Olive green is one of those colors that never seems to go out of style.
It’s got that perfect blend of earthy warmth and sophistication—like the color of a serene forest or a cozy vintage armchair you can’t help but sink into.
Whether you’re after a soft, faded green or something richer and more intense, olive green brings a natural calm to a space, making it feel inviting without being overpowering.
In this post, I’m sharing 25 of my favorite olive green paint colors, each with its own personality.
Some are light and fresh, others are deep and moody, but all of them have that timeless, grounded feel that’s hard to beat.
What are Olive Green Paint Colors?
Olive green paint colors draw inspiration from the natural world, mimicking the earthy and muted shades of olive trees, their leaves, and the fruit itself.
Olive green combines green, yellow, and brown, creating a rich, earthy tone that can range from soft and subtle to deep and dramatic.
What sets olive green apart from other greens is its inherent warmth and neutrality—it’s not as vibrant as a traditional green, nor as cool and blue-leaning as some greens.
This makes olive green incredibly versatile and able to adapt to a wide range of interior styles.
Olive green colors often feature an underlying hint of brown or gray, which gives them a grounded, organic feel.
Some olive shades lean more yellow, making them feel fresh and lively, while others move toward a darker, almost khaki-like hue that feels cozy and sophisticated.
Whether you’re aiming for a more muted, subtle green or a darker, more intense shade, olive green brings depth, calm, and natural warmth into any space.
It’s one of those timeless colors that can bring a modern edge or a rustic charm, depending on how it’s styled.
Where to Use Olive Green Paint Colors
Olive green is surprisingly adaptable, making it a fantastic choice for almost every room in your home. Here’s a breakdown of where this beautiful color can shine:
1. Living Rooms:
Olive green works beautifully in living rooms because it brings warmth without being too bold or overpowering. Lighter olive tones, like Sherwin Williams Green Onyx or Benjamin Moore Thicket, are ideal for creating a calm, inviting space. Darker olives, like Sherwin Williams Olive Grove or Benjamin Moore Dark Olive, can give your living room a rich, luxurious feel. Use it on walls, accent pieces like pillows or curtains, or even on furniture to introduce this color while keeping the overall tone soft and welcoming.
2. Kitchens:
Olive green is especially popular for kitchen cabinets. Lighter shades, like Sherwin Williams Lemon Verbena, can add freshness and personality to a kitchen without clashing with other elements. For a more rustic look, deeper olives like Benjamin Moore Oregano or Farrow & Ball Bancha can give your kitchen a warm, organic vibe. Pair olive cabinets with brass or gold hardware for a chic, contemporary twist.
3. Bathrooms:
Olive green can create a spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms. Lighter tones like Sherwin Williams Sassy Green or Benjamin Moore Olive Tree work great in powder rooms or full bathrooms, where they bring in nature’s calm without feeling too dark. If you want to make a statement, darker olives like Sherwin Williams Relentless Olive can give your bathroom a moody, sophisticated vibe.
4. Bedrooms:
Olive green is perfect for creating a restful, serene atmosphere in bedrooms. Opt for a softer olive, like Benjamin Moore Hiking Path or Sherwin Williams Baby Bok Choy, for a calming, organic touch. Darker olives like Benjamin Moore Forest Floor can make the room feel cozy and intimate, especially if paired with luxurious textiles and warm wood tones.
5. Entryways and Hallways:
Olive green is a fantastic choice for entryways, creating a welcoming and natural first impression. The deep, earthy tones can also add a sense of richness to smaller spaces like hallways. Consider using darker olive shades in these areas to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Colors to Pair with Olive Green
Olive green’s versatility means it can pair with a variety of colors, from neutrals to bolder shades. Here are some fantastic color combinations to consider:
1. Neutrals:
Olive green is a natural complement to neutrals like whites, creams, and grays. Lighter shades of olive, like Green Onyx or Lemon Verbena, pair beautifully with soft whites or warm creams for a light, airy look. For darker olives, like Forest Floor or Dark Olive, try pairing them with soft, off-white tones or light gray to balance the depth of the green.
2. Warm Wood Tones:
Olive green and wood go hand-in-hand. The earthy, organic quality of olive green works wonders with natural wood, especially tones like oak, walnut, and reclaimed wood. Pairing olive green walls or cabinetry with warm wooden elements will create a grounded, cozy atmosphere that feels both rustic and sophisticated.
3. Metallic Accents:
Brass, gold, and copper are stunning metallics to pair with olive green. These warm metals bring a sense of luxury and elegance to olive green’s earthy vibes. Use them for light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or decorative accessories to elevate the space and add some shine.
4. Soft Pink and Blush:
If you want to add a modern, soft touch to olive green, consider pairing it with soft pinks or blush tones. The gentle warmth of these pink hues balances olive green’s natural tones, creating a soothing, harmonious color palette. This pairing works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms, where you want a calm yet refined look.
5. Muted Blues and Grays:
For a cooler, more contemporary pairing, olive green looks amazing with muted blues and grays. Colors like navy, charcoal, or slate gray complement the warmth of olive green, while still keeping things balanced and grounded. This combination is perfect for more modern or industrial-inspired spaces.
6. Mustard Yellow or Ochre:
For those looking to create a bold, energetic vibe, try pairing olive green with mustard yellow or ochre. These warm, golden tones create a striking contrast with olive green, while still keeping the palette grounded and earthy. It’s an ideal pairing for bohemian or eclectic-style rooms.
Tips for Choosing the Best Olive Green Paint Colors
Choosing the right olive green can feel like a challenge, but with the right guidance, you can easily pick the shade that fits your space perfectly. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re choosing the best olive green for your home:
1. Consider the Undertones:
Olive green can lean warm or cool depending on the undertones. Some shades, like Sherwin Williams Lemon Verbena, have a yellow base, while others, like Benjamin Moore Thicket, lean a little cooler with gray or brown undertones. Think about the atmosphere you want to create—warmer tones are cozier and more inviting, while cooler olives can feel more sophisticated and contemporary.
2. Test Before You Commit:
Always sample the paint on your walls before committing to a full room or large surface. Paint can look different depending on the lighting in your space, and you want to be sure it’s the exact tone you envision. Apply a few swatches to see how the color changes throughout the day and under different light conditions.
3. Think About the Room Size:
Darker olives like Benjamin Moore Dark Olive or Sherwin Williams Leapfrog can make a room feel cozier and more intimate. If you’re working with a smaller space, opt for lighter olives like Green Onyx or Lemon Verbena to keep the room feeling open and airy. In larger rooms, you can experiment with deeper shades for added drama and warmth.
4. Pair with Your Existing Furniture and Decor:
Olive green pairs beautifully with various textures, from natural wood to soft textiles. Consider the colors and materials you already have in the room, and choose an olive shade that complements them. For instance, lighter olives look stunning with white or beige furniture, while darker olives pop against black or metallic accents.
The Best Olive Green Paint Colors
Here are my favorite Olive Green paint colors to decorate with.
Light Olive Green Paint Colors:
Light olive green is having a moment—and honestly, it’s well-deserved. These softer greens bring in that natural, earthy vibe without overwhelming a space. They’re warm, welcoming, and just a little unexpected. Whether you’re going for cozy cottage, modern organic, or a fresh twist on traditional, these shades are incredibly versatile.
1. Sherwin Williams Green Onyx
Green Onyx is one of those soft olive greens that feels like a breath of fresh air.
It leans more toward a sage-meets-olive vibe—just enough earthy richness to ground a space, but still light enough to keep a room feeling open.
This one has subtle yellow and gray undertones that give it a slightly hazy softness, making it an easy choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or even bathrooms if you want something organic without going full forest green.
It pairs beautifully with off-whites, natural wood tones, and muted gold or brass accents.
2. Benjamin Moore Thicket
Thicket brings a beautiful balance of warmth and grounded green.
It’s an olive that leans a little richer than you’d expect from a light tone, almost like the first leaves of spring after rain—fresh, full of promise, and slightly mossy.
The undertones shift between warm olive and muted brown, giving it a natural, inviting warmth.
This one shines in a study, dining room, or any space where you want to lean into nature-inspired coziness without darkening the room too much.
3. Sherwin Williams Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena is a lively, cheerful take on olive green.
Think of it as olive’s sun-kissed cousin—it has distinct yellow undertones that brighten it up and give it a spirited, slightly retro feel.
This color works beautifully in kitchens, laundry rooms, or spaces where you want energy and personality without going neon or too bold.
It’s especially fun paired with crisp white trim or vintage-inspired décor.
4. Benjamin Moore Martini Olive
Martini Olive is classy and refined—exactly what you’d expect from a color inspired by an upscale cocktail.
This green carries a warm olive base with a golden undertone, making it feel elegant and timeless.
It’s soft enough for a living room but structured enough to use in a home office or formal entryway.
It also looks fantastic with rich leathers, deep woods, and cream-colored textiles.
5. Behr Tate Olive
Tate Olive is one of those chameleon-like greens that can shift depending on the lighting.
It leans warm and mellow, with a distinct olive cast that feels relaxed but never dull.
There’s a vintage charm to it, especially when paired with aged brass hardware or rustic finishes.
In morning light, it feels airy and golden; in dim evening light, it picks up deeper earthy notes.
This would be a great fit for kitchen cabinetry, hallway walls, or a charming guest room.
6. Sherwin Williams Sassy Green
Sassy Green lives up to its name—this one has a playful, almost punchy olive tone that feels young and energetic.
It has strong yellow undertones, giving it a bright and bold edge compared to more muted olives.
It’s definitely a statement-maker, ideal for someone who isn’t afraid to bring color into their space.
Try it in a powder room, front door, or a piece of furniture for a burst of personality.
7. Benjamin Moore Spanish Olive
Spanish Olive is subtle, grounded, and endlessly versatile.
This muted olive has soft brown and gray undertones that keep it from feeling too green or too yellow.
It gives off a calming, sophisticated feel—perfect for bedrooms, cozy reading nooks, or even cabinetry.
It’s one of those colors that doesn’t scream for attention but still makes a beautiful impact, especially when paired with creams, warm whites, or terracotta accents.
8. Benjamin Moore Olive Tree
Olive Tree is rich without being too dark—a mid-tone olive with warm golden undertones that add depth without weighing down a space.
It feels earthy, grounded, and classic, almost like it belongs in a Mediterranean villa.
This one would look beautiful in a dining room with natural linen curtains and antique wood furniture.
It’s also a great choice for accent walls if you want to bring in some color without overpowering the space.
9. Benjamin Moore Hiking Path
Hiking Path is one of those gentle greens that feels like a walk through the woods after a light rain.
It has a soft olive base with a slightly gray undertone that gives it a weathered, natural vibe.
It’s a peaceful, understated shade that’s ideal for bedrooms or any space where you want a soothing backdrop.
It also pairs nicely with soft whites, tan upholstery, and black accents for a more modern look.
10. Sherwin Williams Celery
Celery is light, fresh, and cheerful with a green-yellow softness that brightens a space without being overpowering.
It definitely lives in the yellow-green part of the spectrum, making it a great pick for kitchens or mudrooms where you want a touch of color that still feels natural.
It works beautifully with warm woods and creamy whites, and can even hold its own next to patterned tile or wallpaper.
11. Benjamin Moore Savannah Moss
Savannah Moss has a gentle warmth to it that feels like a cozy throw blanket on a fall day.
It leans toward the warmer side of olive, with golden brown undertones that give it a rustic softness.
It’s not quite sage, not quite army green—something in between that feels very grounded and welcoming.
It’s a great pick for living rooms or dens, especially paired with layered neutrals and natural textures.
12. Sherwin Williams Baby Bok Choy
Baby Bok Choy is fresh and modern—like a crisp farmer’s market veggie turned into wall color.
It’s brighter than a traditional olive but still holds that earthy green feel.
There’s a clean vibrancy to it that makes it great for contemporary kitchens, playrooms, or creative workspaces.
If you’re after a color that feels energetic without going neon, this is a fun one to explore.
13. Benjamin Moore Jalapeño Pepper
Jalapeño Pepper is bold, spicy, and packed with personality.
It leans darker than some of the other light olives on this list, but it’s still firmly in that earthy green family with warm golden undertones.
It’s a confident color that works beautifully in small spaces or as a dramatic backdrop like a pantry door, powder room, or a moody breakfast nook.
14. Sherwin Williams Ryegrass
Ryegrass is a mellow, soft olive green with a slightly grassy, botanical feel.
It doesn’t try too hard—just a lovely, livable green that brings in a natural, airy calm.
It works really well in open floor plans where you want a consistent, neutral-ish green that still has personality.
Pair it with soft whites and warm wood tones for an effortlessly cozy look.
Dark Olive Green Paint Colors
When you want depth, drama, and a little bit of nature’s magic, dark olive green hits all the right notes. These rich greens bring a grounded, cozy feel that’s especially stunning in spaces where you want to lean into comfort and character. Below are some of my favorite dark olive shades that deliver on both style and soul.
15. Sherwin Williams Olive Grove
Olive Grove is deep, sophisticated, and earthy in the best possible way.
It’s the kind of green that feels grounded and refined, with just a hint of warmth underneath that keeps it from leaning too cool or too flat.
This shade carries a mature, timeless elegance—perfect for an accent wall in a dining room, a dramatic library, or even kitchen cabinets.
It pairs beautifully with aged brass, creamy whites, and rich wood tones for a layered, classic look.
16. Glidden Hazy Sage
Hazy Sage sits in that perfect in-between place where olive green meets smoky sage.
It has a slightly desaturated, foggy quality that gives it softness even though it leans darker.
This one is great if you want a moody feel without going too heavy or saturated—it brings a natural, meditative vibe to bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms.
It also plays well with lighter neutrals and natural stone or concrete textures.
17. Benjamin Moore Shady Lane
Shady Lane is a beautifully rich olive that leans into its natural roots.
It has brown and gray undertones that give it an organic depth, like the leaves of an old forest tree.
This isn’t a green that tries to be flashy—it’s quietly confident and incredibly grounding.
Use it in a cozy living room with lots of texture or on cabinetry for a timeless, lived-in feel.
It’s especially stunning in candlelight or warm, low lighting.
18. Benjamin Moore Forest Floor
Forest Floor is all about drama and depth.
This is a darker olive with subtle brown undertones that make it feel warm and earthy, like fallen leaves and damp soil.
There’s something inherently cozy and nostalgic about this color—it wraps around a room and instantly makes it feel more intimate.
It’s a bold choice for a small powder room or a moody den, especially when paired with soft linens and natural wood.
19. Farrow & Ball Bancha
Bancha is elegant and understated in that very British, Farrow & Ball kind of way.
It’s a mid-to-dark olive green that carries a refined depth without being overwhelming.
Inspired by Japanese green tea leaves, it has a calm, meditative quality that makes it perfect for restful bedrooms or serene dining spaces.
Bancha also pairs surprisingly well with blush pinks, creamy whites, or even charcoal for a modern-meets-organic look.
20. Benjamin Moore Dark Olive
Dark Olive is bold, dramatic, and unapologetically earthy.
It sits right at the intersection of green, brown, and gray, giving it a moody complexity that feels rich and grounded.
This shade works wonders in more formal spaces like a dining room or library, especially when paired with high-contrast trim or metallics.
It also makes a killer statement on kitchen cabinets if you’re going for that deep, heritage-style look.
21. Benjamin Moore Greenbrook
Greenbrook is a newer, fresher take on a deep olive, with soft gray undertones that add refinement.
It’s not too warm or too cool—it lands in a beautiful neutral space that’s versatile but still full of personality.
There’s a quiet drama to this color, especially in large rooms or open floor plans where it can play with natural light.
Think: a cozy TV room with layered textiles or a modern kitchen with matte finishes and open shelving.
22. Benjamin Moore Newt Green
Newt Green has an old-world feel—think antique velvet or worn leather books.
It’s rich, slightly brown-leaning olive with a touch of warmth that makes it incredibly cozy.
This one’s right at home in a historic-inspired interior or a moody, masculine study.
It has a bit of a vintage military feel but softened by the depth of the pigment.
Pair it with warm metals, brick, or classic plaids for a full-on cozy library effect.
23. Sherwin Williams Relentless Olive
Relentless Olive is strong, confident, and a little unexpected.
It leans warm and bold—almost a statement color, but still deeply rooted in earthy green.
It’s definitely not a shy shade, so it works best in areas where you want to make an impact—think a feature wall in a boho bedroom, cabinetry in a farmhouse kitchen, or even a mudroom paired with natural woods and black accents.
It plays well with both rustic and modern aesthetics.
24. Sherwin Williams Leapfrog
Leapfrog is a darker olive with a green-gold undertone that gives it a unique liveliness even though it’s deep.
It doesn’t read flat—it has a subtle vibrance that catches the eye.
It’s a great choice if you want something dramatic but not brooding.
This shade would look incredible on built-ins, an accent wall in a sunroom, or even on a bold front door.
It brings personality without feeling trendy or overwhelming.
25. Benjamin Moore Oregano
Oregano is sultry and herbaceous—just like its name suggests.
It’s one of the deepest olives on the list, bordering on green-black in low light.
There’s a velvety richness to it that feels luxurious and bold.
It’s a fantastic choice for moody spaces, especially if you’re into deep contrast with white trim or mixed metals.
Use it to create a statement wall in a bedroom or as a dramatic kitchen cabinet color for a high-end, organic look.