Light olive green is a soft, muted shade of green that has a yellowish-brown tint to it. It sits between the true greens and the olive greens on the color spectrum, bringing warmth and subtlety to any space. Determining what colors can be mixed to create light olive green requires an understanding of color theory and paint mixing. With some experimentation using primary colors and brown or gray pigments, you can easily achieve this versatile, organic-feeling green.
The Characteristics of Light Olive Green
Light olive green is often described as a grayish or brownish green. It lacks the vividness of grass green or emerald green. Instead, it has a natural, subdued quality reminiscent of green olives or moss. This makes it work well as a neutral shade. Light olive green can provide a calm, earthy backdrop without being too attention-grabbing.
Specifically, light olive green sits between the web colors olive and yellow-green on the color wheel. It has notable amounts of yellow and black or gray mixed into the green pigment. This results in a muted, dusty-looking color. However, light olive green remains distinctly green in hue and is not actually a shade of brown or gray.
Achieving Light Olive Green By Mixing Colors
Mixing paint colors to produce light olive green relies on blending a yellowish green with a neutral color like white, black, or gray. The exact mixture can vary based on how bright or subdued you want the final green color to appear. Here are some options:
Yellow-Green + White
Adding white paint to a greenish-yellow, like lemon or chartreuse yellow, will soften the color and give it a light olive green look. Start with a 2:1 ratio of yellow to white. Adjust from there based on the starting yellow tone and your desired hue.
Yellow + Blue + White
Another option is to start with primary yellow and primary blue paints. Mix the yellow and blue together to initially produce green. Then add white paint to dilute the color towards light olive green. The more white you add, the softer the green becomes.
Green + Black or Gray
Mixing a true green color, such as sap or forest green, with a black or gray paint produces a muted, olive-like green. Use a higher proportion of neutral color to achieve a grayish light olive shade.
Green + Brown
Browns have a warm, earthy quality that naturally shifts green into olive tones. Mix a green with a small amount of brown paint or dye and the result will be reminiscent of olives. Increase the ratio of brown to make the green more neutral.
Adjusting Tones and Brightness
The brightness and warmth of light olive green can be fine-tuned by changing the paint ratios. Here are some variations to try:
- More yellow gives light olive green a brighter, yellow-leaning appearance
- More blue results in a cooler, grayer-looking light olive green
- Adding more white pigment makes light olive green softer and more faded
- Increasing brown or black pigment creates a deeper, earthier olive green
Test out these adjustments with acrylic, oil, or watercolor paints to get the exact light olive green tone you want. Mixing is necessary to control the subtleties of this color. Pre-mixed paints labeled as light olive may not capture the desired hue.
Light Olive Green in Design and Decor
In interior design and decoration, light olive green is valued for its versatility and natural look. Here are some popular ways to incorporate this muted green:
Paint Color
Light olive green makes for a relaxing, neutral wall color. It has enough color to provide visual interest without overwhelming a room. The soft, earthy tone works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Textiles
From upholstery to pillows to rugs, light olive green is an easy way to interject style. It pairs nicely with warm neutrals like tan or cream. The color also complements rich metals and wood finishes.
Kitchen Design
For those wanting a warmer, more inviting kitchen, light olive green is an alternative to stark whites. Use it on lower cabinets paired with wood uppers, or try it on the wall for a cohesive look. Stainless steel and butcher block tabletops coordinate well.
Bathroom Accents
Introduce light olive green through bathroom towels, rugs, shower curtains or ceramic accessories. This color scheme helps create a soothing, spa-like environment. Contrast it with white subway tiles and neutral fixtures.
Outdoor Living Areas
From patio furniture to shutters to front doors, light olive green makes for a refreshing outdoor color. It has the versatility to work for country cottage, contemporary or transitional home styles. The natural tone suits outdoor spaces.
Light Olive Green Color Combinations
Here are some pleasing color schemes using light olive green:
Neutrals – Light olive pairs attractively with creams, taupes, light to medium browns and navy blue. These combinations are calming and sophisticated.
Warm Metallics – Brass, copper and bronze accent details pop against light olive backdrops. This creates an elegant, finished look.
Crisp Whites – Doors, moldings and fixtures in bright white provide nice contrast and visually lighten olive green walls.
Natural Wood Tones – Hardwood flooring, furniture and cabinetry in oak, walnut and bamboo coordinate seamlessly with light olive.
Earthy Tones – Colors like sand, cinnamon and terracotta complement the muted green in a nature-inspired palette.
Rich Blues – From cobalt to sapphire to teal, deep blues make an energizing pairing with dusty light olive green.
Vibrant Yellows – Lemon, saffron and mustard yellows pop against light olive backdrops, creating cheerful, spring-like palettes.
Matching Light Olive Green in Nature
When trying to find real-life inspiration for decorating with light olive green, look to nature. This color can be seen in:
- Green olives
- Silver green foliage like dusty miller or lamb’s ear
- Lichen growing on tree bark
- Moss blanketing the forest floor
- Overcast skies before stormy weather
- Sage green leaves
Observe the olive tones that exist outdoors in plants and landscapes. This can help you recognize how to capture the natural essence of this color. Decorating with light olive green allows you to bring the outdoors in.
Choosing Light Olive Green Paint
When selecting a light olive green paint color, it helps to reference paint brand color names and codes. Here are some specific shades to look for:
Benjamin Moore – Fieldstone Green (460)
Sherwin Williams – Online (SW 7064)
Behr – Roasted Poblano (MQ3-13)
Valspar – Gravel Stone (5007-2A)
PPG Paints – Sweet Olive (PPG1143-3)
Paint chips and swatches can help you hone in on the perfect light olive green for your space. The lighting in a room can influence how the color appears as well. Sample the green paint on walls before fully committing.
Other Ways to Use Light Olive Green
While often associated with home decor, light olive green can be incorporated into other areas as well, including:
Fashion – Clothing, handbags and accessories in light olive complement most skin tones. Pair olive coats and jackets with blue denim and white tops.
Stationery – For wedding invitations, scrapbooking and stationery, light olive provides an earthy, neutral background option.
Promotional Materials – Light olive green prints well for business cards, brochures, packaging and branding.
Digital Design – Web sites, blogs, social media platforms and apps can utilize light olive for borders, backgrounds and accents.
Manufactured Products – Automobiles, appliances and consumer goods come in light olive shades to appeal to design trends.
Conclusion
Light olive green is a versatile, livable color option. By mixing primary paints and understanding color relationships, you can easily achieve this muted green tone. Light olive works well in home decor, fashion, media, manufacturing and digital design. Observe examples of this color in nature and paint swatch samples as references for your own olive-colored project. With its earthy sophistication and green appeal, this on-trend yet timeless shade is one to try.