Dark green is a rich, earthy color that can pair beautifully with a variety of other colors in both fashion and home decor. When selecting colors to match with dark green, it’s important to consider the shade of green and the overall look you want to achieve. Lighter shades like sage green and olive green tend to look best with soft, natural colors like cream, tan, light brown, and pale blue. Deeper forest greens and emerald greens can be matched with bolder accent colors like gold, burnt orange, plum, and even bright pink or red. The key is balancing rich, deep greens with lighter neutrals and finding complementary hues.
Matching Fashion Colors
In fashion, dark green is a versatile neutral that works for many occasions. Here are some top color pairings:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Cream | Cream has a soft, calming effect and creates an elegant look with dark green. |
| Light Gray | Light grays nicely balance the richness of dark greens. |
| Tan | Earthy tans are a natural complement to greens. |
| Navy | Navy blue is a classic color pairing that looks polished. |
| Burgundy | Deep burgundy creates a luxurious, sophisticated look. |
| Blush Pink | Soft pinks give dark green a feminine touch. |
For example, a forest green dress would pop paired with nude heels and a tan handbag. Or an olive green pantsuit could be dressed up with a cream blouse and gold jewelry. Dark green jeans or trousers work with light gray sweaters or button-downs.
Home Decor Color Schemes
Dark greens are widely used in home interiors from traditional to contemporary spaces. Here are some complementary color schemes:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark green, ivory, tan | A natural, earthy look perfect for rustic cabins. |
| Dark green, navy, white | Nautical inspired colors that are crisp and timeless. |
| Dark green, light brown, black | Masculine colors for libraries, offices, dens. |
| Dark green, sky blue, silver | Cool, refreshing palette for modern spaces. |
| Dark green, terra cotta, gold | Warm and opulent scheme with vintage appeal. |
Some specific ways to incorporate dark green decor:
– Paint walls a deep forest green and pair with white trim for contrast. Add in touches of natural wood and black iron accents.
– Use olive green and cream in a bedroom with linens in both colors. Add rattan nightstands for texture.
– Choose a dark green velvet sofa as a dramatic focal point then accent with navy throw pillows.
– Paint built-in bookshelves a chic sage green in a transitional dining room.
– Opt for emerald green bar stools around a butcher block kitchen island.
Dark Green in Landscaping
Outside, dark green is the perfect backdrop for colorful blooms and foliage. Some ideas for landscaping with deep greens:
– Plant borders or hedges using evergreens like green arborvitae or boxwood shrubs.
– Add texture and contrast with yellow yarrow, purple garden phlox, or red roses.
– Add pops of chartreuse from hostas or bright coleus.
– Incorporate blue-green spruce trees on property lines.
– Use green shrubs like holly as focal points in garden beds.
– Add tall emerald grasses like miscanthus near walkways.
Dark greens work year-round to create structure and interest in gardens and yards. Match them with lighter greens, white and silver foliage, and bright flowering plants.
Choosing Paint Colors
When selecting a dark green paint color, consider the undertones. Greens with blue undertones tend to feel more modern and refreshing while yellow-based greens have traditional, earthy appeal. Some popular dark green paint colors include:
| Paint Color | Undertone |
|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black | Blue undertones |
| Behr Celtic Moss | Blue-green |
| Benjamin Moore Buckram Binding | Olive, yellow undertones |
| Valspar Ivy Wonder | Gray, blue |
| PPG Timeless Sage | Gray, green |
Test paint swatches in your space before committing to be sure you like the undertones with your existing decor. Neutral tans, warm grays, and soft whites tend to work well with any shade of dark green.
Conclusion
With so many options, dark green can be mixed and matched with all sorts of colors to create stunning looks. Just remember to balance the deep shades with enough lighter accents to keep the palette from becoming too heavy. Cream, light gray, tan, and metallics work especially well. With the right complementary colors, dark green can look tailored, earthy, modern and more.
