Mint and Sage Green Overview
Mint green and sage green are soft, light green shades that have a calming and refreshing effect. They are versatile colors that can work in many design schemes. Mint green has a cool blue undertone that gives it a bright, icy appearance. Sage green has more yellow undertones for a warmer, earthier look. Both mint and sage greens pair beautifully with other light and neutral colors like white, beige, light gray, and pale blue. They also complement deeper shades like navy, black, brown, and terra cotta.
Colors That Go With Mint Green
Here are some of the best color pairings for mint green:
White
White has a clean, crisp effect that allows mint green to really pop. The high contrast between these light colors is striking and vibrant. Mint green and white is a popular color scheme for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices. The combination feels fresh and invigorating.
Beige and Tan
Natural beige and tan pair nicely with mint green to create a soothing, earthy look. Beige has a stony undertone that grounds mint green’s cool brightness. Tan offers a warm, sandy complement to the icy blue hue of mint. Use mint green and beige or tan for a relaxed living room or bedroom retreat.
Light Blue
Matching mint green with soft sky blue or powder blue creates a delicious cool color palette. Pale shades of blue accentuate mint green’s blue undertone for a breezy, watery appearance. Light blue and mint green evoke images of the sky, sea, and ice for a weightless, ethereal look.
Pink
For a punchy, feminine look, pair mint green with blush pink, pale pink or even bright fuchsia. The lively contrast highlights both colors in an energetic, springtime color scheme. Mint green and pink are ideal for playrooms, girls’ bedrooms, and fun accent walls.
Gray
Cool gray is a sophisticated neutral that allows mint green to take center stage. Light gray adds refined contrast while keeping a low-key, minimalist vibe. Charcoal gray has an edgy, modern feel with mint green. Use gray to give mint green elegance in formal dining rooms, offices, and living spaces.
Black
Bold black makes mint green pop dramatically. The super high contrast creates a striking, mod look when paired together. But black also allows mint green to appear soft and light. Black outlines and accents help ground mint green’s cool brightness. Use this combo for modern kitchens, graphic artwork, and geometric patterns.
Brown
Earthy browns like mocha, chestnut and espresso make an unexpected complement to mint green. Brown’s natural, rustic tone contrast beautifully with mint green’s cool hue. Together they create a soothing, grounded color palette with a hint of retro appeal. Use mint green and brown for furnishings, textiles and home decor.
| Color | Effect with Mint Green |
|---|---|
| White | Clean, crisp, vibrant |
| Beige/Tan | Soothing, earthy |
| Light Blue | Cool, breezy |
| Pink | Energetic, feminine |
| Gray | Sophisticated, elegant |
| Black | Striking, graphic |
| Brown | Warm, rustic |
Colors That Go With Sage Green
Here are some flattering color combinations for sage green:
Cream
Buttery cream has a softening effect on sage green’s earthy tones. The pale warmth of cream tempers the muted yellow-green hue of sage, making it feel gentle and soothing. Use cream walls or textiles to allow sage green accent pieces to really shine.
Light Gray
Cool, hazy light gray brings out the subtle blue undertones in sage green for a relaxed, harmonious look. Pair the two neutrals for a calming palette that keeps the focus on texture and form. Light gray furnishings allow sage green accents to add an earthy pop.
Navy Blue
Navy blue’s rich midnight tones make an elegant contrast to sage green’s quiet complexity. The interplay between warm and cool adds subtle drama and sophistication. Navy blue gives sage green a refined, chic feel for formal living rooms and dining spaces.
Terra Cotta
Vibrant terra cotta orange has an earthy vibe that celebrates sage green’s natural yellow tones. The two colors pair perfectly for an organic, rustic palette that brings the outdoors inside. Use terra cotta and sage green for pottery, textiles, and nature-inspired decor.
Mustard Yellow
Bold mustard yellow draws out the goldenrod undertones of sage green for a bright, joyful look. Mustard yellow adds cheer and optimism to balance sage green’s grounded tranquility. Pair the two colors for an energizing accent wall.
Lavender
Pretty, delicate lavender makes sage green feel sweeter and more feminine. The interplay of warm and cool tones creates a soft mood. Lavender flowers, violet textiles and lilac accents lend sage green a cottage garden charm.
Thyme
For a monochromatic look, pair sage green with the deep reddish purple tone of thyme. Different shades of green alongside the herb thyme’s distinctive color provides nuance and depth. Thyme’s red tones also energize and enliven sage green.
| Color | Effect with Sage Green |
|---|---|
| Cream | Soft, soothing |
| Light Gray | Relaxed, harmonious |
| Navy Blue | Sophisticated, refined |
| Terra Cotta | Earthy, rustic |
| Mustard Yellow | Bright, cheerful |
| Lavender | Feminine, sweet |
| Thyme | Deep, nuanced |
Neutral Colors for Mint and Sage Green
In addition to the colors already mentioned, mint and sage green pair attractively with these neutral shades:
White
Crisp white allows the soft green hues to stand out. White creates a clean backdrop that keeps the focus on mint or sage green accents.
Ivory
Warm ivory has vintage flair that complements sage green especially well. Ivory’s buttery tone even works with mint green to tone down its cool brightness.
Beige
Natural beige has an earthy quality that harmonizes with both mint and sage green for a grounded look. Use beige walls, furniture or accessories with these greens.
Light Gray
Soft, hazy light gray creates a subtle contrast that doesn’t overpower the green shades. Light gray makes an elegant neutral backdrop for mint or sage green.
Charcoal
For a moody, sophisticated look, pair mint or sage green with deep charcoal gray. The rich charcoal tone outlines the greens without competing with them.
| Neutral Color | Effect |
|---|---|
| White | Clean, crisp, bright |
| Ivory | Vintage, warm |
| Beige | Earthy, grounded |
| Light Gray | Subtle contrast |
| Charcoal | Sophisticated, moody |
Avoid Brown, Purple and Red with Mint and Sage
Some colors clash with mint and sage green or create a dull, lifeless combination:
Browns
Earth tones like medium to dark browns can make mint and sage green seem dirty, dingy or dated. Stick to light browns or beige if you want an earthy accent for these greens. Avoid chocolate browns.
Purples
Though lavender works well, most shades of purple are too intense for mint or sage green. Deep plums, eggplant purple, or rich violet overpower the green tones. The combination often ends up looking dark and heavy.
Reds
Bright, warm reds like scarlet or crimson tend to clash with the cool, soft hues of mint and sage green. Red also brings too much visual intensity. Pale pink is a safer option for adding a reddish accent.
Other Cautions
Avoid pairing mint or sage green with other very intense accents like electric yellow or neon orange. Too many bright, saturated colors alongside the muted greens can look garish. Stick to neutral or lightly-toned complementary hues.
Whole Room Color Schemes with Mint and Sage Green
When using mint or sage green as a main wall color, keep the other elements neutral and light:
Mint and White Bedroom
Paint the walls a soft mint green and use crisp white for the trim, ceiling, bedding and window treatments. Add light natural wood furniture for warmth. The white will keep the mint green feeling fresh instead of overwhelming the space.
Sage and Beige Living Room
Use a muted sage green for an accent wall and keep the other walls, molding and fireplace beige. Use beige and ivory furniture with sage and white decorative accents for an earthy, welcoming space.
Mint and Gray Bathroom
Mint green walls paired with gray floors, white trim, chrome fixtures and glass accents creates a cooling, spa-like retreat. Add fluffy white towels and a gray shower curtain.
Sage and Cream Kitchen
Sage green cabinets with cream countertops and backsplash tile keep the look light and natural. Use sage and cream textiles and accessories for a harmonious earthy palette.
Using Greenery with Mint and Sage
Mint and sage green are inspired by nature, so adding real plants is a perfect way to accentuate these colors:
Succulents
Miniature succulents in pastel-tinted mint green or gray-green containers tie in beautifully with both mint and sage decor.
Ferns
Delicate ferns or frondy asparagus ferns complement the garden green vibe of mint and sage. Display them in hanging planters or on plant stands.
Flowering Plants
Pretty flowering plants like African violets, orchids or yellow daisies add a pop of contrasting color to mint and sage schemes.
Herb Gardens
Plant a mini indoor herb garden of mint, sage, basil, thyme and other fresh herbs for the ultimate complement to your color scheme.
Conclusion
The muted cool green tones of mint and the earthy yellow-greens of sage lend themselves to many color combinations. Stick with lighter neutral shades like white, cream, beige and soft gray for the most pleasing effects. Add pops of color with pale blues, pinks, light browns, navy and terra cotta. Use foliage and flowering plants to really capture the natural essence of these beautiful green hues. With the right color pairings, you can create a soothing yet uplifting space with mint or sage green.
