ColorplanBenjamin Moore Sterling Forest (518) is a very dark beige with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 14. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Oakmoss (SW 6180), Farrow & Ball Bancha (No.298) and Behr Mountain Olive (N350-7A). For trim, try Alabaster (OC-129).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Beige |
| LRV | 13.7 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #6D684E |
| RGB | 109, 104, 78 |
| HSL | 50°, 17%, 37% |
About Sterling Forest
Sterling Forest (518) is a very dark beige from Benjamin Moore with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 14, Sterling Forest absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Sterling Forest's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. Next to Turtle Green (2142-20), it's lighter.
How Sterling Forest changes with the light
Sterling Forest is a deep color. In north-facing or dim rooms it reads darker and cozier; in south-facing rooms it shows more of its color. Either can work, depending on the mood you want.
North-facing rooms
Sterling Forest will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.
East-facing rooms
Sterling Forest will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
In strong south light Sterling Forest can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Sterling Forest will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Sterling Forest in real homes
Photos people have shared of Sterling Forest in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Sterling Forest equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Sterling Forest questions
What undertone does Sterling Forest have?
Sterling Forest has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Sterling Forest's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Sterling Forest a light or dark color?
Sterling Forest has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 13.7 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 14, Sterling Forest absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
What is the closest match to Sterling Forest in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Oakmoss SW 6180 (close, ΔE 4.1); Farrow & Ball: Bancha No.298 (close, ΔE 4.6); Behr: Mountain Olive N350-7A (close, ΔE 3.5). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Sterling Forest?
Try Alabaster (OC-129) on trim and Distant Gray (OC-68) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Sterling Forest's undertone.
Where does Sterling Forest work best?
Sterling Forest works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 14, Sterling Forest absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
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