Reviewing Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil (455)

Looking for the perfect green paint? Sweet Basil (455) from Benjamin Moore might be your answer.

This deep, earthy green has been gaining serious attention from designers and homeowners alike.

With its rich undertones and versatile nature, Sweet Basil creates spaces that feel both cozy and welcoming.

I’ve tested this color in various lighting conditions and rooms to give you the complete picture of how it performs in real homes.

In this review, I’ll walk you through:

• Sweet Basil’s unique color profile
• Best rooms and design styles for this shade
• Complementary colors and accents

If you’re painting a kitchen, bedroom, or accent wall, I’ll help you decide if Sweet Basil is right for your space.

After testing dozens of green paints, I can tell you exactly what makes this one special, and where it might not work.

The Rich Undertones of Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil isn’t just green. It’s much more interesting than that. I’ve studied this color in different homes and light conditions.

At its core, Sweet Basil has a deep green base with warm brown undertones that give it depth and character.

This isn’t a bright, in-your-face green. It’s classy and earthy. Let’s see what happens when light hits this color:

• Morning light: Brings out the warmer brown tones
• Afternoon sun: Shows its true green nature
• Evening light: Deepens to an almost forest-like shade
• Artificial lighting: Can make it appear more muted

In north-facing rooms, Sweet Basil might look cooler and slightly darker. In south-facing spaces? The warmth really shines through.

The Psychology of Sweet Basil

Colors do more than just look pretty. They change how we feel. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.51, Sweet Basil sits in the medium range.

I’ve watched people walk into Sweet Basil rooms and instantly relax. Green connects us to nature, and this specific shade does it beautifully.

Green is known to:

• Lower stress levels
• Improve focus and concentration
• Create a balance between excitement and calm
• Remind us of the outdoors

Sweet Basil’s depth adds something special. The rich, earthy quality makes spaces feel grounded and secure.

Real Home Ideas Using Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil

Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil is a versatile, medium-toned green with a perfect balance of blue and yellow undertones.

This classy sage green creates spaces that feel fresh, natural, and beautiful. These are some inspiring ways to incorporate this beautiful color into your home:

1. Living Room Accent Wall

Sweet Basil can give a living room a bold, polished look. Using it on one accent wall, like behind the sofa or fireplace, adds depth without making the whole room feel too dark.

It works well as a background for artwork, especially if the frames are light in color. Metallic accents like gold, brass, or copper stand out nicely against the green and help bring out its warm brown tones.

To keep things balanced, stick with neutral colors for your main furniture pieces. This lets the green wall stand out without overwhelming the space.

2. Home Office Backdrop

Your home office should support focus, and Sweet Basil works well for that. I’ve used it in a few office setups, and it’s been a solid choice.

Try painting the wall behind your desk. It creates a clean, professional background for video calls and looks sharp on camera without being too bold. Plus, it won’t cast odd colors on your face like some bright shades do.

It pairs nicely with a medium or light wood desk. White shelves or cabinets also look good against the green and help the room feel tidy.

The natural tone of Sweet Basil can make the space feel calmer, and a lot of people say they feel more focused and less stressed with this color in their home office.

3. Bedroom Sanctuary

Sweet Basil works great in bedrooms because it has a calming feel. You can paint all the walls if you want a bold look, or just do the headboard wall for something more subtle.

Stick with simple bedding, oatmeal or cream-colored duvets, soft textures like linen, and a few throw pillows. Avoid loud patterns so the wall color stands out.

Wood nightstands pair nicely with the green, and brass lamps or sconces look good too. Keep the artwork simple or skip it altogether – the color does enough on its own.

Sweet Basil vs. Other Paints of Benjamin Moore

When I was choosing a paint color, I looked at Sweet Basil and compared it with a few other Benjamin Moore options. If you’re trying to figure out which one works best for your space, here’s a simple breakdown.

Application Tips for a Flawless Finish

If you’re planning to paint with it too, these tips will help you get the best finish possible. Follow this simple list step by step.

• Prep your walls by cleaning and sanding them smooth: Wipe away dust, dirt, or grease with a damp cloth. Lightly sand any rough spots so the surface is even and ready for paint.
• Fill holes and cracks before you start painting: Use spackle or filler to patch up nail holes or dents. Once dry, sand those areas smooth to avoid visible marks after painting.
• Use a high-quality primer for better paint grip and color depth: Primer helps the paint stick and makes the final color more even. It’s especially useful if covering dark or uneven walls.
• Choose good tools like a foam roller and an angled brush: A foam roller gives a smooth finish, while an angled brush helps with corners and edges. Avoid cheap tools; they can leave marks or shed bristles.
• Stir the paint well before and during use for even color: Pigment settles at the bottom of the can. Stir thoroughly before starting and again halfway through to keep the color consistent.
• Apply thin coats instead of one thick layer: Thin coats dry more evenly and reduce the chance of drips. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next one.
• Let each coat dry fully, at least 4 hours, before adding another: Rushing this step can lead to smudges or uneven results. Giving the paint time to dry will help it set properly.

Taking your time with each step makes a big difference. That’s how I got a smooth, even finish with Sweet Basil, and you can too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sweet Basil by Benjamin Moore is a versatile medium-toned green that’s gained popularity in recent years. While this pretty shade can change any space, homeowners should be aware of several pitfalls.

• Avoid dark room syndrome: Sweet Basil is a deep green. Using it in dim spaces without mirrors, light curtains, or extra lighting can make the room feel smaller and closed in.
• Watch out for color temperature clashes: Sweet Basil has warm brown undertones. Pairing it with cool grays or blues can create visual dissonance that feels off over time.
• Test in different lighting: This color shifts from green to nearly black depending on the time of day. Always sample it in both natural and artificial light before committing.
• Use it wisely in small rooms: In tight spaces, Sweet Basil can be overwhelming. Try using it as an accent wall or pair it with lighter walls to keep the room feeling open.

Conclusion

This shade stands out as a color with a serious personality. Its rich depth, warm undertones, and natural vibe make it versatile enough for nearly any room where you want to create impact.

I’ve seen this color turn ordinary spaces into something special. Whether as an accent wall or a whole-room color, Sweet Basil brings warmth that few other greens can match.

My best advice? Grab a sample pot first. Live with it on your walls for a few days in different lighting before you commit.

Trust your gut reaction to Sweet Basil more than any design rules or trends.

The right green for your home is the one that makes you feel good in your space. If Sweet Basil does that for you, you’ve found your perfect color companion.