Forest Floor 1498 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that brings the serenity of nature into your home, Benjamin Moore’s Forest Floor (1498) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy green is more than just a color—it’s a mood. Imagine stepping into a room that feels like a quiet walk through a dense forest, where the air is fresh and the surroundings are grounding. That’s the magic of Forest Floor. It’s a versatile shade that works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and dining spaces, offering a warm, inviting backdrop that pairs effortlessly with a range of decor styles.

One of the standout qualities of Forest Floor is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.57%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark category, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This makes it ideal for creating cozy, intimate spaces. But don’t let that scare you—even in smaller rooms, this color can work wonders. The key is balance. Pair it with lighter furniture, crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove), or natural wood accents to keep the space from feeling too heavy. If you’re hesitant, try it on a single accent wall first. You’ll be surprised how it adds dimension without overwhelming the room.

The undertones here are where things get interesting. Forest Floor has a subtle yellow base, which gives it that warm, earthy feel. Unlike cooler greens that can lean clinical or stark, this one feels organic and welcoming. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others, too. Pair it with creamy whites, soft taupes, or even bold blues for a striking contrast. Natural materials like jute, linen, and reclaimed wood enhance its rustic charm, while sleek metals and modern furniture can give it a contemporary edge.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint goes on smoothly with a brush or roller, and you’ll likely need just two coats for full, even coverage. It’s touch-up friendly and wipeable, making it practical for high-traffic areas like living rooms or home offices. Plus, it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, so you can feel good about using it in your home. Choose a matte finish for a velvety, sophisticated look, eggshell for a subtle sheen, or satin for easier cleaning in busier spaces.

Lighting will dramatically affect how Forest Floor appears in your home. In natural light, it’s a vibrant, muted green with just enough warmth to feel alive. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, it deepens into a richer, more subdued tone—perfect for creating a cozy evening atmosphere. If your room lacks natural light, consider supplementing with warm-toned bulbs to keep it from feeling too dark.

Worried about commitment? Test it first. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and decor. You might find that it brings out hidden warmth in your wood tones or adds a surprising sophistication to your space. And if you love it but aren’t ready to go all-in, try using it on cabinets or a built-in bookshelf for a bold yet contained statement.

Forest Floor isn’t just for interiors, either. It’s a stunning choice for exterior doors or trim, especially if your home is surrounded by greenery. It blends seamlessly with natural landscapes, creating a harmonious transition between indoors and out. Just be sure to use a high-quality exterior paint formula for durability against the elements.

So, is Forest Floor right for you? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded, calming, and a little bit luxurious, then yes. It’s a designer favorite for a reason—it’s flexible, timeless, and full of character. Whether you’re going for modern farmhouse, rustic charm, or eclectic flair, this shade will anchor your space with understated elegance. Just remember: great paint colors aren’t just about how they look on the wall. They’re about how they make you feel. And Forest Floor? It feels like home.

Real Room Photo of Forest Floor 1498

Undertones of  Forest Floor ?

The undertones of Forest Floor 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: #626451

RGB code: 98, 100, 81

Is  Forest Floor Cool or Warm?

This color leans slightly warm due to its earthy undertones, but it maintains a balanced presence that won’t clash with cooler accents. It can adapt depending on the lighting and surrounding decor, making it a versatile choice.

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 Forest Floor

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 Forest Floor

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Forest Floor is 13.57%, 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  Forest Floor

Forest Floor is a stunning paint choice that brings the calmness of nature indoors. Its balanced tone works beautifully in various settings, from modern to rustic, making it a flexible option for any homeowner. The finish is smooth and easy to apply, whether you’re using a brush or roller. When applied, it offers a sophisticated ambiance that invites warmth without overwhelming the senses. One of its standout features is how it complements natural wood and metal accents, creating a harmonious look throughout your space. Just be prepared for potentially needing two coats for optimal coverage, especially on lighter surfaces.

Pros & Cons of  1498 Forest Floor

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Forest Floor

FAQ on 1498 Forest Floor

Can I use Forest Floor in a small room?

Absolutely! While Forest Floor has a rich tone that might seem heavy, it can actually enhance the coziness of smaller spaces. Just make sure to balance it with lighter elements like furniture or decor. Consider using it on an accent wall to create depth without overwhelming the room.

Is Forest Floor suitable for exteriors?

Yes, Forest Floor is suitable for exterior applications, particularly on doors and trim. Its earthy tones complement outdoor settings beautifully and can help create a seamless flow between your home and nature. Just ensure to use a high-quality exterior paint for durability.

Comparisons Forest Floor with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Forest Floor 1498