Little Greene - Obsidian Green (216)

Obsidian Green (216) is a deep, off-black shade with rich green undertones, offering a sophisticated and moody alternative to pure black. With a Light Reflectance Value of around six, it absorbs much of the light in a room and can read almost black in dimmer settings. Its name, inspired by volcanic glass, reflects the colour’s depth and timeless appeal. Historically, it has been used as a dramatic backdrop for natural wood furnishings and khaki tones, making it a classic choice for both interior and exterior applications, particularly front doors and railings.

Obsidian Green is versatile. Its dark, green-tinged tone gives an architectural feel without being as stark as a pure black, making it suitable for interior joinery, entrance doors, railings, and feature walls. It pairs well with whites and neutrals, such as Shallows or French Grey Mid, and complements muted greens like Sage Green. For accenting, bold colours such as theatre red or deeper shades like Grey Moss create layered and dramatic schemes.

Practical considerations include its low LRV, which means lighting greatly affects its appearance: in dim or north-facing spaces, it can read almost black, while in bright, sunlit areas its green undertone emerges. Its strong pigmentation may require a primer or undercoat on lighter or porous surfaces. Obsidian Green (216) is a deeply pigmented, elegant off-black that brings sophistication and depth to a variety of spaces.