Generally, the invention is for a neutral color, anti-reflective coating for optical elements transmitting light in the visible range, said coating having a 3-layer or 4-layer structure comprising at least two coating materials selected from the group consisting of: (a) a coating material A having an index of refraction in the range of 1.35-1.5; (b) a coating material B having an index of refraction in the range of 1.9-2.4; and (c) a coating material C having an index of refraction in the range of 1.6-1.8. wherein said coating is placed on the first face or the second face, or both, of a substrate transmissive to light in the visible range. The invention is further directed to optical elements having the foregoing coatings.