When it comes to mixing colors, orange and green are considered complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other. When complementary colors are mixed together, they have the ability to neutralize each other. The resulting color when orange and green are combined depends on the exact shades used and the proportions they are mixed in.
Mixing Paints
If you mix orange and green paints together, the resulting color will be a brownish, olive or khaki shade. The exact hue that results will depend on how much of each color is used. If there is more orange paint than green, the mixed color will lean slightly towards a brownish orange. With more green paint, the mix will take on a muted olive tone.
This is because orange is made up of red and yellow, while green contains blue and yellow. When combined, the red and blue neutralize each other, leaving behind a shade dominated by yellow. This gives the muddy, brownish olive color.
Mixing Light
When it comes to mixing colored light instead of pigments, the resulting color from combining orange and green is different. This is because the physics of light work differently than paint mixtures.
With light, orange and green do not neutralize each other. Instead, they combine to create a bright yellow hue. This occurs because the red and green light overlap to form yellow, while the green and orange overlap to make yellow as well. With all three primary colors of light present, the result is a vivid yellow.
Color Wheel Mixing
On the traditional color wheel, orange is located between red and yellow, at around 30 degrees. Green is directly opposite orange at 150 degrees. When looking at popular shades, orange tends to be around the Pantone 1375C marker, while green is closest to Pantone 370C.
When these precise complementary colors are mixed, they create an olive brown tone. This can be seen by drawing a line between the two colors on the wheel, which passes through the browns and olive shades between the primaries. The exact hue depends on the proportions of each color used.
Mixing Paint Pigments
Here is a table showing some common paint pigment mixtures between orange and green:
| Orange Pigment | Green Pigment | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Cadmium Orange | Sap Green | Yellow Olive |
| Burnt Orange | Hooker’s Green | Brown Khaki |
| Orange Oxide | Phthalo Green | Muted Olive |
As you can see, mixing a warm orange with a cool green generally produces a neutral olive or khaki type of color. The exact hue depends on the starting shades used.
Mixing Decorative Colors
When it comes to home decorating, orange and green are commonly paired together as complementary colors. This could involve paints, fabrics, furniture and other decorative elements.
Some popular decorative color combinations include:
- Burnt orange and forest green
- Peach orange and lime green
- Terracotta orange and mint green
- Coral orange and seafoam green
These lively color schemes create an invigorating, yet balanced look. The orange energizes, while the green calms. Used together, they provide a harmonious decorative palette.
Psychology of the Color Mix
Orange and green have contrasting psychological effects. Orange is energetic and vibrant. It represents creativity, happiness and adventure. Green has a more balancing, peaceful influence. It symbolizes growth, renewal and harmony with nature.
When combined, these complementary psychological traits interact to create a color mix that is both stimulating and tranquil. It provides the lively pop of orange with the stability of green. This makes an appealing palette for many interior design applications.
Analogous Color Harmony
While orange and green directly oppose each other on the color wheel, analogous shades can also be mixed together in color harmony. Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel.
Some examples of analogous orange and green combinations include:
- Red orange and yellow green
- Orange red and green yellow
- Yellow orange and chartreuse green
These mixings have less contrast than directly opposing shades. But they can still produce aesthetically pleasing, harmonious palettes for design and decor.
Split Complementary Schemes
A split complementary color plan takes one base color and pairs it with the two colors on either side of its complement. This provides a versatile and pleasing color scheme.
Some split complementary combinations with orange and green include:
- Orange, blue green and yellow green
- Green, red orange and yellow orange
- Burnt orange, green teal and spring green
These create the contrast of the complement scheme, with the added nuance of the split colors on each side. This gives more options for shades and interest.
Triadic Color Mixing
Triadic color harmonies use three colors spaced evenly around the color wheel. When orange and green are involved, this usually brings in a shade of violet or purple.
Some examples of triadic color mixes include:
- Orange, green and purple
- Red orange, yellow green and blue violet
- Burnt orange, forest green and orchid
These triads provide contrast while also balancing all three colors attractively. The effect is bold yet harmonious.
Tetradic Schemes
Tetradic color plans use two complementary pairs of colors. One common tetradic scheme with orange and green uses the complement pairs of orange and blue along with yellow and violet.
Color tetrad examples:
- Orange, green, cobalt blue and violet
- Burnt orange, moss green, navy blue and plum
- Pumpkin orange, mint green, sapphire blue and lilac
These schemes have a vibrant, lively look with plenty of color contrast. The balance of the complement pairs keeps the mix feeling cohesive.
Monochromatic Mixing
While orange and green generally mix to form browns, adding white to the color mix provides more options. By lightening the saturation, muted, harmonious monochromatic palettes can be created.
Some monochromatic orange-green blends include:
- Off white, pale orange and sage green
- Eggshell white, ocher and mint
- Cream, peach and seafoam
Keeping the tones soft and muted in this way creates an understated, soothing color experience.
Neutrals and Greys
For more subtle, neutral palettes, orange and green tints can mix together with whites, greys and black.
Examples include:
- Grey, burnt orange and forest green
- Black, terracotta and sage green
- White, peach and soft green
This allows the orange and green to play a more subtle supporting role, adding hints of color interest to an otherwise neutral color plan.
Bold and Vibrant Contrast
While muted orange and green looks have their place, the colors can also combine in bold, dramatic palettes with strong contrast.
Some examples of vibrant orange and green combinations:
- Bright tangerine and lime green
- Neon orange and acid green
- Fire orange and grass green
These lively pairings are energizing and invigorating. They combine the sparks of orange and freshness of green in an electrifying mix.
Warm and Cool Contrast
Orange and green represent the intersection of warm and cool colors. This contrast is part of what gives them visual interest when combined.
Some warm orange and cool green pairings:
- Coral orange and mint green
- Pumpkin orange and sea green
- Terracotta orange and forest green
The temperature difference adds another layer of contrast and depth. It helps make the mix of the two colors even more vibrant and appealing.
High and Low Saturation
Varying the saturation levels of the orange and green adds another element of contrast. Combining very saturated tones with paler pastels can give attractive results.
Examples with high and low saturation:
- Deep burnt orange and light sage
- Dusky orange and pale green
- Bright tangerine and seafoam
These combinations are eye-catching yet easy on the senses, with plenty of visual interest.
Conclusion
The combination of orange and green offers endless possibilities, from bold complementary contrasts to soothing analogous hues. While they generally mix to form browns, the range of shades and saturation levels allows for versatile, aesthetically appealing palettes. Whether used in design, decorating or any creative endeavor, orange and green provide a vibrant, harmonious mix.