Olive Drab

Technical Profile

What color is Olive Drab? It's a deep warm brown with the hex code #25221B. Olive Drab is a distinctive shade in the RAL lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and deep depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Olive Drab has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Olive Drab (#25221B) by RAL is a deep brown paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. At an LRV of 13 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep neutrals like this create contrast and gravitas on accent walls, exterior facades, and kitchen cabinetry, pairing well with lighter trim. Satin or semi-gloss finishes help deep colors reflect just enough light to show their full depth, especially on accent walls and trim. For color coordination, Olive Drab pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and red hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If RAL is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from MPC, Kilz and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Olive Drab delivers a fireside richness that wraps the room in warmth and groundedness. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the RAL palette, Olive Drab benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Olive Drab has a low LRV, it can look dramatically different under incandescent versus daylight bulbs — always test a large swatch on the actual wall before committing. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Deep tones pair beautifully with velvet upholstery, burnished metal fixtures, dark-stained wood, and textured wallcoverings on adjacent surfaces. You can order Olive Drab (6022) directly from RAL or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.