Black Forest Green and Essex Green: the documented difference
Black Forest Green has an LRV of 4.85; Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188 is 5.64. The difference is 0.79 points, with Essex Green returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Black Forest Green has even less reflectance than Essex Green, so it should be considered as a near-black color first. Essex Green is so dark that its green approaches black.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Black Forest Green | Benjamin Moore HC-187 | 4.85 |
| Essex Green | Benjamin Moore HC-188 | 5.64 |
The choice beside cream trim and warm brick
Cream trim can retain the architectural outline against warm brick, with green appearing as a subtle additional quality rather than a promise.
Set up both candidates with cream trim and warm brick. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
For a second point of reference, Jasper is recorded at LRV 4. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.
Examine a shaded sample first; the near-black appearance should be welcome rather than a surprise. Assess Black Forest Green and Essex Green alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green HC-187. The recorded LRV is 4.85. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Benjamin Moore does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.