Pairing different shades of green can create a vibrant, eye-catching color scheme in any space. However, it’s important to choose the right tones that complement each other. Here’s what you need to know about combining greens and how to pull off this colorful look.
The color wheel
The first thing to understand when pairing greens is the color wheel. On the wheel, green sits between blue and yellow. The shades closer to blue have a cooler, calmer feel, while those near yellow are warmer and more energetic.
For example, sage is a blue-based green that’s more muted and relaxed. Lime has yellow undertones that give it a bright, upbeat vibe. Combining shades from opposite sides of the wheel creates a harmonious balance.
Monochromatic
Sticking to different tones of green from the same side of the color wheel results in a monochromatic scheme. This look can be bold and eye-catching when you use a wide range of shades. For example, pairing pale mint with forest green. But it can also be subtle by using colors next to each other on the wheel, like sage and celadon.
A monochromatic green palette has a soothing, natural feel perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Try lighter greens on the walls with darker shades on accents like pillows, artwork and patio furniture.
Complementary
Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel, like green and red. This creates a high-contrast, vibrant combination. Try mossy greens with bold cherry reds for an invigorating scheme.
You can tone down the contrast by choosing tinted shades like blush pink or rusty orange instead of true red. Greenery also complements shades like coral, salmon and terra cotta.
Split complementary
This scheme uses one color plus the two colors on either side of its complement. For green, this would be green, red-orange and red-violet. It provides the same lively contrast as true complementary colors, with a bit more nuance.
Good green and orange-red combinations include olive green with peach and burnt orange. For violets, an elegant pairing is sage green with lilac and amethyst accents.
Triadic
Triadic color schemes use three colors spaced evenly around the color wheel. For green, this would be green, yellow-orange and violet. The contrast creates visual interest and vibrancy.
Try combining moss green, golden yellow and plum. Or, for a softer look, pair sea green with buttery yellow and lilac. Use one as a dominant shade and the other two as accents.
Tetradic
Tetradic schemes use four colors spaced evenly around the wheel. For green, this includes green, yellow-orange, red-violet and blue. With so many colors, it’s best to choose a light, medium and dark shade of green as the focus.
A vibrant tetradic scheme might use mint, forest green and dark emerald with pops of orange, magenta and cobalt blue. For a more subtle effect, try pale green, moss and myrtle green with peach, raspberry and sky blue accents.
Analogous
Analogous colors sit directly next to each other on the color wheel. Green paired with blue-green and yellow-green has a cool, refreshing vibe perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Try sea green walls with accents in teal and lime.
Warm analogous schemes might include sage green with chartreuse and olive accents. Keep accessories minimal to prevent these low-contrast combinations from appearing muddy.
Good color combinations
Some specifically gorgeous green pairings include:
- Sage green with cream and soft pink
- Emerald green with gold and black
- Sea green with tan and dark wood tones
- Avocado green with terracotta and mustard yellow
- Kelly green with cherry red and bright white
- Hunter green with eggplant purple and burnt orange
Tips for combining greens
Here are some top tips for effortlessly styling shades of green together:
- Use a darker color on lower portions of rooms and lighter greens above to mimic nature.
- Pair warm greens like chartreuse with cool blues for balance.
- Add neutrals like white, gray and tan to keep schemes from becoming overwhelming.
- Introduce metallics like gold, silver and copper to add glamour.
- Incorporate natural textures like wood grains, stone and leather for an earthy feel.
- Use green as a neutral alternative to beige or gray on walls.
Should you avoid combining certain greens?
Some combinations to use with caution include:
- Very light minty greens with darker forest greens can look unbalanced.
- Pairing warm and cool greens together without a bridge color in between.
- Having too many shades of green in one space without enough contrast between them.
As long as you pay attention to undertones and balance, you can successfully combine any shades of green. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect palette!
Conclusion
Pairing two greens together may seem tricky, but following basic color theory makes it simple. Complementary, split complementary and triadic schemes offer vibrant contrast. Analogous and tetradic combinations create rich harmony. Or, stick to a soothing monochromatic look. Consider undertones, value and balance when selecting shades.
Nature is full of examples of how to mingle greens beautifully. From lush forests to rolling meadows, multiple shades of this versatile color always complement each other elegantly. Use the color wheel as your guide, add plenty of texture and neutrals, and you can’t go wrong mixing your favorite tones of green.
| Color Scheme | How it Works | Best Green Combinations |
|---|---|---|
| Monochromatic | Different tones of green from the same side of the color wheel | Mint and forest green, sage and celadon |
| Complementary | Opposite colors like green and red | Moss green and cherry red, greenery with coral |
| Split Complementary | A color plus the two colors on either side of its complement | Olive green with peach and burnt orange |
| Triadic | Colors evenly spaced around the wheel like green, orange and violet | Sea green, buttery yellow, lilac |
| Tetradic | Four colors evenly spaced around the wheel | Mint, forest and emerald green with orange, magenta and cobalt blue |
| Analogous | Colors next to each other on the wheel like green, blue-green and yellow-green | Sea green, teal and lime |
