I recently installed a lush olive green carpet in my living room and now I’m stumped on what color to paint the walls.
I stood there staring at those olive green fibers until my eyes started crossing, cursing myself for not thinking this through.
Why is picking a wall color to go with olive green carpet so dang hard?!
Well friends, after some trial and error (and a few too many paint sample chips), I finally found the perfect wall colors to complement an olive green carpet.
And I’m sharing my hard-earned wisdom so you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
Soft gray, warm tan, light blue, cream, sage green, and even terracotta can all work beautifully with olive green carpeting.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Gray
Gray is a no-brainer wall color for olive green carpets.
The neutral gray brings out the subtle hints of gray in the olive hue, creating a soothing, complimentary palette.
I painted my living room walls a very soft gray (Benjamin Moore’s Silver Fox to be exact) and the olive green carpet instantly looked more vibrant.
The gray acts like a frame, letting that luxurious green take center stage.
I’d recommend a lighter soft gray, as darker grays can feel too cold and stark next to rich olive green.
Go for a gray with brown undertones if your carpet has golden olive tones, or pick a gray with subtle blue/green undertones to complement bluer olive shades.
Matte finish gray walls also let the carpet texture and color shine.
And feel free to accessorize with black and white patterns and metal accents to really play up the gray-olive palette.
If you want to add some architectural detail, consider a two-tone look with lighter silvery gray walls and dark charcoal gray on accent walls or trims.
This adds depth without competing with the olive carpet.
Large gray florals or geometric patterns on wallpaper or accent walls also complement an olive green carpet beautifully.
Just stick to muted gray tones.
Instead of stark white trim, go for an off-white with a hint of gray to tie everything together seamlessly.
Tan
Another no-fail wall color with olive green carpet?
Tan!
From warm sand to creamy buff, tan hues bring out the golden yellow tones in olive green.
I painted my breakfast nook walls a light biscuit tan (Sherwin Williams’ Online) and it makes my golden olive carpet look almost citrusy.
The tan creates an uplifting, cheerful ambiance.
Stick to muted, earthy tan shades rather than anything too bright or orange which could clash with olive green’s natural tone.
I’d suggest a tan with a hint of gray to keep things neutral.
Tan works wonderfully in more casual living spaces like family rooms, kitchens and dining spaces.
For a breath of fresh air, tan walls never fail to flatter an olive green carpet’s golden glow.
Look for a matte tan paint with a slight sheen.
High-gloss tan could compete too much with a textured olive carpet.
Tan also pairs beautifully with wood trim and rustic wood furniture, complementing the warm olive green.
Try accenting with cream and sage green decor for a nature-inspired vibe.
And don’t be afraid to add some bold patterns and textures in terra cotta, mustard yellow, or even denim blue to really energize a tan and olive green palette.
To keep a tan and olive palette feeling relaxed, stick to natural fibers and textures like linen, jute, cotton and wood.
Iron fixtures add an industrial edge.
For a bit of contrast, don’t be afraid to mix in black accent furniture or pieces in deep forest green.
Just stick to warm-toned tans for ultimate harmony with golden olive carpeting.
Blue
Hear me out on this one.
Blue might seem like an odd match for olive green, but the right light powdery blue can actually be so dreamy with an olive carpet.
I took a risk and painted my guest bedroom walls a very soft robin’s egg blue (Benjamin Moore’s Breath of Fresh Air) and with my olive green carpet, the combo is a soothing retreat.
The key is choosing the right blue – go for an airy, pale sky blue with subtle gray undertones.
Vivid blues and navy can feel too cold and harsh.
I’d also avoid pale blues with purple undertones.
Stick to blue-grays that are almost more gray than blue.
The muted blue enhances the organic vibe of the olive green without competing.
Matte finish blue walls allow an olive green carpet’s texture to take center stage.
Try playing up the tranquility with wispy white curtains, rattan and linen textures, and carved wood accents.
Avoid anything too sleek or modern.
Keep the blue soft and cloud-like.
And consider a darker blue on trims or accent walls to frame the olive green carpet – just stick to blue with gray undertones, not purpley-blues.
To really double down on the soothing blue and olive green vibe, look for area rugs, pillows and art that combine the two colors.
Think abstract watercolor prints, Oushak-style rugs, and batik fabrics.
Just don’t overdo patterns – keep everything relaxed.
Paint your wood furniture in a driftwood blue-gray for even more harmony.
Cream
For a lighter, brighter accent wall, cream is a great olive green carpet companion.
I painted one living room accent wall in a warm ivory cream hue (Valspar’s Confection) and it really illuminates the green carpet, keeping things feeling light and airy.
Cream adds a nice neutral balance.
Look for creamy off-whites with a hint of yellow rather than stark bright whites, which can feel clinical.
Soft, incandescent cream walls lend a welcoming vibe and prevent the olive carpet from feeling too heavy or dark.
Cream is ideal if you want to brighten up a room featuring olive green carpet.
Consider a high-sheen cream gloss paint for contrast with a textured olive carpet – just avoid anything too shiny.
And feel free to add cream and olive green patterned pillows, throws and accents throughout for a pulled-together look.
For a bit of contrast, dark wood furniture and black metal accents pop beautifully against cream walls and olive carpet.
To play up the bright and airy cream and olive green combo, hang some crisp white linen curtains and bring in lots of natural light with large windows or skylights if possible.
Incorporate houseplants or fresh cut greens to enhance the nature-inspired vibe.
Just avoid anything too ornate or baroque – keep the look relaxed and casual.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Sage Green
While painting your walls the exact same color as your olive green carpet may seem like overkill, going with a lighter sage green can actually be quite pretty.
The similar green tones harmonize beautifully while adding dimension.
I chose a soft sage green with gray undertones (Sherwin Williams’ Natural Choice) for my home office accent wall and it blends seamlessly with the olive carpet.
When choosing a green wall color, steer clear of anything too yellow-toned or lime green, which visually competes with the olive carpet.
Pick a muted green with slight blue leanings.
Lighter sage greens work better than deep forest greens, which may be too dark.
Let your olive green carpet stand out while the walls provide a subtle green backdrop.
Consider a faux finish on your sage green walls, like a glazed or dragged paint technique, which adds texture and interest.
Glossy sage green walls can be too bold, so opt for an eggshell or satin finish.
And don’t forget plenty of warm wood tones, white accents, and even metallics to keep a sage green and olive carpet palette from feeling one-note.
Really embrace the double green by incorporating olive, sage and forest green textiles throughout.
Layer in jute rugs, fiddle leaf figs, and rattan furniture for an earthy vibe.
Just avoid anything too matchy-matchy.
Keep walls more muted and accessories bolder.
Mauve
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to balance out rich olive green carpeting, don’t overlook moody mauve walls.
This soft purple shade adds a romantic, vintage vibe that works surprisingly well with olive green’s natural look.
I took a bold leap and painted my bedroom feature wall in a muted mauve (Benjamin Moore’s Victorian Lilac) and it gives the olive carpet a cozy, retro feel.
The key with mauve is sticking to dusty, antique-inspired versions with gray undertones rather than anything too vivid or bright.
Mauve with hints of pink can veer bubblegum, so aim for a more muted purple-gray.
Eggshell finish helps the mauve look more timeworn.
And glossy mauve risks competing too much with an olive carpet’s texture.
To keep a mauve and olive palette feeling grounded, add in warm wood furniture, rattan accents, and plenty of natural textures like jute and linen.
Brass hardware and details also mesh nicely with the vintage vibe.
For an extra dose of color, layer in plum, mustard yellow, pale blue and sage green accessories.
Just don’t overdo patterns.
Don’t be afraid to really commit to the retro mauve and olive green scheme with geometric wallpaper, macrame plant holders, and distressed Persian rugs.
But keep your wall mauve soft – use deeper plums and violets sparingly on accents and decor.
The key is balance between laidback and bold.
Mauve is an unexpected choice that allows olive green carpet to feel richer and more intriguing.
It embraces the carpet’s complexity in a chic, nostalgic way.
Coral
Hear me out – a poppy coral wall color can actually be so fresh and fun paired with an earthy olive green carpet.
I was skeptical at first, but I took the plunge and painted my laundry room walls in a peachy coral hue (Sherwin Williams’ Summer Crush) and it gave new life to the olive green floor.
The bold coral makes the carpet pop!
As always, muted, dusty versions of coral work best – avoid anything too electric or neon-bright.
Look for coral with subtle orange undertones rather than pink.
Buttery corals with a hint of gold complement olive green’s golden glow beautifully.
Just don’t go too peachy-keen.
For a laidback coastal feel, add beachy textures like whitewashed woods, woven sea grass, and weathered finishes to balance the bold coral and olive green.
Crisp white trims stop things from feeling too wild.
You can even bring in sky blue, tan and cream accents for a beach house vibe.
Coral freshens up olive green in a playful way.
Really commit to the beachy combo with touches of navy blue, driftwood tones, and plenty of natural rattan and abaca fibers in rugs and baskets.
Paint your vanity or dresser a matte coral for extra pop.
Just don’t overdo the patterns – keep textures and colors relaxed for balance.
In small doses, this unlikely color combo can be so energizing.
Mustard Yellow
For a burst of sunshine that celebrates olive green’s golden tones, consider painting an accent wall in tangy mustard yellow.
At first I was skeptical – but then I took a risk and painted my office feature wall in a muted mustard hue (Valspar’s Tartan Yellow) and fell in love with the zesty combo.
It feels bold yet grounded.
The trick is sticking with earthy, muted yellows – vibrant neon yellows could be overwhelming and clash badly with olive green’s natural look.
Look for mustardy yellows with a hint of brown instead of lemony shades.
A matte finish also helps absorb some of the intensity.
To keep things feeling grounded with bright mustard meeting rich olive green, natural wood furniture is a must.
Rattan, jute, linen and sheepskin add organic texture.
Crisp white trim prevents sensory overload.
And don’t be shy about adding in woodsy greens, sky blue and cream accents for even more harmonious flair.
Commit to the spicy combo with a dynamic gallery wall mixing olive, mustard and white abstract art.
Macrame wall hangings and ceramic vessels in shared golden tones feel earthy yet zesty.
Just avoid anything too minimal – lean into bold textures and patterns for harmony.
Mustard yellow brings new energy to an olive green carpet, especially in transitional rooms like offices, dining rooms and kitchens.
Feeling brave?
Give this unexpected color combo a try by starting with just one bold mustard accent wall paired with olive green flooring.
The colorful risk just might pay off!
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Earthy Neutrals
If you want a balanced and cozy feel in your room, consider earthy neutrals like taupe, warm gray, or creamy beige.
These colors create a harmonious contrast with the green carpet, making your space feel inviting and serene.
Think of it as the calm after a light rain, with earthy tones grounding the vibrant green.
For example, you can paint the walls in a soft taupe shade like Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter.”
This color adds depth to the room while allowing your olive green carpet to shine as the focal point.
Pair it with wooden furniture and earthy decor for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Another option in the earthy neutral family is “Accessible Beige” by Sherwin-Williams.
It has a touch of warmth that pairs beautifully with olive green, creating a welcoming ambiance.
This color combination is like a cozy cabin nestled in the woods.
If you prefer a slightly cooler neutral, consider “Balboa Mist” by Benjamin Moore.
Its subtle gray undertones can complement the green carpet without overwhelming the space.
It’s like a gentle breeze on a sunny day, providing a refreshing feel to your room.
So, when it comes to earthy neutrals, you have plenty of options to create a harmonious and comfortable living space that showcases your olive green carpet.
Navy Blue Elegance
Looking for a touch of sophistication?
Navy blue might be your answer.
This rich, deep color creates a stunning contrast with olive green, reminiscent of a night sky dotted with stars.
It’s like having a piece of the ocean right in your living room.
A classic choice is Sherwin-Williams’ “Naval.” It exudes timeless elegance and pairs exceptionally well with olive green, creating a room that’s both stylish and comfortable.
Imagine your room as a luxurious yacht on a moonlit night, with navy blue walls that bring a sense of depth and richness.
For a slightly lighter and more playful option, consider “Hale Navy” by Benjamin Moore.
It’s like a vibrant midnight sky filled with wonder.
This shade adds personality and character to your space while harmonizing beautifully with your olive green carpet.
Another fantastic choice is “Inky Blue” by Behr.
It’s a deep, moody blue that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Pair it with brass accents and warm lighting, and you’ll have a room that feels like a chic bistro on a Parisian street.
Navy blue is a versatile choice that can give your room a touch of elegance and drama while allowing your olive green carpet to shine as the star of the show.
Refreshing Mint Green
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, consider a complementary color like mint green.
This pairing is like a refreshing summer breeze on a warm day.
The lightness of mint balances the depth of olive green, resulting in a cheerful and lively ambiance.
You can use Behr’s “Mint Hint” for a soft and soothing minty shade that complements your olive green carpet flawlessly.
It’s like sipping on a cool mint julep while lounging in your comfortable oasis.
Another option is “Seafoam Green” by Sherwin-Williams.
It’s like a day at the beach, with the waves gently lapping the shore.
This color brings a sense of tranquility and freshness to your room, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms and bathrooms.
If you want a bolder minty look, try “Mint Majesty” by Benjamin Moore.
It’s like a tropical escape, with vibrant greenery and clear waters.
This shade adds a playful and energetic vibe to your space while maintaining a harmonious balance with the olive green carpet.
So, if you want to infuse your room with a breath of fresh air and create a lively atmosphere, mint green is a fantastic choice that complements your olive green carpet beautifully.
Crisp White Simplicity
For a clean and timeless look, you can never go wrong with crisp white walls.
White not only brightens up your space but also allows the green carpet to take center stage.
It’s like a blank canvas for your décor ideas.
A popular choice is Benjamin Moore’s “Decorator’s White.” This shade lets your olive green carpet pop and gives your room an airy and open feel.
It’s like a fresh coat of snow on a sunny winter morning, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
If you prefer a warmer white, consider “Alabaster” by Sherwin-Williams.
It has subtle creamy undertones that add a touch of warmth to your space.
This combination is like a cozy fireside chat with friends, creating a welcoming and comfortable living area.
For a brighter and crisper white, “Pure White” by Behr is a fantastic choice.
It’s like a cloudless sky on a summer day, filling your room with light and energy.
This shade complements your olive green carpet while creating a modern and refreshing atmosphere.
So, if you want to keep it simple and let your olive green carpet shine, white is a timeless and versatile option that can work wonders for your room’s aesthetic.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Calming Lavender
Adding a touch of lavender to your walls can create a calming and soothing atmosphere that pairs beautifully with olive green.
Lavender is like a gentle breeze through a lavender field, bringing tranquility to your space.
Consider “Misty Lavender” by Benjamin Moore.
This soft and subtle lavender shade creates a serene backdrop for your room, allowing the olive green carpet to stand out.
It’s like a quiet retreat where you can unwind and relax.
For a more vibrant lavender option, try “Lilac Gray” by Sherwin-Williams.
This color combines the charm of lavender with the versatility of gray, creating a modern and stylish look.
It’s like a fashionable boutique in the heart of the city, adding a touch of sophistication to your space.
