When comparing the colors sage and olive, one of the key considerations is the darkness or lightness of each shade. Both sage and olive are considered neutral earth tones that can work well in home decor and fashion. However, they have slightly different properties that make one darker than the other.
Defining Sage and Olive Colors
Sage is generally defined as a pale, grayish green color. It gets its name from the herb sage, which has soft grayish green leaves. Sage has a cool, muted tone that provides an airy, refreshing feel. It is lighter and brighter than classic green with a subtle gray undertone.
Olive is a yellowish green color, like the fruit of the olive tree. It is deeper and more complex than regular green. Olive has some gray tones like sage, but also contains strong yellow undertones. This gives it an earthy, warm vibe.
Comparing Lightness Values
One way to compare the lightness of sage and olive is by looking at their positions on a color wheel or hue chart. Sage falls in the #BECEB8 to #86886B range, while olive is typically #BAB86C to #6D751A.
In color theory, colors are assigned a lightness value between 0 (pure black) and 100 (pure white). Generally, sage colors have lightness values between 80-95. Olive colors are lower on the scale with lightness values of 45-75.
For example, in HTML color codes:
| Color | HTML Code | Lightness Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sage | #C0CBBF | 85 |
| Olive | #728F69 | 55 |
This shows that the typical sage is around 30 points lighter than olive in terms of lightness value.
Brightness and Saturation
In addition to lightness, sage and olive differ in brightness and saturation. Brightness refers to the overall intensity of a color. Sage tends to be brighter, while olive is more muted. Saturation is about the vibrancy or grayness of a color. Sage is generally less saturated than olive.
When colors have similar hues, the more saturated color often appears darker. Olive’s higher saturation compared to sage is another factor making it the deeper shade. The brightness and saturation differences stem from olive’s yellow tones that energize the color.
Viewing Sage and Olive Shades
The easiest way to compare sage and olive is by looking at color swatches side by side. Many paint brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have their own versions of sage and olive. Examining these paint chips shows olive as the unambiguously darker choice.
For example, Behr’s Backwoods Sage PPU18-14 and organic Olive PPU18-13 are almost identical in hue. However, Olive is several shades darker than Sage when viewed next to each other. Benjamin Moore’s Derby Sage 2062-70 and Kendall Olive HC-114 also show Olive as the deeper, richer color.
Fabric swatches, home decor items, and clothing in sage and olive shades further illustrate that olive reads as a dark neutral while sage is more of a light, spring-like neutral.
Sage and Olive in Design
When using sage and olive colors in interior design, olive works better in spaces wanting a moodier, cozier feel given its darker profile. Sage reads as more light and open due to its airy vibe. Olive pairs well with deeper tones like navy, brown and crimson. Sage complements lighter colors like beige, light blue and peach.
In fashion, olive flatters darker complexions and brings warmth to winter color palettes. Sage works well for spring and summer and suits those with fair, rosy skin tones. Olive makes a versatile neutral in handbags, shoes and cool weather apparel. Sage is a fresh accent color for highlights and pastels.
Mixing and Comparing Sage and Olive
The most direct way to compare sage and olive is by taking green paint and physically mixing in white, black, gray or brown to alter the darkness and see if it becomes sage or olive. Typically, sage is created by mixing in white/gray and olive by adding black/brown/yellow.
Digital color mixers are another handy tool. By inputting a sage or olive base and sliding between white and black, the darkness difference becomes evident. For example, in Adobe Color CC, #C3CBB1 shifts from sage to olive by decreasing brightness from 93% to 65% and adding black.
Conclusion
In summary, while sage and olive are similar muted green neutrals, olive is decidedly a darker, deeper shade. This is clear when examining their lightness values, brightness, saturation and position on a color wheel. Olive also appears several shades darker when sage and olive paint chips, fabric swatches, and other items are viewed side by side. So when deciding between sage or olive, keep in mind olive’s darker, earthy profile compared to the lighter, spring-like vibe of sage.
