Boreal Forest AF-480 by Benjamin Moore

There’s something undeniably magical about a deep, earthy green—it’s like bringing the serenity of a forest right into your home. Benjamin Moore’s Boreal Forest (AF-480) is one of those colors that instantly transforms a space, wrapping it in warmth and tranquility. If you’re considering this shade for your next project, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right fit.

Boreal Forest is a rich, muted green with an LRV of 12.17%, meaning it reflects very little light. This makes it a medium-dark color that leans into its depth, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s perfect for rooms where you want to feel grounded and relaxed, like a living room, bedroom, or home office. The undertones are distinctly green, but there’s a subtle warmth to it that keeps it from feeling too cold or stark. It’s the kind of color that changes with the light—bright and vibrant during the day, deep and moody in the evening.

One of the standout qualities of Boreal Forest is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern farmhouse to Scandinavian minimalism. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a clean, classic look, or go bold with matte black accents for a contemporary edge. If you’re leaning into rustic charm, natural wood trim and brass fixtures will enhance its organic vibe. The color also works beautifully as an accent wall, especially in open-concept spaces where you want to define an area without closing it off.

But let’s talk about the practical stuff. Boreal Forest has excellent coverage—you’ll likely only need one or two coats to achieve a flawless finish. It’s roller-ready, brushes on smoothly, and dries fast, making it a dream to work with. The low VOC formula means it’s kinder to your indoor air quality, and its washability makes it a solid choice for high-traffic areas (though keep in mind that darker colors can show fingerprints more easily). If you’re painting a smaller room, just be mindful of the lighting. This shade can make tight spaces feel even smaller unless there’s plenty of natural light to balance it out.

Now, about those undertones. Boreal Forest is primarily green, but it’s not a flat, one-note color. It has depth and complexity, with hints of gray that keep it from feeling too bold or overwhelming. This makes it incredibly adaptable—it won’t clash with your existing furniture or flooring, but it will add a layer of sophistication. To really see how it behaves in your space, test it on a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. You’ll notice how it shifts, sometimes feeling cooler, sometimes warmer, depending on the light.

If you love Boreal Forest but worry it’s too dark for your room, consider using it on just one wall or even on furniture. A deep green bookshelf or cabinet can add drama without overwhelming the space. And if you’re looking for lighter alternatives, Benjamin Moore’s 469 or CSP-805 are great options. On the flip side, if you want something even richer, CC-692 is a darker sibling that packs a punch.

The mood this color creates is undeniable—cozy, calm, and grounding. It’s the kind of shade that makes you want to curl up with a book or host a dinner party where the conversation flows as easily as the wine. It’s not just paint; it’s an experience. And in the right space, it can feel like a retreat from the chaos of everyday life.

So, is Boreal Forest right for you? If you’re drawn to nature-inspired hues, love a color with depth, and have a room that can handle its richness, the answer is probably yes. Just remember to test it first, consider your lighting, and think about how it’ll pair with your existing decor. When done right, this color doesn’t just fill a room—it transforms it. And that’s the power of a great paint choice.

Real Room Photo of Boreal Forest AF-480

Undertones of  Boreal Forest ?

The undertones of Boreal Forest 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: #535F4E

RGB code: 83, 95, 78

Is  Boreal Forest Cool or Warm?

This paint color leans more towards the cool side of the spectrum, thanks to its gray undertones. However, it maintains a balanced feel that prevents it from becoming too cold or sterile. The coolness of Boreal Forest keeps it fresh and modern, while still offering a sense of warmth and comfort, especially in well-lit spaces.

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 Boreal Forest

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 Boreal Forest

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Boreal Forest is 12.17%, 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  Boreal Forest

When you step into a room painted with Boreal Forest, you instantly feel a connection to nature. This color is not just a paint; it’s a mood enhancer. The rich hue adds depth and warmth, making it perfect for spaces where you want to relax or gather with loved ones. Whether you’re going for a rustic aesthetic or a modern vibe, Boreal Forest fits seamlessly into both styles. It’s particularly effective in larger rooms, where it can stretch across walls and envelop you in its comforting embrace. Just remember, while it looks stunning, it may require a second coat for that perfect finish.

Pros & Cons of  AF-480 Boreal Forest

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest

FAQ on AF-480 Boreal Forest

Can Boreal Forest be used in small rooms?

While Boreal Forest is a stunning color, it may not be the best option for small rooms unless they have ample natural light. Its darker tone can make a small space feel even more confined. If you love the color but are worried about the size, consider using it as an accent wall or in a room with large windows to help balance the darkness.

What trim colors pair well with Boreal Forest?

Boreal Forest pairs beautifully with crisp whites like White Dove or Chantilly Lace. These lighter trims create a striking contrast, allowing the rich green to stand out. For a more rustic feel, consider wood trim options, which enhance the natural vibe of the color. If you prefer a bolder look, matte black windows can also provide a dramatic touch.

Comparisons Boreal Forest with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest AF-480