Essex Green
Benjamin Moore
HC-188
Essex Green is a very dark, blackened green that has been a classic for front doors, shutters, and exteriors for generations. It reads nearly black in shade and reveals its deep forest character in sunlight, which is exactly the behavior traditional exterior schemes rely on. Indoors it makes a strong library or cabinetry color against warm whites and brass.
Some brands don't share official hex codes. The digital values shown here are careful approximations. Always confirm with a physical sample.
Close matches
Sherwin-Williams: Roycroft Bottle Green SW 2847 (#324038) · Jasper SW 6216 (#343B36) · Rookwood Shutter Green SW 2809 (#303B39)
Farrow & Ball: Smelt Black No. G18 (#3C3C3C) · Pitch Black No. 256 (#3D3C3C) · Carriage Green No. 94 (#434D48)
Similar Benjamin Moore colors: Chrome Green PM-10 (#27362E) · Black Forest Green HC-187 (#242E2C) · Waller Green CW-510 (#363A32)
Common questions
What is the hex code for Essex Green?
The hex code for Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188 is #27362E. In RGB that is 39, 54, 46. Use these values to reproduce Essex Green in SketchUp, Canva, Photoshop, Figma, or rendering software for client presentations and mood boards.
What is the Sherwin-Williams equivalent of Essex Green?
The closest Sherwin-Williams match for Essex Green is Roycroft Bottle Green SW 2847 (#324038). No cross-brand match is exact, because each brand mixes its own pigment formulas. Always confirm with a physical sample before specifying a substitute.
Is Essex Green warm or cool?
Essex Green is cool, a green so dark it borders on black, with a quiet blue-green undertone. At an LRV of approximately 3, it absorbs almost all light; the green only declares itself in direct sun. This is a feature for exteriors, where doors and shutters shift subtly through the day. Pair it with warm whites and aged hardware, which keep the depth feeling classic rather than stark.
Why does Essex Green look different on screen than on the wall?
Screens emit light while paint reflects it, so a hex code cannot capture how lighting, sheen, and surrounding colors shift paint in a real room. Treat #27362E as accurate for digital design work, and use physical samples for final approval.
What LRV does Essex Green have?
Essex Green has a Light Reflectance Value of approximately 3, meaning it reflects about 3% of visible light. That low value makes it a dramatic, light-absorbing choice that works well with strong natural light or as an accent.
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