What Color is Black olive
Black olive is a deep, desaturated shade that sits at the intersection of dark grey and earthy green. It offers more warmth and depth than a standard neutral black, providing a refined and versatile choice for professional environments.
What color is opposite Black olive?
The opposite color to Black olive is Ship Gray (#36353b).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Winter
- Complementary Color: #36353B
- Brightness: 59/255
- Saturation: 10%
Colors That Pair Well With Black olive
Complementary
Pair with Ship Gray for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Pale Slate for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Black olive History
Historically, shades like black olive were achieved by blending carbon black pigments with natural earth tones like yellow ochre or raw umber. This specific tonal range gained official recognition through the German RAL color system as 'Schwarzoliv' (RAL 6015), initially developed for industrial and military standards in the early 20th century to provide camouflage in forest environments.
In the art world, these muted tones were favored by 17th-century Dutch masters to create 'dead coloring' layers, providing a somber base for lifelike flesh tones. It represents a transition from the harshness of pure soot to a more complex and organic palette that mimics the shadows found in the natural world.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, black olive provides a sense of profound stability and grounding. Because it retains a hint of green, it lacks the existential void of true black, instead offering a feeling of maturity and quiet strength that feels approachable rather than intimidating.
In many cultures, this shade suggests wisdom and endurance. It evokes the feeling of ancient trees or weathered stone, promoting an atmosphere of reliability and calm authority without being overbearing or aggressive.
In Nature
This color is most famously found in the skin of fully ripened olives, such as the Kalamata or Mission varieties. It also appears in the mineral world within basalt rock formations and the nutrient-rich, dark volcanic soil of Mediterranean regions, where organic decay and mineral compression create deep, stony hues.
How To Use Black olive
In modern design, black olive is a superior alternative to pure black for typography and backgrounds, as it reduces eye strain while maintaining high contrast. It is an understated choice for luxury branding, conveying a sense of heritage and high quality that pure black often misses.
When used for text, ensure the background is sufficiently light to meet WCAG accessibility standards. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic accents like gold or copper, creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic that works across both digital and print media.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Mediterranean Dusk
A grounded, earthy palette inspired by the transition from day to night in an olive grove.
Modern Industrial
A sleek, professional combination for high-end interior design and architectural branding.
Ancient Forest
Deep, organic tones that provide a sense of history and quietude.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #3B3C36;
color: rgb(59, 60, 54);
background-color: #3B3C36;
border: 3px solid #3B3C36;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #3B3C3666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3B3C36 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Black olive
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Black olive?
Explore color palettes containing Black olive and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Black olive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Black olive?
What colors go with Black olive?
Is Black olive accessible for text?
How do I use Black olive in CSS?
You can use Black olive in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.black-olive {
background-color: #3B3C36;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.