How to Choose the Best Emerald Green Paint Color
Emerald green is a rich, luxurious paint color that can add vibrancy and character to any space. From deep forest greens to light seafoam hues, emerald greens are endlessly versatile and pair beautifully with many decor styles. But with so many green paint options on the market, how do you choose that perfect emerald shade? Follow these tips for selecting an emerald green paint color you'll absolutely love.
Consider Different Tones and Tints
Emerald green paint colors span a wide spectrum. On the darker end, jewel-toned forest greens and pine greens have an elegant, traditional feel. Lighter emerald greens like seafoam and mint are more relaxing and work well in airy, casual spaces.
Dark Emerald Greens
Deep, saturated emerald greens are dramatic yet grounded. A dark emerald green dining room immediately sets a mood of old world refinement. Or embrace the forest with a black-green accent wall. Popular dark emerald paint colors include:
- Behr's Evening Moss
- Benjamin Moore's Deep Forest Green
- Sherwin-Williams' Evergreen Fog
Light Emerald Greens
Soft, pale green paint colors are soothing and refreshing. A light emerald green bedroom promotes relaxation, while a seafoam green bathroom feels like a spa. Some tranquil light greens include:
- Valspar's Seaglass
- Behr's Soft Fern
- Benjamin Moore's Hint of Green
Test Emerald Green Paint Swatches
Never choose an emerald green paint color based on small paint chips alone. Instead, paint large swatches directly on your walls. This allows you to evaluate the emerald green tones in your actual lighting and against existing furnishings.
Paint Large Swatches
Paint at least a 2 foot by 2 foot square with emerald green paint swatches. Larger swatches show how the color looks on a broad area, not just a tiny chip.
View in Natural Light
Lighting radically impacts paint colors. Assess emerald green swatches throughout the day. Morning light may cast a bright glow, while evening light warms the tone.
Test Against Furnishings
Hold fabric swatches and hard samples next to emerald green paint swatches. Check that your upholstery, rugs, and wood tones complement the shade as desired.
Consider Sheen Effects
Higher sheens like satin intensify emerald green. Lower sheens like eggshell have a muting effect. Evaluate swatches in your intended paint finish.
Complementary Color Schemes
Certain shades bring out the best in emerald green. Build a cohesive color scheme by accenting emerald green walls with metallic touches, cream white trim, or a bold contrasting color.
Warm Metallics
Metallics like brass, gold, and copper enrich emerald green's jewel-tones. A dark green dining room pops with brass sconces. Or pair a bronze chandelier with light seafoam walls.
Cream White Trim
Cream white trim frames emerald green walls with a fresh, bright elegance. For a beachy look, paint woodwork in a warm white like Benjamin Moore's White Dove.
Vibrant Contrast Colors
Make emerald green the star by contrasting it with deep blue, eggplant purple or charcoal gray walls. This creates bold, exciting color schemes.
Best Rooms for Emerald Green Paint
Certain spaces lend themselves especially well to emerald green. Analyze the mood you want before choosing a room for this rich color.
Inviting Living Spaces
In living rooms and dens, emerald green encourages relaxation and conversation. A light green pairs nicely with natural materials like wood and linen.
Serene Bedrooms
Emerald green bedrooms have a peaceful ambiance. Use a soft hue on walls, then layer in warm woods and breezy fabrics.
Spa-Like Bathrooms
Few colors evoke the tranquil feeling of a spa as well as emerald green. Painting just one wall green creates a relaxing oasis.
Factors Impacting Emerald Green Paint
Several elements interact to change how emerald green paint looks. Consider these factors to get your desired finished effect.
Lighting Conditions
Rooms with northern light read darker than southern exposure. Emerald green can appear more intense in dim spaces.
Room Size and Ceiling Height
Dark emerald greens may feel too claustrophobic in a small room with low ceilings. Pale greens keep tight spaces feeling open.
Nearby Materials
Surrounding woods, metals, and fabrics impact the emerald green wall color. Stick to warm materials like oak, brass, and linen.
Paint Sheen
A flat emerald green reads earthier and more muted. Satin or semi-gloss make the color jeweled and luminous.
Prepping Walls for Emerald Green Paint
Achieving flawless results with emerald green paint starts with proper wall prep. Take time to correct any imperfections before painting.
Repair Cracks and Holes
Fill drywall cracks and dents for a smooth surface. Use painter's putty for small holes, or spackle for larger patches.
Sand Glossy Surfaces
De-gloss previously painted walls so the emerald green paint adheres well. Use 150 grit sandpaper.
Remove Wallpaper
Eliminate traces of glue adhesive if removing wallpaper. Scrape off remnants, then clean walls.
Prime Walls
Priming ensures emerald green paint doesn't react with an underlying color. Use an appropriate primer for your wall material.
Apply Painter's Tape
Use tape to define sharp edges at trim, ceilings, and borders. Pull tape immediately after painting before area dries.
Emerald Green Paint Application Tips
Applying emerald green paint well delivers professional-looking results. Follow these techniques for a flawless green paint job:
Cut In Edges First
Outline trim, corners, and edges with an angled brush. Work top to bottom.
Roll On With "W" Strokes
Use a roller in 4 foot by 4 foot sections, blending each section in a "W" motion.
Work in Sections
Paint just one or two walls at a time before moving to the next section. Don't let edges dry between sections.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Let the first emerald green coat dry completely before adding a second coat for full coverage.
Caring for Emerald Green Walls
Keep emerald green walls looking like new with proper maintenance. Establish a regular cleaning routine tailored to your finish.
Allow 30 Days Cure Time
Don't scrub or clean emerald green walls for at least 30 days after painting. This allows it to fully harden.
Gently Remove Dust
Regularly dust emerald green walls with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent buildup.
Spot Clean Carefully
Immediately wipe stains on emerald green walls with a slightly damp sponge. Don't oversaturate the area.
Repaint Every 5-7 Years
Plan to repaint emerald green walls every 5-7 years as the color fades or sheen dulls over time.
Inspiring Emerald Green Color Palettes
Try these unique emerald green color combinations to spice up your space with a bold, unexpected twist:
Sea Glass Green with White Trim
Capture the essence of sea and sand with Behr's Surf Green walls paired with crisp, bright white millwork.
Deep Emerald with Brass Accents
Contrast the drama of Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog with warm metallic brass lighting fixtures.
Pastel Green and Robin's Egg Blue
Embrace springtime with soft Benjamin Moore Minty Green walls and Powder Blue doors and accent walls.
Hunter Green with Cream and Chocolate Brown
Ground a bold Valspar Hunter Green dining room with accents in cream upholstery and deep brown wood furniture.
Avoid These Emerald Green Paint Mistakes
Steer clear of these common pitfalls when selecting and applying emerald green paint:
Choosing Wrong Undertone
Pick an emerald green with bluish undertones rather than yellowish greens, which can read dated and olive-like.
Neglecting Lighting Effects
Not viewing large swatches in your space's true lighting can lead to the wrong hue choice.
Rushing Wall Prep
Flaws like peeling paint or stains will show through emerald green if prep work is hurried.
Using Cheap Paint
Low-quality paint won't provide the coverage and color depth a rich emerald green demands.
Applying Paint Too Quickly
Not working in controlled sections or allowing adequate dry time can create uneven results.
You're sure to find a shade that's perfect for your space with so many emerald green paint options. Just keep in mind the lighting, room use, color pairings, and wall prepwork as you select a paint. Applying emerald green paint properly delivers eye-catching walls with dazzling depth and vibrancy. Let emerald green paint refresh your rooms with a sense of elegance, vitality, and luxury.