Red and green are classic Christmas colors that pair beautifully together during the holidays. When decorating for Christmas, it’s common to use red and green as the main colors in everything from tree ornaments to wrapping paper. However, red and green can look a bit bold on their own. Adding in complementary colors helps soften and tie together the red and green. There are many colors that go well with red and green for Christmas decor.
Traditional Christmas Colors
In addition to red and green, there are a few other traditional Christmas colors that are commonly used during the holidays:
| White | Gold |
| Silver | Blue |
White represents snow and winter. It lightens up red and green and gives a crisp, clean look. Gold and silver add sparkle and shine to Christmas decor. Blue is cool and calming – it nicely balances out warm red and green.
When pairing red, green and traditional Christmas colors, opt for a simple color palette. Choose 1-2 traditional colors to complement red and green. For example, red, green, white and silver or red, green, gold and blue. Too many colors can look busy and chaotic. Simple is best.
Metallic Colors
Metallic versions of traditional Christmas colors make for especially pretty combinations with red and green. Here are some metallic color pairings to consider:
– Red, green and gold: Gold adds a bright, warm, luxurious accent.
– Red, green and silver: Silver provides an elegant, cool-toned contrast.
– Red, green and copper: Copper has a rustic, vintage vibe.
– Red, green and bronze: Bronze is richer than gold or copper.
Metallic finishes like gold, silver, copper and bronze come in a variety of shades from pale to deep saturation. Choose the shade that best matches your style. Soft metallics provide an understated accent, while bold metallics make more of a statement.
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are easy to pair with the bold red and green Christmas palette. Here are some top neutral color options:
– Red, green and white or ivory: Crisp and clean.
– Red, green and beige or tan: Warm and earthy.
– Red, green and brown: Natural and rustic.
– Red, green and grey: Subtle and sophisticated.
– Red, green and black: Classic and elegant.
Neutral colors act as a backdrop that allows the red and green to really pop. Feel free to layer in metallics like gold or silver with neutral tones for extra sparkle.
Pastel Colors
Soft pastels complement red and green in a sweet, cheerful way. Pretty pastel options include:
– Red, green and pink: Perfectly pretty and feminine.
– Red, green and light blue: Cool and calming.
– Red, green and lavender: Soft and romantic.
– Red, green and peach: Warm with a vintage vibe.
– Red, green and powder blue: Bright and playful.
The pastel colors should be soft and muted to prevent clashing with the bold red and green. But small pops of brighter pastels can work nicely too.
Nontraditional Color Combinations
If you want to get creative with your red and green Christmas color palette, consider these unique color combos:
– Red, green and turquoise: Vibrant and energetic.
– Red, green and teal: Cool and festive.
– Red, green and purple: Rich and regal.
– Red, green and coral: Fresh with a beachy vibe.
– Red, green and yellow: Cheery and bright.
Nontraditional colors make the red and green color scheme feel fresh, fun and modern. The colors should be muted so they don’t overwhelm the red and green.
Tips for Combining Colors with Red and Green
Here are some top tips for pairing additional colors with red and green for Christmas:
– Stick to a simple color palette of just 1-3 colors beyond red and green. Too many colors gets messy.
– Vary shades and tones of a color for visual interest. Try light and dark blue or soft and metallic gold.
– Anchor bold colors like red and green with plenty of neutrals like white, tan or grey.
– Repeat color combinations throughout a space for cohesion – on the tree, mantel, tablescape, etc.
– Tie in small pops of color beyond red and green through ornaments, pillows or other accents.
– Use red and green as a base and layer other colors lightly on top as accents.
– Display red and green ornaments together on one section of the tree, and use other colors in separate sections.
– Make red and green the priority, and use additional colors sparingly to supplement the traditional palette.
Best Color Combinations with Red and Green
Based on traditional appeal and visual impact, here are some of the best color combinations to use with red and green for Christmas:
| Red, green and gold | Red, green and silver |
| Red, green and white | Red, green and blue |
| Red, green and copper | Red, green and bronze |
| Red, green and black | Red, green and grey |
These colors complement red and green beautifully. They are versatile options that suit a wide range of Christmas decor styles from classic to modern.
A few runner-up color combinations are red, green and ivory for a soft look, red, green and peach for a vintage vibe or red, green and purple for a regal elegance. But the top pairings listed above reign supreme.
Creative Color Combinations
While traditional color pairings with red and green are preferred, here are a few creative, unique color combinations to consider:
– Red, green, turquoise and lime green – Vibrant and festive
– Red, green, purple and hot pink – Bold and bright
– Red, green, teal and navy blue – Cool color lovers
– Red, green, coral and yellow – Tropical Christmas
These fun color combos add refreshing personality and flair to the classic Christmas palette. They’re best used sparingly in small pops.
Color Placement Tips
Strategically placing red, green and accompanying colors creates a cohesive, well-decorated look. Here are some color placement tips:
– Use red and green as the main colors on the Christmas tree. Accent with other colors.
– Incorporate red, green and gold on the mantel and fireplace.
– Use red and silver or white dishes on the Christmas tablescape.
– Display a red and green patterned tree skirt under the Christmas tree.
– Drape silver, white or blue tinsel on the tree for an accent color.
– Make a front door wreath mainly red and green, with pops of gold, white or silver.
– Use red and green bulbs on outdoor lights and decor, with white lights for balance.
– Decoratively wrap gifts using red, green, gold or silver wrapping paper and ribbons.
Placing colors with intention creates a beautifully decorated Christmas.
Conclusion
Red and green are a festive backbone of Christmas decor. Adding in complementary colors like gold, silver, white, blue, neutrals and soft pastels enhances red and green for Christmas. For versatility, stick with traditional color palettes. But don’t be afraid to get creative with bright pops of color as accents. Thoughtfully decorate using red and green plus your favorite colors for a merry, bright Christmas. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect color combinations to set the festive mood!
