Searching for the best dark green paint color for your home? Read my thoughts on Benjamin Moore Essex Green and see if it could be just what you’re looking for.
Dark green paint colors have really become a favorite lately. They bring a rich, earthy feel to your space, adding both comfort and elegance.
What I love about very dark green paint colors is that they add drama to a room. Use them for an accent wall, built-ins, or doors. The dark color can really elevate a space!
There are several dark green, almost black paint colors out there that you can choose from if a moody room is on your wish list!
A great one is Essex Green by Benjamin Moore. Let’s take a closer look and see if this green is the right one for your home.
Essex Green, Benjamin Moore, HC-188
Essex Green is one of those colors that instantly makes an impact. It’s a very dark, nearly black shade of green, perfect for creating a moody, sophisticated atmosphere in your space.
I’ve used Essex Green in a few projects, and it never fails to add that dramatic touch.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Essex Green
Color Family
This paint color belongs to the green family, but don’t expect a bright or vibrant green.
Essex Green is deep and rich, almost black, which gives it a unique edge.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
6
The Light Reflective Value gives how much light a color bounces around, on a scale of 0 to 100. 0 is pure black, while 100 is pure white.
With an LRV of 6, you’re dealing with an extremely dark color.
It’s the kind of shade that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which is ideal if you’re aiming for a cozy, intimate vibe.
RGB Colors
R: 39 G: 54 B: 46
RGB describes the amount of each color – red, green, and blue – present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color.
This mix gives you that intense green-black tone that’s so distinctive.
Hex Code
#27362E
Undertones
Essex Green has strong black undertones, which is why it appears almost like a shadowy green in most spaces.
This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a color that stays consistently dark and moody, no matter the lighting.
In rooms with little natural light, like north-facing spaces, Essex Green will hold its deep, dark hue. You’ll notice that it stays rich and intense, adding a touch of mystery to the room.
In south-facing rooms, where there’s more sunlight, you might catch a hint of warmth in the green, making it feel a bit more inviting.
Since undertones can vary based on lighting, it’s always a good idea to swatch the color in your space before committing.
This way, you can see exactly how Essex Green will look in your home and make sure it’s the right fit.
Best Uses
I love using dark paint colors like Essex Green to create a cozy, intimate feel.
Here are some of the best ways to use this rich, dark green:
- Walls of a room you want to feel cozier, such as a bedroom, living room, or den.
- Trim and moldings for a sophisticated feel.
- Accent walls for a bold, dramatic touch
- Built-ins
- Interior doors
- Shutters
- Furniture pieces
- Fireplaces as a striking focal point in the room
It also makes a great home exterior color.
Similar Colors
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Behr Trellised Ivy
- Sherwin Williams Roycroft Bottle Green
- Sherwin Williams Night Watch
- Benjamin Moore Topsoil
- Benjamin Moore Fatigue Green
- Sherwin Williams Dard Hunter Green
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Essex Green
Coordinating Colors
Essex Green pairs beautifully with lighter or medium tones like soft whites, beiges, and pastels.
These colors help balance its deep, moody vibe, making the space feel both sophisticated and inviting.
Consider these for walls, furniture, or accents to complement Essex Green’s richness.
Beiges:
- Powell Buff
- Pittsfield Buff
- Monroe Bisque
- Straw Hat
- Lady Finger
Soft whites:
- Simply White
- Mountain Peak White
- Snowfall White
- White Dove
- Steam
Soft pinks:
- Warm Blush
- Peach Parfait
- Sunset Hill
- Pensacola Pink
- Ambrosia
Trim Colors
For trim, I recommend bright whites to create a crisp contrast with Essex Green.
This combination highlights the deep green beautifully, giving your space a clean, polished look.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
Essex Green 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!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Essex Green.
What’s the difference: BM Essex Green vs SW Roycroft Bottle Green?
Benjamin Moore Essex Green and Roycroft Bottle Green are both deep, moody greens, but they have their differences.
Essex Green has an LRV of 6, making it a bit darker than Roycroft Bottle Green, which has an LRV of 5.
Essex Green’s black undertones make it appear even darker, while Roycroft Bottle Green can lean slightly gray. I recommend swatching both to see which suits your space best.
What’s the difference: BM Essex Green vs Salamander?
Essex Green is slightly darker than Salamander, with an LRV of 5.64 compared to Salamander’s 5.72.
While both are dark greens, Essex Green has a purer green tone, whereas Salamander has hints of blue and black.
If you’re aiming for a true dark green, Essex Green might be the one. But as always, swatching is key to finding your perfect match.
Is Essex Green too dark?
This really depends on what you’re looking for. Essex Green is a very dark, almost black shade of green with an LRV of 6.
If you love a bold, dramatic look, it could be perfect for you.
But if you prefer something lighter, Essex Green might feel too heavy, especially in rooms with little natural light.
Swatching it in your space will help you decide.
What is the color code for Essex Green?
The hex code for Essex Green is #27362e, and its RGB values are R: 39, G: 54, B: 46.
These numbers give you that rich, deep green that’s so striking in any room.
What’s the difference: BM Essex Green vs Black Forest Green?
Essex Green has an LRV of 5.64, while Black Forest Green is even darker with an LRV of 4.85.
Both colors have a warm black undertone, but Black Forest Green can sometimes lean a bit teal in bright, natural light.
To really see the difference, try swatching both in your space before making a decision.
Can you use BM Essex Green on kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! Essex Green is stunning on kitchen cabinets.
If you’re going for a moody, sophisticated kitchen, this color is a great choice. Pair it with gold or brass hardware for an elegant touch.
Just be sure to swatch it first to see how it looks in your lighting.
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.