Essex Green and Black Forest Green: the documented difference
Essex Green has an LRV of 5.64; Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green HC-187 is 4.85. 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. Essex Green's extremely low reflectance makes a near-black appearance part of the expected design range. Black Forest Green is a blackened green with very little reflectance.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Essex Green | Benjamin Moore HC-188 | 5.64 |
| Black Forest Green | Benjamin Moore HC-187 | 4.85 |
The choice beside warm brick and cream trim
Warm brick and cream trim can preserve a readable outline, but the green's visibility should not depend on direct sun alone.
Set up both candidates with warm brick and cream trim. 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, Vintage Vogue is recorded at LRV 11.85. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.
Approve the green in shade as well as sun; decide whether an almost-black result is welcome. Assess Essex Green and Black Forest 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 Essex Green HC-188. The recorded LRV is 5.64. 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.