What 4.85 tells you about Black Forest Green
The published LRV of Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green HC-187 is 4.85. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Black Forest Green has even less reflectance than Essex Green, so it should be considered as a near-black color first.
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.
Draw the proposed dark area on a room photograph and compare it with a broad physical Black Forest Green sample in shadow. The LRV describes the starting depth, while the size and location of that area determine its role. Check whether adjacent dark furniture remains legible.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
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. Black Forest Green is a blackened green with very little reflectance. The value measures reflectance, so it cannot by itself identify an undertone, a coating finish or the amount of illumination needed in the room. The daylight and evening-light checks covers that related choice.
Examine a shaded sample first; the near-black appearance should be welcome rather than a surprise. Do not read LRV 4.85 as a percentage improvement in perceived room brightness. Make the decision with the board upright at the actual wall or cabinet position, including the least illuminated portion. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. 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.