Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 and Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage HC-114 are two muted sage green paint colors that bring a natural, earthy look to a space. While they occupy similar territory, their undertones give them noticeably different personalities.
And if you’ve been searching for Benjamin Moore Clary Sage, there’s an important distinction: Clary Sage is a Sherwin-Williams color, not a Benjamin Moore color. Saybrook Sage is one Benjamin Moore color worth considering if you like the general look of Clary Sage.
What Color is Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage?
Clary Sage SW 6178 is a soft, muted green with a slight yellow undertone. The yellow adds warmth to the color and contributes to its earthy, botanical appearance.
Rather than looking like a bright or crisp green, Clary Sage has a subdued quality that makes it relatively easy to incorporate into a neutral color palette.
As with most sage greens, its appearance can shift depending on the lighting and surrounding finishes.
What Color is Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage?
Saybrook Sage HC-114 is a muted green from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colors collection. Benjamin Moore describes it as a soothing aloe hue cooled by a touch of gray.
It has an LRV of 45.46, placing it in the middle range between very light and very dark paint colors. Its gray influence helps soften the green and gives Saybrook Sage a calm, understated appearance.
Clary Sage vs. Saybrook Sage: What’s the Difference?
The most important difference between Clary Sage and Saybrook Sage is their undertones.
| Clary Sage SW 6178 | Saybrook Sage HC-114 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sherwin-Williams | Benjamin Moore |
| Color Family | Green | Green |
| Main Influence | Slight yellow undertone | Gray undertone |
| Overall Appearance | Warm, earthy sage | Muted, cooler sage |
| Benjamin Moore Collection | — | Historical Colors |
Clary Sage’s yellow influence gives it more warmth, while the gray in Saybrook Sage cools and mutes the green. They’re similar enough to appeal to someone looking for an understated sage, but they shouldn’t be treated as exact matches.
Which is Warmer: Clary Sage or Saybrook Sage?
Clary Sage is generally the warmer of the two. Its slight yellow undertone gives the color an earthy warmth. Saybrook Sage’s gray influence produces a cooler, more subdued appearance.
Lighting and surrounding colors can affect how strongly those differences come through, so comparing samples in the actual room is important.
Which is More Muted: Clary Sage or Saybrook Sage?
Both are muted greens, but Saybrook Sage’s gray influence gives it a particularly softened appearance.
Clary Sage still feels subdued rather than vibrant, but its yellow warmth can give the green a somewhat more organic and herbal character.
Where Do Clary Sage and Saybrook Sage Work Best?
Both colors can work well in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other spaces where you want a soft, nature-inspired green.
Clary Sage can be particularly appealing alongside warm woods, creams, and earthy finishes. Saybrook Sage can work well when you want a sage green with a grayer, more restrained appearance.
Is Saybrook Sage the Benjamin Moore Equivalent of Clary Sage?
Saybrook Sage is a good Benjamin Moore alternative to consider, but it isn’t an exact equivalent of Clary Sage.
The two colors come from different manufacturers and have different undertones. If you like the muted sage appearance of Clary Sage but want to use a Benjamin Moore color, Saybrook Sage is a logical color to compare alongside it.
Clary Sage or Saybrook Sage: Which Should You Choose?
Buy Clary Sage if you prefer a warmer sage green with a subtle yellow influence and an earthy, botanical appearance.
Buy Saybrook Sage if you prefer a slightly cooler, grayer sage with a soft and subdued appearance.
Ultimately, the better choice depends on your lighting and the other colors and finishes in the room. Sampling both colors is the best way to see how their differences translate to your space.
Explore Saybrook Sage at Loconsolo Paints
If you’re considering Saybrook Sage or looking for a Benjamin Moore alternative to Clary Sage, stop by Loconsolo Paints. Our knowledgeable team can help you compare Benjamin Moore sage greens, understand their undertones, and choose samples for your space.
Visit one of our NYC paint store locations to explore Saybrook Sage and other Benjamin Moore green paint colors.