Dark green is a deep, rich shade of the color green. It is often associated with nature, growth, renewal, and lush foliage. Finding the right mix of colors to create the perfect dark green can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore what colors combine to make stunning shades of dark green.
Adding Black to Green
One of the easiest ways to darken a green color is by adding black to it. Black is the darkest color on the color wheel, so adding even a small amount will quickly deepen and darken a green shade.
Start with a basic green color and add a touch of black paint, dye, or ink. Adding too much black can make the green appear dull or muddy, so add it slowly until you achieve the darkness you want. Here are some examples of greens darkened with black:
- Kelly green + black = deep forest green
- Lime green + black = dark olive green
- Mint green + black = deep emerald green
Adding just 5-10% black to a bright green gives you a lush dark green. Go slowly, you can always add more black if needed.
Combining Complementary Colors
Another way to make a rich dark green is by mixing colors on opposite sides of the color wheel. These opposite colors are called complements. The complement of green is red, so mixing green and red makes brownish shades perfect for dark green.
Start with a red and green in equal parts and adjust the ratio until you get the darkness you want. Here are some examples:
- Green + maroon = dark forest green
- Green + burgundy = deep pine green
- Bright green + deep red = deep emerald green
You can use this technique with paint, dyes, ink, or even when mixing light for theater lighting gels. The more red you add, the darker and more muted the green will become.
Adding Brown
Another good way to darken green is by mixing in earthy brown colors. Browns are essentially very dark oranges, so they complement the green nicely.
Start by adding a small amount of brown paint, dye, or ink to your original green shade. Here are some combinations that work well:
- Mint green + brown = forest green
- Lime green + brown = mossy green
- Green + dark brown = deep pine green
You can use any shade of brown, from beige to tan to dark brown. The more brown you add, the more muted and darker the green will get. Brown with hints of orange or red will create especially deep, lush hues.
Mixing Analogous Colors
You can also mix colors next to each other on the color wheel to create dark green shades. These are called analogous colors. Try mixing:
- Green + yellow = muted olive green
- Green + blue = deep pine green
- Green + purple = deep forest green
Adjust the ratio of the colors to achieve the exact shade of dark green you want. Add more yellow for an earthy olive tone, more blue for a rich pine, and more purple to get a darker forest green.
Darkening with White
It may seem counterintuitive, but adding white to green can also create some gorgeous dark shades. The white desaturates the green, making it more neutral and muted.
Try starting with a bright green and add white in small amounts until you get a pleasing dark green. Some examples include:
- Lime green + white = muted sage green
- Mint green + white = soft celadon green
- Neon green + white = neutral olive green
Too much white will make the green look dull or greyish, so use a light touch when mixing. Start with 10% white and work up from there for rich, muted dark greens.
Mixing Greens with Greys
For a slightly different approach, you can mix greys and greens to create sophisticated shades. Try combining:
- Green + charcoal grey = hunter green
- Green + grey = muted sage green
- Green + black + white = deep pine green
Cool greys and greens work nicely together, creating subtle, cooled-down hues. The more grey you add, the more restrained the green will become.
Using Color Theory
Understanding color theory can help you mix the perfect dark green shade every time. Keep these tips in mind:
- Add a small amount of complementary colors like red and green to create lush browns
- Mix analogous colors like blue, green and yellow for olive and mossy tones
- Add blacks, browns or grey to deepen and mute bright greens
- Mix in white to desaturate and darken intense greens
- Balance warm and cool tones to achieve the temperature you want
Adjust the ratios as you mix and test samples on paper until you get the exact deep, dark green you’re looking for. Taking the time to experiment will give you beautiful results.
Dark Green Color Mixing Recipes
Here are some specific recipes for mixing up gorgeous shades of rich, dark green:
| Dark Green Shade | Mix Ratio |
|---|---|
| Hunter green | 50% forest green + 50% black |
| Deep jungle green | 60% emerald green + 40% black |
| Dark olive green | 70% olive green + 30% black |
| Deep forest green | 60% green + 25% purple + 15% black |
| Dark mossy green | 70% green + 30% brown |
| Pine green | 60% green + 25% blue + 15% black |
Feel free to adjust the ratios based on how dark you want the final color to be. Adding more black, brown or complementary colors will deepen the green.
How Lighting Affects Dark Green
The way lighting hits a dark green shade can dramatically affect how it looks. Here’s how different lighting conditions impact the color:
- In daylight – it will look rich, vivid and intense
- Under soft white lighting – the green will look slightly desaturated and muted
- Under warm incandescent lights – orangey undertones may come through, shifting it towards olive
- In shadow – the dark green will look even deeper and darker
- In bright light – more vibrant lighter tones may be revealed
Test your mixed greens under different lighting conditions to make sure you get the look you want. Cool, natural lighting generally enhances deep green shades the most.
Dark Green Color Palettes
Deep greens pair beautifully with other nature-inspired colors to create stunning palettes. Here are some examples of colors that work well with rich dark greens:
- Neutrals – black, grey, white, tan, taupe
- Browns – chocolate, cocoa, caramel, hazelnut
- Blues – navy, cobalt, sapphire, steel blue
- Purples – plum, eggplant, lilac, wine
- Yellows – gold, ochre, amber
Choose a neutral like black for high contrast, softer browns and blues for harmony, or shades like purple and gold to complement the green. Creating a full color palette around your deep green base will give you a pulled-together, pro look.
How to Decorate with Dark Green
Deep, luxurious shades of green work great in all kinds of interior design schemes. Here are some tips for decorating with dark green:
- Paint walls in dining rooms, libraries, studies, and bedrooms using deep shades like forest, emerald or hunter green.
- Use as an accent wall in a neutral room to add drama and sophistication. The rich color will really pop.
- Choose dark green fabrics like velvet, linen and chenille on upholstered furniture and window treatments.
- Select emerald and moss greens for rugs and pillows to create a nature-inspired look.
- Bring in potted plants like ferns, ivy and palms to complement the earthy tones.
Dark green is traditional yet fresh, and works in almost any style from modern farmhouse to art deco. Don’t be afraid to go bold with this timeless, dramatic color!
Clothing & Accessories in Dark Green
Deep green clothing and accessories make perfect wardrobe additions. Here are some ways to wear this stylish shade:
- Solid green dresses – try knee length or maxi dresses in emerald, hunter and forest greens
- Green coats and jackets – choose wool peacoats, trench coats or leather jackets
- Dark wash denim with green undertones paired with green tops
- Cashmere green sweaters in crewneck and turtleneck styles
- Scarves, hats, gloves in mossy, olive and sage greens
Deep greens pair perfectly with neutrals like black, grey, white and denim for timeless, sophisticated color combinations that work for the office, weekends and nights out.
Conclusion
Creating lush, beautiful shades of dark green is easy when you use the right color mixing techniques. Combining complementary colors, adding blacks and browns, and adjusting tones using color theory principles will help you achieve the perfect deep green hue. Use these harmonious, dramatic greens in any design, decor or fashion project. Dark green is the new neutral and works beautifully all year round for a fresh yet grounded look.
