Deep olive green is a rich, earthy color that can pair beautifully with a variety of other colors in fashion, interior design, and beyond. As a neutral shade, olive green offers a great deal of flexibility and can be mixed and matched in many aesthetically pleasing ways. In this article, we’ll explore the best color combinations with deep olive green to help you make the most of this complex hue.
Warm neutrals
Pairing olive green with warm neutral tones helps bring out the earthiness of the color. Shades like beige, tan, light brown, and sand all work nicely:
| Beige | A soft neutral that creates an organic, natural look |
| Light brown | Adds a subtle richness while still keeping things neutral |
| Tan | Warm and calming, tan helps olive green feel more laidback |
| Sand | The perfect neutral pairing for a beachy olive green palette |
These camel-like tones bring out the golden yellow undertones in olive green for a harmonious, grounded color scheme. The warmth of neutrals offsets the coolness of olive green, creating a soothing balanced effect. For interior design, pair an olive green sofa or accent chair with beige walls for a relaxing living room. In fashion, olive green pants or a jacket coordinate seamlessly with tan shoes or a brown handbag.
Earth tones
Shades of brown, tan and terra-cotta also mix beautifully with olive green. Rich earth tones like chocolate brown, rust red, mustard yellow and brick red help give olive green an organic, nature-inspired look. Pair a deep forest green sweater with medium brown pants or rust-colored booties for an earthy fall ensemble. In a bedroom, layer olive green and chocolate brown textiles for a cozy cabin vibe. Mustard yellow throws and pillows can brighten up an olive green couch or chair. Use terra-cotta vases and bowls as accent pieces to bring warmth to an olive green decor palette.
Black and gray
For an edgier, more modern look, olive green pairs well with darker neutrals like black and gray. Charcoal gray has a hint of cool blue that works nicely with olive’s green undertones, while black provides crisp contrast. Wear an olive green skirt or dress with a black leather jacket on top for a chic monochromatic look. Gray trousers or a gray blazer help tone down olive green for the office. At home, layer olive and charcoal bedding and towels for a sophisticated, spa-like bathroom. Keep accessories like frames, vases and candles black for a dramatic flair against an olive green wall. The rich yet neutral pairing creates an elegant, upscale effect.
Navy blue
An olive green and navy blue color palette brings together two classic, versatile shades. The cool blue of navy balances perfectly against olive’s earthy warmth. Navy gives olive green a refined nautical vibe, while the green keeps navy from looking too cold. Pair an olive coat with a navy turtleneck and jeans during the fall. Use olive and navy together in beach house decor for relaxing coastal style. Navy blue throw pillows on an olive sofa or olive drapes against navy walls create effortless harmony. For men, an olive sweater with navy slacks or navy sport coat makes a handsome, sophisticated outfit.
Greens
Don’t be afraid to pair olive green with other shades of green for an eye-catching monochromatic scheme. Lighter greens like sage, mint and seafoam have a fresh, spring-like vibe that brightens up olive’s moodiness. Deep forest green makes olive feel richer and more luxurious. Olive green walls or furniture punctuated with lime green, emerald or jade green accent pieces create vibrant harmony. Mix different green textures like velvet, linen and wool for depth. For an organic look, use multi-colored green patterns and prints together, like an olive green couch with a sage green rug or mint pillows.
Light blues
Soft muted blues complement olive green in a breezy, tranquil way. Hues like powder blue, sky blue, light aqua and robin’s egg blue combine beautifully with olive for a relaxing color palette. In a bedroom, try light blue walls with an olive green headboard, bedding and armchair. For summer, pair an olive green sundress with sky blue jewelry and accessories. Use robin’s egg blue vases and bowls to lighten up shelves or side tables against an olive green backdrop. On cool spring days, wear olive green with a powder blue denim jacket and ballet flats. The blend of green and blue has a serene, spa-like effect.
Burgundy
For an elegant, vintage-inspired look, bring together olive green and burgundy. The deep red-wine hue has old-world richness that works harmoniously with olive green’s earthy spirit. An olive green sofa takes on a traditional flair with burgundy and gold patterned pillows. Wear a burgundy turtleneck sweater under an olive green overcoat for timeless fall style. In the kitchen, display olive green ceramic pieces against burgundy walls or cabinetry. Use a mix of textures like velvet, linen and leather in the two colors for luxurious depth. The soothing combo feels plush and romantic.
Coral
Vibrant shades of coral and orange lend an energizing pop of color to balance olive green’s earthy moodiness. Pairing olive with warm pink-orange tones like peach, salmon, cantaloupe and papaya creates a vibrant Mediterranean palette. In children’s spaces, coral art, bedding and furnishings brighten up an olive green backdrop. An olive dress enlivens any summer look when worn with coral jewelry and heels. For dining rooms, mix olive walls with a coral patterned rug and papaya dining chairs. In the garden, salmon and peach colored flowers stand out beautifully against olive green shrubbery.
Purple
From pale lilac to bold eggplant, shades of purple make an unexpected yet delightful pairing with olive green. The union of a warm and cool color is always eye-catching. Pale purple has a softening effect on olive green – try a subtle lilac pillow with olive bedding for a soothing bedroom. Deep plums, lavenders and mauves make olive green feel richer and more opulent. Incorporate bright pops of violet and fuchsia for a vibrant, fantasy-inspired look. Green and purple combine beautifully in nature, so use them liberally in garden plantings. Unite the two colors in bohemian style decor or fairytale cottage rooms.
Cream
For an airy spring-like feel, softly blend olive green with creamy off-white and ivory tones. Cream has a brightening effect that keeps olive green looking fresh instead of murky. An olive green table runner pops against a cream tablecloth or table setting. In a bedroom, use olive sheets and shams with ivory painted furniture for peaceful style. Cream lampshades light up an olive green living room or office. For a beach house, combine olive and cream in striped cushions, throw pillows and area rugs. Outside, cream blooming flowers stand out delicately against olive green garden walls and trellises.
Yellow
Clear and sunny yellow brings out the golden undertones of olive green in cheerful fashion. All shades of yellow work nicely – try buttery yellow, goldenrod, sunflower, dandelion, lemon and daffodil. In an entryway or mudroom, make a bold statement with olive green lockers or coat racks against a yellow wall. Use olive and yellow in children’s rooms for an uplifting color palette. In the kitchen, display yellow dishware inside olive green cabinets for a rustic Tuscan feel. Outside, pair yellow patio furniture with olive green outdoor cushions. Cheerful yellow and olive green create an optimistic, welcoming ambiance.
Conclusion
With its versatility and richness, deep olive green partners elegantly with a wide range of colors for home decor, fashion, entertaining and more. Warm neutrals like tan, beige and light brown bring out the natural earthiness of olive green. Vibrant tones like coral, yellow and aqua provide vibrant contrast. Classic color combos like navy and olive or burgundy and olive create timeless sophistication. And shades of purple, gray, blue and green form harmonious olive-based color schemes. So embrace this rich green hue, and explore the many possibilities for stylish and soothing color palettes with deep olive green.
