Looking for the perfect deep green paint color for your home? Let’s look at Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive and see if it’s the right shade for your space.
Dark, moody greens are somehow the perfect combination of moody and dramatic while also being calm and soothing.
It’s like having a little bit of nature and luxury, all rolled into one rich color.
If you want all of these wonderful things, a dark olive green may be for you. A great choice is Ripe Olive by Sherwin Williams.
Imagine adding this deep green to a fireplace, some built-ins, or even an exterior door—it makes a bold yet sophisticated statement.
So, let’s get into the details!
Ripe Olive, Sherwin Williams, SW 6209
Ripe Olive is a deep, earthy green.
It’s timeless, and it really knows how to bring a calming yet dramatic vibe to a space.
Color Family
Ripe Olive is in the green family, but it’s not your typical green. It’s got an earthy depth that’s just stunning.
Light Reflectance Value
6
LRV tells us how much light a paint color reflects. With a score of 6, Ripe Olive is pretty dark.
It’s going to absorb a lot of light, which means it’ll look deep and rich regardless of lighting.
RGB Colors
R: 68 G: 72 B: 61
This mix of red, green, and blue is what makes Ripe Olive the beautiful color it is.
Hex Code
#44483D
Undertones
Ripe Olive has blue-gray undertones, which sets it apart from most olive greens that lean yellow. This gives it a cooler, more sophisticated look.
If your room gets a lot of natural light—especially from the south—Ripe Olive will show its warmer side.
In darker, north-facing rooms, it might even look almost black. So think about your lighting before you commit.
I’ve seen it look almost like a rich charcoal in dim light, which can be a really cool effect if that’s what you’re going for.
Because Ripe Olive can change so much in different lighting colors, you should swatch it on your wall first.
Click here to get peel-and-stick samples that make swatching easy!
Best Uses
I love using Ripe Olive for those areas where you want a cozy, inviting feel.
Here are some ideas:
- Walls in a bedroom, living room, or den. Paint the trim, too, if you want to go all-in on that cozy, sophisticated look.
- Fireplace surround. It makes for an amazing focal point. I once used it on a friend’s fireplace, and it completely transformed the room!
- Built-ins. It gives them that custom, high-end feel.
- Interior or exterior doors. Such a good way to add character without overwhelming a space.
- Home exterior, shutters, accent walls, and even furniture. The possibilities are endless!
Similar Colors
If you’re into Ripe Olive, you might also like:
- Sherwin Williams Laurel Woods
- Benjamin Moore Topsoil
- Behr Deep Forest
- Sherwin Williams Foxhall Green
- Sherwin Williams Shade-Grown
- Benjamin Moore Fatigue Green
- Behr Forest Floor
Coordinating Colors
Ripe Olive is super versatile—it pairs beautifully with pretty much anything.
You can go with bright whites, soft neutrals, or even more colorful options like blues, pinks, or warm earthy tones.
Ripe Olive also looks great when paired with other earthy tones.
Here are some great choices:
Medium greens:
- Green Onyx
- Clary Sage
- Green Earth
- Evergreen Fog
- Coastal Plain
Light cool blues:
- Sleepy Blue
- Aqua-Sphere
- Tradewind
- Languid Blue
- Little Boy Blu
Earthy orange tones:
- Tassel
- Cavern Clay
- Bakelite Gold
- Copper Wire
- Red Cent
Trim Colors
You can pair Ripe Olive with almost any white for the trim—really, it’s up to your taste.
Here are my favorite bright and soft whites:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Behr Cameo White
Ripe Olive Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Ripe Olive.
What color finishes go with SW Ripe Olive?
Gold finishes look stunning with Ripe Olive. The rich green and gold pairing is pure elegance.
I’ve seen this combination in a few kitchens, and it always adds that perfect touch of luxury.
Is Ripe Olive warm or cool?
Ripe Olive walks the line between warm and cool, which is what makes it so versatile. It can fit into almost any palette.
What color is darker than SW Ripe Olive?
Ripe Olive is the darkest on its paint strip, but if you want something even deeper, check out Greenblack—it’s a similar color but just a bit darker, with an LRV of 4 vs Ripe Olive’s 6.
Just be sure to swatch each color in your space before committing!
Is SW Ripe Olive black or green?
Ripe Olive is a deep green with blue-gray undertones.
In some lighting, it can look almost black. Especially in darker rooms, you might not see much of the green at all—such as northern-facing rooms or interior rooms.
I remember seeing it in a dim hallway once, and it looked almost like a rich, dark charcoal—so cool!
So remember to swatch first to see what it’ll look like in your lighting colors.
What’s the difference: SW Ripe Olive vs Pewter Green?
Ripe Olive is darker than Pewter Green, with an LRV of 6 vs 14.
Ripe Olive is also a bit more neutral and warmer, whereas Pewter Green leans cooler.
Does Ripe Olive work in a dark room?
If you want some of that gorgeous deep green goodness, then Ripe Olive might not be the right choice for your dark room.
In order for its green-ness to come out, it needs some natural light. Otherwise, Ripe Olive may look almost black.
So if you love the deep green look, try Ripe Olive in a room with natural light! As always, swatch colors in your space before making a final decision!
Is SW Ripe Olive a good choice for a kitchen island?
Absolutely! It’s a gorgeous color for a kitchen island—adds drama without taking over.
However, take note of the lighting in your kitchen before deciding. If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, Ripe Olive will look like a gorgeous green.
If your kitchen is very dark, your Ripe Olive island may in fact look mostly black. Which is great if you want a black island, not so much if you want a dark green one. So swatch it first!
Before you go…
So, you’ve found the perfect paint color, but here’s the thing – there’s another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.