Forest green and dark green are similar shades of green that can often be confused with one another. While they may look alike at first glance, there are some key differences between these two greens that set them apart. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at forest green vs dark green and how to tell them apart.
Defining Forest Green
Forest green refers to a medium-dark green color that resembles the color of pine trees and lush vegetation. It’s a rich, verdant shade that brings to mind dense forests and untamed nature. Forest green got its name because it’s the typical color you’d expect to see in an evergreen forest.
Specifically, forest green sits between the green-yellow and blue-green hues on the color spectrum. It has a small amount of yellow which warms up the color and keeps it from appearing too cold. But it also contains a hint of blue which grounds the color and gives it more depth.
In hex code, the standard color forest green is represented by #228B22. In RGB values, forest green is made up of 34 red, 139 green, and 34 blue. It’s a medium-dark shade that’s not too bright, but not too muted either.
Defining Dark Green
Dark green is similar to forest green in that it’s also a rich, deeper green. However, as the name suggests, it sits on the darker end of the green color spectrum. It has more blue undertones which give it a darker, cooler appearance compared to the more yellow-based forest green.
The quintessential dark green is the color of dark pine needles or an evergreen forest at night. It’s deeper and more muted than forest green. Dark green is associated with lush vegetation but also has a somber mood.
In hex code, a typical dark green is #013220. This dark green is made up of 1 red, 50 green, and 32 blue in the RGB color model. So you can see it contains much more blue than forest green, making it darker and deeper.
Comparing Forest Green vs. Dark Green
Now that we’ve defined both forest green and dark green, let’s directly compare the two colors:
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Color Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Green | #228B22 | 34 R, 139 G, 34 B | More yellow |
| Dark Green | #013220 | 1 R, 50 G, 32 B | More blue |
Looking at the color values, you can see how dark green contains much more blue, making it darker and cooler in appearance than forest green. Forest green has more green-yellow, giving it a warmer, brighter look.
Forest green and dark green are similar in that they’re both rich greens reminiscent of lush plant life. But forest green is brighter and more vibrant, while dark green is deeper and more somber.
When to Use Forest Green vs. Dark Green
So when should you opt for forest green over dark green or vice versa? Here are some general guidelines:
- Use forest green when you want a vibrant, lively green. It has an invigorating energy perfect for promoting environmental causes or natural products.
- Choose dark green for a more luxurious, elegant effect. Its deeper hue gives it an air of sophistication.
- Forest green is better for backgrounds as it has enough brightness to stand out behind content. Dark green can be harder to read against.
- Go with dark green for a more serious, professional look. Its cooler tones give it a dignified feel.
- Use forest green in designs aimed at children/teens to feel spirited and youthful. Dark green may come across as too mature.
- Pick dark green for vintage, retro, or grunge aesthetics. Its mutedness fits with those style themes.
Both forest green and dark green work well in nature-inspired designs. Forest green fits better with the bright, lively essence of the wilderness, while dark green captures its darker, more mysterious side.
Forest Green vs. Dark Green in Design
When using forest green and dark green in graphic design, keep these tips in mind:
- Use forest green alongside other vibrant colors like yellow, cyan, and red orange to create energetic, eye-catching designs.
- Pair dark green with black, brown, navy, or gray for a classic, elegant look with sophistication.
- Add white space around forest green so its brightness doesn’t overpower. Dark green is easier on the eyes with fuller saturation.
- Use forest green in gradients, combining it with lime greens, to create a natural, organic look.
- Layer dark green with muted blues and greens for an earthy, botanical feel reminiscent of exotic plants.
Both greens work well in environmental designs, paired with photography of lush leaves, forests, herbs, and more. Forest green makes plant life pop while dark green adds depth.
Forest Green vs. Dark Green Paint Colors
Beyond graphic design, forest green and dark green also see plenty of use as paint colors for home interiors and furniture:
- Forest green works great for feature walls, adding vibrancy to living rooms, dining rooms, and offices.
- Use dark green on trims, cabinets, and doors for detail work. Its richness gives it a luxurious, ornate look.
- Paint a nursery or child’s room in forest green for an energetic, playful feel.
- Choose dark green for studies, libraries, and reading nooks to feel focused yet relaxed.
- Forest green makes a cheerful color for kitchens. Dark green feels more formal for elegant dining spaces.
Benjamin Moore’s Forest Green (2062-10) and Sherwin-Williams’s English Ivy (6208) are examples of forest greens for interiors. For dark greens, look at Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green (2034-10) or Sherwin-Williams’s Downing Earth (6388).
Conclusion
Forest green and dark green are rich shades of green that evoke natural images. Forest green is brighter and more yellow-toned while dark green is deeper with blue undertones. Forest green conveys energy and vibrancy. Dark green feels more elegant and serious.
When working with green colors, consider the mood you want to convey. Vibrant forest green expresses life and vitality. Sophisticated dark green symbolizes growth through adversity. Both are stunning greens that connect with the natural world.
So in summary:
- Forest green is a yellow-based medium-dark green. Dark green is a blue-based deep green.
- Forest green is brighter and more vibrant. Dark green is cooler and more muted.
- Use forest green to energize. Use dark green to add depth and elegance.
- Pair forest green with warm bright colors. Pair dark green with cool dark colors.
- Forest green conveys liveliness. Dark green conveys sophistication.
While the two colors have key differences, both forest green and dark green reflect the beauty and vitality of the natural environment. Choose the right green for your design goals and let your color palette speak volumes.
