium sheen qualities. It’s excellent for living rooms, hallways, and low-traffic bedrooms.
Pearl and Satin finishes have medium sheen levels that create smooth, less porous surfaces ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
They are easier to clean and often used for trim, doors, and moldings.
Semi-gloss is a higher sheen finish that is durable and stands up well to repeated cleaning, commonly recommended for moldings and trim work.
The availability of finishes allows it to suit both dramatic, moody spaces and those requiring more practical, washable surfaces.
Maintenance and Durability
It highly depends on the finish you opt for. For ease in cleaning you can go for Pearl, Satin and Semi-Gloss but you should also check how much of the shine you can handle and want.
Suppose, you don’t want shiny walls but you do want easy clean paint.
In this case, Eggshell or satin can be your choice, because they’re not matte like flat but they’re low in shine as compared to other available finishes.
They all are durable but not equally. Benjamin Moore paints are generally very durable if maintenance was kept.
With different finishes and spaces, the duration of durability depends.
Usually you can easily pass 10-15 years indoors and drying time can be 6-7 hours but I will suggest you not to let it get in touch with dust and water in 2-3 days.
Coordinating colours
As mentioned before, colors on trims can be crisp whites like Benjamin Moore Simply White or Chantilly Lace create striking contrast and clean lines against the deep green which pops out and make it look more appealing.
If you wish to have Neutrals, you might want to opt for Soft beiges (Pale Oak), warm greiges (Revere Pewter, Edgecomb Gray), and light warm grays which balances Essex Green’s depth and keeps spaces feeling inviting.
So as for Accent Colors, Rich textures and metals like antique brass, aged gold, or dark walnut complement the green’s earthy undertones for a luxurious look.
Pastels & Soft Shades can be Light pastels or muted pinks can offer gentle contrast without clashing; soft blush or coral tones work particularly well as subtle accent hues.
In natural elements, having Wood finishes, leather, and greenery enhance the organic, grounded feel Essex Green evokes.
Essex Green BM (HC-188) vs. Related Colors: What’s the Difference?
There’re a lot of similar variants available in the market and you may find your next perfect color that speaks to you. Let’s find out together.
Excess Green is a deep cool green color with its blue, gray and yellow undertones.
The look it has is effortlessly luxurious and dramatic which might be perfect for the people who like drama but what about other people?
When I was searching for that one perfect color, I didn’t even know what I was looking for.
It was unutterable to just one and never think about any other shade but it was very difficult until I found my color.
I understand why you might come to this section, but what I cannot know is if the clarity you might or might not have about your vision. Let’s go my way.
Pick different shades of dark green pictures and pin them on your wall for a few days with white sheets or any preferable colour sheets around.
Once, a shade seems settling to you, go and buy the color for testing only with preferable finish.
Now, let’s discuss the possibilities you may or may not have in your mind.
Benjamin Moore Essex Green vs Salamander
Salamander offers a lighter and a bit softer green compared to Essex Green’s deep like its almost black-green appearance.
Both colors have a rich historic feel but Essex Green lends more drama due to its darkness.
Salamander suits spaces needing depth with a bit less intensity and more green vibrancy.
Essex Green BM (HC-188) and Salamander 2050-10 appearance are different in various lighting conditions.
The most noticeable thing I personally noted, Salamander is a cooler shade than the Essex Green which has a visible warm tone in sunlight but it stays on its green dominant color whereas, Salamander shows its blue, green and gray undertone more vibrantly.
Benjamin Moore Essex Green vs Vintage Vogue
Vintage Vogue is generally lighter and has a gray smoky appearance making it suitable when a softer dark green is fancied.
Essex Green has a more intense and deeper presence, ideal for highly dramatic and traditional looks.
Both colors offer rich greens with distinct vibes depending on the mood and space requirement.
Vintage Vogue has a shady muted presence and it’s brighter as per the LRV of 11.85 in comparison to Essex Green.
Vintage Vogue is versatile, approachable and speaks modern-vintage fusion.
Essex Green vs Hunter Green Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Essex Green (HC-188) is darker and richer than Hunter Green (2041-10).
Essex Green has a deep forest tone with subtle blue undertones, giving it a moody and sophisticated look that shifts beautifully in natural light.
It feels almost black-green and offers a dramatic, elegant ambiance.
Whereas, Hunter Green is also a light green but lighter and balanced warm and cool tone.
Hunter Green is less saturated but still has a rich appearance which makes it suitable for traditional and rustic interiors.
Benjamin Moore Backwoods vs Essex Green
Backwoods has an LRV around 12.68, so it is a dark green but still clear as “green” on the wall and reflects roughly twice as much light as Essex Green.
Essex Green has an LRV around 5.64, which makes it appear nearly-black category.
Essex Green absorbs most of the light and can look almost black in low light.
Practically, Backwoods will feel moody but more livable in smaller or north-facing rooms, while Essex Green will deliver a very dramatic, shadowy envelope that needs more light to show its color.
Black forest vs Essex Green
Essex Green leans more toward a true deep forest green with strong green undertones and a near-black depth, creating a moody and slightly vibrantly green presence.
It has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 5.64, which means it absorbs most light but shows the green roots it contains especially in good lighting.
Black Forest Green is even deeper and darker, with a stronger blackened base, often closer to black with green undertones visible in bright light.
Its LRV is 4.85, making it one of the darkest greens available.
This color gives a more intense, shadowy look and conveys a very dramatic, almost mysterious look.
| Paint Color | Depth and LRV | Undertones & Temperature | Mood and Style | Common Uses and Notes |
| Essex Green HC-188 | Very dark, LRV 5.64 | Cool, deep forest green with blue-gray hints | Moody, dramatic, sophisticated | Statement walls, cabinetry, doors, classic historic vibes |
| Salamander 2050-10 | Very dark, LRV 5.72 | Cool with slight teal undertones | Intense, nearly black-green | Cabinets, walls needing deep dramatic green |
| Vintage Vogue 462 | Dark, LRV 11.85 | Smoky, slightly warm, muted green | Trendy, smoky, versatile | Cabinets, accent walls, modern vintage style |
| Hunter Green 2041-10 | Dark, LRV 6.39 | Balanced warm and cool forest green | Classic, timeless, earthy | Walls, trim, traditional interiors |
| Black Forest HC-187 | Extremely dark, LRV 4.85 | Deep black-green with minimal visible green | Very dramatic, almost black | Dramatic, architectural, formal spaces |
| Backwoods 469 | Dark, LRV 12.68 | Warm blackened forest green | Relaxed, organic, slightly warm | Suitable for north-facing rooms, cozy interiors |
Where Benjamin Moore Essex Green Fit Perfectly in My Design
I painted Essex Green Benjamin Moore everywhere and no, I don’t feel stuck with this paint or think it’s too much.
I actually liked it because I went creative with it, and I actually liked it because I went creative with it, and no two places in my home look the same.
I was careful to keep the decor different with different vibe and surroundings, so I don’t get bored with it.
Here, we’re going to discuss how it appears in every corner and how I made it look different, as well as you will understand how it can make itself look different with different lighting, elements and coordinating colors.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Bedroom
Matte/Flat finish is the best for bedroom because of its beautiful calming, and cocoon-like atmosphere which feels intimate and relaxing. I wanted my bedroom to be inviting and cozy.
A space where I want to come after getting tired.
I paired Essex Green with soft neutral colors for trims.
For table, bed and other visible furniture warm wood tones seem to create a perfect balance.
I prefer plush fabrics for a softer and snug feel.
Now, I wont say after painting my entire home I was trying to keep it unnoticed.
Offcourse, I wanted Essex Green to embrace itself for which I used dramatic pendant lighting and wall sconces that brings out its deep green richness.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Cabinets
A satin and semi-gloss sheen lets Essex Green’s color pop with subtle reflections and is easy to clean since cabinets are one of the high traffic areas.
I paired it with brass and antique gold hardware which adds vintage charm.
The Essex Green Benjamin Moore feels crisp and refined especially against my lightcounter and back splashes.
My cabinets were never this clean and URGH! Those fingerprints used to irritate me alot. But with light sheen. Life has been easier!
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Frontdoor
I feel high-gloss is perfect for frontdoor; it stands out boldly, evoking classic charm and sophistication.
It adapts well to the natural light of outdoors, and appears to be more saturated and vibrant in sunlight.
I also used contrasting white trim and natural stone which enhances the door’s vibrant green presence.
Opting for the right choices like elements and colors according to the lighting is the key to make your space perfect for yourself.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Living Room
Walls in an eggshell or matte finish (Only if it’s your low traffic area and you don’t want to scratch your head for cleaning) in Essex Green Benjamin Moore interior let it embrace the living room with depth and drama.
I like to style with textures—like leather, wood, and rich textiles.
It adds warmth and contrast.
Natural light highlights the subtle blue undertones, while dimmer lighting lets the color recede to a nearly black, mysterious backdrop perfect for art or metallic accents.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Kitchen
You now have enough idea about the sheen, let’s cover other areas like— Essex Green cabinets or island anchors in a kitchen with mid to high finish sheen to handle wear and show off the details.
It pairs well with white marble, quartz countertops and matte black fixtures, adding a modern yet grounded flair.
Greens and botanicals in the decor enhance its organic vibe.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Shutters
Essex Green Benjamin Moore exterior shutters painted in a durable semi-gloss sheen which contributes to charm and curb appeal, coordinating beautifully with brick or stone.
The sheen reflects sunlight, brightening the color’s deep, forest green character as daylight changes through the day.
Using curtains on shutter looks amazing, might sound stupid because it’s widely used on windows but looks very dreamy and very farm fashion inspired.
You can use an S hook or hanging basket to add some greenery.
Essex Green Benjamin Moore Bathroom
In bathrooms, Essex Green in a satin or semi-gloss finish balances luxury with moisture resistance.
I Paired it with white or cream tiles and warm wood and brass accents, it brings a refreshing tone.
For strategic lighting I used farmhouse lighting with accent lighting that helps to illuminate its color without making the small space feel dark.
I kept the bathroom white other than the walls, including the door to have a reflective colour around so it balances out the darkness and we don’t go blind just after turning the lights off.
Conclusion
Essex Green Benjamin Moore HC-188 is a worthy color if you want to go for a darker green shade which stands out by itself that you have to put extra outshining colours and materials to make it appear a bit included.
If you believe in “the word overdressed is made by boring people” and like green, this is your shade.
Above, I have put everything together for you but one thing I would like for you to take with yourself is to always test your paint before making a final call and let yourself explore with open mind with every thought that seems to be crazy.
Sometimes the craziest things turned out to be the genius from everything.
Enlighten yourself with knowledge as much as you can.
The more details you have the better the outcome can be.
You can always take a second opinion but be clear about the kind of aesthetic you dream of and that should align with your comfort.
FAQs
Essex Green is a cool colour but in direct sunlight, it can appear a bit warm with dominant green. But in other times of the day, it will not appear warm even in warmer lights a certain effect of cool will still be visible.
Essex Green can be coordinated with Benjamin Moore Simply White, Chantilly Lace, Soft beiges (Pale Oak), warm greiges (Revere Pewter, Edgecomb Gray), light warm grays, brass, aged gold, or dark walnut, Pastels & Soft Shades.
The closest dupe can be any one of them according to the details:
Sherwin Williams Roycroft Bottle Green (SW 2847): A deep, historic green close in intensity and blackness.
PPG Roycroft Bottle Green: Comparable in mood and darkness to Essex Green.
Behr Chrome Green: A deep green from Behr that closely resembles Essex Green.
Farrow & Ball Dark As Night: A very dark green-black close to Essex Green’s depth.
Valspar Aged Pine: A deep, rich green that matches Essex Green’s intensity.
Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 is the color of the year, it’s a beautiful hue with a velvety brown texture. It’s a part of a broader palette embracing subtle, quietly colorful hues. It’s a dark shade of purple with gorgeous luxe appeal.
