Discover the Best Sage Green Paint Colors: An Ultimate Guide to Top Shades from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr

Sage green has captivated homeowners and designers for years, earning its place as a perennial favorite in the world of interior and exterior design. This soft, muted hue, reminiscent of dried sage leaves, brings a sense of tranquility, nature, and subtle sophistication to any space. Its unique blend of green with undertones of gray or silver makes it incredibly versatile, acting almost as a neutral, yet offering more depth and character than a typical beige or gray.

The enduring charm of this silvery sage hue shows no signs of fading. In fact, leading paint brands consistently introduce new variations of sage green, ensuring this beloved color palette remains fresh, relevant, and in high demand. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic, a minimalist modern look, or a serene traditional ambiance, there’s a perfect sage green shade waiting to transform your home.

Brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Farrow & Ball, and many others have curated extensive collections of sage color palettes, each offering a distinct personality. This guide is your ultimate resource for navigating these options, helping you understand the nuances between different shades and find the one that best suits your vision.

In this comprehensive write-up, we’ll explore some of the most famous paint brands and their popular shades of sage green paint colors. We’ll provide detailed specifications, including LRV (Light Reflectance Value) and RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values, to give you a deeper understanding of each color’s characteristics. Stay tuned to absorb valuable knowledge about this neutral-like, muted silvery sage green paint and learn how to incorporate it beautifully into your living spaces.

Why Sage Green Continues to Be a Homeowner Favorite

The appeal of sage green lies in its inherent ability to create a calming and grounded atmosphere. Drawing inspiration directly from nature, it evokes feelings of peace, renewal, and balance. Unlike bolder greens, sage green is subdued and sophisticated, making it an excellent choice for almost any room in the house. It’s often described as a ‘chameleon color’ because its appearance can shift subtly depending on the light and surrounding colors, revealing more gray, more green, or even a touch of blue.

Its versatility extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Psychologically, green is known to be a restful color for the human eye, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing stress. Sage green, with its muted quality, enhances these effects without being overwhelming. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of other colors and materials, from warm woods and crisp whites to rich navies and earthy terracotta, making it incredibly adaptable to various design styles from classic to contemporary.

Understanding LRV and RGB for Better Paint Selection

When selecting paint colors, especially for subtle shades like sage green, understanding technical specifications like LRV and RGB can make a significant difference in your decision-making process. These values provide objective data about how a color behaves, helping you predict its appearance in your home.

LRV (Light Reflectance Value): This number indicates how much light a color reflects. LRV ranges from 0 (absolute black, absorbing all light) to 100 (pure white, reflecting all light). A higher LRV means the color will make a room feel brighter and more open, while a lower LRV suggests a darker, cozier, and more intimate feel. For sage greens, LRV typically falls in the mid-range, offering a balanced effect.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue): These three numbers represent the intensity of red, green, and blue light components that combine to create a specific color. Each value ranges from 0 to 255. While not as intuitive as LRV for most homeowners, RGB values can help you understand a color’s undertones. For instance, a sage green with a slightly higher blue value might appear cooler, while one with a more balanced red and green might feel warmer or more yellow-toned. They provide a precise digital signature for each shade.

Considering these values alongside physical paint samples is crucial for making an informed choice that will truly enhance your space.

Sherwin Williams Sage Green Color Shades: A Diverse Palette

Sherwin-Williams stands as one of the top paint brands, renowned for its extensive and diverse range of colors. Their collection of sage green shades is particularly impressive, offering a spectrum from light and airy to deep and grounding. Each shade brings its own unique character, making it possible to find the perfect match for any desired mood or design scheme.

Evergreen Fog SW 9130

LRV – 30
RGB – red -149/ green – 151 / blue – 138
Description: Sherwin Williams’ 2022 Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog, is a beautiful chameleon shade that blends green, gray, and a touch of blue. It’s an organic, sophisticated green-gray that feels both earthy and modern.
Ideal Use: Perfect for creating a serene and grounded atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It works wonderfully on kitchen cabinets or as an accent wall.

Retreat SW 6207

LRV – 21
RGB – red -122/ green – 128/ blue – 118
Description: Retreat is a deeper, more saturated sage green with noticeable gray undertones. It evokes a sense of calm and stability, offering a strong yet muted presence.
Ideal Use: Excellent for spaces where you want to create a cozy, enveloping feel, such as dining rooms, studies, or as a contrasting exterior trim.

Clary Sage SW 6178

LRV – 41
RGB – red -172/ green – 173/ blue – 151
Description: A lighter, more cheerful sage, Clary Sage has a clear, fresh quality. It’s a true green with a good balance of gray, making it feel bright and inviting.
Ideal Use: Ideal for sunrooms, children’s rooms, or kitchens where you want to infuse a lively, natural feel without being too dark.

Pewter Green SW 6208

LRV – 12
RGB – red -94/ green – 98/ blue – 89
Description: This is a significantly darker, richer sage, leaning heavily into deep gray-green with an almost charcoal quality. It’s sophisticated and dramatic.
Ideal Use: Best suited for accent walls, cabinetry, or smaller, intimate spaces like powder rooms or studies where you want a touch of moody elegance. It also works beautifully on exterior doors.

Rosemary SW 6187

LRV – 13.55
RGB – red -100/ green – 105/ blue – 92
Description: Rosemary is a deep, earthy sage green that feels organic and grounding. It has a slightly more muted quality than Pewter Green, making it incredibly versatile.
Ideal Use: Fantastic for creating a serene backdrop in a bedroom or living room, or for adding a traditional touch to kitchen islands and built-ins.

Sensible Hue SW 6198

LRV – 45.90
RGB – red -182/ green – 181/ blue – 171
Description: Living up to its name, Sensible Hue is a very balanced, light sage with strong gray undertones. It’s a very safe and popular choice for those seeking a subtle touch of color.
Ideal Use: An excellent choice for entire rooms, especially those with ample natural light, or as a sophisticated neutral throughout an open-concept living space.

Svelte Sage SW 6164

LRV – 41
RGB – red -178/ green – 172/ blue – 150
Description: Svelte Sage is a mid-tone sage with visible yellow undertones, giving it a warmer, softer appearance. It’s inviting and less overtly “green” than some other shades.
Ideal Use: Great for adding warmth to north-facing rooms, or for spaces like living rooms and hallways where you desire a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.

Acacia Haze SW 9132

LRV – 32
RGB – red -150/ green – 156/ blue – 146
Description: Acacia Haze offers a sophisticated blend of green and gray with subtle blue undertones, making it a cooler, tranquil sage.
Ideal Use: Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, where its serene quality can enhance relaxation. It also works well in modern farmhouse or coastal-inspired designs.

Green Onyx SW 9128

LRV – 31
RGB – red -152/ green – 154/ blue – 130
Description: Green Onyx is a rich, deep sage with strong green characteristics, yet it remains muted by its gray undertones. It’s a bold statement while still being earthy.
Ideal Use: Consider this for feature walls, built-in shelving, or exterior siding for a striking, nature-inspired look.

At Ease Soldier SW 9127

LRV – 32
RGB – red -158/ green – 153/ blue – 133
Description: A warm and inviting sage, At Ease Soldier features more prominent earthy brown and yellow undertones, giving it a comforting, vintage feel.
Ideal Use: Ideal for creating a cozy, lived-in feel in studies, traditional living rooms, or spaces with natural wood elements.

Softened Green SW 6177

LRV – 49
RGB – red -187/ green – 188/ blue – 167
Description: As its name suggests, Softened Green is a very gentle, light sage. It’s airy and delicate, with a high LRV that makes rooms feel open and bright.
Ideal Use: Excellent for entire rooms, especially smaller spaces or those needing a boost of light. It’s also perfect for nurseries or bathrooms.

Cornwall Slate SW 9131

LRV – 29
RGB – red -148/ green – 148/ blue – 136
Description: This shade leans more towards gray with a subtle green whisper, making it a very sophisticated and versatile option. It has a robust, grounded feel.
Ideal Use: Fantastic as a sophisticated neutral in contemporary or industrial-inspired settings, or for an exterior color that offers subtle depth.

Artichoke SW 6179

LRV – 21
RGB – red -127/ green – 130/ blue – 102
Description: Artichoke is a rich, earthy sage green with a slightly brownish-yellow undertone, giving it a very organic and rustic feel.
Ideal Use: Ideal for accent walls, mudrooms, or any space where you want to bring in a deep, natural, and comforting color.

Coastal Plain SW 6192

LRV – 37
RGB – red -159/ green – 166/ blue – 148
Description: Coastal Plain is a balanced mid-tone sage that perfectly blends green and gray, evoking the serene landscapes of a tranquil coast. It has a refreshing, subtle quality.
Ideal Use: A versatile choice for almost any room, particularly effective in living areas, kitchens, or bathrooms to create a calm and inviting atmosphere.

All these popular shades of sage green belong to the Sherwin-Williams green color family and have gained immense popularity over the years for their ability to bring nature-inspired serenity and sophistication into homes.

Benjamin Moore’s Popular Sage Green Shades: Timeless Elegance

Benjamin Moore has long been a trusted name in the paint industry, celebrated for its rich, complex colors and exceptional quality. Their sage green paint range has consistently received an excellent response from users, offering shades that are both sophisticated and deeply comforting. Here, we delve into some of the most amazing shades of sage green by Benjamin Moore, each carefully crafted to bring a touch of timeless elegance to your home.

October Mist 1495

LRV – 46.54
RGB – red -182/ green – 184/ blue – 165
Description: Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist, is a gentle, silvery green that effortlessly blends into any environment. It’s soft, approachable, and truly embodies the essence of a tranquil sage.
Ideal Use: Fantastic for creating a serene backdrop in bedrooms, living rooms, or as an inviting color in entryways. Its versatility makes it suitable for almost any space.

Soft Fern (2144-40)

LRV – 56.67
RGB – red -200/ green – 202/ blue – 178
Description: A light and airy sage with a higher LRV, Soft Fern introduces a fresh, botanical feel. It’s less gray than some sages, leaning more into a gentle, natural green.
Ideal Use: Perfect for brightening up kitchens, bathrooms, or nurseries where a light, organic touch is desired.

Louisburg Green HC-113

LRV – 33.79
RGB – red -156/ green – 158/ blue – 135
Description: Louisburg Green is a classic historic color, offering a deep, muted sage with prominent gray undertones. It has a timeless and dignified presence.
Ideal Use: Excellent for traditional dining rooms, studies, or exteriors on historic homes where a rich, heritage-inspired color is sought.

Saybrook Sage HC-114

LRV – 45.46
RGB – red -177/ green – 183/ blue – 162
Description: Saybrook Sage is a very popular, balanced sage green that hits the sweet spot between green and gray. It’s warm, inviting, and highly adaptable.
Ideal Use: A truly versatile color for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or even cabinetry. It works well with both warm and cool palettes.

Oil Cloth CSP-760

LRV – 35.31
RGB – red -159/ green – 161/ blue – 148
Description: Oil Cloth is a sophisticated, deeper sage with a strong gray presence, giving it a somewhat moody yet elegant feel. It’s a grounded and understated shade.
Ideal Use: Ideal for creating a calm and contemplative space in a study or library, or for adding depth to a living room.

Herb Bouquet 460

LRV – 35.37
RGB – red -151/ green – 164/ blue – 147
Description: As its name suggests, Herb Bouquet is a natural, organic sage with a healthy balance of green, gray, and a touch of earthiness.
Ideal Use: A beautiful choice for kitchens, sunrooms, or any space where you want to evoke a garden-fresh feel.

Sage Wisdom (CSP-775)

LRV – 43.98
RGB – red -170/ green – 182/ blue – 166
Description: Sage Wisdom is a light-to-mid tone sage with noticeable green presence, tempered by soft gray. It feels airy yet grounded.
Ideal Use: Excellent for creating a light and inviting atmosphere in bedrooms or bathrooms, especially when paired with natural textures.

Dry Sage 2142-40

LRV – 34.63
RGB – red -163/ green – 159/ blue – 132
Description: Dry Sage is a warmer sage with subtle yellow-brown undertones, giving it a sun-baked, rustic quality. It’s less cool than some other sages.
Ideal Use: Great for adding warmth to a living room, dining room, or a space with traditional or farmhouse decor.

Silver Sage 506

LRV – 63.26
RGB – red -211/ green – 213/ blue – 197
Description: With a high LRV, Silver Sage is a very light, almost ethereal green with strong silvery-gray undertones. It’s incredibly calming and bright.
Ideal Use: Perfect for rooms that lack natural light, or for creating a spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms and tranquil bedrooms.

Misted Green 2138-50

LRV – 46.44
RGB – red -178/ green – 183/ blue – 174
Description: Misted Green is a soft, gentle sage with a delicate balance of green and gray, giving it a slightly hazy, dreamy quality.
Ideal Use: Ideal for nurseries, guest rooms, or any space where a subtle, understated color is desired.

Winchester Sage 628

LRV – 32.55
RGB – red -129/ green – 164/ blue – 136
Description: Winchester Sage is a rich, deeper sage with a strong green character, tempered by its gray tones, creating a robust and stable color.
Ideal Use: Excellent for accent walls, cabinetry, or even exterior applications where a more pronounced sage is desired.

Texas Sage 1503

LRV – 34.21
RGB – red -164/ green – 169/ blue – 136
Description: Texas Sage is a warm, earthy sage with noticeable yellow and brown undertones, giving it a sun-drenched, natural appeal.
Ideal Use: Perfect for adding a cozy, inviting feel to living rooms, sunrooms, or homes with a rustic or Southwestern aesthetic.

Benjamin Moore consistently provides interesting variations in the sage green shade, capturing the very essence and elegance of this sought-after hue, ensuring there’s a shade for every taste and design project.

Behr Paints Popular Sage Green Shades: Accessible Style

Behr Paints is another highly trusted brand in the paint industry, known for its quality and affordability, often found at major home improvement retailers. While Behr might offer a more curated selection compared to some larger brands, their available sage green color palettes are unique and impactful. Here are some of the most famous and well-received sage green shades from Behr paint, offering accessible style for every homeowner.

Bitter Sage N390-4

LRV – 34
RGB – red -151/ green – 161/ blue – 141
Description: Bitter Sage is a rich, medium-dark sage with a prominent green character, balanced by noticeable gray undertones. It’s a deep yet refreshing color.
Ideal Use: Excellent for creating a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in living rooms, dining rooms, or on accent walls.

Heritage Park PPU12-18

LRV – 17
RGB – red -105/ green – 117/ blue – 108
Description: This is a significantly darker, more intense sage green, leaning towards a forest green with strong gray influences. It’s a deeply grounding and traditional shade.
Ideal Use: Perfect for a dramatic accent wall, cabinetry, or for giving a historic feel to an office or library.

Nature’s Gift N410-4

LRV – 35
RGB – red -153/ green – 163/ blue – 153
Description: Nature’s Gift is a balanced and true mid-tone sage, offering a harmonious blend of green and gray. It feels organic and incredibly versatile.
Ideal Use: A superb choice for full room applications, especially in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, to bring a refreshing, natural feel.

Laurel Tree S390-5

LRV – 29
RGB – red -136/ green – 151/ blue – 121
Description: Laurel Tree is a robust sage green with a slightly more pronounced green tone, muted by earthy undertones. It has a slightly rustic, comforting appeal.
Ideal Use: Great for adding character to a farmhouse-style kitchen, a cozy living room, or even exterior siding.

In The Moment T18-15

LRV – 30
RGB – red -133/ green – 152/ blue – 147
Description: Behr’s 2018 Color of the Year, In The Moment, is a gorgeous blend of blue, gray, and green. It’s a cool, tranquil sage that feels very modern and serene.
Ideal Use: Ideal for creating a calming oasis in bedrooms and bathrooms, or for a sophisticated touch in living spaces and home offices.

All the above well-received paint brands — Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr — have cultivated a loyal customer base for their exceptional sage green color palettes. While these three dominate, it’s worth noting that many other paint brands also offer beautiful variations of this pale sage, ensuring a wide array of choices for every design preference.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sage Green Shade

Selecting the ideal sage green involves more than just liking a swatch. Here are some essential tips to guide your decision:

Consider Your Lighting: Natural and artificial light sources drastically alter how a color appears. North-facing rooms often have cooler light, making sages with yellow undertones appear more balanced. South-facing rooms have warm light, which can enhance the greenness. Always observe samples in your specific room at different times of day.
Test, Test, Test: Never commit to a color without painting large swatches (at least 2’x2′) directly on your walls or on large poster boards. View them against existing furniture, flooring, and trim.
Assess Undertones: Sage greens can have subtle blue, yellow, or brown undertones. Consider these in relation to your fixed elements (e.g., wood flooring, countertops) and existing decor. A sage with blue undertones might clash with warm-toned wood.
Think About the Mood: Lighter sages create an airy, fresh feel, while darker shades can be grounding and intimate. Decide what ambiance you want to achieve in the space.
Coordinate with Existing Elements: Your furniture, textiles, and artwork will all interact with the wall color. Choose a sage green that complements these elements rather than competing with them.

Pairing Sage Green with Other Colors and Materials

One of sage green’s greatest strengths is its ability to harmonize with a vast spectrum of other colors and materials, making it a dream to design with.

Neutrals: Pair sage green with crisp whites (like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace), creamy off-whites (like Sherwin Williams Alabaster), soft grays, and warm beiges for a timeless and elegant look. These combinations create a serene and sophisticated backdrop.
Warm Tones: Introduce warmth with terracotta, muted oranges, soft blush pinks, and earthy browns. These pairings evoke a natural, bohemian, or rustic charm, reminiscent of desert landscapes.
Cool Tones: For a serene and cohesive palette, combine sage green with light blues, navy, or deeper teals. This creates a calming, sometimes coastal, atmosphere.
Natural Materials: Sage green truly shines when paired with natural materials. Think light or dark woods (oak, walnut), wicker, rattan, linen, wool, and stone. These elements enhance its organic appeal.
Metallics: Gold and brass accents provide a touch of luxury and warmth, while matte black or brushed nickel can lend a modern, industrial edge.

Conclusion

Sage green, with its limitless shade variations, continues to be an undeniable force in the paint industry. Its unwavering popularity stems from its unique ability to bring the calming essence of nature indoors, offering a versatile backdrop that feels both modern and timeless. While it’s tempting to choose a trending color, the true beauty of sage green lies in finding a shade that resonates with your personal style and enhances the unique characteristics of your home.

Leading paint brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr have embraced this enduring appeal, developing extensive palettes of sage green. These collections ensure that whether you’re seeking a light and airy hue, a deep and grounding tone, or a complex blend of green and gray, there’s a perfect muted shade of sage green to meet your specific space requirements.

In this article, we’ve provided an in-depth exploration of some of the most famous paint brands and their popular sage green paint colors. We’ve included essential specifications like LRV and RGB values, alongside descriptive insights and practical usage tips, to empower you in making an informed decision. Remember to always test samples in your home’s unique lighting conditions. By doing so, you can confidently select the appropriate sage green paint to beautify your house and create a truly harmonious and inviting environment.