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Let me introduce you to SW 9525 Hidden Trail—the kind of green that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into the chicest forest retreat you’ve ever seen. Not too mossy, not too minty, and blessedly not neon—this is a grown-up green with serious style. I like to call it the “quiet luxury” of green paint colors. Understated, earthy, and just refined enough to say, “I read design magazines, but I also compost.”
As someone who spends a good chunk of her life staring at swatches and helping others avoid paint color disasters (you’re welcome), I can confidently say that this color is one of those sneaky-good greens. It doesn’t scream for attention—it simply works. So let’s take a little stroll down this Hidden Trail, shall we?
What Color Is Hidden Trail?
Okay, let’s cut to the chase—what color is Hidden Trail, really? If you’re thinking “green,” you’re right… But also not giving it nearly enough credit. Hidden Trail is a muted olive green with an earthy soul and a gray backbone. It’s the kind of color that could be found on a vintage military jacket or in a curated nature-inspired Pinterest board. It has an organic, slightly aged quality to it—like something you’d find on antique pottery or in a high-end cabin designed by someone who owns actual linen napkins.
It’s not bright. It’s not flashy. And thank goodness, it’s not trendy-sage-that-you’ll-hate-next-year. It’s timeless, moody, and layered. It reads like green, but the kind of green that minds its own business and makes everything else around it look better.
If green had an introvert cousin who reads novels and owns a turntable, it would be Hidden Trail.
Want to see the color for yourself? You can get a sample set straight to your doorstep! I only use these samples!
LRV – Or, Why Hidden Trail Isn’t Going to Blind You
Let’s geek out for a second and talk LRV, or Light Reflectance Value. Hidden Trail has an LRV of 22. If you’re not familiar with this number, it’s basically a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). At 22, Hidden Trail is on the darker side of mid-tone.
What that means practically: it absorbs more light than it reflects. So, it’s not going to brighten a dark room—but that’s kind of its superpower. It creates intimacy, coziness, and that “I have my life together” look.
The Undertones – What Everyone Wants to Know About
First, let’s get into the undertones, because that’s where the paint color drama really begins. Hidden Trail is a soft, muted olive green that has just enough gray to keep it grounded. Think of it like a forest floor at dusk—there’s a richness there, but it’s tempered with softness.
What makes it so versatile is that subtle, earthy brown base hiding under all that green. It keeps the color warm and organic, rather than veering into that hospital-scrubs green territory (you know the one). If you’ve been traumatized by too-cold greens in the past, don’t worry—Hidden Trail is here with a large glass of wine and a cozy blanket.
Lighting: The Trickster of All Paint Colors
Lighting will always mess with your paint color dreams if you don’t respect it. (You’ve been warned.)
In natural light, Hidden Trail is absolutely stunning—it leans a bit more green but still feels soft and sophisticated. It has this velvety depth that makes it feel like you’re standing in the middle of a boutique cabin in Aspen.
In artificial light, particularly those warm incandescent bulbs, it leans more olive-brown. It becomes moodier, richer—think vintage leather armchair vibes.
Watch out for LED lighting, though. If your bulbs are on the cooler side, you might see more of the gray coming through, which can make it feel flatter. So be strategic with your bulbs—Hidden Trail likes warm light the best.
How It Looks in Each Direction
Paint color shifts based on which way your room faces. Here’s how Hidden Trail behaves with the compass as your guide:
- North-facing rooms: These have cooler, softer light. Hidden Trail will show more of its gray side here, making it feel a bit moodier and more neutral. Perfect for a study or a den where you want that grounded, calming atmosphere.
- South-facing rooms: Hello, sunshine! South-facing light is warm and bright, which will bring out the rich olive tones. This is Hidden Trail at its most vibrant and inviting. It’s still subtle—don’t worry—but a bit more lively.
- East-facing rooms: Morning light tends to be cooler, so early in the day it’ll lean more gray-green. As the day goes on, it warms up and softens beautifully.
- West-facing rooms: These get warmer afternoon light, so Hidden Trail can look almost golden-green in the evening glow. It’s like the room exhaled.
DON’T FORGET TO SAMPLE
Instead of physically going to your nearest paint store to grab your samples, you need to try Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples.
Why should you try Samplize?
- Super affordable
- Mess-free
- Non-damaging
- Made with real manufacturer paint
- Displays color just like a wall
- Environmental friendly
- Reusable
These peel & stick paint samples are super affordable and allow you to test a paint color in all different areas of a room without the mess of a traditional paint sample!
You know how I feel about testing paint colors. It’s a must!
Don’t create more work for yourself. Order Samplize now and have them shipped directly to you. No fuss, no mess! Check them out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
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Best Trim colors – Because Contrast Matters
Hidden Trail is such a beautiful muted green that it pairs gorgeously with a variety of whites and creams. Here are my favorite trim pairings:
- SW Pure White – A crisp, clean white that has just enough softness to not feel sterile. Great for a modern look. Get a sample here.
- SW Alabaster – For a cozier, more classic feel. Alabaster’s warm undertone plays beautifully with Hidden Trail’s earthy vibe. Get a sample here.
- SW Greek Villa – Another creamy white that keeps things soft and inviting without looking yellow. Get a sample here.
And for those of you who want to take a walk on the bold side—try pairing it with rich wood tones or even matte black hardware for a little contrast drama.
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Color Palette Ideas – Because Hidden Trail Needs Friends
Hidden Trail can anchor a variety of color palettes, but here are a few combos that I’m currently obsessed with:
1. Earthy Modern
- Hidden Trail (SW 9525)
- Shoji White (SW 7042) – soft, warm neutral. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Cavern Clay (SW 7701) – rich terracotta accent. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Tricorn Black (SW 6258) – for contrast and sophistication. Don’t forget to get your sample.
2. Muted Coastal
- Hidden Trail (SW 9525)
- Silver Strand (SW 7057) – gray-blue neutral. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Drift of Mist (SW 9166) – cool, airy backdrop. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Sea Salt (SW 6204) – for a green-blue soft splash. Don’t forget to get your sample.
3. Moody Library
- Hidden Trail (SW 9525)
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) – deep, rich contrast. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Creamy (SW 7012) – soft white trim. Don’t forget to get your sample.
- Backdrop (SW 7025) – warm, medium greige. Don’t forget to get your sample.
These palettes are versatile, layered, and totally livable.
Let’s Compare: Hidden Trail vs. Other Greens
Paint people (and by paint people, I mean us color-obsessed nerds) love a good comparison. Here’s how Hidden Trail stacks up against some other popular greens:
SW Retreat (6207)
More saturated and slightly cooler. Retreat reads more piney and dramatic, while Hidden Trail is softer and earthier.
SW Evergreen Fog (9130)
A bit lighter, with more gray. Evergreen Fog (Sample It) was the Color of the Year and has more of a misty, sage vibe. Hidden Trail feels deeper and richer.
SW Clary Sage (6178)
Much warmer and more yellow-toned. If you’re looking for a cheerier green, Clary Sage (Sample It) could be your gal. But if you want grounded elegance? Hidden Trail wins.
BM Saybrook Sage
Saybrook Sage (Sample It), another classic sage green, but with more yellow undertone and a lighter appearance. Hidden Trail has more complexity and depth.
Best Places to Use Hidden Trail
Now, let’s talk real-life application—where does Hidden Trail shine the brightest (figuratively, of course, since it’s a low-LRV kind of gal)?
1. Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms
Hidden Trail in a mudroom is a match made in functional-design heaven. It hides dirt (literally and metaphorically), plays beautifully with baskets and hooks, and makes even the most chaotic drop zone feel intentional. It’s like telling your guests, “Yes, I have children and a life, but I also have excellent taste.”
2. Cabinets – Kitchen or Bath
Want a kitchen that feels custom and cozy without going full emerald drama? Hidden Trail on lower cabinets or a bathroom vanity is stunning. Pair it with warm brass hardware and creamy countertops and suddenly you’re in a Pinterest kitchen.
3. Accent Walls
If you’re color-shy but still want a little personality, Hidden Trail makes a gorgeous feature wall. Try it behind a headboard, in a reading nook, or even as a backdrop in a home office.
4. Offices and Libraries
Hidden Trail gives major “I’ve read a leather-bound book today” energy. In a home office, it promotes focus without feeling cold. It’s the paint equivalent of a cashmere sweater and a strong coffee.
5. Bedrooms
Yes, green in the bedroom! Hidden Trail can be very soothing—especially when paired with natural textures, cozy linens, and soft lighting. It’s grounding and sophisticated without trying too hard.
6. Exterior Doors or Shutters
Want a subtle-yet-charming exterior pop? Hidden Trail looks fantastic on front doors, shutters, or porch ceilings. It feels natural and blends with landscaping beautifully—like it grew there.
Final Thoughts – Is Hidden Trail Right for You?
If you’re craving a paint color that feels natural, elevated, and just a little unexpected, Hidden Trail is an absolute gem. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take a dip into green without going full Kermit. It’s a great alternative to gray or beige when you still want a neutral—but with a little personality.
I’ve seen this color used in mudrooms, offices, powder rooms, accent walls, and even entire kitchens. And every time, it looks incredible. Bonus points if you pair it with vintage brass, raw wood, or a leather armchair. It just gets it.
As always, I recommend testing a sample first—my go-to is Samplize for peel-and-stick samples (affiliate link on my site if you want to support my coffee habit while you pick paint—thank you in advance). You can get a sample of Hidden Trail here.
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.