Lafayette Green HC-135 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings the serenity of nature indoors while adding a touch of sophistication, Lafayette Green by Benjamin Moore might just be your perfect match. This rich, muted green (HC-135) has an earthy depth that feels both timeless and modern, making it a versatile choice for almost any space in your home. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy bedroom, an elegant dining room, or a serene home office, this color has the ability to transform your walls into a backdrop that’s as inviting as it is stylish.

One of the standout qualities of Lafayette Green is its balance between warmth and coolness. It leans slightly cooler on the spectrum, giving it that tranquil, almost forest-like vibe, but there’s enough warmth in its undertones to keep it from feeling stark or sterile. This duality means it plays well with a variety of decor styles—think modern farmhouse with its rustic charm, traditional spaces that crave a bit of depth, or even eclectic and bohemian rooms where color is meant to make a statement. It’s the kind of shade that adapts to your vision rather than dictating it.

When it comes to application, Lafayette Green is beginner-friendly. It rolls on smoothly, brushes out evenly, and typically only needs one or two coats for full coverage, depending on the surface you’re painting over. The finish options—Matte, Eggshell, and Satin—give you flexibility based on the room’s function. Matte is ideal for walls where you want a soft, non-reflective look, while Eggshell offers a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean. Satin, with its slight gloss, works beautifully on trim or in high-traffic areas where durability matters. Just a heads-up: if you’re using it on trim, darker shades like this can show fingerprints more easily, so keep that in mind if you have little hands (or paws) around the house.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Lafayette Green shows up in your space. In natural light, it feels fresh and organic, like you’ve brought a piece of the outdoors inside. Under artificial light, it deepens, taking on a more moody, intimate quality that’s perfect for creating a cozy evening atmosphere. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 10.54%, it’s definitely on the darker side, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This makes it fantastic for larger rooms where you want to add warmth or for accent walls that need to pop. In smaller spaces, you’ll want to balance it with lighter furnishings or use it sparingly to avoid feeling closed in.

Pairing Lafayette Green with the right accents can elevate your entire design. For trim, classic whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Pure White keep things crisp and clean. If you’re feeling bold, brass fixtures add a touch of luxury that plays off the green’s richness beautifully. Complimentary shades—think warm taupes, soft creams, or even muted reds—can help create a harmonious palette. And if you love the vibe but want something a bit lighter, HC-188 is a great alternative in the same family.

Maintenance-wise, this color is a dream. It’s highly washable, so it’s practical for busy households, and its low VOC formula means you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes during or after painting. It’s scuff-resistant and quick-drying, too, which is always a bonus when you’re mid-project and eager to see the final result.

So, is Lafayette Green right for you? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded and elegant, if you love the idea of a hue that shifts with the light, and if you’re looking for something that works as hard as it looks, then yes—this could be your next favorite paint color. Test it out in your space, see how it changes throughout the day, and imagine the possibilities. Whether you’re going for a full-room transformation or just a single accent wall, Lafayette Green has the depth and versatility to make it happen.

Real Room Photo of Lafayette Green HC-135

Undertones of  Lafayette Green ?

The undertones of Lafayette Green 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: #486055

RGB code: 72, 96, 85

Is  Lafayette Green Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the cooler side of the spectrum, making it ideal for creating a tranquil space. However, the warmth inherent in its earthy tone allows it to harmonize with warmer palettes, offering the best of both worlds.

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 Lafayette Green

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 Lafayette Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Lafayette Green is 10.54%, 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  Lafayette Green

Lafayette Green is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create a serene yet sophisticated environment. The color strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, making it adaptable to various furnishings and styles. When applied, it leans more towards a deep forest green, which can bring a cozy feel to larger spaces while maintaining an airy quality in smaller rooms. Users appreciate its ease of application; whether you’re rolling or brushing, it goes on smoothly and evenly. If you’re aiming to create a calming atmosphere, Lafayette Green is a solid option that pairs beautifully with neutrals and whites for trim, enhancing its overall appeal. Just be aware that it may require two coats for full vibrancy, especially over lighter colors.

Pros & Cons of  HC-135 Lafayette Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Lafayette Green

FAQ on HC-135 Lafayette Green

What types of finishes are available for Lafayette Green?

Lafayette Green is available in several finishes, including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. The Matte finish gives a soft, non-reflective look, perfect for walls, while Eggshell offers a slight sheen that’s easy to clean. Satin provides a more durable surface, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or trim where a bit of shine can enhance the look.

Is Lafayette Green suitable for small rooms?

Yes, Lafayette Green can be suitable for small rooms, but consider using it thoughtfully. While its depth can create a cozy feel, it can also make a small space feel heavier if overused. Pair it with lighter furnishings or accents to keep the room feeling open. Using it on an accent wall or in conjunction with lighter tones can elevate the room’s overall ambiance without overwhelming the space.

Comparisons Lafayette Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Lafayette Green HC-135