What 5.64 tells you about Essex Green
The published LRV of Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188 is 5.64. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Essex Green's extremely low reflectance makes a near-black appearance part of the expected design range.
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.
Draw the proposed dark area on a room photograph and compare it with a broad physical Essex 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
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. Essex Green is so dark that its green approaches black. 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.
Approve the green in shade as well as sun; decide whether an almost-black result is welcome. Do not read LRV 5.64 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 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.