Colors that Blend Beautifully with Green

Green is a versatile color that pairs well with a variety of hues to create stunning color combinations. With the right complementary colors, green can take on a cool, earthy, vibrant, or traditional aesthetic. When decorating with green, it's important to consider undertones and color theory to find shades that work in harmony. Read on to discover the best color matches for green that will elevate any interior design.

How to Choose Complementary Colors for Green

Choosing attractive color combinations starts with understanding the basics of color theory. The color wheel provides a visual guide for finding harmonious color pairings. Colors located directly across from each other are considered complementary colors. Green's complements are red and purple. However, analogous colors located next to each other on the wheel, like blue and yellow, can also create pleasing schemes. Consider the following factors when selecting shades to go with green:

Color Temperature

Determine if your green has warm or cool undertones. Warm greens like olive and chartreuse complement other warm colors like red, orange and yellow. Cool greens like sage and emerald green match best with other cool colors like purple, blue and pink. Neutral white, black, gray and brown work with either warm or cool greens.

Saturation

The intensity of a color, or saturation, impacts the effect. Pairing very saturated greens with pale neutrals creates contrast. Matching subtle muted greens with other earthy muted colors provides harmony. Using shades and tones at similar saturation levels helps colors unify.

Personal Preference

Consider the mood you want to cultivate in a space. Energizing bright greens suit bold warm shades. Relaxing muted greens match harmoniously with other cool muted colors. Schedule time to view many greens samples before finalizing, as lighting affects perception.

Nature Inspiration

Think of color combinations seen in nature to create organic-feeling palettes. Green fields dotted with yellow flowers, purple green hydrangeas, rich green pines against blue skies. Nature is the ultimate color guide.

Warm Complementary Colors for Green

Warm shades like red and orange make vivacious partners for green. Their fiery tones add striking contrast while also radiating energy and brightness. Here are some of the top warm color pairings to consider:

Red

Red and green placed together have a bold, dramatic effect. This high-contrast combo is associated with the holidays, perfect for creating festive Christmas decor. But red can also lend a playful, eccentric vibe when coupled with green year-round. Try pairing kelly green with crimson red for an eclectic color scheme. Or mix lime green and burgundy red for a more muted, earthy aesthetic. A little bit of red goes a long way, so use it sparingly in accents. Red furnishings or decorative objects will really pop against green walls or in a predominantly green room.

Orange

Orange with green evokes feelings of health, vitality, and the outdoors. For a casual, laidback look, match olive green with peach or terracotta orange. Or make a contemporary statement by blending chartreuse green with vibrant tangerine orange. Use orange motifs on pillows, vases, candles, and other accessories to add bursts of color to a green backdrop. Orange is also a flexible neutral that can help bridge the gap between warm and cool greens.

Yellow

Cheerful yellow enlivens green in playful, youthful ways. Lemon and lime green pair perfectly with bright canary yellow. Think tropical motifs like palm leaves, pineapples and parrots. Mustard yellow complements olive green for a more earthy vibe. Use yellow in moderation with green to avoid looking too spring-like.

Cool Complementary Colors for Green

On the cooler side of the color wheel, shades of purple and blue combine gorgeously with green for moodier, more soothing palettes. Here's how to effectively integrate these colors:

Purple

There's a reason green and purple represent royalty - they just look regal together. Mixing rich purple with emerald green evokes an air of luxury. Pastel purple also complements lighter green for a soft, ethereal look. Use purple sparingly to avoid overwhelming the green. A purple area rug grounds a green sofa, while green walls spotlight a purple velvet armchair. Lavender purple makes a particularly fitting pair for sage green.

Blue

Blue is a leading complement to green because it's so prevalent in nature. Think of blue skies and oceans alongside green fields, forests, and meadows. Aqua blue enlivens lime green for a playful, tropical vibe. Navy blue accentuates hunter green for a handsome, masculine den. Robin's egg blue paired with mint green creates a sweet, romantic atmosphere. With so many shades to choose from, blue offers versatility in green color schemes.

Pink

Pretty in pink takes on a sophisticated air when paired with green. Pastel pinks complement lighter greens like pistachio and seafoam green. Opt for brighter fuchsia pinks with kelly green or lime green for a fun pop. Use pink sparingly with green as too much pink can feel overly feminine. A pink velvet pillow on a green sofa or pink flowers in a green vase offers just the right amount.

Neutral Complementary Colors for Green

Earth tones and greys tone down green in subtle, inviting ways. Here's how to effectively incorporate neutral colors:

Brown

Brown and green are a natural match since they're the most prominent colors in the landscape. Mustard yellow greens pair elegantly with chocolate browns. Olive green complements tan and beige neutrals. And avocado green pops against warm terra-cotta. Use brown to ground green in an organic, earthy aesthetic. Different wood tones also add lovely texture and dimension.

Gray

Gray beautifully bridges the gap between warm and cool greens. Light sage green with taupe gray creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. Pair mossy greens with charcoal grays for an edgy, modern feel. Green and gray schemes are endlessly versatile, suitable for traditional to contemporary spaces.

White

White helps freshen up any green. It makes the space feel open and airy. White combined with dark hunter greens creates a bold high-contrast look, while white walls provide a clean backdrop for display of green art and decor. Be mindful of undertones when selecting your white, as warm creams flatter olive greens better than cool stark whites.

Tips for Combining Green with Complementary Colors

Follow these guidelines when decorating with green and complementary colors:

• Use the 60-30-10 rule for proportions: 60% green, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color.
• Repeat colors in different rooms to create cohesion in the home.
• Change shade tones and saturations for added depth and dimension.
• Add metallics like gold, silver, bronze as a nuetral bridge between colors.
• Incorporate patterns and textures so colors don't feel flat and one-dimensional.
• Limit green to key furniture pieces and paint larger areas a complementing neutral.
• Display real greens like plants and floral arrangements to connect the palette.
• Use green in entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms for a welcoming atmosphere.
• Incorporate green kitchen accents like retro appliances, canisters, and tableware.

The versatile green takes on entirely different personalities when combined with bold warm colors versus muted cool colors. Always sample green paint colors on walls before fully committing. Greens often read differently depending on the quality and amount of light in a space. Whether your style is traditional, modern, organic, or eclectic, green offers endless possibilities for stunning color schemes that feel pulled straight from nature.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Green

Green can feel overwhelming with so many shades. Here are some creative tips for adding green accents throughout a home: