Pastel green is a soft, light shade of green that can add a soothing, spring-like vibe to any space. When decorating with pastel green, choosing coordinating colors is important to create a cohesive look. The right color pairings will allow the pastel green to shine while adding vibrancy and depth to your space.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating high contrast and vibrancy when paired together. For pastel green, excellent complementary color choices include:
- Pink
- Magenta
- Red-violet
- Rose
These shades have a reddish undertone that contrasts beautifully with green. Whether you use a soft pastel pink or a vivid fuchsia, pairing pastel green with complementary pinks and reds will create an eye-catching look.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony and cohesion. For pastel green, great analogous options include:
- Mint green
- Seafoam
- Aqua
- Pastel blue
- Pastel yellow
Keeping colors within the same family (in this case, cool greens, blues, and greens) results in a soothing, understated look. Mixing different shades of pastel greens and blues is a foolproof way to decorate with pastel green.
Triadic Colors
Triadic color schemes use three colors spaced evenly around the color wheel. The triadic colors for pastel green are:
- Pastel purple
- Lavender
- Soft pink
- Pale yellow
These dreamy pastel shades complement the green without overpowering it. You can use all three colors together or pick just one as an accent.
Split Complementary Colors
The split complementary palette uses a color and the two colors adjacent to its complement. For pastel green, this includes:
- Salmon
- Red-orange
- Yellow-orange
These warm shades provide the same vibrancy as using true complementary colors, but with slightly less contrast.
Monochromatic Colors
Sticking to shades of green is a simple yet stylish way to decorate with pastel green. Try pairing it with:
- Mint
- Seafoam
- Sage
- Lime
- Jade
Mixing green hues of different intensities creates depth. Add white to soften the look and black to deepen shades.
Pastel Color Pairings
For a soft, dreamy aesthetic, pastel green looks beautiful paired with other pastels like:
- Lavender
- Blush pink
- Butter yellow
- Baby blue
- Mint
Keep pastels within the same tonal family for a cohesive effect. Contrast very light and very dark pastels together for depth.
Neutrals
Don’t overlook classic neutral colors like:
- White
- Cream
- Grey
- Tan
- Beige
- Brown
Crisp whites allow pastel green to take center stage while warm neutrals like tan, beige and brown add earthy contrast.
Metallics
For a touch of shine, metallics like copper, bronze, silver and gold complement pastel green beautifully. Metallics add glamour and help pastels feel current.
Unexpected Colors
Not afraid to get creative? Try pairing pastel green with:
- Mustard
- Olive
- Burnt Orange
- Peach
- Lime
- Mauve
These unexpected colors provide a unique, lively contrast that’s still harmonious.
What to Avoid
Some color combinations clash with pastel green. Colors to avoid include:
- Bright primary colors like bright red, blue and yellow
- Dark shades like black, navy and burgundy
- Neon colors
- Brown tones like olive green and mustard yellow
These colors tend to look garish and overwhelm the softness of pastel green.
Using Pastel Green in Rooms
Here are examples of color schemes using pastel green in different rooms:
Pastel Green Living Room
In a living room, try pairing pastel green with lavender and peach. Use green on the walls or larger furniture pieces, then incorporate pops of peach and lavender in pillows, throws, armchairs and accessories. The mix of pastels is calm and feminine.
Pastel Green Kitchen
In the kitchen, match pastel green cabinets with a backsplash in crisp white marble or subway tiles. Add warm metals like brass for fixtures. Then complement it with peachy corals or sunny yellows for barstools, kitchen towels and tableware.
Pastel Green Bedroom
Make a soothing oasis with pastel green walls, linens and headboard. Layer in pretty floral bedding in pinks, creams and pale blues. Add white and wood furniture to keep it light and airy.
Pastel Green Bathroom
Bring the garden indoors with pastel green walls or tiles paired with botanical accents. Crisp white wainscoting, trim and towels keep it fresh. Pale pink or purple flowers and candles add charm.
Interior Color Combinations with Pastel Green
| Color Palette | Color Combination | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Pastel green, lavender, peach | Feminine, soft, romantic | Calm, relaxed |
| Pastel green, seafoam, tan | Soothing, natural, earthy | Serene, peaceful |
| Pastel green, butter yellow, slate blue | Vintage, retro, charming | Nostalgic, cheerful |
| Pastel green, copper, blush pink | Warm, glamorous, stylish | Inviting, feminine |
| Pastel green, sage green, brick red | Traditional, classic, rich | Grounded, stable |
| Pastel green, sky blue, corals | Coastal, beachy, tropical | Carefree, upbeat |
Exterior Color Combinations with Pastel Green
Pastel green can be used effectively on home exteriors too. Here are exterior color schemes with pastel green:
| Color Palette | Combination | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Pastel green, white trim, wood accents | Classic, timeless | Traditional, cottage, farmhouse |
| Pastel green, peach trim, slate roof | Cheerful, unique | Contemporary, arts & crafts |
| Pastel green, brick, black accents | Refined, sophisticated | Victorian, Italianate |
| Pastel green, cream, terra cotta | Warm, earthy | Mediterranean, Tuscan |
| Pastel green, light blue, white | Coastal, beachy | Seaside, nautical |
Accessories in Complementary Colors
Accessories like throw pillows, rugs, blankets and artwork are easy ways to incorporate pops of color that complement pastel green. Try:
- Pillows in salmon, peach, light pink or magenta
- Throws and rugs in mint, lavender or sky blue
- Ceramic pieces, candles or vases in butter yellow
- Artwork featuring complementary pinks and blues
- Fresh flowers in shades of yellow, pink and purple
Conclusion
Pastel green is a versatile shade that pairs beautifully with both light and vibrant colors. Complementary pinks, oranges and reds provide striking contrast, while soft pastels in the same cool family result in serene spaces. Crisp whites and earthy neutrals also complete the look. With so many options, you can easily create stylish, cohesive looks using pastel green.
When decorating with pastel green, consider the room and overall style you want to achieve. Combine colors creatively but cohesively. Don’t overlook small accessories like pillows, throws and artwork to incorporate accent colors that make pastel green pop. With the right color combinations, pastel green can take your aesthetic to stylish new heights.
