Forest green is a rich, dark green color that evokes the deep hues found in nature. It’s a popular color choice for everything from interior design to graphic design. But with so many shades of green out there, what exactly qualifies as forest green? Let’s take a closer look at this earthy color.
The Origins of Forest Green
Forest green gets its name from the lush green tones found in forests, trees, and other plant life. It’s meant to capture the deep, vibrant green shades you’d see while walking through the woods on a summer day.
Some credit 18th century French author Mme de Genlis for coining the term “forest green” when describing the color of the lichen on oak bark. However, the first recorded use of the name was in 1810 in a book titled “Ackermann’s Repository of Arts.” By the late 19th century, forest green had emerged as a popular decorative color, used in home furnishing fabrics and wallpapers.
Defining the Shade
So how do we define forest green exactly? In the world of color, green is considered a secondary color made by mixing the primary colors yellow and blue. Forest green sits on the darker end of the green family.
| Color Model | Forest Green Values |
|---|---|
| RGB | R: 34, G: 139, B: 34 |
| CMYK | C: 75, M: 0, Y: 100, K: 45 |
| HEX | #228B22 |
| Pantone | Pantone 349 |
These values help precisely identify the forest green color across different color models and systems. The RGB model uses amounts of red, green, and blue light to create colors on screens. CMYK refers to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks used for printing. HEX and Pantone codes provide standardized color references.
Comparing Forest Green to Other Greens
Forest green is darker and richer than basic green. It also differs from other deep greens like hunter green and pine green. Here’s how forest green stacks up:
| Green | Description |
|---|---|
| Forest Green | Deep, warm green with some yellow tones. Earthy and natural. |
| Hunter Green | Very dark green with a blueish cast. Matte finish. |
| Pine Green | Grayish muted green. More yellow-green than forest green. |
| Green | Bright green. Strong yellow undertone. |
Forest green sits somewhere between basic green and very dark hunter green in terms of shade. It gets some vibrancy from its yellow undertone but still stays muted and natural compared to brighter greens.
Forest Green in Design and Fashion
Forest green’s natural, down-to-earth appeal has made it a fixture in design and fashion. Some key uses of this color include:
- Interior home décor – Forest green is an elegant neutral that pairs well with other colors. It’s commonly used in living rooms, dens, libraries, and studies.
- Landscaping – The lush shade is perfect for blending manmade elements like patio furniture into the natural greens found outside.
- Graphic design – Forest green works great for environmental graphics, outdoorsy brands, gardening companies, etc. It brings a natural feel.
- Logos and branding – Major brands like Starbucks, Animal Planet, and REI have used forest green in their logos and branding to connect to nature.
- Packaging – Forest green packaging helps products feel organic, wholesome, and earthy.
- Fashion – Darker forest greens work well for winter clothing, handbags, and accessories. Lighter shades complement spring and summer looks.
The versatility of forest green makes it a go-to shade for all sorts of design applications.
How Lighting Affects Forest Green
Something important to remember about forest green is that its appearance changes quite a bit based on lighting conditions. It can shift between a very dark shade to a lighter, brighter green.
| Lighting | Forest Green Appearance |
|---|---|
| Natural Daylight | Vibrant, yellow-toned green |
| Warm Incandescent | Muted, olive-toned green |
| Cool Fluorescent | Dull, dark hunter green |
The warm glow of the sun brings out forest green’s yellow brightness. Incandescent bulbs give it an earthy olive tone. But fluorescents can make it look dull and dirty. Keep these light shifts in mind when incorporating forest green in your space.
Paint Options for Achieving Forest Green
If you’re looking to paint a room, furniture, or any other project forest green, you have plenty of paint color options to choose from. Here are a few top forest green paint colors from major brands:
- Benjamin Moore – Naturel (2063-10)
- Sherwin-Williams – Renwick Olive Green (6117)
- Behr – Forest Floor (MQ3-16)
- Valspar – Nordic Evergreen (6004-7A)
- PPG – Laurel Grove (PPG1144-3)
Paint samples and swatches are the best way to find your ideal forest green shade. Be sure to view paint colors in real life before making a final pick, since the online colors won’t always be accurate.
Conclusion
Forest green is an ever-popular color that brings the essence of nature to any space. While many greens exist, forest green sits in a special place between basic green and very dark hunter greens. Its earthy, yellow-toned vibe works great for everything from graphic tees to elegant living rooms. Just keep in mind that lighting conditions can really impact how forest green looks. With the right paint color and lighting setup, you can bring a beautiful, woodsy ambiance to your home or workspace with the natural tranquility of forest green.
