Green is a versatile color that can work with a variety of shades to create a stylish and inviting home. When decorating with green, consider the tone and intensity of the green before choosing accompanying colors. Here are some of the best color combinations to try with green home decor.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are those located directly across from each other on the color wheel. For green, this means shades of red-violet.
| Green Shade | Complementary Color |
| Lime green | Pink |
| Forest green | Burgundy |
| Mint green | Magenta |
Pairing green with its complementary color creates a vibrant, high-contrast look. Use reds and pinks sparingly to keep the combination from becoming too loud. Try burgundy, maroon, or raspberry accessories against dark greens. Pastel pinks and magentas pop against lighter greens.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, meaning they share similar undertones. For green, this includes:
| Yellow-green | Chartreuse |
| Green | Blue-green |
| Green | Blue |
Using analogous colors creates a harmonious, calming look. Try using different shades of green together, like sage walls with lime accents. Pairing green with bluish shades like teal or aqua keeps the palette cool and refreshing. Yellow-greens add vibrancy while still blending well with green.
Split Complementary Colors
The split complement of green includes the two colors adjacent to its complement on the color wheel. For green, this is:
| Red-orange | and | Red-violet |
This color scheme offers a good balance between contrast and harmony. Try pairing forest green with peach and burgundy accents or mint green with coral and amethyst purple.
Triadic Colors
A triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. For green, this includes:
| Green | Orange | Violet |
The contrast between these colors creates visual interest. Use them sparingly together as accents. Try an orange throw pillow on a green sofa or a violet lamp on a green end table.
Tetradic Colors
Tetradic color schemes use four colors equally spaced around the color wheel. For green, this includes:
| Green | Red | Orange | Blue |
It offers plenty of versatility. For example, pair forest green walls with navy blue accents, brick red decorative items, and orange pillows or art. Or, opt for lime green, salmon pink, peach, and royal blue accessories against a neutral backdrop.
Monochromatic Colors
Sticking to a single base color and using different shades, tones, and tints of it creates a monochromatic scheme. With green, try:
| Dark green | Mid-tone green | Light green |
Use dark forest green on trims, medium-toned emerald green walls, and soft mint green decorative accents. Or opt for lime green walls with yellow-green and kelly green accessories. Monochromatic palettes are bold yet harmonious.
Neutrals
Pairing green with neutral shades like white, black, gray, and brown allows the green to take center stage while acting as a grounding element.
| Olive green + Dark wood tones |
| Sage green + Cream |
| Emerald green + Black |
| Mint green + White |
Greens when paired with rich wood finishes and black creates an earthy, natural look. Lighter greens work well against white backdrops. Neutrals let green’s versatile hue shine.
Metallic Accents
Metallics add a glamorous, reflective quality against green. Good metallic shades to try include:
| Copper | Rose gold | Brass | Bronze |
Copper pairs well with mint and lime greens to create an invigorating look. Rose gold and brass contribute warmth against cooler green tones. Bronze adds an elegant accent to deep forest and sage greens. Limit metallics to accessories to keep them from overpowering.
Unexpected Colors
For an unanticipated look, blending green with unexpected colors can create an exciting palette. Some combinations to try:
| Kelly green + ochre |
| Emerald green + terracotta |
| Chartreuse + plum |
| Sage green + mustard yellow |
These unique color pairings are vibrant, energetic and full of contrast. Use bolder accent shades sparingly to keep the look cohesive. Let green furniture or walls anchor the space.
Conclusion
The key to choosing colors for green decor is considering the shade of green and the mood you want to create. Complementary hues like red, analogous cool tones like blue and teal, and neutral backdrops allow green to take the spotlight. Unexpected pairings with yellow, orange, purple and metallics make for an adventurous palette.Determine whether you want a harmonious or high-contrast look. Green is endlessly versatile, so explore different color combinations until you find a perfect fit for your space. Most importantly, choose companion colors you love.
