Dark Olive 2140-30 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of nature into your home, Benjamin Moore’s Dark Olive (2140-30) might just be your perfect match. This deep, earthy green is more than just a color—it’s a mood. It wraps a room in tranquility, making it feel grounded and inviting, like a quiet retreat in the middle of a forest. Whether you’re considering an accent wall, a full-room transformation, or even a furniture refresh, Dark Olive has the versatility to shine in almost any space.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Dark Olive is its rich, complex undertone. It leans slightly yellow, giving it that warm, organic quality that feels both timeless and fresh. This isn’t a cold, stark green—it’s a hue that whispers of moss-covered stones and sun-dappled leaves. That warmth makes it incredibly adaptable, working beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and woven textures. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice) or brass fixtures, and you’ve got a look that’s effortlessly elegant.

Now, let’s talk about light. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.52%, Dark Olive sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. In a sun-filled room, this color comes alive, revealing subtle shifts in tone throughout the day. But in a space with limited natural light, it can feel moodier and more intimate—perfect for a cozy bedroom or a home office where you want to focus. If you’re working with a smaller room, consider using Dark Olive on just one wall or a piece of furniture to add depth without overwhelming the space.

Application is a breeze with this paint. It’s beginner-friendly, roller-ready, and offers excellent coverage in just one or two coats. Whether you opt for a matte, eggshell, or satin finish depends on the look you’re going for. Matte will give you that soft, velvety feel, while satin adds a hint of sheen that can make the color feel a touch more vibrant. Eggshell strikes a nice middle ground, offering a slight glow without being too shiny. And because it’s washable and stain-resistant, it’s practical for high-traffic areas like living rooms or dining spaces.

Dark Olive plays well with a variety of decor styles. In a modern farmhouse setting, it pairs beautifully with reclaimed wood and vintage accents. For a bohemian vibe, layer it with textured rugs, macramé, and plants. In a contemporary space, let it anchor sleek furniture and metallic finishes. And if you’re feeling bold, try it on kitchen cabinets or a front door—it’s a stunning way to make a statement.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Dark Olive’s depth means it can highlight wall imperfections, so proper prep work is key. And because it’s a darker shade, it’s always wise to test it in your space first. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how it interacts with your lighting. If you love the color but worry it’s too intense, explore its lighter siblings like CSP-765 or HC-112 for a softer approach.

At the end of the day, Dark Olive is a color that invites you to slow down and savor your surroundings. It’s not just paint—it’s an experience. Whether you’re curling up with a book in a Dark Olive bedroom or hosting friends in a dining room wrapped in its earthy embrace, this hue has a way of making spaces feel intentional and lived-in. So if you’re ready to bring a little of the outdoors inside, grab a sample and see how this gorgeous green transforms your home. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every room feel a little more like you.

Real Room Photo of Dark Olive 2140-30

Undertones of  Dark Olive ?

The undertones of Dark Olive are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #616253

RGB code: 97, 98, 83

Is  Dark Olive Cool or Warm?

Dark Olive leans towards the warm side of the color spectrum. Its earthy green tones create an inviting atmosphere that feels comforting and grounding, making it an excellent choice for living spaces where relaxation is key.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Dark Olive

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Dark Olive

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Dark Olive is 13.52%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Dark Olive

Dark Olive is a stunning choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. The color’s depth provides a strong foundation for a room while still maintaining an earthy feel. When applied, it dries to a smooth finish that truly enhances its richness. You’ll find it particularly effective in spaces that benefit from a grounding presence, like a living room or bedroom. Keep in mind that the color may appear darker in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light, so consider testing it in your space before committing. Overall, Dark Olive is versatile enough to be used as an accent or a dominant color, making it a go-to for many design projects.

Pros & Cons of  2140-30 Dark Olive

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Dark Olive

FAQ on 2140-30 Dark Olive

What types of finishes are available for Dark Olive?

Dark Olive is available in a variety of finishes, including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish offers a different level of sheen, allowing you to choose based on your preference and the specific requirements of your space. Matte finishes offer a more casual, soft look, while satin finishes provide a subtle sheen that can make the color pop slightly more. Eggshell strikes a balance between the two and is especially popular for interior walls.

Is Dark Olive suitable for exterior use?

Yes, Dark Olive can be used for exterior applications, provided you choose a suitable exterior-grade paint. Its earthy tone can complement many architectural styles and can be especially attractive on front doors or accent walls. Just ensure that the paint used is formulated to withstand outdoor conditions, protecting it from fading and weathering.

Comparisons Dark Olive with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Dark Olive 2140-30