Turtle Green 2142-20 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends warmth, sophistication, and a touch of nature’s serenity, Benjamin Moore’s Turtle Green (2142-20) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy hue is more than just a shade—it’s a mood. With its muted green tones softened by gray and warmed by subtle yellow undertones, Turtle Green has the unique ability to make a space feel both cozy and refined. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, this color offers versatility that’s hard to beat.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Turtle Green is its depth. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 12.88%, it falls into the medium-dark category, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a lush, enveloping quality that’s ideal for creating intimate, inviting spaces. In a well-lit room, the color comes alive with a refreshing vibrancy, while in softer lighting, it takes on a quieter, more contemplative tone. It’s this chameleon-like quality that makes it so adaptable—whether you’re painting a sun-drenched living room or a dimly lit bedroom, Turtle Green adjusts beautifully to its surroundings.

When it comes to application, Turtle Green is a dream to work with. It offers excellent coverage, typically needing just one or two coats for a flawless finish, even over lighter bases. Beginners will appreciate how smoothly it rolls on, and its fast-drying nature means you won’t be waiting around forever to apply a second coat or touch up any spots. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. Matte is perfect for low-traffic areas where you want a velvety look, while eggshell or satin works well in kitchens or hallways where a bit of sheen and washability are key.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Turtle Green is a natural fit for living rooms, where its calming presence sets the stage for relaxation and conversation. Pair it with crisp white trim—Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice—to keep the space feeling fresh and balanced. In a bedroom, it creates a cocoon-like atmosphere, especially when layered with soft textiles in neutral tones or warm woods. Kitchens and dining rooms benefit from its earthy charm, particularly when paired with natural materials like butcher block countertops or woven rattan chairs. Even home offices can benefit from Turtle Green’s grounding energy, helping to foster focus and creativity.

Decor styles are another area where Turtle Green excels. If you love modern farmhouse, this color is a no-brainer—it pairs perfectly with shiplap, reclaimed wood, and vintage accents. Rustic spaces will appreciate its organic feel, while eclectic interiors can use it as a bold backdrop for mixed patterns and textures. Traditional homes can lean into its timeless elegance, and coastal-inspired spaces can harness its muted quality for a more subdued, sophisticated take on beachy vibes. The only style where it might feel out of place? Ultra-modern, minimalist designs that thrive on stark contrasts and cooler tones.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Turtle Green’s darker nature means it can make small rooms feel cozier—which is great if that’s the vibe you’re after, but less ideal if you’re aiming for an airy, expansive feel. If you’re working with a compact space, consider using it on an accent wall rather than all four, and balance it with plenty of light-reflecting elements like mirrors, glossy finishes, or lighter furniture. Another thing to keep in mind is that while it’s beginner-friendly, you’ll likely need two coats for full, even coverage, especially if you’re painting over a lighter shade.

When it comes to pairing Turtle Green with other colors, the possibilities are endless. Its yellow undertones make it play nicely with warm neutrals like creams, taupes, and caramel-toned woods. For a bit of contrast, try introducing accents in its complementary hue—blue. Think navy throw pillows, cerulean artwork, or even a slate-blue area rug. If you’re feeling adventurous, deeper shades like charcoal or black can add drama, while soft pinks or terracottas can bring out its warmth in unexpected ways.

A final note on testing: always, always sample Turtle Green in your space before committing. Paint it on a large swatch of wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it changes with the light, and pay attention to how it interacts with your existing furniture, flooring, and decor. This step is non-negotiable—it’s the only way to ensure the color works harmoniously in your unique environment.

So, is Turtle Green right for your home? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded, sophisticated, and endlessly adaptable, the answer is probably yes. It’s a hue that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re using it to create a serene bedroom retreat, a cozy living room, or a stylish kitchen, Turtle Green has the power to transform your space into something truly special. And with its eco-friendly, low-VOC formulation, you can feel good about the impact it has on your home—and the planet. Ready to take the plunge? Grab a brush, and let the magic begin.

Real Room Photo of Turtle Green 2142-20

Undertones of  Turtle Green ?

The undertones of Turtle Green are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #696449

RGB code: 105, 100, 73

Is  Turtle Green Cool or Warm?

This shade leans more towards the cool side due to its gray undertones, but it also has a warm, earthy feel that makes it inviting. It can adapt to the lighting in your room, enhancing the coolness or warmth based on the time of day and surrounding colors.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Turtle Green

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Turtle Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Turtle Green is 12.88%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Turtle Green

Turtle Green stands out as a beautifully muted color that can transform your space into a tranquil retreat. It offers a unique balance of warmth and coolness, making it suitable for various decor styles, from modern farmhouse to rustic settings. One of the best features of Turtle Green is its adaptability; it can create an inviting atmosphere in a living room or a serene backdrop in a bedroom. The color performs well under different lighting conditions, subtly shifting from a deep green in dim light to a lighter, refreshing shade in bright sunlight. With its earthy undertones, Turtle Green can easily be paired with warm woods and neutral tones, enriching the overall aesthetic of your home. Just be prepared to apply two coats for the best coverage, especially if you are transitioning from a lighter color.

Pros & Cons of  2142-20 Turtle Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Turtle Green

FAQ on 2142-20 Turtle Green

Can Turtle Green be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Turtle Green can work beautifully in small spaces, but keep in mind that its darker tones may make the room feel smaller. To counteract this, consider using ample lighting, mirrors, and lighter decor to create a balance. It’s best used in small doses, like on an accent wall, to avoid overwhelming the space.

What trim colors pair well with Turtle Green?

Turtle Green pairs wonderfully with white trims, especially options like White Dove or Simply White. The contrast will enhance the richness of the green while keeping the space feeling fresh and open. You can also consider wood trims for a more rustic look, which can add warmth and character to your design.

Comparisons Turtle Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Turtle Green 2142-20