Sweet Basil 455 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings the serenity of nature indoors while adding a touch of sophistication, Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil (455) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy green strikes a delicate balance between vibrant and muted, making it incredibly versatile for any space in your home. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy bedroom retreat, a lively living room, or a calming home office, Sweet Basil has the depth and warmth to transform your walls into something truly special.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Sweet Basil is its soothing yet grounded presence. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.51%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to create an intimate, enveloping atmosphere. But don’t let that fool you—it doesn’t feel heavy or oppressive. Instead, it wraps a room in warmth, especially when paired with natural light. In brighter spaces, the green tones come alive, while in dimmer settings, it maintains a cozy, almost cocoon-like vibe.

The undertones here are pure green, but there’s a subtle complexity that keeps it from feeling flat. It’s not too cool, not too warm—just right. This makes it a fantastic backdrop for a variety of decor styles. If you love Modern Farmhouse, Sweet Basil will look stunning against shiplap and reclaimed wood. For a Rustic aesthetic, pair it with leather and wrought iron accents. Bohemian spaces will thrive with its organic richness, layered with textured rugs and woven baskets. And if your taste leans Contemporary, it provides a sophisticated anchor for sleek furniture and metallic finishes.

Application is a breeze, which is always a plus when you’re tackling a DIY project. Sweet Basil offers excellent coverage, usually requiring just one or two coats for full opacity. It’s touch-up friendly, so if you need to fix a scuff or a mark later on, it blends seamlessly. The finish options—Flat, Matte, Eggshell, and Satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. High-traffic areas like kitchens or hallways might benefit from the durability of Satin, while a Matte finish in a bedroom enhances that soft, serene feel.

Durability is another win. This paint is highly washable, so it holds up well in busy households. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, especially if you’re sensitive to chemicals or have little ones (or pets) running around.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Sweet Basil plays well with a lot of colors, but some combinations really make it sing. Soft whites like White Dove or Simply White create a crisp, clean contrast that lets the green shine. Warm wood tones and brass fixtures enhance its earthy elegance, while deep navy or charcoal accents add drama and depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pop of purple (its complementary hue) in small doses—think throw pillows or artwork—can create a striking yet balanced look.

There are a few things to keep in mind before committing. In smaller rooms or spaces with limited natural light, Sweet Basil can feel a bit darker, so consider using it strategically—maybe as an accent wall rather than all four. And while it’s versatile, it might clash with overly bright or neon colors, so stick to muted, natural tones for a harmonious palette.

If you’re still on the fence, test it out. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how the light changes its personality—bright and lively in the morning, deep and cozy at night. That’s the magic of a well-chosen color like Sweet Basil. It’s not just paint; it’s a mood, a feeling, a way to make your home uniquely yours.

So, is Sweet Basil right for your project? If you want a color that’s equal parts calming and chic, with the flexibility to work in almost any room, the answer is probably yes. It’s a designer favorite for a reason—it delivers on both beauty and practicality. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or overhauling an entire space, this lush green hue will bring a touch of the outdoors in, creating a home that feels grounded, inviting, and effortlessly stylish.

Real Room Photo of Sweet Basil 455

Undertones of  Sweet Basil ?

The undertones of Sweet Basil are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. 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.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #56664E

RGB code: 86, 102, 78

Is  Sweet Basil Cool or Warm?

This color is generally perceived as cool, but it has enough warmth to feel welcoming. It creates a serene environment that can balance out warmer color palettes effectively.

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 Sweet Basil

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.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Sweet Basil

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Sweet Basil is 13.51%, 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  Sweet Basil

When you paint with Sweet Basil, you’re inviting nature indoors. This color has a rich depth that can enhance the warmth of your home while maintaining a fresh vibe. The coverage is impressive, typically needing just one to two coats for a beautiful finish. You’ll find that it hides imperfections well, making your walls look polished and inviting. The application process is a breeze, whether you’re using a roller or a brush. Plus, it dries quickly, allowing you to finish your project in no time. It’s a color that sparks joy and encourages relaxation, perfect for any homeowner looking to refresh their space.

Pros & Cons of  455 Sweet Basil

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Sweet Basil

FAQ on 455 Sweet Basil

Can Sweet Basil be used in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Sweet Basil is a durable paint that holds up well even in high-traffic areas. Its washability makes it easy to clean, ensuring that it remains looking fresh and vibrant for years to come. Just keep in mind that while it’s resistant to stains, using a higher sheen finish in these areas can add extra durability.

What colors pair well with Sweet Basil?

Sweet Basil pairs beautifully with soft whites like White Dove or Simply White, creating a crisp contrast. It also works well with warm woods and brass fixtures, enhancing its earthy vibe. For a bolder look, consider pairing it with deep navy or charcoal accents to create a striking visual impact.

Comparisons Sweet Basil with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Sweet Basil 455