Sage → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Sherwin Williams Sage (SW 2860), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Sage
If you love Sherwin Williams Sage but need a Benjamin Moore alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Sage (SW 2860) is a medium-dark green with classic sage undertones. A classic muted sage green. SW's straightforward sage option. More gray than a true green, more green than a true gray. The perfect middle ground for anyone who wants sage without commitment. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 38) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Sage and every Benjamin Moore color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Benjamin Moore option is Saybrook Sage (HC-114) with a Delta E of 3.4, which is a "good match" level match. Saybrook Sage is the closest BM match. Both are classic muted sages. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Sage
Saybrook Sage is the closest BM match. Both are classic muted sages.
| Sage | Saybrook Sage | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 38 | 37.24 |
| Hex | #B4B9AC | #B2B8A8 |
| Undertone | Classic Sage | Classic Sage |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Sage has classic sage undertones. A classic muted sage green. SW's straightforward sage option. More gray than a true green, more green than a true gray. The perfect middle ground for anyone who wants sage without commitment.
Saybrook Sage has classic sage undertones. A classic sage green from the Historical Collection. More distinctly green than Sandy Hook Gray, with the muted quality of dried sage leaves. Named for the Connecticut coastal town.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Sage in Your Room
The sage is soft and balanced. In bright rooms, the green is pleasant and natural. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm gray with green undertones. Versatile and calming.
Saybrook Sage in Your Room
In bright light, the sage is clear and organic. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm, earthy gray-green. The Historical Collection depth of color makes it feel substantial and timeless.
LRV and Brightness
Sage has an LRV of 38, while Saybrook Sage has an LRV of 37.24. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Sage
Sherwin Williams recommends Sage for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, exterior. With an LRV of 38, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Saybrook Sage is recommended for: kitchen, living room, bedroom, exterior, dining room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Saybrook Sage in the same rooms you planned for Sage.
Sage in Other Brands
Looking for Sage equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Sage (SW 2860) is Saybrook Sage (HC-114) with a Delta E of 3.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Saybrook Sage is the closest BM match. Both are classic muted sages. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Sage is a Sherwin Williams color with classic sage undertones and an LRV of 38. Saybrook Sage is a Benjamin Moore color with classic sage undertones and an LRV of 37.24. With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.