The 15 Best Medium to Dark GREEN Paint Colors

15 Popular Shades To Make Your Friends GREEN With Envy!

According to Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green. However, if you’re one of the top trends on walls and cabinets, I’d say it’s not hard at all!

Green is definitely having its moment. Maybe it started with Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2022 – Evergreen Fog (which is still MASSIVELY popular). Or maybe it’s that we’re all ready for a departure from gray, and are entertaining colors with depth and personality.

This is why we’re stepping away from the wild world of neutrals to explore my favorite green paint colors from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Farrow & Ball.

But first…

THE BEST PLACES TO USE GREEN

While we haven’t seen an explosion of green exteriors (not every exterior can handle green), we’re definitely seeing darker shades of green popping up on kitchen cabinets, islands, and bathroom vanities.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular places to get a little green in your life…

Similar to Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray

GREENS FOR KITCHEN CABINETS & ISLANDS

Dark greens like Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive, Thunder Gray, and Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss are just the beginning of the green brigade (all of which we’ll cover below). These dark, glorious greens, bathed in forest-inspired moodiness, are showing up in more kitchens and even MORE so on kitchen islands.

Green undertones are also a HUGE hit, especially colors like Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze. This color isn’t included in this blog post, but you can read all about it here.

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze island 

However, some of the most POPULAR shades of green are closer to the medium depths – colors like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, Pewter Green, and Caldwell Green (also included below).

And while not many have embraced the hunter-greens of the 90s, a few more traditional greens are sneaking in the back door like a teenager past curfew – hoping they don’t get caught.

Sherwin Williams Isle of Pine

 

SHADES OF GREEN FOR LAUNDRY ROOM CABINETS

My Online Color Consulting clients also have a lot of green-inspired fun in their LAUNDRY rooms, specifically, on the cabinets.

It’s easier to get a little wild and crazy in the laundry room as it’s usually a smaller project than a kitchen. This means it’s an easier DIY and more manageable to change should you get tired of green in a few years.

 

TOP GREENS FOR ENTIRE ROOMS, ACCENT WALLS & COLOR DRENCHING

There’s a lot of demand for green on ACCENT WALLS, of which I’m a HUGE fan (I mean, I am known to blow a lot of hot air around).

Can accent walls look outdated?

You bet your booty they can – the wrong color in the wrong place is the wrong choice! However, a well-placed, well-chosen accent color can make or break a room.

However, green REALLY takes over the stage when it comes to color-drenching, where an entire room – walls, trims, and ceilings, are painted a single color.

This green room is a GORGEOUS example of the color-drenching trend

Would I COLOR DRENCH A ROOM? Yes, but only if the walls, trims, and ceilings are white or off-white. I’m personally not into color-drenching with darker shades, but I can still appreciate the beauty of it.

Now, before we get into the real good stuff, let’s have a quick chat about the TYPES of greens…

 

THE THREE TYPES OF GREEN PAINT COLORS

Not all greens are created equal. In fact, there are three types of greens.

 

1. WARM OR EARTHY GREEN PAINT COLORS

Warm green paint colors are green-yellow. This yellow can be so subtle it doesn’t show up to the party, or so obvious you feel like you’re swimming in a vat of olives (you are NOT gonna smell good). Subtly warm greens are definitely popular, but the stronger green-yellows are still sitting on the pool deck, politely dipping their toes in the fermented water.

 

2. COOL GREEN PAINT COLORS

The cool green world is where we see most of the popular shades. What makes green cool is when it’s mixed with blue – either a little or a lot. Green-blue blends are popular in the light to medium range, but as these colors get darker, trends lean toward colors that are considerably more GREEN than blue.

 

3. NEUTRAL GREEN PAINT COLORS

Of course, some greens don’t favor yellow or blue – they’re pretty darn green or close to it. These greens are subjective to their environment (like any color) and can look a bit cooler (green-blue) in northern light or a bit warmer (green-yellow) in southern or strong afternoon western sunshine.

And, of course, there are varying degrees of intensity. Some greens are green-gray, and others are positively GLOWING in their greenness. Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits you and your home – now let’s find out!

North, East, South, West: Which Paint Color is the Best?

 

1. BENJAMIN MOORE CALDWELL GREEN HC 124

Caldwell Green is popular due to its COMMITMENT to color, but moderate depth (LRV 16.27). As far as temperature goes, Caldwell Green is a cool of green (literally and figuratively); however, it doesn’t lean far into blue as its green hue is the dominant of the two (epic rhyming attempt – I was a rapper in my previous life).

Look at how gorgeous Caldwell Green is in the above kitchen. The existing cathedral cabinets were painted green, with updates including a white subway tile backsplash, a white quartz countertop, and black stainless steel (black-gray) appliances.

How to Update Wood Kitchen Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint

There’s NOTHING I love more than updating a space without breaking the bank, and the above kitchen is a great example – it’s FULL of fun ideas! However, I would paint the wood trim that’s around the pendant lights – just sayin’.

 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CALDWELL GREEN?

Several shades compare with Caldwell Green, although none will be EXACTLY the same…

• Sherwin Williams Rosemary (not as cool as Caldwell)
• Benjamin Moore Rainy Afternoon (grayer, for sure)
• Farrow and Ball Green Smoke (this bad boy is coming up next)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CALDWELL GREEN

 

2. FARROW & BALL GREEN SMOKE No.47

Green Smoke is a stunningly beautiful shade of green (one of my faves). It’s not joking around either – you’re committing to green when you paint your walls or cabinets this color. Sure, it has a bit of gray to calm it down, but you’re still left with a medium-depth shade of green that’s to DIE for.

BIG thanks to my Online Color Consulting clients for sending in their AFTER photos – you make my colorful world go round! 

 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO GREEN SMOKE?

Never pick a paint color without comparing it to a few others. Oftentimes, you end up changing your mind!

• Benjamin Moore Cushing Green (stronger green hue)
• Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green (mentioned earlier)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF GREEN SMOKE

 

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHADE GROWN

Shade Grown is one of my favorite shades of green, so much so that I used it in the bathroom at our lake home (blog post TBA). Shade Grown is popular because it doesn’t come off as terribly warm OR cold-looking and has a depth that really speaks to current green-inspired trends.

The above bathroom was also easy on the budget. The vanity is from Wayfair (and came with the quartz top), as is the faucet and light fixture. The mirror and accessories are Home Sense, and we did a fiberglass shower surround to save money and make cleaning a HECK of a lot easier.

Anyway, enough about ME, let’s get back to you!

LEFT -RIGHT: Sherwin Williams Pewter Green – Night Owl – Attitude Gray – Shade Grown

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SHADE-GROWN

Shade Grown is definitely one of the more popular shades of green (in the darker range). However, these colors give it a run for its money…

• Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive (previously mentioned)
• Benjamin Moore Chimichurri (so gorgeous)
• Sherwin Williams Foxhall Green (a bit more classic/traditional)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF SHADE GROWN

 

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BASIL 6194

Basil isn’t just good for pasta and soups; it’s great on islands, too!

As shown in this beautiful kitchen, Basil is a stronger, punchier approach to green, without being as colorful and saturated as Isle of Pines (coming up next).

Basil is a cool green – there’s not an inch of olive inspiration to be found in this bad boy. And with an LRV of 15, Basil holds up well in a dark room, meaning its degree of color will still show up.

How to Choose the Best Green Paint Color

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BASIL?

Some greens are so unique they’re hard to compete with! I was hoping for a few more options, but these two will have to do…

• Benjamin Moore Cushing Green (just a bit softer looking)
• Benjamin Moore Lush

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF BASIL

 

5. BENJAMIN MOORE ASHWOOD MOSS 1484

Benjamin Moore says, ‘Ashwood Moss is a deep graphite green, suggestive of a dark, veiled forest.’ I’m not nearly that lyrical, and all you really need to know is that Ashwood Moss is one badass shade of green. It’s not as colorful as the likes of Ripe Olive and Shade Grown, as it has a gray backdrop slowing it down. This neutral base has Ashwood Moss looking calm, grounded, and a bit organic.

This is VERY similar to Ashwood Moss

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO ASHWOOD MOSS?

The degree of gray in Ashwood Moss is what really sets it apart from other shades, and there’s only one with similar intentions…

• Sherwin Williams Night Owl
• You could check out Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray, but it’s not SUPER similar

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ASHWOOD MOSS

 

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ISLE OF PINES

If you’re pining for a more intense shade of green, look no further than Isle of Pines. While it’s a cool green hue, Isle of Pines is a slightly hunter-inspired green with a traditional vibe.

Of the options on this page, Isle of Pines is the closest to a more traditional-looking hunter green. With its LRV of 8, Isle of Pines is in the dark range, but its degree of color lifts it up, making it look a bit more moderate.

And yes, I did think about changing the place of the vowels in the word PINES – you’re welcome.

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO ISLE OF PINES

Isle of Pines has some GREAT competitors in the wild world of green…

• Sherwin Williams Hunt Club
• Benjamin Moore Gondola Ride (a touch cooler)
• Benjamin Moore Martha’s Vineyard (a bit warmer)
• Sherwin Williams Rock Garden (a bit calmer)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ISLE OF PINES

 

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DRIED THYME

If you want a bit more color on your walls without going too far, Dried Thyme is the most beautiful shade of green. Compared to some of the others, Dried Thyme is more committed to its hue, with only a modest amount of gray calming it down.

Dried Thyme is also one of the lighter options on this page with an LRV of 21, making it a solid medium-depth shade of green. If you have a dark room (like the pantry shown above), Dried Thyme has enough color to show up without overwhelming a small space like this. If you have a brighter room, Dried Thyme will be in its glory!

Colors need LIGHT to come to LIFE! 

 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO DRIED THYME?

It’s really hard to match the perfection of Dried Thyme, but it’s through comparison that you find your BEST shade, so let’s see what we’ve got…

• Sherwin Williams Retreat (a touch grayer-cooler)
• Benjamin Moore’s Secret Path (a wink lighter and greener)
• Benjamin Moore Jojoba (a bit warmer/lighter)
• Benjamin Moore Avon Green (quite similar)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF DRIED THYME

 

NEED HELP?

Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES – let me pick your colors for you! 

 

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ROSEMARY 6187

With its LRV of 14, Rosemary is darker than Dried Thyme. And when you compare it to other colors on this page, you’ll see it has a bit more green than some. However, compared to a more intense shade like Isle of Pines, Rosemary is pretty darn calm without being OVERLY dulled.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO ROSEMARY?

NEVER pick a paint color based on one sample alone. I’m a Color Expert, and even I take the time to compare shades – sometimes only one or two; other times, I throw five or six in there. COMPARISON IS KEY!

• Sherwin Williams Basil (more green)
• Farrow & Ball Green Smoke (cooler)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ROSEMARY

 

9. FARROW & BALL STUDIO GREEN No. 93

If you’re a diehard fan of dark green, look no further than Studio Green. This is a wickedly dark shade of green with a ton of black to ground it. This black is what stops Studio Green from looking like a more typical hunter green.

The LRV of Studio Green is 7.09. While it’s not black, it could act like a black-green in some low-light spaces.

The Best Blue Paint Colors from Farrow & Ball

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO STUDIO GREEN

In its epic darkness, Studio Green doesn’t have a ton of competition. But there are a few worth comparing it to…

• Sherwin Williams Rock Bottom (which I LOVE)
• Benjamin Moore Deep River

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF STUDIO GREEN

 

10. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EVERGREEN FOG

Even though Evergreen Fog was the Color of the Year two years ago, it’s still a popular choice. I love it so much that I used it at our lake home as an accent wall in the guest bedroom…

And look at how friggin’ STUNNING Evergreen Fog looks on this shiplap accent wall with Alabaster on the white finishes…

The awesome thing about using green on an accent or feature wall is that when trends or personal tastes shift, it’s an easier change than having to paint an entire room. And don’t worry whether feature walls are trendy or not; the right color in the right spot is ALWAYS at home.

 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO EVERGREEN FOG

Evergreen Fog holds such a special place in my heart that NOTHING compares. Okay, maybe a few do…

• Sherwin Williams Cornwall Slate (a bit grayer)
• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze (a bit cooler)
• Benjamin Moore Herb Bouquet (a bit cooler and lighter)

Learn more about Evergreen Fog in its FULL COLOR REVIEW!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF EVERGREEN FOG

 

11. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RIPE OLIVE 6209

Ripe Olive is a dark green, with an LRV of 6. However, even though it’s killer dark, this doesn’t make it black-green; a good whack of green still shows up at the party.

Being one of the darkest shades of green, you won’t get the full beauty of Ripe Olive if you have a dark space – Ripe Olive needs LIGHT to come to LIFE! Sure, you’ll see its color more than you will a green-gray like Grizzle Gray, but color needs LIGHT to come to LIFE!

Because I only use my clients or my own photos, I don’t have a good shot of Ripe Olive. Here’s Sherwin Williams’ visualizer version…

Ripe Olive and Shade Grown (previously mentioned) are often in the running for the same project and are on point with today’s green-inspired trends. While these two are similar in their intentions, Ripe Olive is darker, with an LRV of 6 (to Shade Grown’s 8). Ripe Olive also looks a touch more green/saturated compared to Shade Grown.

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO RIPE OLIVE

Comparing paint colors is the BEST way to find your best shade of green…

• Sherwin Williams Shade Grown
• Sherwin Williams Laurel Woods
• Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF RIPE OLIVE

 

12. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RETREAT 6207

Retreat sits in the slightly cool end of the green world. Along with its subtle blue undertone, Retreat has a dollop of gray, slowing it down.

Retreat is popular on exteriors and cabinets. And because it’s a bit more muted in its approach (a bit grayer than some other greens), Retreat is a hit for entire rooms – not just accent walls.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Retreat

 

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO RETREAT

Sometimes, a color isn’t JUST what you’re looking for. Finding similar colors that are lighter, darker, brighter, or calmer, is a great way to find your home’s best shade.

• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze
• Benjamin Moore’s Night Train (similar, but a bit more blue-green)
• Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF RETREAT

 

13. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NIGHT OWL

Sitting in the medium-dark end with an LRV of 13, Night Owl is more of a green-gray than a green. So, if you want the look of green without 100% commitment to COLOR, Night Owl could be your color (you could also explore Grizzle Gray.)

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO NIGHT OWL?

Being that bit more muted, it’s tough to find a great comparable. However, there are a few shades with similar intentions…

• Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (more gray)
• Sherwin Williams Pewter Green (more green)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF NIGHT OWL

 

14. BENJAMIN MOORE VINTAGE VOGUE 462

While Vintage Vogue isn’t very vintage, it’s SUPER vogue with its trendy approach to green. This striking shade of green has a touch of gray, but not enough to cut back the glory of the green.

The Benjamin Moore website says you can use Vintage Vogue instead of black or brown.

I wouldn’t.

With its LRV of 11.85, Vintage Vogue isn’t dark enough to replace grounding colors like black and brown. Also, its chroma (color) is strong enough that it won’t ACT like a neutral when sometimes a neutral is just what your room needs. In fact, black and dark brown are gorgeous partners to a green like this.

The 13 Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO VINTAGE VOGUE?

• Sherwin Williams Rosemary (a bit lighter)
• Sherwin Williams Shade Grown (super comparable)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF VINTAGE VOGUE

15. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PEWTER GREEN 6208

Pewter Green is DESTINED to be one of the most popular shades of green. With its low LRV 12 and subtle gray backdrop, Pewter Green says EVERYTHING that green needs to, without feeling like you’ve been smacked in the face by a frozen Shamrock.

While I don’t have any great residential shots of Pewter Green, here it is in a commercial space…

Pewter Green makes for a dramatic accent wall – winking at Hunter Green without looking 1990s.

5 Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pewter Green

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO PEWTER GREEN?

Again, you’ll never get a perfect match, but it’s still important to sample and compare!

• Sherwin Williams Retreat (lighter)
• Sherwin Williams Thunderous (warmer)
• Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue (greener)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF PEWTER GREEN!

And last but not least…

 

16. BENJAMIN MOORE BACKWOODS 469

Backwoods and Vintage Vogue are SUPER similar. The big difference is that Backwoods has a little bit more of a green backbone, but that’s not to say that either is subtle about it.

With a wink of warmth, Backwoods is a great green for a north-facing space, as it can help balance that cool light – more so than a green-blue would.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BACKWOODS?

• Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue, for sure (it’s darker than Backwoods)
• Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest (a touch greener)
• Sherwin Williams Basil (a cleaner-looking green)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF BACKWOODS

READ MORE

The Best Blue & Green Paint Colors for Bedrooms

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pewter Green

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

How to Choose The Best Green Paint Color

The Best Green Paint Colors (Light & Dark)

The 9 Best Front Door Paint Colors

NEED HELP CHOOSING  YOUR PERFECT SHADE OF GREEN?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting packages! 

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