When it comes to picking the right paint color, Benjamin Moore’s Guilford Green (HC-116) is a soft, versatile option that often flies under the radar.
This soft green with a hint of gray works well in modern home design. It’s a versatile color that fits in various rooms, from living areas to bedrooms, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
It’s a great option for adding a subtle, neutral tone to your space without overwhelming the room.
I was drawn to this color because it balances warmth and coolness so well, making it easy to incorporate with different decor styles.
In this blog, I’ll share why Guilford Green deserves a closer look.
We’ll take a closer look at its tone, mood, and undertones, compare it with other Benjamin Moore greens, and offer practical tips on how to use it effectively while avoiding common mistakes.
The Psychology and Undertones of Guilford Green
I’ve always found that colors can have a big impact on how we feel in a space. Guilford Green is one of those colors that brings a sense of calm and peace.
Its soft green, with just a touch of gray, creates a soothing environment that’s perfect for relaxation. This is why it’s such a great choice for rooms where you want to unwind, like bedrooms or living rooms.
Green is known to symbolize balance, harmony, and nature, which is why it has such a calming effect.
It’s a color that feels both fresh and grounding. The light reflective value (LRV) of 57.22 shows that it’s not too dark, but not too light either, giving it just the right amount of depth.
It doesn’t overpower a room, and it works well with many other colors.
So, if you’re in a space to relax or just want something that feels balanced, Guilford Green helps create an atmosphere where you can feel at ease.
If you’re looking to create a comfortable, stress-free space, this soft green is a perfect choice.
Guilford Green: Key Features and Specs
Before you choose this color, take a look at its main features. I’ve listed everything you need to know to decide if Guilford Green suits your home.
- Brand: Benjamin Moore
- Collection: Historical Collection
- Color Code: HC-116
- Finish Options: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 57.22, which gives a balanced brightness
- Base Tone: Soft green with a hint of gray
- Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and entryways
- Pairing Colors: Works well with whites, beige, gray, and warm wood tones
- Vibe: Calm, natural, and easy to match with most decor styles
The Rich Undertones of Guilford Green
One thing I really like about Guilford Green is its subtle undertones of gray and blue.
These undertones give the color more depth and complexity, making it much more versatile. The gray undertones help it blend well with cooler tones, while the blue undertones add a sense of calm and openness.
These undertones are what make Guilford Green so easy to work with in different rooms and color schemes.
If you’re working with warm colors, like beige or soft yellows, the gray undertones in the green help balance them out without clashing.
On the other hand, if you have cooler colors in the room, like blues or grays, the blue undertones in Guilford Green will fit right in, adding to the overall calm feel of the space.
To really highlight these undertones, think about the room’s decor. In a room with lots of warm wood or gold accents, the gray undertones will stand out more, giving the space a grounded feel.
If you have cool tones like silver or white in the room, the blue undertones of the green will shine through, adding freshness to the space.
Guilford Green vs. Other Paints of Benjamin Moore
Guilford Green stands out for its soft, balanced tone with a hint of gray, but it’s important to compare it with other popular greens, like Soft Fern and Saybrook Sage, to see how they measure up.
| Color | Description | Depth and Warmth | Best Lighting Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guilford Green | A soft, muted green with gray undertones. | Balanced, neutral, and calming with slight depth. | Works in both natural and artificial light. |
| Soft Fern | A lighter, fresher green with a hint of yellow. | Lighter and airier, less depth. | Best in rooms with plenty of natural light. |
| Saybrook Sage | A deeper, more traditional green with gray and brown undertones. | Richer and warmer, with more depth. | Works well in spaces with lower light or darker rooms. |
Where Can You Buy Guilford Green Paint?
I got my Benjamin Moore Guilford Green from a nearby Benjamin Moore store, and it was easy to find the right finish for my space.
You can check their official website to locate a retailer near you or order online for home delivery. I suggest getting a sample jar or peel-and-stick swatch first to see how the color looks in your lighting.
If you like shopping locally, Ace Hardware and other authorized Benjamin Moore dealers often carry this shade.
They usually offer several finishes like matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, so you can choose what works best for your walls.
I found the paint smooth to apply and great for both small touch-ups and full-room projects. It’s a reliable choice if you want a calm, natural color that’s easy to live with every day.
Tips for Incorporating Guilford Green into Your Home
Incorporating Guilford Green into your home can be a great way to add a calming, natural feel. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this versatile color:
1. Use It in Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Guilford Green is perfect for creating a peaceful, relaxing setting in living rooms or bedrooms. Its soft green tone brings a calm and refreshing feel to areas meant for rest or gathering.
You can paint all the walls for a serene retreat or highlight one wall as an accent to add visual depth.
Use gentle lighting and soft fabrics to make the space feel even more calm and relaxing. This color also complements natural materials, helping your space feel more comfortable and grounded.
2. Pair It with Neutral and Warm Accents
To make Guilford Green shine, mix it with soft neutrals like white, beige, or gray. These shades balance its natural tone and prevent the room from feeling too bold.
Adding warm wood tones in furniture, flooring, or accessories creates contrast and warmth, making your space more inviting.
Textiles like cream-colored throws, woven rugs, or linen curtains can soften the look.
The result is a space that feels balanced, grounded, and full of gentle warmth without losing its refreshing touch.
3. Add Natural Elements
Guilford Green naturally pairs well with organic materials and textures. Incorporate potted plants, wicker baskets, or wooden furniture to highlight the earthy vibe of the color.
You can also use stone accents, jute rugs, or cotton fabrics to build on the natural mood.
These materials not only add depth but also make your space feel calm and refreshing.
The combination of soft green with natural elements creates a connection to the outdoors, giving your home a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Consider Lighting
Lighting can dramatically affect how Guilford Green appears in your space. In bright natural light, it looks airy and vibrant, while in dimmer or artificial light, it can appear warmer or cooler.
Test paint samples on different walls and view them at various times of the day to see how they respond.
Soft white bulbs can enhance its freshness, while warmer lights make it feel cozier. Understanding these lighting effects helps ensure you capture the right mood in every room.
5. Use It in Transitional Spaces
Guilford Green works beautifully in hallways, foyers, and other transitional spaces. Its subtle tone blends easily with surrounding colors, creating a smooth, cohesive flow throughout your home.
In an entryway, it offers a welcoming first impression that feels natural and refreshing.
Pair it with light wood finishes or simple white trim for a polished look.
Since it works well with many colors, it connects different rooms smoothly while adding a subtle hint of color and character.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to using this shade in your space, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes. These are some things you should watch out for:
- Use Sparingly in Dark Spaces: In rooms with limited natural light, apply Guilford Green on one feature wall or pair it with lighter accents to avoid making the room feel too heavy.
- Test in Different Lighting: Check the color in both natural and artificial light to ensure it doesn’t appear too cold or warm at different times of the day.
- Avoid Clashing Accents: Pair with soft neutrals, warm woods, or muted greens to maintain a balanced, calming vibe.
Conclusion
Benjamin Moore’s Guilford Green is a versatile and classic color that works in many different spaces.
Its soft green with gray undertones provides a calming and balanced atmosphere, making it a great choice for rooms like bedrooms and living rooms.
I’ve found that it creates an open and inviting feeling without being too overpowering.
Whether you prefer warm or cool tones in your decor, Guilford Green makes a flexible option for many different settings.
I recommend testing it in your home to see how it reacts to different lighting conditions. This will give you a clearer idea of how it will look in your space before committing.
Don’t hesitate to try it out, it could be just the color you need to refresh your home!