10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (2023)

There are a lot of colors that go with olive green from all across the spectrum, including bright pops of primary color to more sultry shades and neutral hues. Olive green is, overall, an amenable color to add into the mix.

Quietly calming and positive, olive green has a timeless quality too, and can be manipulated to create a cozy and comforting ambiance in your home. The good news is that olive green is flexible. ‘Olive green suits all types of homes,’ points out Ruth Mottershead from Little Greene, ‘from period properties to contemporary new builds.'

Choosing the right colors that go with green is the trick to make it work, so wherever you want to use this classic color, make sure you carefully consider how to pair it.

To get inspired, here are some experts tips for using this hue as a base for your room, and the best colors that go with olive green to make the perfect partnership.

What are the colors that go with olive green best?

'With the focus on staying home over the past few years, we have found ourselves craving colours that make us feel closer to the natural world,’ says Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. 'We are seeing a change to the use of dark and mid-greens like olive being used all over as a base colour, similar to how neutrals have been used traditionally.'

'Olive green works wonderfully in bedrooms because of the serene calming mood it creates, and it works in rooms that overlook a garden or greenery, as it serves as a natural extension, giving the impression of bringing the outside in.’

1. Olive green and mint

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (1)

(Image credit: Trevor Tondro. Design: Kelly Wearstler)

Think tonal and create an interesting scheme by trying green on green. In this example, from Kelly Wearstler (opens in new tab)'s California paint collection for Farrow & Ball, this minty shade called Palm is designed as a love letter to the palms of the LA skyline, and teams well with the deep olive hue accented by the furniture. The result is this bohemian look that is calming and restorative, taking its cues from nature.

‘Green has become such a popular color because people are wanting to add life to their spaces and bring nature in,’ explains Sue Wadden, color marketer at Sherwin-Williams. ‘We went from seeing bolder colors trending the past couple of years to seeing warmer, nature-inspired hues. A grounding olive green creates an earthy vibe. From a color psychology standpoint, green is the color of nature, revitalization and growth,’ she adds.

2. Olive green and cream

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (2)

(Image credit: Will Ellis. Design: The New Design Project)

Bring the depth of olive green to the fore by pairing it with a delicate cream tone. ‘Olive Green is a very strong yet quite muted color,’ says Fanny Abbes of New York-based The New Design Project (opens in new tab). ‘So you can decide to make it the star of the show as the main accent and keep the rest very neutral.’

In this rental development project in Queens, the brief was to make the units exciting for a young, professional market. 'We wanted to emphasize how the space, regardless of size, can be fun and used cleverly by creating moments of interest through blocks of color, shapes and a muted yet fresh color palette,' explains Abbes.

3. Olive green and white

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (3)

(Image credit: Paddington Shaker kitchen. Design: deVOL)

Consider the types of material that might complement olive green as well as your paint options. In this example, a deVOL (opens in new tab)-designed Paddington Shaker kitchen, the customers originally settled on a dramatic San Simone quartzite black, but changed their minds and went for a bespoke green paint to complement the honed Statuarietto marble.

Marble and green pair beautifully. The olive hue takes center stage while the dazzling marble and brassware gleams.

4. Olive green and black

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (4)

(Image credit: Design: PROjECT Interiors)

In this example from Chicago-based design firm, PROjECT (opens in new tab), olive green’s moody quality is harnessed and emphasized for a bold look, with black and white checkerboard flooring against the olive green. The overall effect is sleek and elegant, sophisticated and dramatic.

'Olive green is comforting, sultry, and bold on its own, yet plays nice with nearly every color,' says Aimee Wertepny of PROjECT. 'Layered with a monochrome pattern like the Kelly Wearstler tile in this entry, green can really activate a space and set the vibe high. An immediate mood enhancer in my book.'

5. Olive green and pink

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (5)

(Image credit: Dabito)

Olive green is one of the most charming colors that goes with pink. It's a classic pairing that crops up time and time again in modern interior schemes.

These two shades work so well because they create a sense of balance. Blush pink softens a green tone, while the warmer tones of olive green keep the palette feeling youthful and fun.

Play with the varying shades of green and pink, and opt for a dark olive to give this classic combination a revamp. Use the pairing on walls, or work it into your furniture or cabinetry, as in this kitchen design by Dabito (opens in new tab), featuring the Big Chill33" Retro Original Fridge (opens in new tab)in Classic White.

6. Olive green and taupe

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (6)

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair. Design: House of Grey)

Olive green also works well when paired with taupe, as per this example from House of Grey (opens in new tab), where a dark olive green velvet bed looks all the more sumptuous against the wall. The shade on the wall is taken from the Visual Silence collection from House of Grey with Bauwerk (opens in new tab).

The paint is a soft neutral lime wash paint with a touch of taupe for warmth and depth. The olive green velvet upholstered on the bed is from Dedar (opens in new tab).

7. Olive green and orange

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (7)

(Image credit: (Image credit: Hugo May. Design: Howark Design)

Orange is a great way to add a touch of warmth and depth to olive green. It provides stark contrast, can be fun and playful and encourages a retro vibe. ‘We've recently been inspired by handcrafted modernism and pairing more organic colors and shapes with contrastingly strong, more brutalist lines,’ says interior designer, Stelly Selway (opens in new tab).

‘Olive green is evocative of both the natural world as well as warmth and comfort, and makes for a statement-making background for oranges – particularly in complement to warmer tones in glossy or metallic finishes.’

'Olive green is a versatile colour which when paired with brighter colours sits as more as a neutral,' adds Saskia Howard, creative director atHowarkDesign (opens in new tab).' In this kitchen we paired the olive cabinetry with the vibrant orange range cooker which created at sense of energy and reflected the clients love of colour, which was continued throughout the property.'

'The neutral splashback tiles and panelling in the kitchen balanced the strength and vibrancy on the space and allowed green and orange to sing,' she adds.

8. Olive green and red

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (8)

(Image credit: Fiona Campbell)

For a more dynamic contrast, olive green is a color that goes with red, burgundy, cherry and coral – giving a room real zest and giving energy to the space. ‘Being opposite sides of the color wheel, red and green are naturally complementary colors. It’s important when decorating with complementary colors, particularly when using vibrant versions of them, that you allow one to dominate,’ says internationally acclaimed interior designer Fiona Campbell (opens in new tab) ..

‘The red of the chair works as an accent here to the backdrop of the larger expanse of painted walls. Another trick is to use a less saturated version of the colour; olive green being more harmonious than a super vibrant green.’

9. Olive green and wood tones

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (9)

(Image credit: Lane McNab)

Using hues that allude to nature and the environment is a nice way to embed olive green into a scheme. ‘Green is nature’s neutral’, explains Lane McNab of the San Francisco-based interior design firm, Lane McNab Interiors (opens in new tab). ‘It looks good with everything.'

Olive green has an earthiness that really sets off and complements pretty much any wood tone.’ In this particular kitchen in Palo Alto, California, the wood and dark green work together, the green provides depth while the white and wood marry for a bright overall finish.

10. Olive green and blue

10 colors that go with olive green, from classic to unexpected combinations (10)

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

Green and blue is another winning combination. 'It's a pairing we often use as our neutral base, say Jen and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox (opens in new tab). 'They are closely connected on the color wheel, so it's easy to introduce the two tones to create an illusion of more color without overpowering the space. Fresh, earthy and completely versatile, you can't go wrong.

'The trick is to tone up or down depending on the desired outcome. For a calming effect, opt for lighter colors offset by natural finishes, or for a more sumptuous scheme, choose darker shades like olive green. We find that darker hues add more shadows and different tones when the light hits and make the perfect backdrop for brass accents,' they say.

What colors go with olive green that you wouldn't expect?

Whether it’s paint, furniture or even a plant, olive green is a beautiful addition to any color scheme. 'Green is one of our favorite colors to incorporate into projects,' says Britt Zunino, principal of Studio DB (opens in new tab), who also has some suggestions for bolder color combinations with olive.

'Some of my favorite green color combinations include deep olive layered with pale lavender and a pop of acid yellow and/or cobalt blue,' she says.

'We recently covered the walls of a double-height living room in a soft minty blue-green. The ceiling and crown molding were painted a few shades darker with the intention of creating a cozier space. I’m excited to incorporate poppy-red, deep forest green, and creamy accents to the room too.'

FAQs

What colors does olive green not go with? ›

Also, avoid colors like neons or bright colors (think fuchsia or neon yellow). The bright colors will not pair nicely with olive because they are just too bright and bold.

What are complimentary colors to green? ›

Complementary Green Color Scheme

Opposite each other on the color wheel, red and green are natural complements. Here, shades of green pair with dusty pink and coral accents for a fresh take on the classic combo.

What colour matches overtly olive? ›

Overtly Olive works well with off-white cream colour paints like Dulux Just Walnut. Pairing Overtly Olive with a warm, neutral builds an earthy palette.

What colors look good on olive tones? ›

Olive skin
  • Celebrity examples: Jessica Alba, Jessica Szohr, Enrique Iglesias.
  • Colours that look best on you: Orange, red, golden yellow, amber, warm greens, blue, turquoise, moss green, magenta, purple, chocolate brown, creamy whites.

Does olive green go with everything? ›

It is a great color to wear for those who want to add some earthy tones to their outfits, and for anyone looking for a new neutral color to spice up their wardrobe. Yes, you read that right: we consider olive green a neutral, meaning you can pretty much pair it with any color, and most of the time, it'll look great.

Is olive green warm or cool? ›

Olive green would be considered more of a warm color and cranberry red would be considered a cool color. Mixing warm qualities with cool undertones and vise versa creates a neutral dynamic. Pinks, pale blues, cranberry reds, and olive greens are examples of neutral undertones.

Can olive green be a neutral color? ›

Olive can be a neutral and, just like other neutral colors shared in this list, can be combined with other neutrals for a sophisticated and elegant palette.

What are the 3 best colors that go together? ›

If you're looking for a few basic but perennially popular 3 color combinations to kickstart your color palette, think about combinations like:
  • Yellow, red, and blue.
  • Green, orange, and purple.
  • Teal, magenta, and gold.

What are the 2 best colors that go together? ›

Here are some of our favorite two-color combinations.
  1. Yellow and Blue: Playful and Authoritative. ...
  2. Navy and Teal: Soothing or Striking. ...
  3. Black and Orange: Lively and Powerful. ...
  4. Maroon and Peach: Elegant and Tranquil. ...
  5. Deep Purple and Blue: Serene and Dependable. ...
  6. Navy and Orange: Entertaining yet Credible.

What is the most eye catching color combo? ›

Our top 10 best color combinations
  • Black and white. A top “color” combination. ...
  • Leaf green and Yellow. ...
  • Baby pink and blue. ...
  • Cool greys and blues. ...
  • Pantone's Classic Blue with white. ...
  • Pink and grey. ...
  • Pink and black. ...
  • Purple and yellow.
Jan 31, 2020

Do green and grey go together? ›

Greens and greys combined create a refreshing colour palette of versatile hues, and can be complemented by a range of other colours when it comes to styling. Adding pops of Millennial pink will instantly modernise a green and grey room, while pairing with muted yellows or golden browns will bring a cosier feel.

Can different shades of green go together? ›

One of the best ways to use green in your home is to combine several shades of green in the room to create a layered look. These different shades of green will work well together, and they will also work well with any colors you want to add to the scheme.

What is the opposite color of green on the color wheel? ›

The secondary colors are made of a combination of two primary colors: green is a mix of blue and yellow. If you look at the color wheel, every primary color sits opposite a secondary color. This is how we know that the opposite of green, a secondary color, is red, a primary color.

Who looks good in olive green? ›

If you have fair skin.

So, if you're fair skinned with warm undertones, earth-tones will look great on you. Think any shade of brown (even pinkish-brown) and any shade of green- from olive to grass, emerald and lime. Ivory, navy and gray will also look really good on you- they'll compliment your peachy undertones.

What color goes with dusty olive? ›

As olive is warm in its undertone, it's an ideal neutral that teams well with so many other colours, warm blues, orange, coral pink, red-violet and camel to name a few.

What colors go with Tuscan olive? ›

A Tuscan palette could include, warm red, gold, olive green, ochre, eggplant, deep brown, and sky blue. An easy to live with Tuscany-style palette should include more warm than cool colors, with no more than five colors.

What colors make olive skin pop? ›

If you have olive skin that leans cooler, choose cool-toned hair colors like platinum blonde, ash brown, and cool-toned pastels like blue and purple. For those with warmer complexions, shades like honey blonde, chocolate brown, and fantasy shades like pink and orange will be most flattering.

What color goes with olive walls? ›

For a more dynamic contrast, olive green is a color that goes with red, burgundy, cherry and coral – giving a room real zest and giving energy to the space. 'Being opposite sides of the color wheel, red and green are naturally complementary colors.

Does olive look good with brown? ›

Olive green and brown are a warm and rich combination. Together they create masculine feeling spaces. Try painting the walls olive green to help visually brighten the appearance of dark brown furniture.

What season looks good in olive green? ›

Autumn colors are warm, earthy, rich, and can be soft or vibrant. Greens in the Autumn palette range from sage to avocado to moss to bronze to olive.

What does the color olive green mean spiritually? ›

Green represents nature, growth, rebirth, health, hope, and many positive things related to overall wellbeing. One can sense the feeling of belonging and tranquillity whenever one sees this soothing color. It perfectly resonates nature cycle of birth, death, and then rebirth with transformation and new beginnings.

What seasons can wear olive green? ›

Olive is a beautiful warm, muted green color that's perfect to wear year round. It's a great color for casual outfits.

Does terracotta go with olive green? ›

Rust, terracotta, pumpkin and orange are natural partners to the color olive. Other warm fall tones that look great with the green include golds and reds like wines and burgundies.

Is olive green a trendy color? ›

Olive Branch is not very bright and has a few hints of grey, to be worn in combination with black or in total look for sophisticated outfits or in combination with printed garments for trendy looks. Delicate and sober, it is a classic neutral hue, perfect to show off in autumn.
...
Chiffon 000137.
100% SE
139 cm26 g / m

How does olive green make you feel? ›

Olive Green evokes space, wisdom and compassion for humanity. It is also associated with harmony, diplomacy and self-love. The colour has been shown to be associated with camouflage and the army, which in turn symbolises strength, character and also peace.

What 3 colors are considered to be neutral colors? ›

Pure neutrals: The pure neutral color palette includes black, white, brown, and gray, all of which fall under the category of pure color, which means they are fully saturated and do not have an undertone (underlying color).

What is the color code for dark olive green? ›

The RGB dark olive green color code is (85, 107, 47).

What two colors stand out the most? ›

Red and orange seem to be the clear winner when it comes to eye-catching colors. These colors tend to stand out and are therefore used on many warning signs or safety equipment. Yellow is another color that comes in a close second to red and orange in popularity.

What three colors go with everything? ›

Meet your new neutrals. When we think of colors that go with everything, we think of the neutral trio: black, white, and gray.

What two colors should not be seen together? ›

That's because, even though those colors exist, you've probably never seen them. Red-green and yellow-blue are the so-called "forbidden colors." Composed of pairs of hues whose light frequencies automatically cancel each other out in the human eye, they're supposed to be impossible to see simultaneously.

What is the rarest favorite color? ›

Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people. Another interesting survey finding: both men and women increasingly dislike orange as they age!

What colors attract peoples attention? ›

Red is the color of power. It gets people's attention and it holds it, which is why it's the most popular color for marketing. The word SALE is always red, and you'll often find red a common tie color for professionals. When you want to be viewed as trustworthy and cool, blue is the color for you.

What is the 2 most popular eye color? ›

The vast majority of people in the world have brown eyes. The second most common color is blue, but people can also have green, gray, amber, or red eyes. Some people have eyes that are different colors than each other.

What colors do not complement each other? ›

Now, let's move on to the worst color combinations and why you should avoid them in your design and art.
  • Neon and Neon. Neon Cyan and Neon Pink Combination. ...
  • Dark and Dark. Burgundy Red and Dark Swamp Combination. ...
  • Cool and Warm. Asparagus Green and Burning Sand Combination. ...
  • Vibrating Color Combinations.
Nov 12, 2020

Does blue grey and green go together? ›

The green and gray (and blue) mix together to provide a subtly colourful, calm blend that's perfect for a relaxing spa-style bathroom or family-friendly space! The LRV of Sea Salt is 64, so while it's a light colour, it won't reflect as much light into a room as you'd think.

Do grey and sage green go together? ›

Sage green has been growing in popularity for months; you see more sage green kitchens and feature walls than you do navy blue nowadays. And it works so well with grey because they have those same calming, grounding, soft tones and in fact when paired with grey this muted green almost becomes neutral too.

What green colors go with gray? ›

Cool Gray + Green: Cool & Natural

When dealing with cool mid-tone grays that have blue undertones, consider cool green hues like fresh pistachio, light olive, or even a soft turquoise.

Which shade of green is most appealing? ›

The perfect rich hue of green is sage green. It is soft yet bold and can even pass as a neutral when it is placed in a neutral toned room. The beauty of this shade is that with different decor it appears a different color. For example, in a room with blue hues, it will take a blue tone.

Do emerald and olive green go together? ›

Try mint green for a fresh and modern look, or olive green for a more traditional feel. No matter what shade of light green you choose, it's sure to pair nicely with emerald green and create a beautiful space.

How do you mix olive green? ›

For mixing olive green, take a good amount of primary yellow and add a tiny bit of cobalt blue to it. This will result in a deep olive green. If you want to lighten it up a bit add some titanium white to create a light olive green.

Does the color green go with everything? ›

"Any color found in nature can recall a beautiful outdoor space," says designer Phoebe Howard, a fan of sophisticated moss and sages. Or, to put it more succinctly, "Everything looks good with green!" That's right, every single color in the rainbow can go with green when styled thoughtfully.

What are four colors that are adjacent to the green? ›

Solution. Four colors adjacent to 'Green' are 'White', 'Black', 'Brown' and 'Red'.

What are the three neighboring colors one of which is dominant? ›

An analogous color scheme is typically comprised of three colors that fall next to each other on the color wheel: the first is the dominant color, the second is the supporting color, and the third serves as an accent.

What color goes with olive green for a wedding? ›

Olive Green

2023 brides are looking to pair olive green with tones of blush pink, golds, and light brown. In 2021, the color olive green was associated with peace, harmony, and wisdom. These are strong qualities to resemble the union of your marriage.

What skin tone looks good in olive green? ›

The right colors to wear if you have a fair skin tone:

Any earth colors like olive, bright green, brown and beige will look perfect on you. Royal blue, electric blue, subtle red, light pink will only compliment your peachy or cold undertones.

What color curtains go with olive green? ›

Classic white curtains in cotton and sheer fabric is a great choice for olive green walls. It gives the space a light and airy appearance. You may also go for off-white, ivory or cream colour.

What colors go with olive green bridesmaid dresses? ›

Olive Green

Olive pairs well with cream colors, blush tones, and deeper neutrals, so you have lots of options!

What colour furniture goes with olive green walls? ›

In rooms with olive green walls, use a brighter shade of blue, like royal blue, for the upholstery or accessories to add a punch of color. For more modern spaces, use olive green in place of other neutrals. Instead of a gray sofa, opt for a deep olive green.

What colors to avoid with olive skin? ›

Just avoid anything that's drastically red or yellow, she cautions, so that the shade looks as natural as possible. People with olive skin tones should avoid cool foundations, as they can make the skin look ashy, Frederick adds. Blush: Peach, apricot, and rose blushes give olive and neutral complexions a natural flush.

Can cool skin tones wear olive green? ›

If your skin has cool undertones, dark, rich colors can actually look incredibly opulent. Luxurious shades of cool colors will especially highlight your features. Try Hunter Green, Emerald Green, Olive Green, or Navy Blue to successfully bring out your skin's undertones.

Does pink look good on olive skin tone? ›

"Olive skin tones are flattered by vibrant pinks and fuchsia—shades that will reflect some rosy glow against the skin." "Very light, ivory skin tones are best enhanced by a subtle contrast, as in placid blues and blue-greens."

What season do you wear olive green? ›

Olive is a beautiful warm, muted green color that's perfect to wear year round. It's a great color for casual outfits.

Who wears olive green? ›

It is widely used as a camouflage color for uniforms and equipment in the armed forces.

What does olive green symbolize? ›

The meaning of olive green.

Often used to symbolize peace, harmony, and sophistication, olive green is a complex yellowish-green color. As you may have guessed, this color gets its name from green olives. It can also signify perception, empathy, and humankind.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated: 11/26/2023

Views: 6299

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.