Dark green is a rich, deep shade of the color green. Understanding the contrast of dark green can help designers and artists make effective color choices. This article will examine the contrast of dark green against other colors and provide recommendations for pairing dark green in visual designs.
The Color Wheel Contrast of Dark Green
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel, green is located between yellow and blue. Dark green sits opposite red on the color wheel. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel provide the maximum amount of contrast. This makes red the color with the most contrast against dark green.
Other colors that have strong contrast against dark green include:
– Orange – Located next to red on the color wheel
– Purple – Located next to red on the color wheel
– Pink – A tint of red
– Yellow – The complement of purple
Colors located close together on the color wheel have low contrast. Colors with low contrast against dark green include:
– Blue – Located next to green on the wheel
– Cyan – A tint of blue
– Turquoise – A mix of blue and green
– Teal – A darker shade of cyan
Value Contrast of Dark Green
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. The value contrast between two colors is determined by how light or dark they are compared to each other.
Dark green has a very low value as it is a very deep, dark shade of green. This means dark green will have high value contrast against light, pale colors. Examples of light colors with strong value contrast against dark green include:
– White
– Cream
– Light gray
– Pastel pink
– Pastel blue
– Pastel purple
Dark green will have low value contrast against other dark colors. Examples of dark colors with low value contrast against dark green include:
– Black
– Dark gray
– Dark blue
– Dark purple
– Dark red
| Color | Value Contrast Level with Dark Green |
|---|---|
| White | High contrast |
| Cream | High contrast |
| Light gray | High contrast |
| Pastel pink | High contrast |
| Pastel blue | High contrast |
| Pastel purple | High contrast |
| Black | Low contrast |
| Dark gray | Low contrast |
| Dark blue | Low contrast |
| Dark purple | Low contrast |
| Dark red | Low contrast |
Saturation Contrast of Dark Green
Color saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color. Highly saturated colors are vivid and bright, while low saturation colors are more muted and grayish.
Dark green has a low level of saturation. This means it will contrast strongly against highly saturated, intense colors. Examples of saturated colors that contrast well with dark green include:
– Bright red
– Vivid orange
– Intense yellow
– Electric blue
– Magenta
Colors with low saturation like pale pastels will have low contrast against the muted dark green. Soft unsaturated colors that have low contrast with dark green include:
– Pastel pink
– Baby blue
– Lavender purple
– Seafoam green
– Tan
Complementary Colors for Dark Green
The complementary color for any shade of green, including dark green, is red. Red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel creating maximum contrast.
Different shades of red that complement dark green well include:
– Bright cherry red
– Brick red
– Scarlet
– Crimson
Shades like burgundy and maroon are less vibrant versions of red that can also complement dark green in more subtle combinations.
Analogous Color Schemes with Dark Green
Analogous colors are groups of three or four colors located next to each other on the color wheel. Analogous schemes are easy on the eyes but still provide some contrast.
Some examples of analogous schemes using dark green include:
– Dark green, teal, turquoise
– Dark green, teal, navy blue
– Dark green, olive, army green
– Dark green, hunter green, forest green
Triadic Color Schemes with Dark Green
A triadic scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This creates high contrast and visual interest.
Some triadic options with dark green include:
– Dark green, bright orange, magenta
– Dark green, red-violet, yellow
Split Complementary Color Schemes with Dark Green
The split complementary scheme uses one color, then the two colors on either side of its complement. This provides both contrast and harmony.
Some split complementary schemes with dark green include:
– Dark green, red-orange, red-violet
– Dark green, bright pink, burgundy
Tetradic/Rectangle Color Schemes with Dark Green
A tetradic scheme uses four colors from the color wheel that form a rectangle. This creates bold, dramatic contrast effects.
Some tetradic schemes with dark green:
– Dark green, red, yellow, blue
– Dark green, scarlet, turquoise, violet
Square Color Schemes with Dark Green
The square scheme uses four colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. This scheme is bold and vibrant.
Some square schemes with dark green:
– Dark green, red, yellow, violet
– Dark green, scarlet, sky blue, olive green
Monochromatic Color Schemes with Dark Green
A monochromatic scheme uses different shades, tints and tones of one color. This creates a subdued, sophisticated look.
Different monochromatic shades with dark green include:
– Dark green, forest green, olive green
– Dark green, hunter green, sea green
– Dark green, emerald green, jade green
Conclusion
Dark green has strong contrast against light, bright, saturated colors like red, pink, orange, yellow, and magenta. It has low contrast against darker, muted colors like blue, purple, burgundy, and navy.
Complementary, triadic, and tetradic color schemes create vibrant contrast effects with dark green. Analogous and monochromatic schemes are more subdued and soothing.
Knowing the contrasts of dark green can help apply it effectively in design, fashion, decorating, illustration, and more. Combining it strategically with contrasting or complementary colors allows dark green to stand out or blend in as desired. With its versatile contrasts, dark green is an impactful color for creating memorable and aesthetically pleasing designs.
