When green and brown are mixed together, the resulting color can vary depending on the exact shades used and the proportions they are combined in. Green is made up of blue and yellow, while brown contains red, blue, and yellow. By adjusting these components, different colors can be created.
Mixing Green and Brown Paint
If you mix together green and brown paint, the resulting color will depend on the exact pigments used in each paint. Here are some examples of colors you might get:
- Forest green and chocolate brown make an earthy olive green
- Lime green and light brown make a muted khaki green
- Dark green and dark brown make a very dark, desaturated green that looks almost black
In general, mixing a darker shade of green with a darker shade of brown will result in a dark, muddy looking color. Combining a lighter green and brown will make a soft, olive green. The brownhelps desaturate the green and mute its brightness.
Mixing Green and Brown Pigments
When working with pigments, such as paints, dyes, or inks, combining green and brown pigments results in a dark, earthy color.
Here is an overview of common green and brown pigments and what happens when they are mixed:
| Green Pigment | Brown Pigment | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Phthalocyanine green | Burnt umber | Dark olive green |
| Viridian | Raw umber | Muted khaki green |
| Sap green | Sepia | Soft mossy green |
As shown, combining a vibrant green like phthalocyanine green with a deep brown like burnt umber results in a rich, dark olive color. Mixing a duller green like sap green with a brown like sepia makes for a softer, more muted green.
Mixing Green and Brown Light
When it comes to light, green and brown are complementary colors. This means they cancel each other out to produce a neutral, desaturated color.
For example, shining a green light and brown light at the same surface results in a grayish, muddy appearance. This is because green light mainly stimulates the medium and short cone cells in our eyes, while brown light stimulates the long and medium cone cells. When combined, the two even out the stimulation of the cone cells to remove any strong color.
The same principle applies to mixing green and brown colored light. Combining beams of green and brown light will produce a dull, neutral hue depending on the exact shades used.
Mixing Green and Brown Dyes
When it comes to fabric dyes, green and brown can be mixed to create all sorts of earthy, rustic colors. Here are some examples:
- Avocado green + chocolate brown = forest green
- Mint green + cinnamon brown = mossy green
- Lime green + nut brown = olive green
The resulting colors have a weathered, vintage look. Darker shades of green and brown result in richer, warmer earth tones. Lighter shades create more subtle, cool earth tones.
| Green Dye | Brown Dye | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Dark green | Dark brown | Deep forest green |
| Avocado green | Cinnamon brown | Moss green |
| Sea green | Beige | Dull olive green |
For a bold, woodsy look, combining a rich green with a chocolate brown dye works well. For a more subtle, earthy effect, try pairing a grayish green with a light tan or beige brown.
Mixing Food Colors
When it comes to mixing green and brown food coloring, darker shades tend to mix together to create very dark, muted hues. Lighter shades will make olive and mossy greens.
Here are some examples of mixing common food colors:
- Forest green + black = very dark green
- Sea green + caramel = khaki green
- Mint + cocoa powder = dark mossy green
For a fun effect, try making a marble cake with green and brown food coloring swirled together. The colors will blend in interesting ways for a multi-toned, earthy design.
Combining Green and Brown Icing
Green and brown icing can be swirled together to decorate cakes and cookies. Here are some examples of colors you can create:
| Green Icing | Brown Icing | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Mint green | Chocolate | Forest green |
| Neon green | Cappuccino | Dull mossy green |
| Lime green | Caramel | Muted lime green |
The brown icing helps mute and dull the bright green colors into more earthy-looking shades. You can also sprinkle brown sugar or cocoa powder directly onto green icing to create a marbled effect.
Combining Green and Brown Eyeshadow
When it comes to makeup, green and brown eyeshadow can be blended together to create flattering, natural looks. Some combinations include:
- Olive green + medium brown = hazel green
- Forest green + dark brown = deep mossy green
- Sea green + sand = muted teal
Use brown shadow in the crease and outer corners to ground brighter greens. Try combing green liner with brown shadow smoked out. This makes green pop while still looking wearable.
Mixing Green and Brown Hair Dye
For an edgy look, you can mix green and brown hair dye together. Pastel green and caramel brown will make a subtle green-tinted brunette. Or try forest green mixed with espresso brown for a grungy look.
Some examples of mixing hair dyes include:
| Green Dye | Brown Dye | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Mint green | Golden brown | Honey brunette |
| Seafoam green | Ash brown | Subtle green-gray |
| Neon green | Chocolate brown | Dark forest green |
The resulting hair has dimension and depth, with the brown softening the vibrancy of the green. Be sure to pre-lighten hair first for the color to show up. And do a test strand to check the color before applying it all over.
Combining Green and Brown Thread
For sewing projects, pairing green and brown thread together provides an earthy, natural look. It works well for items like quilts, pillows, apparel and more.
Some examples of green and brown thread combinations include:
- Moss green and walnut brown for a woodland theme
- Olive green and khaki for camouflage
- Mint and chocolate for a vintage vibe
Brown thread helps ground and mute brighter greens. For best results, match the darkness of the green and brown. And consider adding in other colors like tan, slate blue or ivory to complement the green and brown.
Mixing Green and Brown Leather
Combining green and brown leather can create an earthy, luxury aesthetic. Some ways to mix them include:
- Olive green bag with brown leather straps
- Brown leather sofa with green accent pillows
- Green leather jacket paired with brown boots
Again, choosing shades of similar depth works best. Pair a richer hunter green with a chocolate brown. Or try sea green with beige leather for a more subtle look.
Conclusion
When mixed together, green and brown make for natural, earthy color combinations. The exact resulting shades can vary based on the types of green and brown used and the proportions they are combined in.
In general, darker greens and browns mix to make deep forest hues. Lighter shades create olive and mossy greens. For a weathered, earthy effect, green and brown work beautifully together across paint, dye, food, cosmetics, hair color, thread, leather and more.
So next time you’re looking to mute a bright green or add interest to basic brown, try combining it with its earthy color complement. The possibilities of green and brown are rich and dynamic.
