Emerald green is a rich, vibrant shade that can add a sense of luxury and visual interest to any space. However, picking the right complementary colors to go with emerald green paint can be tricky. The wrong color pairings can make the green seem gaudy or dated. The key is choosing the right tones and hues that will let the emerald green shine while adding subtle depth and accenting the green in an elegant way.
The Basics of Color Theory
Before getting into specific color pairings, it helps to understand some basic principles of color theory that determine what makes certain color combinations work.
One important concept is color temperature. Some shades are considered “warm” colors, such as reds, oranges and yellows. Cooler tones include blues, greens and purples. Warm and cool colors can complement each other well when used together. Emerald green is considered a cool color.
You also want to pay attention to hue. Complementary hues are colors located directly across from each other on the color wheel. These contrasting hues complement each other when placed side by side. The complementary color for emerald green is ruby red.
Finally, consider tints and shades. A tint is a color with white added to lighten and soften the original shade. A shade is a color with black added to deepen and darken the original. Tints and shades of the same hue or complementary hues will coordinate well.
With these core concepts in mind, let’s look at the best pairings for emerald green paint.
Soothing Neutrals
A foolproof way to let the emerald green take center stage is by pairing it with neutrals. Timeless neutral shades like white, beige, cream and light to medium grays have an airy, soothing effect that allows brighter colors to really pop.
Try an emerald green accent wall against a soft white or light gray background. This makes the bolder color feel crisp and refreshing instead of overwhelming.
Neutral backgrounds allow you to add pops of color through décor or accessories. Throw pillows, area rugs and artwork in shades like sapphire blue or violet will stand out and tie the space together.
White trim along emerald green walls creates a striking, sophisticated contrast. For a bit of depth, opt for an off-white like ivory instead of a stark bright white.
Metallic Sheens
Metallic paints, accessories and accents pair beautifully with emerald green. The sheen and shimmer complement the gem-like quality of the emerald hue.
Subtle metallic paint on an accent wall or metallic finishes on decorations, light fixtures and furniture bring just enough glitter without going overboard. Stick to metallics in cool, muted silver and pewter tones rather than warm golds for the most cohesive look.
Try pairing emerald walls with silver leaf wallpaper on an accent wall in a dining room or bedroom. The contrast makes both colors shine. Use silver and mercury glass vases, candleholders and bowls throughout the space to tie the look together.
Brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware and lighting fixtures also complement the green without overwhelming.
Earthy Beiges and Browns
While stark whites let emerald green take the spotlight, earthy beiges and browns have a grounding effect. These neutral but warm natural tones bring out the organic richness of emerald.
Try light beige walls with emerald green accents. Soft mocha browns also pair well with emerald green. Use these tones in furniture, curtains, area rugs and accessories for a relaxing earthy feel.
Natural materials like wood, bamboo, jute, cotton and linen in neutral beige and brown hues add cozy texture and balance the jewel-toned green.
This is an ideal color scheme for living rooms, bedrooms and offices. It’s versatile enough to fit any style from modern farmhouse to contemporary chic.
Crisp, Cool Blues
On the cooler end of the spectrum, shades of blue make an excellent counterpart to emerald green walls and accents. The contrast of warm emerald green and cool, crisp blues is vibrant and refreshing.
Try Robin’s egg blue, periwinkle, sky blue or even crisp navy. Benjamin Moore’s Honeydew is a mellow green-tinged blue that plays off emerald green beautifully.
Use contrasting blue and green together in geometric patterns or alternating blocks to really highlight the interplay between the shades. Blue striped armchairs or green and navy floral pillows on a couch make fun pops of contrasting color.
Distressed robin’s egg blue kitchen cabinetspaired with emerald green quartz countertops and backsplash make a cottage kitchen feel playful. Navy blueaccent walls in an office offset emerald bookshelves or desk chairs nicely as well.
Vibrant Contrasting Hues
Colors opposite emerald green on the color wheel inherently provide striking contrast when paired together. These vibrant pairings are bold but harmonious when used thoughtfully.
Try painting a front door or accent wall in a rich ruby red against emerald green siding or exterior trim. The combination is dynamic and luxurious.
Use purple accents like lilac pillows or violet flowers in a space with emerald walls or décor. Purple has a regal quality that complements the jewel tone green beautifully.
Pink is another unexpected yet delightful contrasting pairing. Soft blush pink upholstery or rugs against emerald walls or accented furniture feel fresh and modern. Deep magenta works well too for a saturated punchy combination.
In children’s spaces, bright primary colors like yellow, red and blue add energy and contrast. Use them sparingly to accent emerald green walls or furniture.
Conclusion
Emerald green paint is gorgeously eye-catching and versatile to work with. By understanding and applying basic color theory principles, you can easily choose shades that complement and accent emerald green in stylish, elegant ways. Neutrals, metals, earth tones, blues, and vibrant contrasts all balance beautifully with emerald. Thoughtfully pick colors and textures that underscore emerald’s elegance and sophistication. With the right combinations, this dramatic hue will add a richness and sophistication to any space.
| Complementary Color | How it Accents Emerald Green |
|---|---|
| Crisp whites or grays | Allows emerald green to pop as a focal point |
| Metallic silvers and pewters | Adds subtle sheen and shimmer |
| Beiges and light browns | Warm, earthy, and grounding |
| Blues | Cool, refreshing contrast |
| Ruby reds, pinks, purples | Vibrant and luxurious contrast |
