Reviewing Benjamin Moore Dark Olive (2140-30)
Picking the right paint color can feel overwhelming. With thousands of shades available, people often struggle to find that perfect green that’s not too bright, not too dull.
Benjamin Moore dark olive (2140-30) has caught the attention of designers and DIY enthusiasts alike for its rich, grounded appearance.
This review breaks down everything about Benjamin Moore dark olive.
You will learn about its undertones, how it looks in different lighting conditions, which rooms work best for this color, and what complementary colors pair well with it.
Dark Olive Benjamin Moore: Color Description
Benjamin Moore dark olive (2140-30) strikes a balance between natural warmth and refined style. This dark, muted green brings depth to any space without overwhelming it.
The color reads as earthy yet polished, making it a go-to choice for those who want something beyond basic neutrals.
Official Color Details:
- Color Code: 2140-30
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 13.52
Understanding the LRV
The Light Reflectance Value of 13.52 tells us dark olive is quite deep. LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white).
At 13.52, this shade absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere in a room.
This low LRV means dark olive works best in spaces with good natural or artificial lighting. Rooms with minimal light sources might feel smaller or darker with this color on the walls.
Visual Characteristics
Dark olive leans heavily into green territory but stays muted rather than bright or lively. It’s the kind of green found in nature, think moss-covered stones or aged olive leaves.
There’s a grayish quality that keeps it from appearing too saturated or overwhelming.
The color has a grounding effect. It doesn’t shout for attention but quietly transforms a space with its rich, complex presence.
Undertones of Dark Olive Benjamin Moore
Understanding undertones helps predict how a color behaves in different spaces. Dark olive carries subtle gray undertones that prevent it from looking too lively or garden-like.
This gray influence gives the color its muted, calm quality.
In natural daylight, the green comes forward while maintaining its earthy character. The color stays true to its olive nature without shifting dramatically.
Artificial lighting can pull out slightly warmer notes, though it remains firmly in the green family. Some people notice faint brown undertones in dimmer settings, which adds to its organic feel.
The absence of blue or yellow undertones means dark olive won’t surprise you with unexpected color shifts. It maintains consistency across various lighting conditions, making it reliable for whole-room applications.
What Makes Benjamin Moore a Popular Choice?
Benjamin Moore has built a strong reputation in the paint industry over the decades. Here’s why professionals and homeowners consistently choose this brand:
- Premium pigment quality creates rich, true-to-sample colors
- Exceptional coverage often requires fewer coats than competitors
- Durability and washability stand up to daily wear in high-traffic areas
- Extensive color library offers over 3,500 structured shades
- Low VOC formulas provide safer indoor air quality
- Color consistency across different sheens and product lines
- Professional-grade formulations used by designers and contractors
- Reliable color matching ensures accuracy from sample to gallon
- Long-lasting finish maintains appearance for years
- Strong technical support helps customers choose the right products
Where Dark Olive Benjamin Moore Works Best: Interior Room Inspirations
Dark olive’s versatility allows it to shine in various interior spaces. Its grounding presence adapts to different room functions while maintaining its sophisticated character.
1. Living Room
Dark olive creates an inviting atmosphere in living spaces. The color works particularly well as an accent wall behind a sofa or fireplace, adding visual interest without dominating the room.
Pair it with cream or beige furniture for a balanced look. Natural wood elements and brass fixtures complement the earthy tone beautifully.
This combination produces a space that feels both current and timeless.
2. Bedroom
This muted green promotes relaxation in sleeping spaces. Dark olive on bedroom walls establishes a calming environment that encourages rest.
The color pairs wonderfully with white bedding and natural textiles like linen or cotton. Consider using it on all four walls for a cocooning effect, or limit it to one statement wall for subtlety.
3. Home Office
Productivity meets style when dark olive enters the workspace. Studies suggest green hues reduce eye strain and improve focus, making this shade practical for work areas.
The color provides a professional backdrop for video calls while creating a less sterile environment than typical office grays. Built-in shelving painted in dark olive adds character to the space.
Combine it with warm wood desks and adequate task lighting for an efficient yet comfortable office.
4. Dining Room
Dark olive brings drama to dining areas. The rich color creates an intimate setting perfect for dinner gatherings. It works especially well in rooms with natural wood tables and chairs.
Metallic light fixtures in gold or bronze pop against the deep green background. The color’s low LRV means candlelit dinners take on an extra cozy quality in this space.
5. Bathroom
Small bathrooms benefit from dark olive’s grounding presence. While dark colors in compact spaces seem counterintuitive, this shade adds depth rather than closing in the room.
Pair it with white fixtures, marble countertops, and chrome hardware for a spa-like feel. Good lighting remains essential in bathroom applications to prevent the space from feeling cave-like.
6. Kitchen
Kitchen cabinets painted in dark olive offer an alternative to standard white or wood finishes. The color hides minor wear better than lighter shades, making it practical for high-use areas.
It pairs beautifully with butcher block countertops, white subway tiles, or natural stone backsplashes. Open shelving in lighter woods creates contrast against dark olive cabinetry.
7. Entryways and Hallways
First impressions matter, and dark olive delivers in entry spaces.
The color sets a welcoming yet refined tone as guests enter your home. Hallways often lack natural light, but dark olive improves this challenge by creating an intentionally moody corridor.
Add artwork with lighter frames and consider wall sconces to brighten the space while maintaining the color’s impact.
Coordinating Colors for Dark Olive
Selecting the right coordinating colors improves dark olive’s natural beauty. Benjamin Moore experts have structured pairings that complement this rich green perfectly.
| Color Name | Color Code | Color Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Wisp | OC-54 | Soft White | Creates clean contrast without harsh brightness, softens dark olive’s depth |
| Swiss Coffee | OC-45 | Warm White | Adds warmth to spaces, balances the cool green undertones |
| Sea Haze | 2137-50 | Muted Blue-Gray | Provides complementary color harmony, adds coastal calmness |
| Winter Orchard | 1555 | Soft Sage Green | Offers tonal variation, creates cohesive monochromatic schemes |
| Ivory White | 925 | Creamy Neutral | Brings softness to trim and ceilings, maintains a stylish feel |
| Stonington Gray | HC-170 | Warm Gray | Works for adjacent rooms, provides neutral transition |
| Golden Straw | 2152-50 | Warm Yellow | Adds cheerful accent color, complements olive’s earthy nature |
| Natural Cream | 2153-60 | Beige-Cream | Creates warm, inviting combinations for furniture and fabrics |
Where to Buy Dark Olive Benjamin Moore Paint?
- BenjaminMoore.com:Official website with full product range and color samples
- HomeDepot.com: Stocks Benjamin Moore products with in-store pickup options
- AceHardware.com: Select Ace locations carry Benjamin Moore; check availability
- PaintStores.com: Benjamin Moore retailer offering online ordering and delivery
- Decorators-Corner.com: Authorized dealer with e-commerce platform
- Amazon.com: Limited Benjamin Moore products available through third-party sellers
- Walmart.com: Occasionally stocks Benjamin Moore through marketplace sellers
Note: Availability and shipping options vary by location. Some retailers require in-store pickup for gallon quantities. Always order samples first to test the color in your space before purchasing full gallons.
Dark Olive Vs Similar Benjamin Moore Greens
Comparing dark olive with similar shades helps determine which green best suits your project. Here’s how dark olive stacks up against other Benjamin Moore greens.
| Color Name | Color Code | LRV | Key Characteristics | How It Differs from dark olive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dark olive | 2140-30 | 13.52 | Muted, earthy green with gray undertones | The original – balanced earthiness and style |
| Mohegan Sage | 2138-30 | 14.23 | Soft, sagey green with subtle warmth | Slightly lighter and warmer, with less gray influence |
| Forest Floor | 1498 | 11.87 | Deep, rich green with brown undertones | Darker and browner, more woodland feel |
| Castle Peak Gray | 1561 | 15.64 | Gray-green hybrid, cool-toned | More gray than green, lighter overall appearance |
| Jade Romanesque | 476 | 10.42 | Deep jewel-toned green | Richer and more saturated, less muted quality |
| Fatigue Green | 2140-10 | 8.93 | Very dark, almost black-green | Much darker, creates dramatic, moody spaces |
| Tuscany Green | 2140-20 | 11.15 | Medium-dark olive with warmth | Similar family but slightly darker than dark olive |
The Bottom Line
Benjamin Moore dark olive (2140-30) proves itself as more than just another green paint option.
Its muted calmness and diverse nature make it suitable for multiple rooms, from cozy bedrooms to professional home offices.
Testing samples in your actual room remains the smartest next step. Lighting conditions and existing decor influence how any color appears on your walls.
Order a sample from Benjamin Moore’s website or visit an authorized dealer to see dark olive in your space.
