Mediterranean Olive
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Mediterranean Olive remains a staple for Benjamin Moore designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 7 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#5E5A42
LRV
11.05
Mediterranean Olive in Real Rooms
Mediterranean Olive has a low LRV of 11.05 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Gray and Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a bedroom, house and misc.
4 Bedroom Photos
In the context of a primary suite, Mediterranean Olive suggests a boutique-hotel level of refinement. It creates a seamless flow between the sleeping area and the dressing room, providing a steadying influence that makes the morning routine feel more organized and serene.
Bedroom walls in Mediterranean Olive foster restful, grounding sleep spaces.
@bhdmdesign
Soothing bedroom walls draw their calm from Mediterranean Olive's natural palette.
@bhdmdesign
Earthy tones in Mediterranean Olive transform bedrooms into peaceful sanctuaries.
@badgerhouseinteriors
Bedroom walls painted Mediterranean Olive create serene, sophisticated sleeping quarters.
@badgerhouseinteriors
2 House Photos
In suburban environments, Mediterranean Olive provides a sophisticated point of difference. It stands out from the sea of beige and grey without being "that house" that's too loud. It's the subtle, high-end choice that improves the curb appeal of the entire block.
Exterior siding in Mediterranean Olive adds warmth and sophistication to homes.
@russo_painting
House exteriors painted Mediterranean Olive blend beautifully with natural landscapes.
@russo_painting
1 Misc Photo
Observe the use of Mediterranean Olive on architectural "oddities"—slanted ceilings, built-in nooks, or under-stair closets. The color helps these strange angles feel like deliberate design features rather than construction afterthoughts.
Wooden furniture finished in Mediterranean Olive gains timeless, elegant character.
@popsalvage
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 83 vs 11, White Dove is decisively the brighter choice.
Fieldstone reflects far more light (LRV 43 vs 11), opening up a space where Mediterranean Olive encloses it.
Gray Mirage reflects far more light (LRV 54 vs 11), opening up a space where Mediterranean Olive encloses it.
Icicle reflects far more light (LRV 82 vs 11), opening up a space where Mediterranean Olive encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 11 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 11 vs 10), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 11 vs 11), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 13 and 11, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
With LRVs of 11 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 12 and 11, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 11 vs 8), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 11-point LRV gap (22 vs 11) makes Luxe the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 14 and 11, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
At LRV 69 vs 11, Violet Sparkle is decisively the brighter choice.
French Violet reads slightly lighter (LRV 18 vs 11), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Lighter Colors
Pining for You reads slightly lighter (LRV 20 vs 11), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 8-point LRV gap (19 vs 11) makes Pine Grove the marginally brighter of the two.
A 7-point LRV gap (18 vs 11) makes Mountain Moss the marginally brighter of the two.
Sterling Forest reads slightly lighter (LRV 14 vs 11), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 13 and 11, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Darker Colors
A 4-point LRV gap (11 vs 7) makes Mediterranean Olive the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 11 and 10, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.