Backwoods 469 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly brings the tranquility of nature indoors, Benjamin Moore’s Backwoods might just be your perfect match. This earthy green hue, with its soft and muted tone, has a way of transforming any space into a serene retreat. Whether you’re looking to refresh your living room, create a calming bedroom, or add a touch of sophistication to your home office, Backwoods delivers warmth and versatility in spades.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Backwoods is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 12.68%, it falls into the medium-dark category, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to cultivate a cozy, intimate atmosphere. In natural light, it reveals a soft, fresh green that feels airy and open, while under artificial lighting, it takes on a richer, more inviting tone. If you’re working with a smaller space, just keep in mind that darker colors can make rooms feel more enclosed—so consider balancing it with lighter furnishings or trim.

The undertones here are pure green, giving Backwoods its earthy, grounded feel. Unlike some greens that lean too cool or too warm, this shade strikes a beautiful balance, making it adaptable to a variety of decor styles. Modern farmhouse? Absolutely. Rustic or bohemian? Perfect. Even contemporary spaces can benefit from its muted elegance. Pair it with natural wood tones, crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice), or brass fixtures for a look that’s both polished and organic.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. Backwoods is roller-ready, brush-smooth, and fast-drying, with good coverage in just one or two coats. Its low VOC and eco-certified formula mean you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes, making it a great option for bedrooms or nurseries. And because it’s wipeable, washable, and scrubbable, it holds up well in high-traffic areas like hallways or family rooms—just be sure to apply multiple coats for the best durability.

Wondering how it plays with other colors? Backwoods pairs beautifully with warm neutrals, soft creams, and even deeper shades like charcoal or navy. If you’re feeling bold, try accenting it with complementary purple tones—think mauve or lavender—for a sophisticated contrast. For a more harmonious look, layer it with lighter greens from the same family, like Benjamin Moore’s 1575 or 461.

One of the best things about Backwoods is its ability to adapt. Use it on all four walls for a cocoon-like effect, or as an accent wall to add depth without overwhelming the space. It also works wonders on furniture—imagine a vintage dresser or bookshelf painted in this rich hue, grounding a room with its natural charm.

So, is Backwoods right for your home? If you’re drawn to colors that evoke calm, connection to nature, and timeless elegance, then yes. It’s a shade that feels both current and classic, offering just enough depth to make a statement without stealing the show. Test it in your space, observe how it shifts with the light, and see how it makes you feel. After all, the best paint colors aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about creating a mood, a vibe, a home that truly reflects you.

Still on the fence? Here’s a pro tip: grab a sample and paint a large swatch on your wall. Live with it for a few days, noticing how it changes from morning to night. You might just find that Backwoods becomes more than a color—it becomes the backdrop to your everyday life, quietly enhancing the beauty of your space in the most effortless way.

Real Room Photo of Backwoods 469

Undertones of  Backwoods ?

The undertones of Backwoods 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.

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HEX value: #586251

RGB code: 88, 98, 81

Is  Backwoods Cool or Warm?

This shade is balanced, leaning slightly more towards cool tones, which helps in creating a refreshing atmosphere while still feeling inviting.

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 Backwoods

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 Backwoods

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Backwoods is 12.68%, 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  Backwoods

Backwoods is a stunning shade that effortlessly combines a sense of nature with sophistication. When applied, it transforms spaces into serene retreats, making it ideal for bedrooms or cozy living areas. The color adapts beautifully to different lighting conditions, revealing deeper tones in the evening and a softer hue during the day. It pairs well with natural wood tones and white accents, enhancing its earthy feel. Its versatility shines through whether used in large open spaces or as an accent wall, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to infuse a touch of the outdoors into their interiors. Overall, Backwoods is not just a paint color; it’s a lifestyle choice that invites tranquility and connection to nature.

Pros & Cons of  469 Backwoods

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Backwoods

FAQ on 469 Backwoods

Can Backwoods be used in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Backwoods is designed to be durable and withstand wear and tear. Its washability makes it easy to clean, making it a viable option for high-traffic areas like hallways or family rooms. Just make sure to apply a few coats for the best protection.

What kind of lighting works best with Backwoods?

Backwoods performs beautifully in both natural and artificial lighting. In bright daylight, it showcases a soft, fresh green, while under warm indoor lights, it takes on a cozy and inviting feel. For the best effect, consider the type of lighting in the room and how it interacts with the color throughout the day.

Comparisons Backwoods with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Backwoods 469