When choosing exterior colors for a home, dark green can be a classic, timeless choice. However, pairing the right colors with dark green is key to creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing color scheme. This article will explore what colors complement and contrast well with dark green on home exteriors.
Neutrals That Pair Nicely With Dark Green
Dark green has earthy, woodsy undertones that lend themselves nicely to pairing with neutral colors. Here are some neutral shades that work beautifully with dark green exterior house colors:
- White – Crisp, bright white provides a clean contrast against rich dark green. The combo evokes natural elements like white flowers against lush green foliage.
- Beige – Warm, sandy beiges or greiges blend seamlessly with dark green. The beige helps soften and tone down the boldness of the green.
- Gray – Cooler grays work well with dark green, creating an elegant combo. Charcoal gray with dark green gives a chic, sophisticated look.
- Brown – Deep browns like chocolate or coffee complement a deep forest green. Together they create an organic, earthy aesthetic.
- Black – For a bold, dramatic combo, black exterior accents pop against dark green. Black window trims or railings stand out against the green backdrop.
These more muted, subtle neutrals allow the richness of the dark green hue to really shine and take center stage.
Light Accent Colors That Work With Dark Green
While dark green pairs beautifully with neutral shades, it can also be combined with lighter accent colors to create vibrant exterior color schemes. Here are some lively accent colors that look fantastic with dark green house exteriors:
- Yellow – Cheerful lemon yellow or golden yellow really makes the dark green pop. Yellow draws out the green undertones for a lively combo.
- Red – For a bold, punchy look, bright cherry red is a dynamic match for deep green. Red brick accents also complement a dark green exterior.
- Light blue – Soft sky blue or robin’s egg blue creates a soothing, nature-inspired pairing with forest green exteriors.
- Lavender – Pretty purple tones like lilac or lavender contrast elegantly with darker shades of green.
- Pink – Vibrant pinks like fuchsia add feminine flair against the masculinity of dark green.
These lighter hues add vibrancy and dimension when combined thoughtfully with the base color of dark green. They inject brightness and energy into the aesthetic.
Creams & Off-Whites That Work Well With Dark Green
In addition to clean whites, soft creams and off-whites also pair seamlessly with rich dark green exterior colors. Here are some specific shades to consider:
- Ivory – The warm, creamy hue of ivory complements the earthiness of forest green.
- Oyster – Subtle, muted oyster white blends nicely with darker green tones.
- Almond – With its subtle pink undertones, almond cream is a softer alternative to white against dark green.
- Chamois – A pale yellow-gray, chamois creates a harmonious blend with olive greens.
These off-white shades provide an airy, elegant contrast against the bold dominance of dark green exterior hues. Rather than compete with the green, they act as a quiet neutral base that allows the bolder color to take center stage.
Darker Color Pairings for Maximum Contrast
While light neutrals and bright accent colors work beautifully with dark green, you can also opt for deep, dramatic color pairings. Very dark hues next to the dark green create bold color blocking effects. Some rich shades to try:
- Navy blue – Midnight blue has a similar boldness as dark green but offers more cool-toned contrast.
- Forest green – Pairing two deep greens in different shades blocks the palette for a woodsy vibe.
- Eggplant – Deep, inky eggplant purple stands out vividly against dark forest green.
- Crimson – For an opulent look, regal crimson makes the green pop as a dynamic accent.
- Magenta – Vibrant, saturated magenta contrasts energetically with earthy, muted green.
These darker accents alongside the main green exterior provide dramatic visual interest and depth.
Avoiding Clashing Colors
When working with a strong dark green exterior, it’s also important to avoid pairings that would clash. Stay away from combining dark green with:
- Orange – Green and orange are opposite one another on the color wheel, creating a high-contrast clash.
- Lime green – Two similar bright greens will compete rather than complement.
- Burgundy – While red works, burgundy’s brown undertones look muddy with dark greens.
Sticking with harmonious neutrals, livelier accents, or bolder dark hues will result in exterior color combinations that accentuate, rather than fight against, the dominating dark green base.
Tips for Using Dark Green Exteriors
Here are some top tips for working with dark green exterior palettes:
- Use dark green as the main siding or shake color, then choose 1-2 accent colors for trims, doors, shutters, and other details.
- White or black window trims really make dark green pop.
- Pair dark green with a lighter neutral roof color like oyster or light gray for contrast.
- Paint the front door a fun bright or dark contrasting color as a focal point.
- Soften an all-dark green exterior with potted plants in lighter accent colors.
- Accent with neutral colored stone or brickwork to ground the look.
With the right color combinations, dark green exterior palettes take on a timeless, nature-inspired elegance.
Examples of Dark Green Exterior Color Schemes
Here are a few beautiful examples of exterior color palettes with dark green as the primary wall color:
| Color Scheme | Colors |
|---|---|
| Forest Green & White | Deep forest green siding with clean white trims |
| Olive Green & Beige | Olive green walls with warm sand beige shutters |
| Dark Green & Black | Very dark green siding paired with black window boxes |
| Sage Green & Gray | Sage green exterior with light gray roof shingles |
| Green & Red Brick | Hunter green walls with bright red brick accents |
These combinations demonstrate how various shades of dark green can be combined artfully with neutral and bold accent colors for stunning exterior palettes.
Conclusion
When working with a dramatic dark green exterior, keep these guidelines in mind:
– Stick with harmonious neutrals like white, gray, beige, and brown for a classic, livable look.
– Make dark green pop with fun brights like yellow, light blue, red, or pink as accents.
– Contrast beautifully with other deep, darker hues like navy, black, eggplant, and magenta.
– Avoid clashing opposites on the color wheel like orange and bright lime green.
With the right complementary color combinations, dark green exterior palettes take on a timeless elegance and natural beauty. Paired thoughtfully with whites, creams, grays, darker neutrals, or vivid accent colors, dark green creates welcoming, woodsy exterior environments. Use the color confidently, but thoughtfully, keeping overall harmony in mind. Then enjoy the classic, earthy appeal of a dark green home exterior scheme.
