Balsam vs Emerald City
Balsam is a Benjamin Moore color while Emerald City comes from PPG. These are both greens, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within green to land. At LRV 15 vs 12, Balsam will read as the brighter of the two — a 3-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. At ΔE 3.3, the difference is perceptible but not dramatic — the two can work harmoniously in the same space. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Balsam vs Emerald City Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Balsam on one side and Emerald City on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Balsam comparisons
See how Balsam stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
At LRV 83 vs 15, White Dove is decisively the brighter choice.
Purbeck Stone reflects far more light (LRV 52 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.
Evergreen Fog reflects far more light (LRV 30 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.
Agreeable Gray reflects far more light (LRV 60 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.
At LRV 58 vs 15, Accessible Beige is decisively the brighter choice.
A 12-point LRV gap (27 vs 15) makes Denim Drift the marginally brighter of the two.
French Gray reflects far more light (LRV 43 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.
At LRV 55 vs 15, Tranquil Dawn is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 44 vs 15, Hardwick White is decisively the brighter choice.
Pure White reflects far more light (LRV 84 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.
At LRV 66 vs 15, Balboa Mist is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 74 vs 15, Shoji White is decisively the brighter choice.
A 3-point LRV gap (15 vs 12) makes Balsam the marginally brighter of the two.
A 7-point LRV gap (15 vs 8) makes Balsam the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 68 vs 15, Skimming Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
A 3-point LRV gap (15 vs 12) makes Balsam the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 45 vs 15, Saybrook Sage is decisively the brighter choice.
Pale Green reflects far more light (LRV 31 vs 15), opening up a space where Balsam encloses it.