Essex Green HC-188 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings depth, sophistication, and a touch of nature into your home, Benjamin Moore’s Essex Green (HC-188) might just be your perfect match. This deep, rich shade is more than just a color—it’s a mood. Imagine the quiet serenity of a forest at dusk, the way the light filters through the leaves, casting shadows that feel both mysterious and inviting. That’s the essence of Essex Green. It’s a hue that wraps a room in warmth while maintaining a modern, polished edge. Whether you’re considering it for a living room, bedroom, or home office, this color has the versatility to adapt to your vision.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Essex Green is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 5.64%, it’s undeniably dark, absorbing light rather than reflecting it. This makes it ideal for creating intimate, cozy spaces. But don’t let the darkness intimidate you—when balanced with the right lighting and complementary colors, it can feel surprisingly fresh. In natural light, the green undertones come alive, giving the space a vibrant, organic feel. In lower light, it transforms into a moody, almost cinematic backdrop, perfect for evenings spent curled up with a book or hosting a dinner party with an air of understated elegance.

The undertones here are key. Essex Green leans into its green base with confidence, but there’s a subtle complexity that keeps it from feeling flat. It’s not just green; it’s a green that feels lived-in, like the patina on an old brass lamp or the mossy stones of a centuries-old garden path. This makes it incredibly forgiving when paired with other colors. Warm woods, creamy whites, and even bold metallics like brass or gold all play beautifully against it. If you’re worried about it feeling too heavy, try pairing it with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for trim—the contrast is crisp yet harmonious, letting the green shine without overwhelming the space.

Speaking of pairings, let’s talk about finishes. Essex Green looks stunning in matte, which enhances its velvety richness, but an eggshell or satin finish can add a subtle sheen that helps lift the color in rooms with less natural light. The finish you choose depends on the vibe you’re going for. Matte feels more modern and sophisticated, while eggshell offers a touch of practicality, especially in high-traffic areas where you might need to wipe down walls occasionally. The good news? This paint is beginner-friendly. It goes on smoothly, covers well in one to two coats, and is touch-up friendly, so you won’t have to stress about perfect application.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: can you use Essex Green in a small space? Absolutely. While dark colors in small rooms can sometimes feel cramped, the trick is balance. Use it on an accent wall to create depth without closing in the room. Pair it with lighter furniture, mirrors to bounce light around, and plenty of warm lighting to keep the space feeling open. Think of it like a jewel box—small, intentional, and utterly luxurious. If you’re still hesitant, consider testing it in a powder room or a cozy reading nook first. You might be surprised at how inviting it feels.

As for decor styles, Essex Green is a chameleon. It works effortlessly in modern farmhouse settings, where it can anchor a room with rustic wood beams and linen textiles. In a more industrial space, it pairs beautifully with exposed brick and black metal fixtures. Traditionalists will love it in a dining room with wainscoting and antique brass hardware, while minimalists can let it stand alone as a bold, grounding statement. The mood it creates is calm and sophisticated, making it ideal for rooms where you want to unwind or focus, like a home office or bedroom.

If you’re wondering about maintenance, Essex Green is as practical as it is beautiful. It’s low-VOC and eco-certified, so you can feel good about using it in your home. It’s also stain-resistant and wipeable, which is a lifesaver in busy households. And because it’s such a timeless shade, you won’t have to worry about it feeling dated in a few years. This is a color that grows with you, adapting to new furniture, art, and decor as your style evolves.

Still on the fence? Here’s a pro tip: order a sample and test it in your space. Paint a large swatch on a few walls and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it changes with the light, how it interacts with your furniture, and how it makes you feel. That’s the real test of any paint color—not just how it looks, but how it lives in your home.

At the end of the day, Essex Green is more than just a paint color. It’s a design tool, a way to create atmosphere and tell a story in your home. Whether you’re going for moody and dramatic or serene and earthy, this shade delivers. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, trust that you’re choosing a color with depth, character, and endless possibilities. Your walls are about to become your favorite feature in the house.

Real Room Photo of Essex Green HC-188

Undertones of  Essex Green ?

The undertones of Essex 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: #27362E

RGB code: 39, 54, 46

Is  Essex Green Cool or Warm?

This color leans more toward the cool end of the spectrum. Its deep, muted tone provides a calming effect, making it perfect for spaces where you want to unwind. When paired with warm accents, Essex Green can create a beautiful contrast that adds depth and interest to your decor.

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 Essex 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 Essex Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Essex Green is 5.64%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Essex Green

Essex Green is a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their interiors. Its deep tone provides a stunning backdrop for artwork or furniture, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space. The paint applies smoothly and dries to a beautiful finish, whether you choose a matte or satin sheen. One of the best things about Essex Green is its versatility — it can work beautifully in both modern and traditional settings. You might find it particularly effective as an accent wall or in a cozy reading nook, offering a sense of tranquility and depth. Overall, this paint is an excellent choice for anyone looking to transform their home with a touch of natural beauty.

Pros & Cons of  HC-188 Essex Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Essex Green

FAQ on HC-188 Essex Green

Can Essex Green be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! While Essex Green is a darker shade, it can still work in small spaces if balanced with lighter colors and proper lighting. Using it on an accent wall or in a nook can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Just be mindful of the overall decor to ensure everything feels harmonious.

What finishes work best with Essex Green?

Essex Green looks stunning in both matte and eggshell finishes. A matte finish offers a soft, velvety look that enhances its depth, while an eggshell finish provides a slight sheen that can reflect light beautifully. Depending on the room and desired effect, you can choose the finish that best suits your style and functionality needs.

Comparisons Essex Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188