Color #228b22 is known as Forest Green. It’s a rich, dark green that looks like the color of deep woods and lush leaves. This shade is often associated with nature, growth, and freshness. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about #228b22, from its RGB values to its use in web design, all in simple and easy-to-understand language.
What is Color #228b22?
The hex code #228b22 represents a deep shade of green called Forest Green. It gets its name because it closely resembles the color of dense, leafy forests. If you’ve ever looked at a thick patch of trees or a shaded garden, you’ve probably seen this color in nature. It’s a color that feels calm, refreshing, and grounded.
RGB Breakdown
In the RGB color model, which is used in digital displays, #228b22 is made up of:
- Red: 34
- Green: 139
- Blue: 34
This means that the green component is the most prominent, which is why the color appears so vivid and lush. The low red and blue values balance it out, keeping it from looking too bright or neon-like.
HSL and HSV Details
In the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) color system, #228b22 has:
- Hue: 120° (This places it right in the green area of the color wheel)
- Saturation: 61% (This shows its vibrancy)
- Lightness: 34% (This keeps it dark and grounded)
In the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) system, it’s represented as:
- Hue: 120°
- Saturation: 76%
- Value (Brightness): 55%
These numbers confirm that #228b22 is a deep, rich green with a balanced brightness that makes it look natural.
CMYK Color Values
For print design, colors are often represented using CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). For #228b22, the CMYK values are:
- Cyan: 75.54%
- Magenta: 0%
- Yellow: 75.54%
- Black: 45.49%
This means that to print this color, you’d need a lot of cyan and yellow ink, which combine to create green, along with some black to deepen the shade.
Hexadecimal and Base Numbers
The hexadecimal (hex) breakdown for #228b22 is:
- Red: 22
- Green: 8B
- Blue: 22
In other number systems:
- Binary: 100010 (Red), 10001011 (Green), 100010 (Blue)
- Octal: 42 (Red), 213 (Green), 42 (Blue)
- Decimal: 34 (Red), 139 (Green), 34 (Blue)
These values are mostly useful for developers or designers who work directly with digital color codes.
Shades and Tints of #228b22
Shades are created by adding black to the color, making it darker. Some shades of #228b22 include:
- #1f7d1f – A slightly darker forest green
- #0e380e – Very dark, almost blackish green
- #000000 – Pure black
Tints are made by adding white, making the color lighter:
- #389738 – A lighter, fresher green
- #7ab97a – A soft, pastel green
- #ffffff – Pure white
These variations can be useful for creating gradients or layered designs.
How to Use #228b22 in Web Design
Forest Green (#228b22) is a popular choice for web design because it’s easy on the eyes and gives a natural, earthy feel. Here’s how you can use it in CSS:
- Background Color:
cssCopyEdit.mybgColor {
background-color: #228b22;
}
- Text Color:
cssCopyEdit.myforeColor {
color: #228b22;
}
- Border Color:
cssCopyEdit.myborderColor {
border: 3px solid #228b22;
}
- Text Shadow:
cssCopyEdit.textShadowHex {
text-shadow: 4px 4px 2px #228b22;
}
- Box Shadow:
cssCopyEdit.divShadow {
box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #228b22;
}
These examples show how versatile this color can be, whether as a background, text, or decorative shadow.
Where to Use Forest Green in Design
Forest Green works well in designs related to:
- Nature and Environment: It’s perfect for eco-friendly brands, gardening sites, or anything connected to the outdoors.
- Health and Wellness: Its calming and refreshing vibe suits health-related products or services.
- Luxury and Sophistication: When paired with gold or cream, it gives a luxurious, elegant feel.
It’s also great for creating a vintage or rustic look, especially when combined with earthy browns or muted yellows.
Color Combinations with #228b22
Forest Green pairs beautifully with other colors. Some great combinations include:
- #ffffff (White): For a clean, minimalistic look
- #ffd700 (Gold): For an elegant, luxurious style
- #8b4513 (SaddleBrown): For a rustic, earthy feel
- #ff6347 (Tomato Red): For a vibrant, eye-catching contrast
- #d3e8d3 (Light Mint): For a soft, refreshing palette
Using contrasting colors makes designs more dynamic, while complementary shades give a more harmonious, balanced look.
Why Use #228b22?
Forest Green is versatile and works in many different contexts. It:
- Feels natural and calming – Great for wellness and nature-related brands.
- Is easy on the eyes – It’s dark enough not to be harsh but vibrant enough to be noticeable.
- Works well with neutrals – It complements whites, creams, and grays beautifully.
- Conveys stability and growth – Perfect for brands looking to communicate trust and reliability.
Whether you’re designing a website, creating a logo, or just choosing a color palette, #228b22 is a solid choice.
Final Thoughts
Color #228b22, or Forest Green, is a rich, deep green that brings a touch of nature wherever it’s used. It’s versatile, calming, and pairs well with a variety of other colors. Whether you’re a web designer, graphic artist, or just someone who loves color, #228b22 is a great shade to have in your palette.
From backgrounds to text shadows, this color is a fantastic option for any project that needs a natural, grounded, and refreshing feel. So next time you’re working on a design, consider giving Forest Green a try!
