A greenish brown color is a hue that combines the colors green and brown. It has an earthy, natural feel that can work in many design schemes. Determining the exact shade you want can take some experimenting, as greenish browns range from dark mossy tones to light khaki. Understanding the basics of color theory and how to mix paints makes achieving the perfect greenish brown much easier.
Defining Greenish Browns
Greenish browns sit in the middle of the color spectrum, blending elements of a tertiary green and a secondary brown. The addition of green takes the orange undertones of brown and neutralizes them. Likewise, mixing in brown cuts the intensity of green. The result is a muted, natural tone.
There are many shades of greenish brown. Lighter versions have more green and approach an olive drab. As more brown is added, the tones get deeper, ending in rich earthy hues. Greenish browns work well with cream, tan, gray, and terracotta.
The Color Wheel
Looking at a color wheel helps explain how greenish browns are derived. This color blending occurs because green and brown are adjacent hues. Brown sits between red and yellow, containing aspects of both. Green falls between yellow and blue. Combining these two creates a harmonious, subdued secondary color.
| Color | Hue Family |
|---|---|
| Green | Primary |
| Brown | Secondary |
| Greenish Brown | Tertiary |
The color wheel demonstrates that green and brown have a common grounding in yellow. Mixing a primary and secondary color that share this connection results in a balanced, pleasant tone.
Mixing Greenish Browns
There are a couple ways to go about mixing a greenish brown. With paint, start with a brown base and add small amounts of green until you achieve the desired hue. Alternately, create a green base modified by brown.
Here are some specific combos for common paint types:
Watercolors:
– Raw sienna + sap green
– Burnt umber + olive green
Acrylics:
– Burnt umber + sap green
– Raw sienna + viridian
Oils:
– Yellow ochre + chromium oxide green
– Burnt sienna + phthalo green
When working digitally with RGB values, go for lowered intensity greens and browns. For example:
– R: 100, G: 115, B: 50
– R: 130, G: 130, B: 90
Mixing analogous browns and greens results in natural, harmonious greenish brown tones.
Shades of Greenish Brown
There are many shades within the greenish brown family. Lighter, desaturated versions can read as beige or olive. Darker shades appear more purely brown. Here are some specific shades and their RGB values:
Olivine: R: 153, G: 153, B: 102
Olivine is a light greenish tan, the color of olive wood. It is muted without being dusty.
Phthalo Green Brown: R: 83, G: 93, B: 48
This is a rich, deeper greenish brown with a yellow-green cast. The brown earthiness cuts the intensity of the green.
Army Green Brown: R: 70, G: 57, B: 46
A dark, utilitarian shade similar to the color of old army uniforms. This is a predominantly brown hue grounded with subtle olive undertones.
Yellow Oxide: R: 153, G: 143, B: 62
Yellow oxide is a medium-light greenish brown. Lower saturation gives it a subdued, natural feel.
| Shade | RGB Values |
|---|---|
| Olivine | R: 153, G: 153, B: 102 |
| Phthalo Green Brown | R: 83, G: 93, B: 48 |
| Army Green Brown | R: 70, G: 57, B: 46 |
| Yellow Oxide | R: 153, G: 143, B: 62 |
With various amounts of green and brown pigment, many subdued natural tones can be created.
Decorating with Greenish Browns
Greenish brown works beautifully in home interiors. It has an earthy feel that creates a relaxed mood. Here are some ideas for decorating with shades of greenish brown:
Wall Color
Lighter greenish browns like olivine can brighten up a dark room. Use a deeper army green brown for a cozy library or study.
Furniture
Stain wooden furniture in hues like raw umber complemented with greenish brown upholstery. This vintage look pairs nicely with antique brass hardware.
Accessories
Choose pillows, throws, rugs and other accents in greenish brown tones. This is an easy way to incorporate the color without overpowering a space.
Kitchen Cabinets
For a natural kitchen, opt for cabinetry in yellow oxide or phthalo green brown. Paired with marble countertops, the look is fresh yet classic.
Bathrooms
Deeper greenish browns lend a relaxing spa-like ambiance. Use it on the walls or in tiles paired with cream, beige and wood textures.
Clothing and Fabrics
Beyond home decor, greenish browns work well in clothing and fabrics. They pair nicely with denim, cream, black and olive.
Jackets and Coats
Leather or suede jackets in yellow oxide or olive brown have a vintage military vibe. For women’s coats, choose olivine or phthalo green brown felt or wool.
Trousers
Khaki-colored pants are a type of light greenish tan. Pair them with darker brown shoes and belt. For women, wear army green brown leggings with greenish toned sweatshirts.
Ties and Scarves
Richer greenish neckties complement charcoal and navy suits. Olive brown pashminas provide neutral contrast to colorful outfits.
Handbags
Greenish brown handbags are versatile and sophisticated. Shades like raw umber complement black, camel, and red bags in your closet.
Conclusion
Greenish brown is an intriguing blend of two colors from opposite sides of the wheel. The earthiness of brown softened by subtle green creates natural, harmonious hues. Ranging from light olive tones to deep mossy browns, the variations are endless.
Greenish browns work well in home design, clothing, and fabric. They provide a relaxing, organic look in environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Olive greens, army browns, and yellow oxides blend beautifully with other neutrals in your wardrobe.
So explore the possibilities with greenish browns. They allow you to add a subtle pop of color while still keeping a muted, soothing palette. Nature serves as the inspiration for these colors, bringing a sense of the organic indoors.
