Olive green and forest green are both earthy green shades that can work beautifully together in the right context. Determining if these two greens go well together depends on the specific shades chosen and how they are combined in an outfit or decor scheme.
The Characteristics of Olive Green
Olive green is a yellow-green hue that takes its name from the color of unripe olives. It has a bright, golden undertone that gives it a vibrant, sunny appearance. Olive green can range from a pale, pastel-like yellow-green to a deeper khaki-tinged green.
In fashion, olive green is considered a neutral color that is versatile and complementary to many skin tones. It is a staple color for military and utility clothing. Olive green also represents peace and tranquility, historically worn by popes and priests. It brings to mind the olive branch, a symbol of peace.
The Characteristics of Forest Green
Forest green refers to the lush, deep green tone seen in pine forests. It is a very dark green with bluish undertones. Forest green is associated with vitality, freshness, and the great outdoors.
In design, forest green represents growth, resilience, and renewal. It is a popular color for creating a natural, earthy look. Forest green is a staple fall color and is commonly used in rustic, cabin, and country style decor.
Comparing Olive Green and Forest Green
While both are green shades, olive green and forest green are quite different from each other. Here is a comparison of their main characteristics:
| Characteristic | Olive Green | Forest Green |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Yellow-green | Blue-green |
| Tone | Bright, golden | Deep, muted |
| Shade Variations | Light to mid-range | Very dark |
| Mood | Cheerful, peaceful | Natural, rustic |
As you can see, olive green is brighter and more golden-toned while forest green is much darker with blue undertones. Olive green is a light to medium shade while forest green sits on the deeper end of the spectrum.
Coordinating Olive Green and Forest Green
Olive green and forest green work best together when there is enough contrast between them. Pairing a lighter olive green with a deep forest green prevents the colors from blending together..
Here are some tips for coordinating these shades:
- Use forest green as the dominant color and olive green as an accent. For example, a forest green sofa with olive green throw pillows.
- Pair a pale olive green with a rich pine or emerald forest green. The light olive green prevents the deep forest tones from feeling too dark and overwhelming.
- Incorporating neutrals like white, tan, or denim blue helps transition between the two greens.
- Add pops of contrasting colors like orange, yellow, or red to brighten up the combination.
Olive Green and Forest Green Color Schemes
There are a few color theory approaches you can use to combine olive green and forest green in aesthetically pleasing ways:
Analogous Color Scheme
An analogous scheme uses hues that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Olive green and forest green work in an analogous pairing because they are both earthy greens.
To make them pop, add an accent color like yellow or red in small doses. Just make sure the forest green has enough depth so it doesn’t blend in with the olive shade.
Triadic Color Scheme
A triadic scheme uses three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. Olive green, forest green, and a reddish-orange hue like rust or terra-cotta form a triadic palette.
This combination provides a vibrant contrast while keeping an earthy, nature-inspired feel. The rusty red-orange prevents the greens from feeling too dull.
Split Complementary Scheme
This scheme uses one base color, then two hues on either side of the base’s complement. For olive green, its complement is red-violet. Forest green and a red-orange hue are on either side of red-violet on the wheel.
This creates contrast and visual interest. The red-violet complement harmonizes with both greens instead of clashing with them.
Home Decor Color Combinations
Olive green and forest green work nicely together in home interiors. Here are some effective ways to coordinate them in your decor:
- Living room – Forest green sofa, olive green armchair, navy blue ottoman, wood end tables
- Dining room – Olive green wall color, forest green rug, brass chandelier, white table and chairs
- Bedroom -Forest green headboard, olive green bedding, white curtains
- Kitchen – Olive green subway tile backsplash, forest green cabinets, stainless steel appliances
- Bathroom – Olive green walls, forest green towels and mats, white tile floors
Aim for 60-30-10 ratio – 60% forest green, 30% olive green, 10% neutral like white or wood tones. The neutral helps the greens feel unified versus clashing.
Fashion Color Combinations
For clothing and fashion, lighter olive greens pair best with deep forest greens. Here are some stylish ways to wear these two shades:
- Olive green dress with forest green heels and handbag
- Olive green pants with forest green sweater or blazer on top
- Forest green coat with olive green scarf and gloves
- Olive green romper or jumpsuit with forest green kimono or cardigan
- Forest green maxi skirt with olive green tank tucked in
Aim for olive green on top when pairing with forest green bottoms or dresses. The lighter shade near the face helps flatter most complexions.
Conclusion
Olive green and forest green work great together when you choose the right shades and balance them out well. Stick to lighter olive greens with deeper forest greens. Add neutral tones like white, tan, denim to make the colors more cohesive. And you can always throw in a bright accent color like yellow for extra pop. With the right approach, these two earthy greens can create a gorgeous, nature-inspired color palette.