Elf → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for PPG Elf (PPG1131-5), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Elf
If you love PPG Elf 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 PPG, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Elf (PPG1131-5) is a medium-dark green with medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 25) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Elf 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 Nantucket Gray (HC-111) with a Delta E of 4, which is a "good match" level match. Nantucket Gray is close. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Elf
Nantucket Gray is close.
| Elf | Nantucket Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 25 | 25.66 |
| Hex | #99A698 | #9BA195 |
| Undertone | Medium Sage | Muted Green-Gray |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Elf has medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend.
Nantucket Gray has muted green-gray undertones. A muted green-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the island where shingled cottages have weathered to this exact shade. Earthy, historical, and distinctly New England.
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
Elf in Your Room
In bright rooms, a definite sage. In dim rooms, a warm gray-green.
Nantucket Gray in Your Room
In bright light, the green is soft and natural. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm, earthy medium gray. One of BM's most popular exterior colors because it weathers beautifully.
LRV and Brightness
Elf has an LRV of 25, while Nantucket Gray has an LRV of 25.66. 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 Elf
PPG recommends Elf for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, exterior, living room. With an LRV of 25, 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.
Nantucket Gray is recommended for: exterior, living room, kitchen, office, accent wall. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Elf in Other Brands
Looking for Elf equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Elf (PPG1131-5) is Nantucket Gray (HC-111) with a Delta E of 4, which rates as a "good match" match. Nantucket Gray is close. 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. Elf is a PPG color with medium sage undertones and an LRV of 25. Nantucket Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with muted green-gray undertones and an LRV of 25.66. With a Delta E of 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 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.