Olive vs Moss vs Sage – Shades Of Green Explained

In this article, you will learn about olive, moss, and sage colors including a side-by-side comparison. If you are considering either of these colors, the following information will help you make the right decision.

Definitions

Hex Code

The attributed hex codes for each color is a hexadecimal method of determining the combination of red, blue and green that goes into creating a color.

The important thing about a hex code is that it is shorter; being able to lose the three digits of each of the RGB code allows coders and designers to more efficiently note which colors they want to be included in their web pages and layouts.

RGB Code

While the use of hex codes really didn’t blossom until it was necessary to create efficient HTML coding, the RGB scale stretches back into the early 1900s and was popular in coloring in print media, from cartoons to advertisements.

When considering paint colors vs. digitally produced colors, it’s important to remember that the primary paint colors are red, blue, and yellow. In the light spectrum, you’re working with red, green, and blue.

When you combine all the colors in paint, you get black. If you split white light in a prism, you will get all the colors broken out.

LRV

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement that indicates the amount of light a paint color reflects. It is expressed as a percentage, ranging from 0% (absolute black, which absorbs all light) to 100% (absolute white, which reflects all light).

Olive vs Moss vs Sage Green Paint Colors

Green can run the gamut from bold Kelly green to subtle celery. Olive, moss, and sage all have high concentrations of red and blue, which means that these greens are all easy to pair with other colors.

These greens can blend into the background or be brought forward, depending on what you pair with them.

Olive

By the numbers, olive green is loaded with contrasts. The concentration of red and blue actually cancel each other out, allowing the green to come to the front.

Be aware that olive green has a strong underlying yellow tone.

When decorating with olive, be aware the contrasting tones are in the purple family.

If you push olive green with a lot of contrast, you may find that the yellow tone becomes overpowering, especially in a small space or a room that gets a lot of sunlight.

A more gentle way to work with olive is to work with nearby tones, such as camel brown or brick. Interestingly, a pale aqua or butter yellow color can also look very good against olive green.

Wood tones and olive green can be tricky. This color wants to go yellow. If your floors are golden oak, this color may look like pea soup on the walls.

However, against a cherry floor finish, olive green will stand strong. If your household can sustain a light tone on the floor, a cool maple finish can be ideal against olive green.

If you have painted trim, don’t be afraid to go a bit darker than just white or cream; a pale tan trim with a satin finish can work very well next to an olive green wall.

It is critical when working with green that you check it in full sunlight. You can’t get green without yellow, and the color of light in the space may bring it forward.

Because the yellow tone that is drawn forward in olive green is not especially pretty (think mustard) the amount of natural light a room gets can recommend or veto this color.

RGB: 109, 113, 46
Hex: #6D712E

Olive Grove (SW 7734) by Sherwin-Williams

A great shade of Olive paint color is Olive Grove (SW 7734) by Sherwin-Williams. This is a warm, earthy green with subtle yellow undertones. It evokes a sense of nature and tranquility, bringing the outdoors inside. This versatile color can add a touch of elegance and calmness to various spaces.

Best Uses:

1. Living Rooms: Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
2. Kitchens: Adds a natural, fresh touch that pairs well with wooden cabinetry and natural stone countertops.
3. Bedrooms: Provides a serene and restful environment conducive to sleep and relaxation.
4. Bathrooms: Evokes a spa-like feel, creating a soothing and calming space.
5. Exterior: Works beautifully on exterior siding, trim, or front doors, blending well with natural surroundings.

Colors that Complement Olive Grove:

1. Neutrals:
   • Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm white that provides a crisp, clean contrast.
   • Accessible Beige (SW 7036): A warm beige that complements the earthy tones of Olive Grove.
   • Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A light, neutral gray that pairs well with the green hues.
2. Browns and Tans:
   • Kilim Beige (SW 6106): A soft beige that enhances the warmth of Olive Grove.
   • Warm Stone (SW 7032): A taupe that provides a rich, grounding complement.
3. Blues:
   • Naval (SW 6244): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated contrast.
   • Rainwashed (SW 6211): A light, soft blue that offers a refreshing and airy complement.
4. Other Greens:
   • Softened Green (SW 6177): A lighter green that creates a harmonious, layered look.
   • Dried Thyme (SW 6186): A deeper green that pairs well for a cohesive, nature-inspired palette.
5. Yellows and Golds:
   • Humble Gold (SW 6380): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful, vibrant touch.
   • Blonde (SW 6128): A soft yellow that enhances the warmth and natural feel.

Olive Grove (SW 7734) by Sherwin-Williams is a versatile and calming color that can bring a touch of nature and tranquility to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design.

Hex code: #857C5D

LRV: 20

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Olive Grove (SW 7734) here.

Paint Color Samples

Would you like to sample these paint colors? I recommend using a peel and stick paint sample from SAMPLIZE. Peel and stick paint samples are very affordable and easy to use. They are also clean and environmentally friendly!

Advantages of using peel and stick paint samples:

• EASY TO USE: Simply move your SAMPLIZE paint sample around the room to test under a variety of lighting conditions.
• AFFORDABLE: Budget-friendly solution and no more buying inaccurate swatches, rollers, wasted paint.
• SUPER FAST DELIVERY: Depending on your location, 1 day delivery is possible.
• ORDER FROM HOME: Save a trip to the store looking for samples.
• NO MESS: SAMPLIZE uses real paint samples with zero-mess
• NO WASTE: No leftover cans or wasted paint.

Moss

Moss green is not far from olive green, but this color is easier to decorate with by the numbers.

Moss green has a greater saturation of green in comparison to red and blue, which reduces the yellow edge.

With a base of moss, you can create a floral or forest palette in your space.

For example, you can use purple or lavender against moss. If you have moss green on your living room walls, consider a mauve side chair to provide a pleasing contrast.

At right angles to moss on the color wheel is a lovely camel or tan. Avoid the “coffee” tones, such as latte; these colors tend to cool once they’re on the walls and any blue against moss will make the yellow in this green pop too strongly.

Accent colors that will shine against a moss green palette include leaf green, cyan, and violet.

Do take care to start with pastel accents; bring home pillows and throws to see what strengthens your moss color without changing the tone.

Study the space in all hours of the day to make sure you will be happy with this shade during the workweek and when you’re home relaxing on the weekends.

Moss green is easier to trim against than olive. White trim will work, as will most wood tones. Do remember that red tones in flooring and trim will give courage to the red tone in the moss color; yellow oak will draw out the yellow in your moss green walls.

RGB: 138, 154, 91
Hex: #8A9A5B

Tree Moss (508) by Benjamin Moore

A great shade of moss paint color is Tree Moss (508) by Benjamin Moore. This is a warm, earthy green that evokes the natural beauty of moss-covered trees. This rich, grounded color brings a sense of tranquility and a touch of nature indoors, making it a versatile choice for various spaces.

Best Uses:

1. Living Rooms: Provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and gathering.
2. Dining Rooms: Adds a sophisticated, nature-inspired touch that complements wooden furniture and natural decor.
3. Bedrooms: Creates a calming and restful environment, conducive to relaxation and sleep.
4. Bathrooms: Offers a serene, spa-like feel, promoting a sense of relaxation.
5. Kitchens: Pairs well with wooden cabinetry and natural stone countertops for a fresh, organic look.
6. Accent Walls: Works beautifully as an accent wall color to add depth and interest to a room.

Colors that Complement Tree Moss:

1. Neutrals:
   • White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that provides a crisp, clean contrast.
   • Balboa Mist (OC-27): A light, neutral gray that complements the warmth of Tree Moss.
   • Revere Pewter (HC-172): A warm gray that offers a subtle and elegant pairing.
2. Browns and Tans:
   • Grant Beige (HC-83): A warm beige that enhances the earthy tones of Tree Moss.
   • Lenox Tan (HC-44): A rich tan that pairs well for a grounded, nature-inspired look.
3. Blues:
   • Hale Navy (HC-154): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated contrast.
   • Palladian Blue (HC-144): A soft, muted blue that offers a refreshing complement.
4. Other Greens:
   • Soft Fern (2144-40): A lighter green that creates a harmonious, layered look.
   • Tate Olive (HC-112): A deeper green that pairs well for a cohesive, nature-inspired palette.
5. Yellows and Golds:
   • Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful and vibrant touch.
   • Concord Ivory (HC-12): A muted gold that enhances the richness of Tree Moss.

Tree Moss (508) by Benjamin Moore is a versatile and calming color that brings the tranquility of nature indoors. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design, suitable for a variety of spaces.

Hex code:  #b8b8a1

LRV: 46.81

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Tree Moss (508) here.

Sage

If you like the idea of moss or olive green but can’t quite commit, sage is a great compromise! Sage green is a beautifully balanced color that won’t change radically as you add contrasting and complementary colors.

Sage may also be the best color in this listing that could work, in a pale tone, throughout a new house.

Like the green leaves in a flower bed, sage works with pastel tones as well as with stronger colors.

Sage walls in your living room could look terrific with your brown leather sofa, your oak floor, and your maple piano.

In a child’s bedroom, you can pretty up the space with pink pillows or purple cushions.

If you want to decorate your boy’s room in blue, stick with navy; cobalt or cadet blue could gray out your sage walls and make the room appear tired or dingy.

When choosing floor and trim colors, remember that sage is a very well-balanced color. Whatever you pair it with will likely draw out complementary tones.

If you want to put down carpet, a tan or brown will likely coordinate because the yellow in both colors will connect.

Cherry or red oak flooring will provide a bit of contrast in your living room and make sage a bit bolder.

If you love gray and want to put down gray carpet, do make sure that it’s closer to greige than blue-gray. A gray carpet with a lot of blue in it will turn blue in a sage green room.

Depending on where you buy your target, you may not be under the best quality lighting. Bring home a sample and put it on the floor against the wall.

Check it repeatedly throughout the day to be sure you’re happy with the color.

RGB: 156, 175, 136
Hex: #9CAF88

Winchester Sage (628) by Benjamin Moore

A great shade of sage paint color is Winchester Sage (628) by Benjamin Moore. This is a soft, muted green with subtle gray undertones. This elegant and serene color evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, making it a versatile choice for various interior and exterior spaces.

Best Uses:

1. Living Rooms: Creates a calm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
2. Bedrooms: Provides a soothing and restful environment conducive to sleep and relaxation.
3. Bathrooms: Evokes a spa-like feel, creating a serene and calming space.
4. Kitchens: Pairs well with white or natural wood cabinetry, offering a fresh and organic look.
5. Dining Rooms: Adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, complementing natural decor and wooden furniture.
6. Entryways and Hallways: Creates a welcoming and serene first impression.
7. Exterior: Works beautifully on exterior siding, trim, or front doors, blending well with natural surroundings.

Colors that Complement Winchester Sage:

1. Whites and Neutrals:
   • White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that provides a crisp, clean contrast.
   • Classic Gray (OC-23): A light, neutral gray that complements the muted tones of Winchester Sage.
   • Simply White (OC-117): A clean white that enhances the softness of Winchester Sage.
2. Browns and Tans:
   • Lenox Tan (HC-44): A warm tan that pairs well with the natural, earthy feel of Winchester Sage.
   • Grant Beige (HC-83): A neutral beige that offers a subtle and elegant complement.
3. Blues:
   • Wedgewood Gray (HC-146): A soft blue-gray that creates a harmonious and calming palette.
   • Hale Navy (HC-154): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated contrast.
4. Other Greens:
   • Guilford Green (HC-116): A slightly lighter green that provides a harmonious, layered look.
   • Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A deeper green that pairs well for a cohesive, nature-inspired palette.
5. Yellows and Golds:
   • Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful and vibrant touch.
   • Concord Ivory (HC-12): A muted gold that enhances the elegance of Winchester Sage.

Winchester Sage (628) by Benjamin Moore is a versatile and serene color that brings the tranquility of nature indoors. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design, suitable for a variety of spaces.

Hex code: #86A187

LRV: 32.55

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Winchester Sage (628) here.

Sharing is caring!