Sage green and mint green are two popular shades of green that are commonly used in interior design, fashion, and graphic design. At first glance, they may appear quite similar. However, there are some key differences between these two green hues that are worth understanding.
In this article, we will take a close look at sage green and mint green. We will compare and contrast them in terms of their hex codes, RGB values, uses, and how they are viewed in color theory. We will also provide some visual examples to help highlight the differences between the two. Read on to learn everything you need to know about telling apart sage green vs mint green.
Defining Sage Green
Sage green is a soft, muted shade that gets its name from the herb sage. It is an earthy, natural color that has greyish undertones, making it less vibrant than many other greens.
Specifically, sage green tends to have more blue undertones than mint green. Its hex code is #AECB92. The RGB values for sage green are R:174, G:203, B:146.
In terms of uses, sage green is often described as having a calming, soothing effect. It is frequently used in interior design in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. It can create a relaxed vibe and complement natural elements like plants and wood furniture.
Sage green is considered a “transitional color” in color theory – not quite a warm tone, but not quite a cool one either. This makes it versatile to pair with other colors like beige, cream, mustard yellow, and even certain shades of blue.
Defining Mint Green
Mint green is a brighter, bolder shade that draws inspiration from the mint plant. It pops more than sage green and has higher vibrancy.
The official hex code for mint green is #98FF98. The RGB values are R:152, G:255, B:152. As you can see, mint green contains much more green than sage green in the RGB spectrum.
Mint green is commonly described as feeling crisp, fresh and rejuvenating. Due to its high energy, it is popular in fashion, beauty, and products marketed to youth and teens. It also sees some uses in graphic design and logos wanting to convey a sense of freshness.
In color theory, mint green is considered a cool tone. It coordinates especially nicely with other cool colors like light blue, lilac, and pale pink. It can help create a fun, punchy contrast when paired with neutrals like white, black or greys.
Comparing Sage Green vs Mint Green
Now that we have defined each shade on its own, let’s directly compare sage green and mint green:
Vibrancy: Mint green is much more vibrant and intense than sage green. Sage green is muted and understated in comparison.
Undertones: Sage green leans more towards having blue or grey undertones, while mint green has stronger pure green undertones.
Color Wheel Position: Sage green is considered a transitional color between warm and cool tones. Mint green is decidedly a cool-toned color.
Shade Variations: Both colors have lighter and darker variations. However, sage green appears to come in more shades from very pale sage to deep sage hues.
Usage: Sage green is more commonly used in interior design and decor. Mint green sees more use in fashion, beauty products, marketing, and graphic design applications.
Mood: Sage green feels earthy and calm. Mint green feels energizing and refreshing.
To summarize, the main difference lies in mint green being a brighter, cooler green, while sage green is more subdued with subtle grey/blue characteristics. But both share a connection back to green herbs and leaves.
Comparing Visual Examples
Seeing some actual color swatches and photographs can make it easier to tell the key differences between sage green and mint green. Here are some visual examples:
Sage Green Color Swatches
Mint Green Color Swatches
In the color swatches, you can clearly observe mint green having a brighter, bolder, cooler appearance compared to the more muted sage green shades.
Sage Green Fashion Example:
Mint Green Fashion Example:
Here you can see the difference in shades being modeled on clothing. The sage green top has more grey tones that make it feel softer and more subtle. Meanwhile, the mint green bodysuit is attention-grabbing and bold.
Sage Green Interior Example:
Mint Green Interior Example:
For interior design, we can see sage green creating a more muted, earthy feel compared to mint green which grabs attention and feels invigorating. The muted or bright quality is quite noticeable here.
So in summary, these visual examples showcase how mint green pops more while sage green is the more subdued, subtle shade between the two greens.
When to Choose Mint Green vs Sage Green
Now that you understand the key differences between mint green and sage green, when should you opt for one over the other? Here are some recommendations:
Choose Mint Green When:
– You want an eye-catching, vibrant green shade
– Using green to represent freshness or renewal
– Seeking a fun pop of color in fashion/graphic design
– Coordinating with other cool-toned pastels
Choose Sage Green When:
– You want a more natural, earthy green tone
– Using green to create a calm, soothing atmosphere
– Incorporating green as a neutral in interior spaces
– Coordinating with wood tones and other earthy palette
Neither color is necessarily “better” – it just depends on the specific needs and goals of your project! Think about the vibe you want to achieve.
Mint green may be the way to go if you desire a bolder, cooler green for maximum visual impact. Sage green is ideal for a more relaxed, inviting green tone to use as an earthy neutral.
Conclusion
Sage green and mint green are two green shades that have some key differences but also share an underlying connection back to green plants and herbs.
In summary:
– Sage green is muted, earthy and transitional, while mint green is bold, cool-toned and energetic
– Mint green pops more while sage green is more subdued and subtle
– They have differing roles – sage green in calm interior spaces, mint green in fresh beauty/fashion contexts
– Knowing when to choose one over the other depends on the vibrancy and atmosphere you wish to create
So next time you are debating between sage green vs mint green, refer back to this guide! Taking note of the distinguishing traits will help you pick the right green for your project goals.
With the comparisons and visual examples provided, you should now have the knowledge to confidently discern between these two beautiful green tones. Use this new understanding to add the perfect punch of green, whether it’s muted sage or vibrant mint!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sage green vs mint green:
Is sage green considered a warm or cool color?
Sage green is considered a transitional color, between warm and cool tones. It has subtle greyish/blueish undertones that keep it from being fully warm, but its muted earthiness also prevents it from being fully cool.
What colors pair well with sage green?
Some colors that pair nicely with sage green include cream, light brown, mustard yellow, soft peach, and light blue. Neutrals and earth tones complement its natural vibe.
What colors pair well with mint green?
Mint green pairs beautifully with other cool-toned pastels like lilac, lavender, light pink, pale blue, and soft grey. Crisp white also complements its vibrancy.
Can you create a mint green tone by mixing colors?
Yes, you can create a minty green tone by mixing a small amount of blue with a larger amount of lemon yellow. Experimenting with the proportions can yield slightly different mint greens.
How is sage green used in interior design?
In interior design, sage green is often used to create serene and relaxing bedroom and bathroom spaces. It is an earthy neutral that works well with wooden furniture, sisal rugs, and natural textiles.
How is mint green used in graphic design?
In graphic design, mint green is commonly used to represent freshness, renewal, and youthful energy. It is seen in logos, social media posts, and advertising wanting to convey a fun, fresh vibe.
