Reviewing Benjamin Moore Essex Green (HC-188)

When I first painted my living room with Essex Green by Benjamin Moore, I knew I’d made the right choice.

As an interior designer who’s worked with countless green paints, I want to share my hands-on experience with this rich, deep shade.

After using this paint in my home and client projects, I can tell you that Essex Green stands out for its deep forest tone with subtle blue hints.

The color shifts beautifully throughout the day, showing its depth in natural light while staying warm and inviting in the evening.

I’ve seen firsthand how green paint colors have become essential in modern homes. Green brings nature indoors and creates a feeling of calm. More of my clients are asking for green tones than ever before.

In my years of working with various Benjamin Moore greens, Essex Green offers something special.

It’s darker and richer than most forest greens but not overwhelming.

How do you incorporate Essex Green in different spaces?

When I redid my home last month, I tested Essex Green in different rooms to see where it worked best. I want to share my real experiences with you, including what worked and what I learned along the way.

Using Essex Green in Living Rooms

I painted my living room’s main wall in Essex Green, and it transformed the space completely. The color looks amazing with my brown leather couch and creates a cozy feeling, especially in the evening.

I found that natural light makes the green pop without being too bold.

My tip? I used white trim to create clean lines and added brass light fixtures – they complement the green perfectly.

The paint took two coats for full coverage, and I used a matte finish which hides wall imperfections really well.

Essex Green in Bedrooms

After seeing how well it worked in my living room, I decided to use Essex Green in my guest bedroom. I painted all four walls, and surprisingly, it didn’t make the room feel smaller.

The color creates such a peaceful feeling – like being in a forest. I paired it with cream-colored bedding and light wood furniture.

Something I noticed is that the color looks different throughout the day.

In the morning, it has subtle blue undertones, while in the evening, it feels warmer and more intimate.

Best Ways to Apply Essex Green in Kitchens and Dining Rooms

The biggest change I made was painting my kitchen cabinets, Essex Green. What did I learn about the process? I had to use Benjamin Moore’s cabinet paint primer first, then two coats of the color.

The paint dried evenly and hasn’t chipped even with daily use. I kept my walls white to balance the bold cabinets and added gold hardware which really pops against the green.

In my dining room, I only painted the bottom half of the walls, creating a modern wainscoting effect that adds interest without overwhelming the space.

I’ve found that Essex Green works best with these elements:

Warm metals like brass and gold
Natural wood tones
Cream or white fabrics
Plants (they really come alive against this background)

Complementary Color Pairings for Essex Green

When I recently redecorated my home with Essex Green, finding the right color combinations was crucial. I spent weeks testing different pairings, and I’m excited to share what really worked in my space.

Perfect Neutrals to Match Essex Green

After trying various combinations, I found my sweet spot with neutrals. Creamy white became my go-to trim color it creates clean lines without harsh contrast.

In my study, I paired Essex Green walls with soft greige furniture, and it’s stunning.

A practical tip from my experience is that I used Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for all my trim and ceilings, it’s warm enough to complement Essex Green without competing with it.

Warm and Cool Tones that Pair Well with Essex Green

Through my color experiments, I made some exciting learnings. My brass light fixtures look amazing against Essex Green – the warm metal really brings out the richness of the paint.

I also tried soft coral accents in my throw pillows, and they add the perfect pop of color. For cool tones, I added silver-gray curtains in my dining room, and they create a beautiful balance.

The thing I love most? These combinations work in both bright daylight and evening lamplight.

Creating a Balanced Look with Essex Green and Natural Materials

The biggest lesson I learned was how well Essex Green works with natural elements. In my living room, I kept my oak hardwood floors untouched, and they look even better now.

My jute rug adds texture without competing with the wall color. I brought in some white marble side tables that really stand out against the green walls.

What I’ve found works best:

Light woods (oak, maple, birch)
Natural fibers (linen, cotton, wool)
Stone textures (especially in lighter shades)
Woven baskets and natural accessories

One surprising thing I learned? Plants look absolutely stunning against Essex Green – it’s like the color brings them to life. My monstera and fiddle leaf fig really pop against the walls now.

Benefits of Choosing Essex Green for Your Home

A Timeless, Elegant Look

I wanted a color that wouldn’t feel dated in a few years, and Essex Green has proven perfect. Unlike trendy colors that can look outdated quickly, this shade has a classic feel.

Inside my formal dining room, creates an old-world charm that reminds me of historic homes but still feels fresh.

What surprised me most? even my mother-in-law, who usually prefers lighter colors, asked for the paint code after seeing how it transformed my space.

Adding Depth and Warmth to Your Space

The richness of Essex Green has made my rooms feel more complete. Before, my living room walls felt flat and boring.

Now, they have a sense of depth that makes the space feel thoughtfully designed. What I noticed is that the color seems to shift slightly throughout the day, creating subtle variations that add interest.

In the morning, it feels bright and fresh; by evening, it creates this cozy atmosphere that makes everyone want to linger longer.

How Essex Green Enhances Natural Light?

I was worried this dark color might make my room feel dim, but I experienced the opposite effect. The green actually seems to come alive in natural light.

My favorite time is late afternoon when sunlight streams through my windows – the walls take on this beautiful, deep glow.

I’ve found that the color works with both north and south-facing rooms, though it shows different qualities in each.

In my north-facing office, it feels cooler and more focused, while in my south-facing living room, it has warmer undertones.

Some unexpected benefits I learned:

The color hides small wall imperfections better than lighter shades
It makes my art collection stand out more
The room feels larger because the deep color blurs the corners
My wooden furniture looks richer against this background

Tip: the sample patch looked different from the full wall, so I recommend painting a large test area before committing. I’m so glad I took that extra step – it helped me feel confident in my choice.

What Makes Essex Green Ideal for Different Design Styles?

Traditional and Classic Styles with Essex Green

When I painted my formal dining room Essex Green, it felt like the space finally made sense. The color works perfectly with my antique mahogany table and traditional crown molding.

What really works? I paired it with brass candlesticks and crystal chandeliers, and the combination feels rich but not stuffy. My vintage oil paintings stand out beautifully against the green background.

I found that adding white china displays and silver serving pieces creates a beautiful contrast that enhances the classic feel.

Incorporating Essex Green into Modern or Contemporary Spaces

In my home office, I took a more modern approach with Essex Green, and I love the results.

What did I do? I kept the furniture clean-lined and simple, using a white desk and chrome accents.

The contrast is stunning. I added geometric patterns to my rug and curtains, and the green walls make these modern elements pop. Something I learned: the color can feel very current when you pair it with:

Simple black-and-white art
Glass and metal furniture
Minimalist light fixtures
Clean-lined window treatments

Essex Green for Country and Rustic Themes

My kitchen might be my favorite transformation. I mixed Essex Green with natural elements to create a cozy, rustic feel.

The winning combinations I learned include exposed wooden beams, which look amazing against the green walls.

I added copper pots and woven baskets, and they seem to glow against the color. My farmhouse sink and butcher block counters feel more at home now.

Some specific elements that worked well:

Open shelving with white pottery
Iron hardware in a black finish
Natural linen curtains
Reclaimed wood accents

I found balance is the key to making Essex Green work in any style. For example, in my modern office, I kept the decor minimal. In my rustic kitchen, I added lots of texture.

Each approach brings out different qualities in the color, making it truly versatile.

How do you sample and test Essex Green in your home?

Ordering Paint Samples from Benjamin Moore

I went to my local Benjamin Moore store when I started my project. Here’s my exact process: I bought both a paper sample card and a pint-size sample of Essex Green.

The sample cost me about $10, which was worth every penny. I suggest getting the actual paint rather than just the color cards – it makes a big difference.

Tip: Ask for the sample at the exact finish you plan to use. I made the mistake of testing eggshells when I wanted matte, and it looked different.

Testing the Color with Paint Swatches

I learned the hard way that tiny swatches aren’t enough. My testing method: I painted three 2×2 foot squares on different walls.

What worked best:

Paint two coats to get the true color
Leave a white border around each sample
Test on each wall you plan to paint
Look at the samples for at least three days

One thing that helped me: I painted some samples on white poster board too. This let me move them around the room to see how the color looked in different spots.

Viewing Essex Green in Different Lighting Conditions

This step made the biggest difference in my decision. I tracked how the color looked throughout the day in my notes. What I found:

Morning light (7-10 AM): The color shows more blue undertones
Midday (11 AM-2 PM): Looks truest to the sample
Evening (3-6 PM): Takes on warmer, deeper tones
Artificial light: Changes based on bulb type

I made sure to check the color with both my regular lights and task lighting.

An important lesson I learned is that LED bulbs made the color look different than my old incandescent ones, so I switched all my bulbs before painting to see the true effect.

The most helpful thing I did was take photos at different times of day. This helped me compare the color changes side by side.

I also tested the samples with my room’s lighting turned on and off – it really showed how much impact lighting has on the final look.

Remember, your walls’ current color can affect how the sample looks. I found this out when testing over both white and beige walls. If possible, paint your sample over a white base to see the truest color.

How to Care for and Maintain Essex Green Paint?

Cleaning and Touch-Up Tips

I’ve developed a simple cleaning system that keeps my Essex Green walls looking great.

What works best? I use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water for regular dusting.

For tougher spots, I found that a gentle mix of water and mild dish soap does the trick without damaging the finish.

Some practical tips from my experience:

Clean spills right away to prevent staining
Start with the gentlest cleaning method first
Test any cleaning solution on a small hidden area
Keep your original paint can for touch-ups
Store touch-up paint in a cool, dry place

The biggest lesson I learned is that I always keep a small jar of paint ready for quick fixes. I label it with the date and room location, this helps me track if the paint is still good when I need it.

Choosing the Right Finish for Durability

After trying different finishes in various rooms, I can tell you what really holds up. In my kitchen and hallway, I used the pearl finish, which has been great for high-traffic areas.

For my living room and bedroom, I chose the matte finish, which hides wall imperfections better.

What did I learn about each finish?

Matte: Best for low-traffic areas, looks rich but shows marks easily
Eggshell: Good middle ground for most rooms
Pearl: Perfect for areas that need frequent cleaning
Semi-gloss: Works well for trim and doors

I found that the finish makes a big difference in how easy the walls are to clean.

My pearl-finish kitchen walls clean up much more easily than the matte finishes in my bedroom.

But the matte finish in my living room creates a more sophisticated look that I love.

Tip: if you need to touch up a spot, use paint from the same can and finish.

When I tried using a new can for touch-ups, the color was slightly different, even though it was the same name and brand.

Conclusion

After working with Essex Green in my own home and helping many clients with this color, I can say it’s a fantastic choice if you want a rich, adaptable color.

Based on my experience, it works beautifully in both small and large spaces, creating different moods depending on how you use it.

This color has proven itself time and again in my projects. From my kitchen cabinets to my living room walls, Essex Green has brought depth and character to every space.

It pairs wonderfully with both modern and traditional styles, and its ability to change subtly throughout the day keeps spaces interesting.

Ready to try Essex Green in your home? Start with a sample in the room you’re considering. Watch how it changes with light throughout the day.

If you need help getting started, feel free to share your project photos with me in the comments below – I’d love to offer specific suggestions for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Essex Green Compare to Other Benjamin Moore Greens?

From my hands-on experience, Essex Green is darker and richer than Hunter Green and has more blue undertones than Green Mountain.

I’ve used all three, and Essex Green offers the best balance for most homes. It’s less gray than Backwoods and more traditional than Jack Pine.

Will Essex Green Make My Room Look Smaller?

After painting multiple rooms, I can tell you that Essex Green doesn’t make spaces feel smaller when used correctly.

In my own living room, it actually made the space feel more defined and intentional. The key is balancing it with lighter elements and proper lighting.

Can I Use Essex Green in a North-Facing Room?

I painted my north-facing study with Essex Green, and it works beautifully. The color stays true but takes on a cooler, more sophisticated tone.

Just make sure you have good lighting – I added extra lamps to brighten the corners.

How Many Coats of Essex Green Will I Need?

In my experience, you’ll need two coats for perfect coverage. I used Benjamin Moore’s primer first, then two coats of Essex Green.

Some lighter walls might need a tinted primer, but I’ve never needed more than two coats of the actual color.

What Type of Lighting Works Best with Essex Green?

Based on my testing, warm white LED bulbs (2700-3000K) work best with Essex Green. I found that cool white bulbs can make it look flat, while warm bulbs bring out its rich undertones.

Natural daylight shows off the color’s true beauty, especially in morning and late afternoon light.