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:
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.
- 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.
Carolina Gull Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
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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.
Before you go…
So, you’ve found the perfect paint color, but here’s the thing – there’s another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.