Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull: Complete Color Review

Looking for the perfect mid-toned green paint color for your home? Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull could be a great choice.

Deep, earthy greens are popping up everywhere. These gorgeous shades bring a cozy, calm look that makes any room feel relaxed.

They also add a nice touch of sophistication, elevating your space without feeling overwhelming.

Greens are amazing because they're so versatile. Use them as a chic neutral, or pair them with other colors for a bolder look.

So I've chosen to do a review of a popular green shade, Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore. If you like rich, nature-inspired colors, it’s worth a try.

Carolina Gull, Benjamin Moore, 2138-50

Carolina Gull is a mid-toned green-gray that brings a soothing, natural vibe to any room.

Click here to get a peel-and-stick sample of Carolina Gull

Color Family

Carolina Gull belongs to the neutral family.

Light Reflectance Value

27

Carolina Gull has an LRV of 27. LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).

With a 27, Carolina Gull is a mid-toned paint color. It adds depth and coziness without making a room feel too dark.

It’s got that perfect balance where it feels rich but still keeps the space open.

RGB Colors

R: 133 G: 141 B: 129

RGB stands for red, green, and blue—the main colors mixed to create this shade.

Carolina Gull’s blend makes it earthy and easy on the eyes.

Hex Code

#858d81

Undertones

Carolina Gull is a neutral with subtle green and gray undertones.

In a bright, south-facing room, you’ll notice Carolina Gull taking on a warm, rich green tone that feels inviting and full of life.

In a cooler, north-facing room, it leans more into its gray-green side, giving a softer, more muted vibe.

This is why I always recommend swatching colors in your own space first. Light changes everything—what looks warm in one room might feel cooler in another.

Best Uses

I love using mid to dark green paint colors like Carolina Gull to create a cozy feel.

It’s perfect for the walls of a bedroom, living room or den. You can even paint the trim and moldings for a more sophisticated look.

Carolina Gull is also great for:

• Creating a focal point, like a fireplace
• Built-ins
• Kitchen cabinets
• Interior or exterior doors
• Home exteriors
• Shutters
• Accent walls
• Furniture
• Home exterior

Similar Colors

• Benjamin Moore Intrigue
• Behr Peaceful Glade
• Sherwin Williams Willowleaf
• Benjamin Moore Cos Cob Stonewall
• Benjamin Moore Duxbury Gray
• Behr Forest Moss
• Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Carolina Gull

Coordinating Colors

Carolina Gull works well with neutrals like white, tan, or gray, keeping the look simple and elegant.

For more contrast, try navy or deep orange—navy adds a classic touch, while orange gives a warm, bold pop.

Soft, crisp whites:

• Mountain Peak White
• Simply White
• Cloud White
• Cotton Balls
• Snowfall White

Mid-toned tans:

• Light Khaki
• Straw Hat
• Marble Canyon
• Heirloom Gold
• Mansfield Tan

Warm neutrals:

• Revere Pewter
• Pale Oak
• Soft Chamois
• Edgecomb Gray
• Balboa Mist

Trim Colors

Carolina Gull pairs beautifully with crisp, bright white trim colors.

This combination creates a clean, fresh look that highlights the depth of the green-gray shade.

Bright white trim colors:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White: A soft, warm white that adds a touch of coziness.
• Sherwin Williams Extra White: A true bright white for a sharp, modern contrast.
• Behr Ultra Pure White: A pure, vivid white that keeps the look clean and classic.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Carolina Gull

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Carolina Gull.

What's the difference: BM Carolina Gull vs SW Evergreen Fog?

Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore is deeper and a bit richer compared to Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog.

Carolina Gull has an LRV of 27, while Evergreen Fog is lighter with an LRV of 30.

I find Carolina Gull feels warmer, while Evergreen Fog is more muted and subtle. Make sure you swatch them in your space to see which fits your vibe best.

What's the difference: BM Carolina Gull vs SW Willowleaf?

Sherwin Williams Willowleaf is slightly darker than Carolina Gull, with an LRV of 24 compared to 27.

Willowleaf is also more muted, while Carolina Gull has a bit more liveliness to it.

If you want a color that feels a bit more vibrant, Carolina Gull might be the one.

What color trim goes with BM Carolina Gull?

Carolina Gull pairs beautifully with crisp white trim. It really makes the green pop and gives a clean, fresh contrast.

Give any of these colors a try:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Behr Ultra Pure White

What should I use Carolina Gull for?

Carolina Gull is perfect for painting a bedroom, living room or den. Paint the trim and ceiling for a cozy, color-drenched look.

You can also use Carolina Gull for:

• Creating a focal point, like a fireplace
• Built-ins
• Kitchen cabinets
• Interior or exterior doors
• Home exteriors
• Shutters
• Accent walls
• Furniture
• Home exterior

Is Carolina Gull green?

Yes, Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore is a green-gray, but its appearance can change based on the lighting.

In bright rooms, it shows more of its green side, while in darker spaces, it leans more gray.

This versatility is why swatching it in your room is so important.

Is BM Carolina Gull a good color for a home exterior?

Absolutely! Carolina Gull is a wonderful choice for exteriors.

It has enough depth to look great in direct sunlight without getting washed out.

Plus, it pairs well with neutrals like white, tan, gray, and brown, making it easy to match with trim or other finishes like brick or stone.

Thanks for reading!