Red and Green make what color? It’s not as simple as you might think. When mixed together, red and green don’t create a bright secondary color—instead, they usually produce a range of earthy browns. This happens because red and green are complementary colors; when combined, they neutralize each other on the color wheel.
Depending on the shades and proportions, the final color can shift from light hazelnut to deep espresso. In this article, you’ll explore exactly how Red And Green Make What Color? why it happens, and how you can use this knowledge in art, design, and painting.
Key Takeaways:
- Red and green create brown when mixed because they are complementary colors. Mixing them neutralizes their vibrancy, resulting in a muted tone.
- The shade of brown depends on the undertones of the red and green you use. More blue or yellow in these colors can shift the resulting brown.
- Complementary colors on the color wheel have strong contrast but lose their intensity when mixed. This principle applies to all complementary pairs, like red and green or blue and orange.
Also, learn how to make red and how to make green with easy mixing tips and color theory basics.
The Basics of Color Mixing
To understand what red and green make, let’s go back to the basics of color theory. The color wheel is the foundation of color mixing. It’s a circular chart that organizes colors into three main groups:
- Primary colors: Red, yellow, and blue. These cannot be created by mixing other colors.
- Secondary colors: Green, orange, and purple. These are made by combining two primary colors (e.g., blue + yellow = green).
- Tertiary colors: These are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color (e.g., blue + green = teal).
When you mix primary colors, you create secondary and tertiary hues. But there’s more to mixing than just blending colors—relationships between colors also matter. Enter complementary colors.
Complementary Colors and Their Effects
On the color wheel, complementary colors are pairs of hues that sit directly opposite each other, like red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. Complementary colors are known for their striking contrast when placed side by side. They make each other stand out, which is why they’re popular in art and design.
However, when complementary colors are mixed, the result is not a bold, vibrant shade but rather a neutral tone like brown or gray. This happens because complementary colors neutralize each other’s intensity. For red and green, this means their bright, lively tones cancel out, leaving behind a warm and earthy brown.
The exact shade of brown depends on the specific undertones of the red and green being mixed:
- A red with blue undertones (like crimson) and a green with more blue (like teal) can create a purplish brown.
- A red with yellow undertones (like scarlet) and a yellowish-green (like lime) can make a lighter, golden brown.
Complementary color mixing is not only fascinating but also useful. It allows artists to tone down vibrant hues, create earthy shades, and bring balance to their work. When you mix red and green, you’re essentially blending the extremes of warmth (red) and coolness (green), resulting in a harmonious, grounded color like brown.
So, while red and green might seem like opposites on the surface, their partnership proves that even the most contrasting colors can create something beautiful together!
The Surprising Result of Mixing Red and Green
When you mix red and green, the result is not a vibrant or secondary color as you might expect but rather a neutral tone: brown. This happens because red and green are complementary colors, meaning they sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors have a special relationship—they neutralize each other when combined, canceling out their brightness and creating a muted hue.
The exact shade of brown depends on the undertones of the red and green used. For example:
- Red with blue undertones (like crimson) mixed with green with blue undertones (like teal) can produce a cooler, purplish brown.
- Red with yellow undertones (like scarlet) mixed with yellowish-green (like lime) creates a warmer, golden brown.
This surprising result shows how color mixing isn’t always straightforward. While red and green are vibrant and eye-catching individually, their combination leads to an earthy tone that is versatile and useful in many artistic contexts.
Shades of Brown from Red and Green Mixture
Mixing red and green can produce a variety of brown shades, depending on the specific hues and proportions used. Here are some common types of brown you can achieve.
| # | Shade Name | Description | How to Achieve |
| 1 | Hazelnut Brown | A warm, light brown with golden undertones, like roasted hazelnuts. | Mix yellowish-green with red that has yellow undertones. |
| 2 | Chestnut Brown | A medium reddish-brown reminiscent of chestnuts. | Blend balanced red and green with slight yellow undertones in both colors. |
| 3 | Mahogany Brown | A deep, reddish-brown shade often associated with rich, polished wood. | Allow red to dominate the mixture with green as a supporting color. |
| 4 | Walnut Brown | A dark, earthy brown with a subtle cool tone, like walnut wood. | Mix dark green with a bluish-red. |
| 5 | Caramel Brown | A golden, medium brown similar to caramel candy. | Combine green with strong yellow tones and a warm red. |
| 6 | Espresso Brown | A near-black, deep brown like the color of espresso. | Use dark, saturated tones of both red and green. |
| 7 | Umber Brown | A natural brown with a slight greenish undertone, often found in natural pigments. | Mix a green-leaning neutral with a dark red. |
| 8 | Sienna Brown | A reddish-brown derived from earth pigments, associated with Sienna, Italy. | Use a warmer red and a neutral green. |
| 9 | Burnt Sienna | A reddish-orange brown with an earthy vibe. | Add a yellowish tint to the red before mixing with green. |
| 10 | Burnt Umber | A darker, more intense version of burnt sienna. | Use darker, cooler tones of green and red. |
| 11 | Taupe Brown | A grayish-brown that’s subtle and neutral. | Mix a muted green with a dull red, often with blue undertones in the green. |
| 12 | Beaver Brown | A dark, slightly grayish brown that leans more neutral. | Use equal parts of red and green with slight desaturation. |
| 13 | Saddle Brown | A deep, leathery brown reminiscent of saddles. | Combine a strong green and a red with minimal yellow tones. |
| 14 | Cinnamon Brown | A warm, spicy brown that mirrors the color of cinnamon sticks. | Use a bright red and a yellowish-green. |
| 15 | Sepia Brown | A dark, reddish-brown traditionally associated with sepia ink. | Emphasize the red in the red-green mix. |
| 16 | Tawny Brown | A light to medium brown with orange or golden undertones. | Combine red and green with a stronger emphasis on yellow tones. |
| 17 | Bistre Brown | A deep, dark brown traditionally made from soot pigments. | Use dark, muted greens and reds for a smoky effect. |
| 18 | Chocolate Brown | A rich, dark brown resembling dark chocolate. | Mix a bold red with a dark green that has slight blue undertones. |
| 19 | Mocha Brown | A medium brown with warm coffee-like tones. | Combine green with slight yellow undertones and a warmer red. |
| 20 | Ochre Brown | A dull, light brown with yellowish undertones, often found in ochre pigments. | Use a yellow-heavy green and a red with slight orange undertones. |
The shade you get also depends on the ratio of red to green. Adding more red will shift the brown toward a reddish hue, while more green will create a cooler, earthier tone. This makes red and green a versatile pair for creating custom browns.
Want to know what other shades make brown? Explore our full guide on what colors make brown to learn all the mix-and-match combos!
Practical Uses of the Red and Green Mixture
Understanding what red and green create when mixed is useful in various fields:
- Painting and Art: Artists often mix red and green to create neutral tones like brown, which are essential for adding depth and realism to landscapes, portraits, and still-life compositions. For example, brown is frequently used for skin tones, wood, or soil.
- Interior Design: Neutral shades like brown are popular in home décor for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. By experimenting with different reds and greens, designers can achieve unique shades of brown for walls, furniture, or accents.
- Fashion: Brown, being a neutral color, is a staple in clothing and accessories. Designers use variations of brown to evoke feelings of comfort, sophistication, or ruggedness.
- Seasonal Themes: Red and green are commonly associated with Christmas, but their combination into brown can inspire earthy, rustic holiday décor for a cozy, natural look.
- Education and Fun Projects: Teachers and parents can use red and green mixing as a hands-on way to teach kids about color theory and complementary colors. It’s a simple yet effective experiment that illustrates the science of colors.
Whether you’re an artist, a designer, or just someone curious about color mixing, knowing how red and green work together can open up endless creative possibilities. Their combination into brown is a perfect example of how opposites can come together to create something beautifully balanced!
Additive vs. Subtractive Mixing
When discussing what happens when colors mix, it’s essential to understand the two main types of color mixing: additive and subtractive. These processes behave differently because they involve light and pigments, respectively, leading to different results when mixing red and green.
Additive Color Mixing
Additive mixing occurs when colored lights are combined. This method is used in digital screens, stage lighting, and other applications involving light sources.
- How it works: Additive mixing starts with black (absence of light), and colors are created by adding different wavelengths of light. The primary colors in additive mixing are red, green, and blue (RGB).
- Red and green in additive mixing: When red and green light overlap, the result is yellow light. This is because the wavelengths of red and green combine to create a new wavelength perceived as yellow.
- Where you see it: Additive mixing is why TV screens, computer monitors, and smartphone displays use red, green, and blue pixels to create vibrant colors.
Subtractive Color Mixing
Subtractive mixing involves pigments, such as paints, dyes, or inks. This method is used in traditional painting, printing, and physical media.
- How it works: Subtractive mixing starts with white light reflecting off a surface. Pigments absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, creating the colors we see. The primary colors in subtractive mixing are cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY).
- Red and green in subtractive mixing: When red and green pigments mix, they absorb most of the light and reflect only a small portion. The result is a brown hue. This occurs because red and green are complementary colors on the subtractive spectrum, and their combination neutralizes each other.
- Where you see it: Subtractive mixing is at work in painting, where colors like red and green combine to create earthy tones, as well as in color printing processes.
Key Differences Between Additive and Subtractive Mixing
| Aspect | Additive Mixing | Subtractive Mixing |
| Medium | Light | Pigments (paints, dyes, etc.) |
| Primary Colors | Red, Green, Blue (RGB) | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (CMY) |
| Starting Point | Black (absence of light) | White (full light reflection) |
| Result of Red + Green | Yellow | Brown |
| Application | Screens, lighting | Painting, printing |
Understanding whether you’re working with light or pigments is crucial to predicting what color combinations will produce. While red and green make yellow in additive mixing, they create brown in subtractive mixing, highlighting the fascinating complexity of color theory.
The Color Spectrum Unveiled: Hues of Brown, Khaki, and Burgundy
Colors like brown, khaki, and burgundy sit within a spectrum that exudes warmth, earthiness, and elegance. These shades, often derived from mixing primary and secondary colors, are versatile and widely used in fashion, art, and design. Let’s explore their origins, characteristics, and where they stand in the broader color palette.
Brown: The Earthy Neutral
Brown is a natural, grounding color that results from mixing complementary colors such as red and green in subtractive mixing. It comes in various shades, from warm hazelnut to dark espresso.
- How it’s made: Brown emerges when all primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) are mixed in different proportions or when complementary colors like red and green cancel each other out.
- Symbolism: Brown represents stability, reliability, and warmth. It is a go-to neutral for interior design and fashion.
- Popular shades: Caramel, chocolate, mahogany, burnt umber, and taupe.
Khaki: The Practical Neutral
Khaki is a light brownish-green shade often associated with military and outdoor gear. Its muted tone makes it a practical and versatile color.
- How it’s made: Khaki is created by mixing brown with a hint of green or yellow, giving it a subtle earthy undertone.
- Symbolism: Khaki is associated with utility, dependability, and nature. It’s widely used in uniforms and casual wear for its neutral appeal.
- Applications: Frequently seen in fashion (chinos, jackets) and décor, khaki blends easily with other colors.
Burgundy: The Sophisticated Red
Burgundy is a deep, reddish-purple hue that exudes sophistication and luxury. Named after Burgundy wine, it’s a rich color often used in high-end fashion and design.
- How it’s made: Burgundy is created by mixing red with a touch of blue or purple and sometimes a hint of brown for depth.
- Symbolism: Burgundy conveys elegance, ambition, and power. It’s a popular choice for formal wear and opulent interiors.
Popular uses: Evening gowns, lipstick shades, upholstered furniture, and branding for upscale products.
Comparing Hues: Brown, Khaki, and Burgundy
| Aspect | Brown | Khaki | Burgundy |
| Tone | Neutral and earthy | Light, muted, and greenish | Deep, rich, and warm |
| Primary Use | Interiors, casual fashion | Uniforms, casual wear | Formal fashion, décor |
| Creation | Red + Green or full mix | Brown + Yellow/Green | Red + Blue + Brown |
| Mood | Stable and reliable | Practical and grounded | Elegant and ambitious |
Versatility of the Spectrum
The beauty of these hues lies in their adaptability. Whether it’s brown’s grounding effect, khaki’s subtle utility, or burgundy’s luxurious appeal, each color brings a unique quality to creative projects. They also blend harmoniously with other shades, making them indispensable in design, fashion, and art.
These hues may seem simple, but their depth and character unlock countless possibilities for creative expression. Experiment with them to discover their full potential!
So, in Conclusion: Red and Green Make What Color When Mixed?
When red and green come together, they create the unexpected and earthy hue of brown. This result, rooted in the science of subtractive color mixing, highlights how complementary colors work together to neutralize intensity and produce something entirely new.
The exact shade of brown depends on the undertones and proportions of red and green used, offering endless possibilities for artists and designers. Whether you’re mixing colors in paint, exploring the subtleties of pigments, or simply satisfying your curiosity, red and green’s surprising combination into brown proves that color theory is as fascinating as it is practical.
Check out this blog post about the differences between acrylic and oil paints and more specifically, how to get started with acrylic paints! And to find some inspiration, here are my best ideas for canvas painting for beginners 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
What color does green and red make when mixed?
Red and green mixed in subtractive color mixing (like paints or pigments) create brown.
Does the shade of brown depend on the type of red and green used?
Yes, the specific undertones of red and green (yellowish or bluish) influence the resulting shade of brown.
Is brown the only color red and green can make?
In subtractive mixing, red and green generally make brown, but slight variations (like olive or maroon tones) can occur with specific undertones.
What happens when you mix red and green in additive color mixing?
In additive mixing (light), red and green create yellow.
How can I lighten or darken the brown made by mixing red and green?
Add white to lighten the brown, or add black to darken it. Adjusting the proportion of red and green can also change the shade.
What color does red, blue, and green make?
When mixing red, blue, and green in pigments, the result tends toward a muted gray or dark brown. However, in light (additive mixing), it results in white or gray depending on the balance.
What does red, blue, and green make in painting?
In subtractive color mixing, combining all three (red, blue, and green) can lead to a desaturated, dark brown or gray tone, since all primary pigments absorb light.
