The hex color #515923 is a rich, earthy shade of olive green with a muted yet sophisticated appearance. It’s a versatile color that can evoke feelings of nature, stability, and warmth. Below, we’ll break down its technical details, visual characteristics, and potential uses in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
Breaking Down #515923
RGB Values (Red, Green, Blue)
- Red: 81
- Green: 89
- Blue: 35
This means the color is made up of more green than red or blue, giving it its dominant olive tone. The low blue value keeps it from appearing too bright or neon, making it a subdued, natural-looking green.
HSL & HSV Representation
- HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness):
- Hue: 0.19 (a yellow-green shade)
- Saturation: 44% (moderately saturated)
- Lightness: 24% (fairly dark)
- HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value):
- Hue: 69° (a warm yellow-green)
- Saturation: 61% (quite rich in color)
- Value (Brightness): 35% (not too bright, but not overly dark)
This tells us that #515923 is a dark, earthy green with a slight yellow undertone, making it resemble olive tones found in nature.
CMYK (For Print Design)
- Cyan: 9%
- Magenta: 0%
- Yellow: 61%
- Black (Key): 65%
Since CMYK is used for printing, this breakdown shows that this color requires a strong yellow and black ink presence, with almost no magenta.
What Does This Color Look Like?
Imagine the color of:
- Olive leaves (dark green with a golden tint)
- Military uniforms (earthy and subdued)
- Moss-covered trees (natural and organic)
It’s a warm, muted green that feels grounded and natural, making it great for designs that need an earthy, rustic, or vintage feel.
Shades & Tints (Darker & Lighter Variations)
Darker Shades
- #48501F (slightly deeper)
- #40471C (more muted)
- #000000 (black)
Lighter Tints
- #626938 (softer, more grayish-green)
- #969B7B (pale, washed-out olive)
- #FFFFFF (white)
These variations allow designers to create depth and contrast while keeping a cohesive color theme.
Color Harmonies & Combinations
Triadic Colors (Balanced Contrast)
- #235159 (dark teal)
- #592351 (deep purple)
Analogous Colors (Similar Tones)
- #365923 (forest green)
- #594623 (olive brown)
Complementary Color (Strong Contrast)
- #2B2359 (deep indigo)
These combinations work well in design because they either blend smoothly (analogous) or create bold contrast (complementary).
Where Can You Use #515923?
1. Nature & Eco-Friendly Branding
- Perfect for organic products, gardening brands, or sustainable fashion.
2. Military & Vintage Aesthetics
- Works well in military-inspired designs, retro themes, or rustic interiors.
3. Web & UI Design
- As a background for earthy, minimalist websites or as an accent in buttons and headers.
4. Fashion & Home Decor
- A great wall paint color for cozy spaces or as a clothing shade for autumn palettes.
CSS & Design Usage
If you want to use this color in web design, here’s how:
css
.olive-background {
background-color: #515923;
}
.olive-text {
color: #515923;
}
.olive-border {
border: 2px solid #515923;
}
You can also add text shadows or box shadows for depth:
css
.text-shadow {
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(81, 89, 35, 0.5);
}
.box-shadow {
box-shadow: 3px 3px 6px #515923;
}
Final Thoughts
#515923 is a versatile, natural green that works well in both digital and print designs. Whether you’re going for a rustic, military, or eco-friendly look, this color adds warmth and sophistication without being overpowering.
