Green and purple are two colors that are often seen as complementary in fashion and interior design. When used together, these cool tones can create an elegant, sophisticated look. However, some may wonder if green and purple actually go well together. The short answer is yes, green and purple can look beautiful when combined correctly. In this article, we’ll explore the color theory behind green and purple, provide examples of how to style them, and offer tips for decorating with these jewel tones. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of pairing green and purple.
The Color Wheel
To understand if green and purple go together, it helps to look at a color wheel. The color wheel shows the relationships between different hues. Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel are called complementary colors. Purple sits opposite green on the color wheel, so these two shades are complements. Complementary colors create a vibrant contrast when placed side-by-side. The bold clash of opposites makes them stand out.
While opposites can attract in color combos, it’s important to exercise restraint. Using equal amounts of strong complements can be jarring. The key is to use one color as a dominant shade and add smaller accents of its complement. This creates balance and visual interest.
Similar Tones
When pairing green and purple, choose hues that have a similar depth of tone. For example, combine a jewel tone purple with a rich emerald green. Lighter tints like lilac and mint also complement each other nicely. Matching the tones prevents one color from appearing too overpowering.
It’s best to avoid mixing a dark purple with a pale green or vice versa. The unmatched tones will look disjointed. Always aim for shades of equal saturation.
Color Schemes
Certain color schemes provide attractive frameworks for coordinating green and purple.
Analogous – An analogous scheme uses three hues next to each other on the color wheel. Try a palette of purple, blue-violet, and green.
Triadic – A triadic scheme uses colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. Green, purple, and red is a dynamic triad.
Split Complementary – This scheme pairs a color with the two hues on either side of its complement. For example, purple, yellow-green, and blue-green.
Tetradic – Four complementary color pairs make up a tetradic scheme. Green, purple, orange, and blue is a vibrant tetrad.
These color schemes all provide harmony while allowing green and purple to play off one another.
Context
The setting where green and purple will be used also determines how successfully they will combine.
Interior Design – In home decor, green and purple work best when one dominates as the main wall color. Use the second hue sparingly in accents like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork.
Fashion – Alternate wearing green and purple pieces to avoid clashing. Or pair a neutral outfit with a green scarf and purple shoes.
Graphics – On webpages and printed materials, green and purple make great contrasting font and background colors. Just check that text remains readable.
Keeping the combo to a 60/40 split prevents the two strong colors from competing.
Tones to Try
Certain shades of green and purple complement each other particularly well. Here are some go-to tones to try:
Greens
– Hunter green
– Emerald
– Forest green
– Lime green
– Sea green
– Olive green
Purples
– Lilac
– Lavender
– Orchid
– Eggplant
– Plum
– Wine
– Mauve
Mixing these shades will result in sophisticated, creative color schemes. Use the table below to find ideal green and purple pairings:
| Green | Purple |
|---|---|
| Hunter green | Plum |
| Emerald | Orchid |
| Forest green | Eggplant |
| Lime green | Lavender |
| Sea green | Lilac |
| Olive green | Mauve |
Tips for Decorating
When using green and purple in interior design, follow these guidelines:
– Use one color dominantly and one as accents. For example, paint walls green and add purple decorative pillows.
– Pair lighter tints and deeper shades. A dark purple sofa works with mint green chairs.
– Add patterns to provide visual breaks. A green and white striped blanket balances a purple paisley rug.
– Incorporate neutrals like white, beige, and gray. They give the eyes a rest from the bold colors.
– Repeating green and purple through soft home goods ties the scheme together. Try purple towels and green soap dispensers in a bathroom.
– Display green and purple through changeable items like flowers, candles, and table linens. This allows you to rotate in different shades.
Avoiding Clashes
To keep green and purple looking sophisticated, avoid these pitfalls:
– Matching bright, saturated tones. Combining electric purple and lime green will clash. Mute one color.
– Having no clear dominant hue. Equally bright walls, decor, and accents compete for attention.
– Putting the colors side-by-side. Adjacent green and purple can appear jarring. Allow neutral space between.
– Using too many complementing shades. Adding more colors like blue and orange alongside green and purple looks chaotic.
– Incorporating distracting patterns. Loud prints like neon florals overwhelm the colors. Opt for solid purple and green with subtle patterns.
With some careful planning, green and purple can live in harmony. The secret is aiming for visual balance.
Conclusion
Green and purple make surprisingly versatile color partners. While they are bold complements, their jewel tones have an undeniably elegant appeal. By following basic color theory principles and decorating with care, you can stylishly combine these two shades. Use one color as the main hue and the other as accents. Choose tones of equal saturation and depth. Incorporate neutral basics and don’t overdo loud patterns. Green and purple can build off each other for chic, sophisticated rooms and outfit pairings. With the right approach, these colors clearly go hand-in-hand.
