Saybrook Sage Benjamin Moore HC-114: Complete Color Review

Daniel Hartman
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 Color Type: Muted gray-green sage
LRV: 45.46 (mid-tone)
Undertones: Soft green with gray, subtle warmth in certain lights
Best Rooms: Living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms
Perfect Trim Colors: Simply White, White Dove, Decorator’s White
Style Match: Modern farmhouse, transitional, organic modern, traditional

There’s something special about finding the perfect green paint color. Saybrook Sage Benjamin Moore HC-114 has become one of the most loved colors in 2025, and for good reason. This beautiful sage green brings a calm, earthy feeling to any room without being too bold or too quiet.

If you’re thinking about using Saybrook Sage in your home, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand everything about this color—from how it looks in different rooms to which colors work best with it.

What Is Saybrook Sage HC-114?

A cozy living room featuring a comfortable couch and a stylish table, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Saybrook Sage Benjamin Moore is a soft gray-green paint that sits right in the middle—not too light, not too dark. It comes from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, which means it has a classic, timeless quality that never goes out of style.

This sage green paint color has a muted, earthy look that feels peaceful and grounded. It’s become popular because it works well in modern farmhouse homes, traditional spaces, and even contemporary designs. Think of it as that perfect in-between color that brings nature indoors without feeling too colorful.

Saybrook Sage Paint Specs at a Glance

Specification

Details

Color Number

HC-114

Collection

Benjamin Moore Historical Collection

LRV

45.46

Color Family

Gray-Green Sage

Undertones

Green, gray, subtle warmth

Best Finish

Eggshell or matte for walls

Coordinating Whites

Simply White, White Dove, Chantilly Lace

Understanding Saybrook Sage LRV

The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Saybrook Sage is 45.46. Don’t worry—this just means it reflects about 45% of the light that hits it.

Here’s why this matters: colors with mid-range LRVs like Saybrook Sage create spaces that feel calm and cozy without being too dark. They work well in most rooms because they’re balanced. The color won’t disappear like very light colors do, and it won’t make your room feel small like very dark colors can.

This LRV makes Saybrook Sage perfect for creating peaceful spaces that still feel grounded and real.

Saybrook Sage Undertones: What You Need to Know

Understanding undertones is the most important part of choosing any paint color. The undertones of Saybrook Sage are what make it so special and versatile.

The main undertone is a muted, soft green. But here’s where it gets interesting—Saybrook Sage also has gray undertones that keep it from looking too bright or garden-like. In warm lighting, you might notice a tiny hint of yellow-beige that makes it feel cozy.

These Saybrook Sage undertones change throughout the day. In the morning, it might look more gray. By afternoon, the green comes forward. In the evening with warm lights on, it can feel softer and more neutral.

Don’t be surprised if the color looks different at the paint store than it does at home. This is totally normal with sage green colors. The undertones shift based on your lighting, your furniture, and even your flooring.

Is Saybrook Sage Warm or Cool?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer is: Saybrook Sage is a warm-leaning neutral.

While it has gray in it (which usually feels cool), the green and subtle beige undertones give it warmth. It’s not a cold, stark color at all. Think of it as a cozy, muted green rather than a crisp, cool sage.

In north-facing rooms with cooler light, it can appear more neutral or slightly cool. But in most lighting situations—especially with warm bulbs or natural sunlight—it leans warm and inviting.

This makes it easier to decorate with than truly cool grays or greens. You can pair it with warm wood tones, brass fixtures, and cozy textiles without everything clashing. If you prefer cooler paint colors, you might want to explore ourBenjamin Moore Classic Gray review instead.

How Saybrook Sage Looks in Different Lighting

Four colorful living room furniture pieces arranged together, illustrating a range of design options and styles.

Light changes everything with paint colors. Here’s what to expect with Saybrook Sage in lighting situations:

North-Facing Rooms

North light is cooler and softer. In these rooms, Saybrook Sage will look more gray and muted. The green takes a back seat, and you’ll see more of the gray undertones. This can look really beautiful and sophisticated, but if you want it to feel warmer, add plenty of warm lighting.

South-Facing Rooms

This is where Saybrook Sage really shines. South-facing rooms get warm, bright light all day. Here, the color looks warmer, greener, and more vibrant. The sage quality really comes through, making your space feel fresh and lively.

East-Facing Rooms

Morning light in east-facing rooms brings out a soft, warm green in Saybrook Sage. It looks gentle and welcoming. By afternoon, when the direct sunlight moves away, the color becomes more neutral and balanced.

West-Facing Rooms

West-facing rooms get beautiful golden light in the evening. Saybrook Sage looks richer and deeper during these hours. The color becomes more saturated and dramatic, which creates a cozy evening atmosphere.

Artificial Lighting Tips

Your light bulbs matter too. Warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K) will make Saybrook Sage feel cozier and bring out the subtle warmth. Cool white bulbs (4000K+) will emphasize the gray and make it feel more modern and crisp.

Best Rooms to Use Saybrook Sage HC-114

Saybrook Sage works beautifully in almost any room. Here’s how to use it in different spaces:

Living Room

A living room featuring a green wall and modern white furniture, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.

A Saybrook Sage living room feels calm and grounded. This color creates the perfect backdrop for family time and relaxation. It’s sophisticated enough for adult spaces but gentle enough to feel welcoming. Pair it with cream sofas, natural wood furniture, and warm textiles.

Kitchen Cabinets

A modern kitchen featuring green cabinets and white countertops, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

Saybrook Sage in kitchen cabinets is trending right now. The muted green looks stunning with brass hardware, marble countertops, and white subway tiles. It also works beautifully with matte black fixtures for a modern look. If you want to see more cabinet color ideas, check out our guide onBenjamin Moore Classic Gray for another versatile option.

Bedrooms

A cozy bedroom featuring green walls and a neatly made bed, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

This color creates the perfect bedroom atmosphere. Saybrook Sage feels peaceful and restful—exactly what you want in a sleeping space. The muted green tones help your mind relax. Add white bedding, natural wood furniture, and soft lighting for a spa-like retreat.

Bathrooms

A bathroom featuring green walls and a white tiled floor, creating a fresh and clean aesthetic.

A Saybrook Sage bathroom feels like a spa. The color pairs beautifully with white fixtures, natural stone, and chrome or brass hardware. It works especially well in bathrooms with good natural light.

Dining Rooms

A dining room featuring a wooden table surrounded by four chairs, with soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere.

Dining rooms painted in Saybrook Sage look rich and classic. The color creates an elegant backdrop for dinner parties and family meals. It pairs beautifully with dark wood tables and traditional lighting.

Entryways and Hallways

A hallway featuring green walls and white floors, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

First impressions matter. Saybrook Sage in an entryway adds sophistication without making the space feel dark or closed in. It’s welcoming and sets a calm tone for the rest of your home.

Home Office

Working in a Saybrook Sage home office can actually improve your focus. Green tones are known to be easy on the eyes and help with concentration. The muted quality keeps it from being distracting.

Colors That Go With Saybrook Sage

One reason people love Saybrook Sage is how well it works with other colors. Here are the best complementary colors for Saybrook Sage:

Neutrals That Work Best

  • Soft White: Creates clean contrast
  • Cream: Adds warmth and coziness
  • Greige: Modern and sophisticated pairing
  • Warm Beige: Makes spaces feel inviting

Best Trim Colors

Your trim color choice makes a big difference. Cool white trims (like Benjamin Moore Simply White) create crisp, modern contrast. Warm white trims (like White Dove) feel softer and more traditional. Both work—it depends on the look you want. For more trim pairing ideas, ourBenjamin Moore Hale Navy article shows how trim colors change everything.

Wood Tones That Complement

  • Light Oak: Fresh and modern
  • Walnut: Rich and sophisticated
  • Driftwood: Coastal and relaxed
  • Natural Pine: Warm and rustic

Metal Finishes

  • Brass: Adds warmth and elegance
  • Matte Black: Modern and dramatic
  • Brushed Nickel: Clean and timeless
  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Traditional and warm

Accent Colors

Want to add some personality? These accent colors look beautiful with Saybrook Sage:

  • Rust Orange: Creates warm contrast
  • Terracotta: Earthy and grounded
  • Forest Green: Layered and rich
  • Muted Beige: Subtle and sophisticated
  • Soft Blush: Gentle and feminine

Saybrook Sage vs Similar Benjamin Moore Colors

Wondering how Saybrook Sage compares to other popular greens? Here’s the breakdown:

Saybrook Sage vs October Mist

October Mist is lighter and cooler than Saybrook Sage. While Saybrook Sage has more visible green and warmth, October Mist leans heavily gray with just a whisper of green. If you want something more neutral and airy, October Mist might be better. For a full comparison, read our detailedOctober Mist review.

Saybrook Sage vs Quiet Moments

Quiet Moments is softer and more blue-gray than Saybrook Sage. It’s lighter overall and feels more spa-like and serene. Saybrook Sage has more personality and warmth, while Quiet Moments is more subtle and receding.

Saybrook Sage vs Salisbury Green

Salisbury Green is darker and more traditional than Saybrook Sage. It has stronger green tones and works well in formal spaces. Saybrook Sage is more versatile and modern, while Salisbury Green feels classic and rich. For a completely different deep tone option, consider our guide toBenjamin Moore Hale Navy.

Real Home Styling Ideas With Saybrook Sage

Creating a beautiful space with Saybrook Sage inspiration is easy when you know what works:

Furniture Choices

Light neutral sofas and chairs work beautifully. Think cream, beige, soft gray, or even white. Natural wood pieces add warmth without competing with the wall color. Avoid furniture that’s too dark or it might make the room feel heavy.

Decor Style Pairings

  • Modern Farmhouse: Pair with white shiplap, natural textures, and vintage finds
  • Organic Modern: Add curved furniture, natural materials, and minimal decor
  • Classic Traditional: Use rich woods, patterned fabrics, and elegant lighting

Textiles and Fabrics

Choose rugs in cream, beige, or soft patterns. Curtains in natural linen or light cotton work well. Throw pillows can include rust, cream, olive, or soft pink. The key is keeping things natural and not too busy.

Making Saybrook Sage Feel Different

Want it to feel warm? Add brass fixtures, warm wood tones, and soft yellow lighting.

Want it modern? Use black accents, clean lines, and cool white trim.

Want it classic? Choose rich wood furniture, traditional lighting, and layered textiles.

Pros and Cons of Saybrook Sage HC-114

Is Saybrook Sage a good color for your home? Let’s be honest about both sides:

Pros

  • Super versatile: Works in almost any room
  • Timeless appeal: Won’t feel dated in a few years
  • Designer favorite: Looks professionally chosen
  • Perfect balance: Calm but not boring
  • Beautiful in natural light: Comes alive with sunshine
  • Works with many styles: From farmhouse to modern

Cons

  • Needs good lighting: Can look dull in dark rooms
  • Requires right trim: Wrong trim color can throw it off
  • Not for very dark spaces: Unless you add lots of bright decor and lighting
  • Can read gray: In some lights, the green almost disappears

Best Benjamin Moore Finishes for Saybrook Sage

The finish you choose affects how the color looks. Here’s the best finish for Saybrook Sage in different situations:

For Walls

Eggshell or Matte: These finishes look most natural on walls. Eggshell is slightly easier to clean, while matte gives the most true-to-sample color.

For Trim

Satin or Semi-Gloss: These finishes stand up to wear and are easy to clean. Semi-gloss reflects more light and creates more contrast with the walls.

For Cabinets

Satin: This finish is durable enough for kitchen use but doesn’t look too shiny. It’s easy to wipe clean and shows the color beautifully.

For Bathrooms

Pearl or Satin: Both resist moisture well. Pearl adds a subtle glow, while satin is more understated.

Expert Tips Before Choosing Saybrook Sage

These tips for choosing Saybrook Sage will save you from costly mistakes:

  1. Sample on multiple walls: The color looks different on each wall of your room. Paint large samples on at least two walls—one that gets direct sun and one that doesn’t.
  2. Test with your lighting: Paint your sample and look at it with both natural light and your artificial lights on. Check it in morning, afternoon, and evening.
  3. Compare with your floors and trim: Hold your sample next to your existing flooring and trim. Make sure everything works together.
  4. Live with it for a few days: Don’t decide after one look. Watch how the color changes throughout the day.
  5. Consider the whole house flow: If your rooms are open to each other, make sure Saybrook Sage works with your adjacent room colors.

Final Verdict on Saybrook Sage Benjamin Moore

Saybrook Sage HC-114 deserves its popularity. This is one of the best sage green paint colors from Benjamin Moore for good reason. It’s balanced, versatile, and timeless.

If you want a color that feels fresh but not trendy, calm but not boring, and sophisticated but not stuffy—Saybrook Sage checks all the boxes. It works in multiple rooms, pairs well with most decor styles, and creates spaces that feel both peaceful and grounded.

Just remember to test it in your specific lighting and make sure you have enough natural or warm artificial light to bring out its beautiful qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saybrook Sage good for exteriors?

Yes. Saybrook Sage holds up well outdoors, resists fading, and pairs beautifully with stone, white brick, and wood. It’s especially great for farmhouse-style homes.

Does Saybrook Sage work with black windows?

Absolutely. The muted green creates a striking yet balanced contrast with black windows, working well in both modern exteriors and interiors.

Is Saybrook Sage too green for minimalist decor?

No. Its gray undertones keep it soft and neutral, making it ideal for minimalist spaces without feeling bold or overwhelming.

Can Saybrook Sage be used on trim or doors?

Yes. It looks elegant on trim or doors, especially for a monochromatic or modern look. It also works beautifully on front doors.

Is Saybrook Sage renter-friendly or too bold?

It’s renter-friendly. The muted tone adds character without being too bold and is easy to repaint if needed.

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