The Best Olive Green Paint Colors
For some reason paint, colorful paint, in particular, has always scared me. It seems like some people just throw a new paint color on the wall yearly but knowing myself, once it's on, it probably won't be changed for... well ever. That's why when I decided I was going to paint my son’s room olive green, I wanted to find the perfect olive green paint color.
If you are considering painting a room olive green, I wanted to share some of the shades and colors I tried, my favorites, and answer your questions about how to use olive green paint colors in your home.
When I first started considering olive green paint colors, I thought I wanted something pretty dark and moody. I have really been drawn to bold, dark rooms recently and I thought it would be a perfect fit for my son’s room upgrade.
After going through what felt like a million options online and in-store, I settled on 3 to try first. Paint is so interesting -- it can look so drastically different depending on where it is. I also think it looks much different on the paper samples than it does when it's actually painted on the wall, so I wanted to actually test the paint on the walls.
The first colors I considered:
The first three olive green paint colors I tried were:
I was sure that one of these three would make the cut, but as soon as I put them on the wall and they started to dry I knew they were not the right fit for this project.
While I wanted my son's room to look sophisticated, I realized these deep olive greens were a little bit *too* sophisticated for a kid's room. I felt like they belonged in a library that housed a bourbon collection and leather-bound books, not a toddler boy's room.
What were other Olive Green Paint Colors you considered?
I went back to the drawing board and started looking for olive green paint colors that didn't feel as heavy and serious, but still had a sophistication to them.
This time the options I landed on were:
I really didn't think Benjamin Moore Louisburg green was going to be what I was looking for, but everything was reading darker once it was on the wall so I decided to try it out just in case.
Once it was on the wall I fell in love with Benjamin Moore Tate Olive but there was still something that felt a bit too serious about it. I am considering using it in another room in the house or maybe even on the kitchen island?! Who knows!
Which Olive Green Paint Color did you end up choosing?
When I saw the Benjamin Moore Louisburg green on the wall I knew I had finally found the perfect olive green paint color for a kid's room. It had an unexpected depth to it but also a softness that felt fun and playful. I love that it will "grow" with him for years to come and that it doesn't feel too young like some nursery colors feel, you know?
Once I finally made the decision, we got to work. My father-in-law is a very serious perfectionist so I took advantage of that when he came down for a visit to get the perfect straight line about 2/3 up the wall. For the white, we used a classic, Benjamin Moore Simply White.
When I finally took the tape off it was gorgeous. It turned out even better than I expected! We still have some finishing touches to put in the room but I think we're about 90% there. At some point in the near future, we will swap his crib for a full-sized bed and I'll finish styling the room and do a full room tour. For now, I'm really happy with how the Louisburg Green paint color turned out!
Does olive green paint color go well with other shades of green?
Olive green is a versatile color that can beautifully complement other shades of green. It has a warm and earthy undertone that pairs well with various greens, creating a harmonious and natural look.
When choosing other shades of green to pair with olive green, it's essential to consider the color wheel. Colors that are adjacent or analogous to olive green on the color wheel will naturally harmonize. This means that greens such as sage, moss, and lime green will work well together, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing color scheme.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a monochromatic palette by choosing different shades and tones of green. For example, combining olive green with darker shades like forest green or emerald green can create a rich and sophisticated atmosphere.
If you prefer a contrasting effect, you can pair olive green with complementary colors. Red is the complementary color of green, so adding touches of a deeper red, such as burgundy or maroon, can create a striking and dynamic contrast.
When using olive green as a primary color, it's essential to consider the overall aesthetic and mood you want to achieve in your space. If you're aiming for a calming and serene environment, lighter shades of green like mint or celadon can be paired with olive green to create a soothing and refreshing ambiance.
On the other hand, if you want to make a bold statement, combining olive green with vibrant and intense shades like lime or chartreuse can create a lively and energetic atmosphere.
What color would look best when paired with an olive green paint color?
When it comes to pairing colors with olive green, there are several options that can create a harmonious and visually appealing combination. The best color to pair with olive green largely depends on the desired mood, style, and overall look you want to achieve in your space. Here are a few color suggestions that work well with olive green:
1. Cream or Beige: Pairing olive green with cream or beige creates a sophisticated and earthy color scheme. The neutral tones of cream or beige complement the natural undertones of olive green, resulting in a warm and inviting ambiance.
2. Rust or Burnt Orange: If you're looking to create a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere, consider pairing olive green with rust or burnt orange. These warm, earthy tones add depth and visual interest to the space while creating a cozy and autumn-inspired feel.
3. Navy Blue: For a more contrasting and refined look, navy blue can be a great choice. The deep hue of navy blue adds a touch of elegance and sophistication when paired with olive green. This combination works particularly well in spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.
4. Gray: For a more modern and versatile pairing, consider combining olive green with different shades of gray. Whether you opt for a light gray or a dark charcoal gray, the combination of olive green and gray creates a sleek and contemporary look. This color pairing works well in spaces like kitchens or home offices.
5. Pink or Coral: For a softer and more feminine look, consider pairing olive green with shades of pink or coral. These warm and delicate tones create a gentle and romantic atmosphere when combined with olive green. This color combination works well in spaces like bedrooms or nurseries.
6. Gold or Brass: For a touch of luxury and glamour, consider pairing olive green with gold or brass accents. The rich and warm tones of gold or brass complement the earthy undertones of olive green, creating a sophisticated and opulent look. This color combination works well in spaces like dining rooms or home libraries.
Ultimately, the best color to pair with olive green depends on your personal style and the desired mood of your space. Experiment with different color combinations to find the one that resonates with you and creates the ambiance you want to achieve.
Does olive green paint color work best in small or large spaces?
Olive green paint color can work well in both small and large spaces, depending on the overall design goals and desired ambiance of the room.
In small spaces, olive green can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The earthy tone of olive green can make a room feel warm and inviting, which is especially beneficial in compact areas where you want to create a sense of comfort.
Additionally, olive green can visually expand a small space when paired with light-colored furniture and accessories, as it creates a nice contrast and draws the eye. Using olive green as an accent wall or through furnishings and decor items can also add depth and interest to a small space.
On the other hand, olive green can also work well in large spaces. The rich and organic nature of this color can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a larger room. It has the ability to make a space feel more grounded and connected to nature, which can be particularly desirable in open and expansive areas.
Olive green can be used on all walls in a large space, creating a sense of unity, or as a focal point through statement furniture or artwork. When combined with other earthy tones or neutrals, olive green can create a harmonious and balanced look, making the space feel cohesive and well-designed.
Should I use a matte or glossy finish when painting with an olive green paint color?
When it comes to choosing between a matte or glossy finish for painting with an olive green paint color, it ultimately depends on the desired look and the surface you are painting.
Matte Finish:
A matte finish is a non-reflective, flat finish that does not have a shine or sheen. It can create a more subtle and muted appearance, giving a softer and more organic feel to the olive green color. A matte finish is commonly used in areas where you want to hide imperfections on the surface, as it tends to minimize any bumps or texture irregularities.
If you're going for a more natural and earthy look, matte is the way to go. It can work well in living rooms, bedrooms, or any space where you want to create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Additionally, if you're painting an accent wall or using olive green as a background color, a matte finish can help the other elements of the room stand out more.
Glossy Finish:
A glossy finish, on the other hand, has a reflective and shiny appearance. It can add depth and vibrancy to the olive green color, making it more eye-catching. A glossy finish is known for its durability and ease of cleaning, which makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways.
If you want to make a statement or create a more modern and polished look, a glossy finish might be more appropriate. It can enhance the richness of the olive green shade and give it a luxurious and sophisticated feel. However, it's important to note that a glossy finish can also highlight any imperfections on the surface, so make sure the area is properly prepared before applying the paint.
Let me know if you use any of these colors and if you have any favorites of your own!
