Olive green and navy blue are both versatile neutral colors that can work well together in fashion and interior decorating. Determining if olive green goes with navy blue depends on the shade and tone of each color, as well as the accompanying colors and textures in an outfit or room. With some tips for stylish color pairing, olive green and navy blue can make a sophisticated color combination.
Complementary Color Theory
According to color theory, olive green and navy blue are considered complementary colors. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create a strong visual contrast when paired together. However, complementary colors can work well together if they are skillfully balanced.
The key is to ensure the olive green has warm, golden undertones that connect it to the navy blue. Olive green that veers into cool, muted territory would clash next to the deep vibrancy of navy. The olive green should have a richness that complements the intensity of the navy.
Olive Green and Navy Blue in Fashion
In fashion, olive green and navy blue can make a smart, stylish pairing. Olive green pants, skirt, or dress will contrast beautifully against a top in navy blue. For an alternative look, pair an olive green top with navy blue bottoms.
Here are some tips for wearing olive green with navy blue clothing:
– Choose a rich green with golden undertones, rather than a dull or khaki olive green.
– Add a pop of color with a bright scarf or shoes in yellow, pink or red. This helps tie the two colors together.
– Layer a printed olive green kimono or cardigan over a solid navy dress. Mixing prints and solids helps create a cohesive look.
– Accessorize with metallics like gold or silver jewelry to complement the warm olive green.
– Try a pattern like olive green floral against solid navy to soften the color pairing.
– Make sure the tones of the two colors work well together, rather than clashing. Avoid a pale olive green with an overly bright navy.
| Olive Green Shade | Navy Blue Shade |
|---|---|
| Golden, yellow-toned | Mid-range, not too bright |
| Deep, muted | Bright, saturated |
| Pale, light | Deep, dark |
Olive Green and Navy Blue for Home Decor
For home decor and interior design, olive green and navy blue create a stylish color scheme that can work for every room in the house. These classic colors offer a timeless, sophisticated look.
Here are some tips for decorating with olive green and navy blue:
– Use olive green on larger surfaces like walls or large furniture. Navy then works beautifully for accent pieces like pillows, throws, accessories.
– Try deep olive green walls in a home office or library paired with a navy blue area rug and window treatments.
– Paint built-in bookshelves olive green and style with navy and white decorative objects.
– Choose a rich olive green sofa or armchair and layer navy and white striped throw pillows.
– Pair a navy blue quilt or duvet with olive green sheets and shams in a cozy bedroom.
– Contrast olive green kitchen cabinetry with a navy blue ceramic tile backsplash.
– Ground the color scheme with neutral tones like white, tan and light wood furnishings. This prevents the green and blue from becoming overwhelming.
| Large Surface | Accent Piece |
|---|---|
| Olive green walls | Navy pillows |
| Olive green sofa | Navy rug |
| Olive green cabinets | Navy backsplash |
Avoiding Clashes Between Olive Green and Navy Blue
Though olive green and navy blue work beautifully together, getting the balance right is key. To avoid clashes:
– Steer clear of a green with blue undertones, as this fights with the navy instead of complementing. Stick to green with yellow/golden tones.
– Don’t pair a pale green with an overly deep navy – this creates too much contrast. Choose shades with similar depth of color.
– Watch out for green and blue patterns together, especially similar hues, as this can become visually overwhelming. Offset with neutral solids.
– Don’t use pure primary versions of the colors. Seek out muted, softer shades instead for a sophisticated look.
– Add warmth with creams, tans, metallics and rich wood tones. This enhances the earthy green and grounds the blue.
– Too many cool accent colors will over-emphasize the green and blue. Incorporate warm tones like peach, yellow or red.
Conclusion
Olive green and navy blue can pair beautifully together. The key is choosing shades with the right undertones and depths to complement each other. Olive green should veer warm, while navy leans toward a mid-range brightness. Adding creams and warm metallics creates a cohesive, stylish look. In both fashion and interior decor, olive green and navy blue make a versatile and timeless color combination. Following some basic guidelines for color harmony helps these two sophisticated neutrals work seamlessly together in any design.
