Olive yellow is a color that can be described as a yellowish-green or greenish-yellow. It sits somewhere between the true green of olive and the true yellow of lemon. When imagining olive yellow, think of the color of olive fruit just before it ripens fully. While green olives gradually turn more golden or brownish as they ripen, olive yellow captures that transitional in-between stage.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Olive Yellow
So what does the color olive yellow represent and what meanings are associated with it? Here are some key things to know:
- Transition and Change: As mentioned, olive yellow represents the transitional phase between green and yellow, imbuing the color with a sense of gradual transformation and evolution.
- Nature: The olive tree and olive fruit are strong natural symbols, connecting olive yellow to ideas like growth, fertility, and the great outdoors.
- Neutrality: Olive yellow is considered a neutral, versatile color that pairs well with many other shades. It’s not too bold or bright.
- Historic: Olives have an ancient, historic lineage dating back thousands of years. Olive yellow has old world vibes.
- Vintage: Olive green was very on-trend in the 1970s and the muted olive yellow shade has a similar retro appeal.
- Military and Khaki: Olive drab and khaki greens have long been used in military uniforms. Olive yellow has a similar earthy, utilitarian feel.
- Relaxation: Just like green, olive yellow evokes natural serenity, balance, and relaxation. It’s a laidback, calming color.
So in summary, olive yellow symbolizes gradual transition, nature, neutrality, heritage, vintage flair, utility, and calmness. The olive fruit and tree are the closest representations of this color in the natural world.
How Olive Yellow Got Its Name
Olive yellow is named after the olive fruit and olive tree (Olea europaea). Some key facts about olives:
- Olives are a small fruit that grow on olive trees, native to the Mediterranean, Africa, and parts of Asia.
- Olives are green when unripe and turn shades of yellow, brown, or black when fully ripe.
- Olive oil was one of the earliest oils used for cooking, medicine, lamps, and religious rituals.
- The olive branch is an ancient symbol of peace and victory.
- Olives have been cultivated since ancient times – as far back as 3000 to 4000 BC.
- Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco are among the world’s top olive producers today.
Given the strong symbolic meaning and history behind olives, it makes sense that the olive tree’s transitional fruit color inspired the name olive yellow. The olive connotations give the color a natural, earthy, old world feel.
Similar Colors to Olive Yellow
Olive yellow sits in the middle of the color spectrum between green and yellow. Here are some other shades that are similar or closely related:
| Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Chartreuse Yellow | #DFFF00 |
| Apple Green | #8DB600 |
| Avocado | #87A96B |
| Artichoke | #8F9779 |
| Asparagus | #7BA05B |
| Yellow Green | #9ACD32 |
| Olivine | #9AB973 |
As you can see, most similar shades sit on the yellow-green side of the spectrum vs. the blue-green side. They are muted, soft earth tones reminiscent of things found in nature like vegetables, trees, gems, etc. Olive yellow fits right in with these organic, mellow shades.
How to Use Olive Yellow
Now that you understand olive yellow’s symbolism and origins, how is it used in design and decor? Here are some popular ways to utilize this color:
- Neutral backgrounds – Olive yellow works well as a neutral base color for websites, flyers, packaging, and more. Its mellow personality plays well with other colors.
- Paint – Add olive yellow walls or an accent wall in a nursery, dining room, or bedroom. It’s relaxing and natural.
- Textiles – Upholstery, pillows, rugs, and curtains in olive yellow can freshen up a room.
- Weddings – Olive yellow is a trendy wedding color right now, used in details like flowers, stationery, and attire.
- Branding – Its earthy vibe works for eco-friendly, outdoorsy, or natural food brands.
- Bathrooms – Pair it with white subway tiles and wood accents for a spa-like vibe.
- Kitchens – Olive yellow evokes herbs, olives, and Tuscan cuisine. Use in a Mediterranean kitchen.
Olive yellow is commonly paired with neutral shades like cream and tan or with other natural tones like sage green, rust orange, and slate grey. Avoid matching it with very bright or bold colors, as they will clash with its natural, muted vibe. Instead let olive yellow’s softness shine.
Olive Yellow Paint Colors
If you’re looking for that perfect olive yellow for your next paint project, here are some top options from major paint brands:
| Brand | Paint Color Name |
|---|---|
| Behr | Clover Field |
| Benjamin Moore | October Mist |
| Sherwin-Williams | Repose Gray |
| Valspar | Heirloom Tomato |
| PPG | Sweet Olive |
Sample these olive-inspired shades on a wall before fully committing. Colors look different in larger spaces than on small swatches. Test in both natural and artificial light. Olive yellows are flexible but may pull more green or gold depending on the light.
Conclusion
Olive yellow beautifully straddles the line between green and yellow. It captures the earthy essence of the olive fruit after which it was named. This transitional shade symbolizes gradual change, connection to nature, neutrality, history, and tranquility. In design and decor, olive yellow works well in backgrounds, paint projects, textiles, weddings, branding, bathrooms, and kitchens. Sample versatile olive-themed paint colors from top brands to find the perfect match. Let olive yellow bring a breath of fresh yet comfortable color into your life.