Farrow & Ball does not publish LRV; this value is estimated from the color’s hex using standard relative-luminance calculation. The matte estate finish typically reads lower.
Arsenic is a medium-depth green that feels like it belongs somewhere between a garden hedge and weathered copper. It reads distinctly green, but there is enough gray and blue in the mix to keep it from ever feeling tropical or overly cheerful. Think of it as a composed, slightly serious green.
In person it looks softer than you might expect from the swatch. On a large wall it settles into something almost aquatic, like still water over mossy stone. The color shifts noticeably with the light, which is one of its best qualities. In bright midday sun it lifts toward a clean jade. In low or overcast light it deepens and the gray undertone steps forward, making it feel quieter and more muted.
It is one of those colors that photographs differently in every room. Do not trust your phone screen. Get a sample pot and paint a large test patch, ideally on two walls that catch different amounts of light.
The dominant undertone is a cool, blue-leaning green. That coolness is what separates Arsenic from the warmer sage greens in the Farrow & Ball range. There is also a noticeable gray quality running through it that prevents the green from reading too saturated or candy-like.
In north-facing rooms or on cloudy days, the gray undertone becomes more prominent. The color can read almost like a green-tinged neutral in those conditions. In south-facing rooms with warm natural light, the green comes alive and the gray recedes. You may also pick up a faint mineral or teal cast in certain artificial lighting, especially under cool LED bulbs.
If you are debating whether this color is warm or cool, it is firmly cool. It does not have the yellow base you find in olive or sage greens. That coolness makes it feel fresh and slightly botanical rather than earthy.
Arsenic works beautifully in rooms where you want color that feels grown-up and grounded without going dark. It is a natural fit for bathrooms, where its cool aquatic quality makes sense intuitively. It also shines in bedrooms and studies where you want focus without heaviness.
It is particularly effective on all four walls of a smaller room. Because it sits at a medium depth, it envelops without closing in. Hallways and entryways are another strong option, especially if they get some natural light. The color rewards you with real dimension in those transitional spaces.
For contemporary interiors, Arsenic brings color credibility without feeling trendy. It pairs well with natural materials like brass, pale oak, linen, and concrete. In period homes, it reads as historically aware. The name itself references the arsenic-based green pigments popular in the Victorian era, and the color carries that heritage without feeling dusty.
Arsenic feels completely at home in a bathroom. The cool, aquatic undertone connects naturally with water and tile. Use it on all walls with Wevet on the ceiling and crisp white fixtures. Brass hardware brings out the mineral quality of the green. It works in both small powder rooms and larger bathrooms, though in windowless spaces it will read noticeably grayer.
In a bedroom, Arsenic creates a restful, cocoon-like atmosphere without the weight of a dark color. It reads calm and collected. Pair it with white bedding and natural linen curtains to keep things airy. In a north-facing bedroom, add warm accents like a terracotta throw or oak nightstand to offset the cool lean.
A study or home office in Arsenic feels focused and serious in the best way. The color is engaging enough to make a small room feel intentional but not so bold that it distracts. Dark wood shelving and leather chairs look excellent against it. Try it with Down Pipe on built-in cabinetry for a layered, library-like effect.
In a living room, Arsenic works best when you commit to it on all walls rather than as a single accent wall. It creates a unified atmosphere that shifts with the light throughout the day. Ground the space with a warm rug and wood tones. Keep upholstery in neutrals or soft blush tones to let the green do the talking.
Arsenic needs companions that respect its cool temperament. It pairs well with crisp whites and deep charcoals rather than warm creams or tans. Farrow & Ball's own recommendations are smart starting points. Wevet (No. 273) is a barely-there white with a hint of warmth that softens the contrast on trim and ceilings without competing. Down Pipe (No. 26) is a deep, complex charcoal that anchors Arsenic as an accent wall or on cabinetry, creating real drama. London Clay (No. 244) is a warm, earthy brown that sounds surprising next to a cool green but actually works as a grounding trim color, pulling the palette toward something rich and layered.
The key is keeping your pairings either very light or very dark. Mid-toned colors next to Arsenic tend to blur together and lose definition.
Warm beiges and tans fight Arsenic's cool base. The two temperatures compete, making both colors look off and muddy. The green starts to look sickly rather than fresh.
Orange is the complementary opposite of this blue-green. While small doses of terracotta can work, saturated oranges next to Arsenic create a jarring, almost electric clash that overwhelms the subtlety of the green.
Pairing Arsenic with icy blue or pale periwinkle makes the whole room feel cold and washed out. The two cool tones flatten each other instead of creating contrast.
Arsenic has cool green undertones with a noticeable gray cast. There is a blue-green lean that distinguishes it from warmer sage or olive greens. In low light the gray becomes more apparent. In bright natural light the green intensifies and you may notice a slight teal or mineral quality.
Arsenic is a cool green. It does not contain the yellow undertones found in warm greens like sage or olive. Its blue and gray base give it a fresh, slightly aquatic character. If your room already runs cold and dark, you may want to add warm accents in wood, brass, or textiles to balance it.
Farrow & Ball recommends Wevet (No. 273) as a complementary white for ceilings and trim. Down Pipe (No. 26) works as a dramatic dark accent, and London Clay (No. 244) provides an unexpected warm contrast on trim or furniture. Crisp whites, deep charcoals, and muted warm metallics like brass all complement Arsenic well.
For walls, Estate Emulsion is the go-to. Its chalky, flat finish brings out the depth and complexity of Arsenic and reduces glare. For trim and woodwork, use Estate Eggshell for a subtle sheen that is easy to clean. In high-moisture areas like bathrooms, Modern Emulsion offers better durability while still looking good.
Arsenic is Farrow & Ball No. 214. Its hex code is #83B49D and its LRV is 39.9, placing it in the medium range. It reflects a moderate amount of light, enough to keep a room from feeling dark but not so much that it reads as a light color. It is best described as a mid-tone green.
It can, but you should know it will read grayer and more muted in north-facing light. The green vibrancy you see in south-facing or well-lit rooms will be dialed back. If you want the full green effect, make sure you have adequate artificial lighting or reserve Arsenic for rooms with stronger natural light. In a north-facing space, balancing it with warm white trim and warm-toned furnishings helps considerably.
