TL;DR
A hands-on paint comparison found that several popular sage greens look similar at first, with differences emerging in their undertones, depth and how they appear on a wall. The available source describes five paints but cuts off during its account of Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke, so its test results are not available.
A comparison of five sage-green paints from Lick, Little Greene, Mylands and Farrow & Ball found differences in undertone, warmth and depth. The report includes observations about the paints and their samples, but the supplied source ends before detailing the results for Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke.
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The comparison covers Lick’s Green 02, Little Greene’s Sage Green and Hillside, Mylands’ Myrtle Green, and Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke. The writer reports that the shades share a similar sage-green character, while differences in tint and undertone affect whether they appear lighter, darker, cooler or warmer. The source provides no measured color values or controlled side-by-side test under identical lighting.
Lick Green 02 is described as a classic sage with gray and blue undertones. Lick supplies peel-and-stick samples rather than tester pots, and its website offers guidance on using the shade in east- or south-facing rooms and coordinating colors. Little Greene’s Sage Green is described as a soft, distinct shade; the writer reports that its tester pot was easy to use and reseal.
Little Greene’s Hillside is described as a warmer, bolder variation that appeared less pronounced on a painted swatch than in online images. Mylands Myrtle Green is described as a soft, muted shade. The writer reports that Mylands’ paint was thicker than some competitors’ products, a characteristic that may affect planning for coverage and coats. Green Smoke is identified as a designer staple, but the source provides no further test observations.
Sage Paint Colors, Compared How they differ on walls
Five sage greens share a similar character, but their undertones, warmth and depth can change how they look in a room. The comparison offers personal observations, not a controlled test or an overall winner.
Five paints, four brands
The writer compared samples from Lick, Little Greene, Mylands and Farrow & Ball.
What the writer observed
Lick Green 02
Described as a classic sage with gray and blue undertones. Samples come as peel-and-stick sheets.
Little Greene Hillside
A warmer, bolder variation that looked less pronounced on a painted swatch than online.
Sage Green & Myrtle Green
Little Greene’s Sage Green was described as soft and distinct; Mylands Myrtle Green as soft and muted.
Sampling differs by brand
| Brand | Sampling detail |
|---|---|
| Lick | Peel-and-stick samples |
| Little Greene | Resealable tester pot |
| Mylands | Paint described as thicker than some competitors’ |
| Farrow & Ball | Green Smoke test details unavailable |
What the comparison can tell you
The observations are based on the writer’s samples, not standardized ratings or controlled side-by-side testing.
- Undertones can read cooler or warmer.
- Hillside appeared less bold on the swatch than online.
- Room light and nearby finishes affect appearance.
- Green Smoke’s wall appearance.
- Coverage, durability or an overall winner.
- Results under identical lighting and application.
Small Undertones Shape the Room
The comparison notes that paint can appear different across rooms and surfaces. A shade that looks pale or cool in an online image may appear warmer, darker or more saturated after application. The report therefore recommends testing paint in the intended space rather than relying on a screen image or color name alone.
The paints described also show that “sage” does not refer to a single standardized color. The options range from cool gray-blue to warmer greens. These differences may affect how a paint appears alongside wood and natural textures or when used as a prominent feature. The report is based on the writer’s observations, not laboratory testing or an independent performance review, and does not determine which shade suits every room.
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Five Paints Under the Sage Label
The source discusses sage green’s popularity and use in contemporary interiors. The writer compares samples from several paint brands and reports on their appearance in person. The report’s takeaway is that application and room conditions matter alongside the paint itself.
The source distinguishes brand descriptions from the writer’s observations. Little Greene describes Hillside as a warmer version of its Sage Green and says it is suitable for warming cool living rooms and functional kitchens. The company’s site links the shade to historic interiors at Hughenden Manor; this is brand background rather than a finding from the comparison. Mylands says Myrtle Green complements architectural features, while the writer describes the shade as soft.
““Sage Green by Little Greene is a shade I return to time and again for its balance of subtlety and sophistication. It brings in that connection to nature, feels timeless, and works beautifully with wood and natural textures.””
— Interior designer Laura Stephens, speaking about Little Greene’s Sage Green
What the Paint Test Cannot Establish
The supplied source cuts off while discussing Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, so it does not establish how the shade looked on the wall or how it compared with the other four. It also does not specify the rooms, wall colors, lighting conditions, number of coats or application method for every sample. These omissions limit direct comparisons between the writer’s observations and results in other homes.
The report includes no measurements, prices, coverage figures or durability tests, and does not identify an overall winner. Descriptions such as “soft,” “richer” or “more modern” are visual impressions or brand claims, not standardized ratings. How each color appears depends on lighting, surrounding finishes and the painted surface.
Test Samples in Your Own Light
The report advises obtaining samples and viewing them in the room where they will be used. Readers can compare undertones at different times of day and alongside flooring, woodwork and furnishings before painting a full wall. The source notes that Lick offers peel-and-stick samples and Little Greene supplies resealable tester pots; it does not provide a complete sampling or purchasing guide for all four brands.
The supplied material contains no further test results or follow-up. A fuller comparison would include the missing Green Smoke observations and describe how each shade was tested under comparable conditions.
Key Questions
Which sage paints were included in the comparison?
The writer tested Lick Green 02, Little Greene Sage Green and Hillside, Mylands Myrtle Green, and Farrow & Ball Green Smoke. The source’s description of Green Smoke is incomplete.
What was the main finding?
The shades looked broadly similar, but their undertones and depth differed. The writer says those differences, along with room conditions, affect how a sage green appears.
Which shade was described as warmer and bolder?
Little Greene Hillside was described as a warmer, more pronounced variation on Sage Green. The writer said it appeared less pronounced on a painted swatch than in online images.
Did the comparison name a best paint?
No. It offers observations and sampling notes but does not select an overall winner or provide standardized tests of coverage, durability or color under controlled lighting.
Why might sage paint look different at home?
The source points to the paint’s undertones and the room’s light. Nearby colors and finishes may also affect how a sample appears, so testing it in the intended space is useful.
Source: livingetc.com
