Combining colors in fashion and interior design can be challenging. Some color combinations just seem to naturally go together, while others can look disjointed or even clash. Two colors that people often wonder about pairing are blue and green. Both are cool, nature-inspired hues that can look refreshing and harmonious in the right setting. But some shades and combinations of blue and green can also end up looking dull, overwhelming or even tacky if not balanced carefully. So how do you know if these two cool colors complement each other or collide?
The Theory Behind Blue and Green
In color theory, blue and green sit next to each other on the color wheel. Colors that are adjacent to each other are referred to as “analogous” colors. Analogous color schemes use hues that are neighboring each other and tend to create a comfortable and harmonious look. This makes blue and green, in theory, an ideal color combination.
However, while blue and green may be analogous, they are very different in nature. Blue is a primary color and perceived as more of a receding, calm and peaceful hue. Green, on the other hand, is a secondary color made by mixing blue and yellow. It has more vibrancy and energy to it. When pairing analogous colors like these together, balance is important to create a color scheme that works.
| Color | Color Theory Attributes |
|---|---|
| Blue | Cool, Calming, Peaceful, Receding |
| Green | Vibrant, Fresh, Energizing, Advancing |
Tips for Combining Blue and Green
Here are some tips to follow when pairing blue and green together:
Choose the Right Undertones
Not all shades of blue and green work well together. Blue has cool undertones while green can take on cool or warm yellow undertones. Pairing a cool blue with a cooler green is best. Avoid mixing a cool blue with a green that has a strong warm, golden or olive undertone as this can look unbalanced. Instead, choose green hues with blue undertones like emerald, teal or seafoam green.
Use a Clear Dominant Color
When using blue and green together, it helps for one color to take prominence as the dominant hue in order to anchor the scheme. Use about 60% of one color and 40% of the other for balance. Don’t use even amounts of blue and green.
Add Neutrals and Metallics
Injecting neutrals like white, cream or tan into a blue and green palette helps soften the vibrancy. Metallic accent colors like silver, gold or copper can also balance the cool tones. Use neutrals and metallics for larger pieces like sofas, carpets or pillows paired with the blue and green hues.
Utilize Different Shades
Incorporate lighter and darker shades along with brighter and softer tones of both the blue and green colors. This creates more visual interest and dimension. For example, try pairing a soft sage green with a vivid royal blue and some teal accents.
Watch the Value Contrast
Make sure there is enough contrast between the values (lightness and darkness) of the blue and green shades you choose. If the values are too similar, the colors can start to look muddy from a distance. Add lighter tints and darker shades.
Examples of Blue and Green Color Palettes
Here are some examples of attractive and harmonious blue and green color combinations:
Navy and Emerald Green
The rich, deeper tones of navy blue and emerald green play well together. Navy takes dominance as the darker, anchoring neutral while vivid emerald green provides a pop of complementary color.
| Navy and Emerald Green Palette | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Royal Blue and Moss Green
Regal royal blue has a similar deep effect paired with the muted olive tone of moss green. White adds lightness while silver acts as a neutral metallic.
| Royal Blue and Moss Green Palette | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Powder Blue and Celadon
For a soft, airy combination, try pairing powder blue with the pale gray-green shade of celadon. Cream adds warmth.
| Powder Blue and Celadon Palette | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
French Blue and Seafoam
Contrast calming French blue with the crisp, cool vibrancy of seafoam green. White is the neutral.
| French Blue and Seafoam Palette | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Using Blue and Green in Fashion
Blue and green color combinations can look fresh and stylish when used wisely in fashion. Here are some tips:
– Pair an emerald green blouse with navy pants or skirt for the office.
– Try a vibrant teal sweater with blue jeans.
– A seafoam green cocktail dress with navy shoes and clutch.
– Mix different shades like light blue denim with a forest green jacket.
– Add pops of green accessories to a navy blue dress.
Using Blue and Green in Interior Design
Blue and green are versatile hues that work well in many interior design schemes. Here are some ideas:
– Paint walls a soft blue-gray and use moss green accents.
– Use a vibrant teal on an accent wall balanced with navy furnishings.
– Upholster a sofa in navy and use spring green and teal throw pillows.
– Paint built-ins sage green in a room with robin’s egg blue walls.
– Use pale celadon dishes on a French blue tablecloth.
Conclusion
Blue and green can be a beautiful color combination with the right shades and balance. Stick with cooler greens and add plenty of neutral tones. Use one color as a dominant hue and vary the shades and tones. Combine brightly colored accent pieces with soft neutral backgrounds. With the right palette, blue and green can give fashion and interior spaces a stylish, relaxing, nature-inspired vibe.
