Dark Celery 2146-10 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings the outdoors in while still feeling refined and intentional, Benjamin Moore’s Dark Celery (2146-10) might just be your perfect match. This earthy green with its subtle yellow undertones is one of those rare shades that manages to be both bold and understated at the same time. It’s a color that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it interacts with the light, the furniture, and even the mood of the room, making it a dynamic choice for any space.

Dark Celery is a deep, muted green that leans into the warmth of olive and moss tones while keeping things sophisticated. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 21.32%, it reflects a good amount of light for a darker shade, meaning it won’t swallow up a room if used thoughtfully. That said, it’s still rich enough to create a cozy, enveloping feel, especially in spaces where you want to cultivate a sense of calm. Think of it as the color equivalent of a quiet forest—grounding, serene, and effortlessly stylish.

One of the best things about Dark Celery is its versatility. It plays well with modern, rustic, eclectic, and even contemporary styles, making it a fantastic option if you like to switch up your decor. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is a great choice) for a fresh, clean contrast, or let it mingle with natural wood tones for a more organic, earthy vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, brass or gold accents will elevate the warmth in the color, while deep blues or burgundies can add a striking contrast that feels intentional and high-end.

When it comes to application, Dark Celery is beginner-friendly. It’s self-priming, offers high hide, and typically only needs one to two coats for full coverage—a dream if you’re tackling a DIY project. The finish options (eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) give you flexibility depending on the room. Eggshell is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms where you want a soft sheen, while satin or semi-gloss works beautifully in kitchens or high-traffic areas thanks to their durability and washability. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Dark Celery is a natural fit for living rooms, where it can create an inviting backdrop for gatherings. In a bedroom, it fosters a restful, cocoon-like atmosphere—especially when paired with soft linens and warm lighting. Kitchens benefit from its earthy charm, particularly when paired with wood cabinetry or marble countertops. And if you’re designing a home office, this color’s grounding effect can help boost focus while keeping the space from feeling sterile.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. If you’re working with a small, poorly lit room, Dark Celery might feel a bit heavy unless you balance it with plenty of light sources, mirrors, or lighter accent colors. And because of its strong personality, it’s important to be mindful of pairings—too many competing warm tones can make it feel dated, while the right mix keeps it fresh and modern.

Lighting plays a huge role in how this color performs. In natural light, the green comes forward, making the space feel alive and connected to nature. Under warm artificial light, the yellow undertones become more pronounced, adding a cozy, golden glow. Cooler lighting, on the other hand, brings out the deeper olive notes, giving it a moodier edge. That adaptability means Dark Celery looks good at all times of day, shifting subtly to suit the ambiance you want.

If you’re still on the fence, consider testing it out. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it changes with the light and how it interacts with your furniture and flooring. You might be surprised at how well it ties everything together. And if you love the idea of Dark Celery but want something a bit lighter, Benjamin Moore offers softer variations like 2146-20 or CSP-865 that still capture that earthy essence.

At the end of the day, Dark Celery is more than just a paint color—it’s a design tool. It can make a room feel intimate or expansive, modern or timeless, depending on how you use it. Whether you’re painting an accent wall, refreshing your kitchen cabinets, or giving your entire living room a moody makeover, this shade delivers depth, warmth, and a touch of nature’s quiet elegance. So go ahead, take the plunge. Your walls (and your inner designer) will thank you.

Real Room Photo of Dark Celery 2146-10

Undertones of  Dark Celery ?

The undertones of Dark Celery 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: #83872E

RGB code: 131, 135, 46

Is  Dark Celery Cool or Warm?

Dark Celery is predominantly a warm color, thanks to its yellow and olive undertones. This warmth makes it a great option for creating cozy, inviting spaces. However, it also possesses a subtle coolness, owing to its green base, which allows it to harmonize well with cooler tones like blues and grays. This balance between warm and cool makes Dark Celery an adaptable choice for various design schemes, whether you’re aiming for a snug, intimate setting or a more open, airy feel.

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 Dark Celery

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 Dark Celery

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Dark Celery is 21.32%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of 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  Dark Celery

Dark Celery is a compelling choice for those looking to incorporate a touch of nature into their spaces. This color works beautifully on accent walls, adding depth and character without overwhelming the room. Its earthy undertone makes it an excellent match for wooden furniture and neutral textiles, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The paint offers good coverage, often requiring just one to two coats for a rich, even finish. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those looking to refresh their space without extensive prep work. Additionally, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into both modern and traditional decor, making it a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to update their interiors with a timeless yet trendy hue.

Pros & Cons of  2146-10 Dark Celery

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Dark Celery

FAQ on 2146-10 Dark Celery

Can Dark Celery be used in a small room?

Yes, Dark Celery can be used in a small room, but there are a few things to consider. Given its darker, earthy tone, it might make a small space feel more intimate or even smaller if not balanced with the right lighting. To make the most out of Dark Celery in a small room, ensure ample natural light or use lighter accents and trim to open up the space. Additionally, incorporating mirrors or reflective surfaces can help bounce light around the room, enhancing the overall ambiance. With the right elements, Dark Celery can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, even in more compact areas.

What colors go well with Dark Celery?

Dark Celery pairs beautifully with a range of colors, thanks to its earthy undertone. For a warm and natural look, consider pairing it with neutral shades like beige, taupe, or cream. These colors will complement the green without overpowering it. If you’re looking to add a bit of contrast, try incorporating rich navy blues or deep burgundies. Additionally, metallic accents like brass or gold can enhance the warmth of Dark Celery, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re going for a modern or classic look, these complementary colors will help bring out the best in Dark Celery.

Comparisons Dark Celery with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Dark Celery 2146-10