Mountain Moss 2142-30 by Benjamin Moore

There’s something undeniably special about a paint color that can transform a room into a sanctuary—one that feels both timeless and fresh. Benjamin Moore’s Mountain Moss (2142-30) is exactly that kind of color. A rich, earthy green with a whisper of gray and a warm yellow undertone, it’s a hue that brings the serenity of nature indoors while maintaining a sophisticated edge. If you’re considering this shade for your home, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right fit for your space.

First, let’s talk about the mood. Mountain Moss is inherently calming, making it perfect for rooms where you want to unwind. Picture it in a bedroom—soft, cocoon-like, and grounding. Or imagine it in a home office, where its muted green tones can foster focus and creativity without feeling sterile. It’s also a fantastic choice for living rooms and dining spaces, where its warmth invites conversation and connection. This isn’t a loud or trendy green; it’s a quiet, enduring one that plays well with a variety of styles, from modern farmhouse to rustic or even contemporary bohemian.

One of the standout qualities of Mountain Moss is its versatility. It’s a chameleon in the best way. In natural light, the green tones come forward, giving it a fresh, organic feel. In lower light, it deepens into a more subdued, almost smoky hue, creating an intimate atmosphere. That’s why it’s crucial to test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch on the wall and observe it at different times of day. You’ll notice how it shifts, revealing its complexity. And don’t worry—it’s beginner-friendly to apply, with good coverage in just one or two coats, and it dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting around forever to see the final result.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: will it make a small space feel cramped? Not necessarily. While Mountain Moss has a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV of 17.64%), meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects, it can actually make small rooms feel cozy rather than closed-in. The key is balance. Pair it with lighter furnishings, crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a dreamy match), or reflective surfaces like brass fixtures to keep the space feeling open. If you’re hesitant, consider using it on an accent wall or even on furniture—a bookshelf or cabinet in this shade can add depth without overwhelming the room.

When it comes to finishes, you’ve got options. A matte finish will emphasize the color’s richness and hide imperfections, making it ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Eggshell offers a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean, perfect for living rooms or dining spaces. And if you’re painting a high-traffic zone, satin is your best bet—it’s durable, scrubbable, and still lets the beauty of Mountain Moss shine. No matter which you choose, this paint is stain-resistant and low-VOC, so it’s as practical as it is pretty.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Mountain Moss loves natural materials. Think warm wood tones, linen textiles, and woven baskets for a layered, organic look. It also plays beautifully with complementary colors like soft blues (try Benjamin Moore’s CSP-535) or creamy neutrals (HC-154 is a winner). For a bolder contrast, pair it with deep, moody shades like 2139-10 or even a charcoal gray. And if you’re after a monochromatic scheme, explore its lighter siblings—HC-106 or HC-101—for a harmonious gradient effect.

A few pro tips: If your room lacks natural light, add plenty of warm artificial lighting to keep Mountain Moss from feeling too dark. Layer in metallic accents—brass, gold, or even aged bronze—to elevate the warmth of its yellow undertones. And don’t shy away from texture. A chunky knit throw, a rough-hewn wooden table, or a sleek ceramic vase will all highlight the depth of this color in different ways.

So, is Mountain Moss right for you? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded, sophisticated, and a little bit soulful, then yes. It’s a shade that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it interacts with them, changing with the light and the pieces around it. It’s a color that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and feel at home. And really, isn’t that what great design should do?

Before you grab a brush, though, do yourself a favor and order a sample. Seeing Mountain Moss in your space, with your lighting and your decor, is the only way to know for sure. But if you’re looking for a green that’s equal parts serene and stylish, this might just be your perfect match. Happy painting!

Real Room Photo of Mountain Moss 2142-30

Undertones of  Mountain Moss ?

The undertones of Mountain Moss 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: #757055

RGB code: 117, 112, 85

Is  Mountain Moss Cool or Warm?

While Mountain Moss leans slightly cooler due to its gray undertones, it retains a warm, inviting quality that makes it feel cozy and welcoming in any room.

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 Mountain Moss

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 Mountain Moss

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Mountain Moss is 17.64%, 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  Mountain Moss

Mountain Moss is more than just a color; it’s a mood setter. This sophisticated green has a natural quality that instantly enhances the ambiance of any space. When applied, it offers a rich yet subtle finish that plays beautifully with light, shifting slightly throughout the day. The earthy tone can evoke feelings of tranquility, making it perfect for bedrooms and home offices where relaxation is key. One of the standout features of Mountain Moss is its adaptability. It can serve as a backdrop for more vibrant decor or stand alone as a statement color. Many users appreciate how it pairs beautifully with natural wood accents and soft whites, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a harmonious blend of nature and modern design.

Pros & Cons of  2142-30 Mountain Moss

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Mountain Moss

FAQ on 2142-30 Mountain Moss

Can Mountain Moss be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! While Mountain Moss is a rich color, its earthy tone can actually make small spaces feel more grounded and cozy. If you’re concerned about it feeling too dark, consider using it in combination with lighter furnishings or accent colors to brighten the area.

What finishes work best with Mountain Moss?

Mountain Moss looks stunning in matte or eggshell finishes, which allow its depth and richness to shine. For high-traffic areas, a satin finish might be more practical, offering durability while still showcasing the beauty of the color.

Comparisons Mountain Moss with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Mountain Moss 2142-30