Mint is a cool, refreshing color that is associated with nature, rejuvenation and tranquility. When people think of the color mint, they often visualize the leaves of the mint plant, which have a bright, pale green color. Beyond this common association, there are a variety of colors that relate and complement mint.
Shades of Green
The most obvious colors associated with mint are shades of green. As mint gets its name from the mint plant, natural shades of green are intrinsically linked to mint itself. These include:
- Seafoam green – A pale, muted shade of green with hints of blue. It evokes ocean waves and is commonly used in beach house decor.
- Pastel green – A soft, delicate green with very low saturation. It creates a gentle, soothing feeling.
- Pistachio green – A pale green with yellow undertones, reminiscent of pistachio nuts. It has a warm, cheerful vibe.
- Sage green – A grayish green named after the herb sage. It is earthy yet crisp.
- Mint green – A mid-tone green, lighter than forest green. It has clarity and freshness.
- Jade green – A vibrant green inspired by jade stone. It is balanced and harmonious.
- Emerald green – A rich, jewel-toned green with bluish undertones. Associated with nature and renewal.
These natural greens pair beautifully with mint and create serene, relaxing color combinations. Lighter greens like seafoam and pastel green soften mint’s coolness, while bolder greens like jade and emerald enliven it with their intensity. Overall, greens are mint’s closest color partners.
Cool Neutrals
In addition to greens, mint looks wonderful with cool-toned neutrals like gray, taupe and beige. These create subtle, soothing combinations:
- Light gray – Has a refined, relaxed effect next to mint.
- Blue gray – A cooler gray with faint blue undertones. Complements mint nicely.
- Dove gray – A warm, gentle gray that eases mint’s coolness.
- Taupe – A brownish gray that provides an earthy contrast to mint.
- Mushroom – A soft, warm beige that mixes nicely with mint.
- Sand – A pale, creamy neutral that blends agreeably with mint.
These muted neutrals allow mint’s refreshing qualities to take center stage. They keep a mint palette feeling open and airy rather than dense and heavy. Cool grays like light gray and blue gray are especially complementary.
Pastel Colors
Soft, dreamy pastels also suit mint beautifully. Pastel shades have low saturation, which creates a gentle, romantic look with mint. Recommended pastel pairings include:
- Lavender – A light purple with a soothing, floral character.
- Blush pink – A delicate pink with rosy undertones. Gentle and feminine.
- Baby blue – A light blue associated with spring skies and new life.
- Buttercream – A pale, creamy yellow reminiscent of lemon chiffon pie. Cheerful and sunny.
- Peach – A washed-out orange with a soft, fruity vibe. Fresh and bright.
- Periwinkle – A very pale blue-violet. Ethereal and dreamy.
These pretty pastels make mint feel spring-like and romantic. Lavender and blush pink have a particularly charming effect beside mint’s cool hue. Pastel trios with mint create charming Easter or baby shower color schemes.
Bold Brights
While lighter shades suit mint best, some saturated bright colors also complement it beautifully. These bold pairings include:
- Cobalt blue – An intense blue with a generous dose of purple. Dynamic with mint.
- Lemon yellow – A vibrant, energizing yellow. Uplifting alongside mint.
- Lime green – A vivid green-yellow. Sharpens up mint in a vibrant way.
- Royal purple – A jewel-toned purple with blue undertones. Striking and luxurious next to mint.
- Coral – A bright reddish-orange. Adds an exciting pop of color.
Though different in character from mint, these vivid hues make adventurous accent colors. Their intensity contrasts beautifully against mint’s softness. Vibrant blue is especially complementary.
Cool Metallics
In addition to color, mint also pairs attractively with certain metals and finishes. Cool-toned metals like silver, pewter and chrome have an understated elegance next to mint. Specific metallics include:
- Silver – Either brushed or polished, silver has a refined, gleaming look with mint.
- Pewter – A sophisticated gray metal finish. More restrained than silver.
- Nickel – A shiny silver-gray finish. Sleek and futuristic.
- Chrome – A very cool-toned silver with an almost blue undertone. Sleek and clean with mint.
- Platinum – A soft, subtle metal tone that provides quiet elegance.
- Steel – A strong gray metal finish. Industrial yet sophisticated.
These cooler metals have an understated beauty that fits mint’s calm, refreshing personality. Their sheen plays nicely against mint’s matte quality. Overall, silver pairs most naturally with mint green.
Color Palettes
When combined in full color schemes, mint creates a variety of aesthetics. Here are some recommended mint color palettes:
- Mint, Light Blue and Lavender – A super soft, spring-inspired palette. Gentle and romantic.
- Mint, Sage Green and Sand – An earthy, soothing blend for a spa or oasis.
- Mint, Emerald Green and Chrome – A sleek, elegant palette. Refined and stylish.
- Mint, Peach and Pale Gold – A bright, cheerful blend. Fresh and upbeat.
- Mint, Silver and Dove Gray – A sophisticated neutral palette. Polished yet inviting.
Mint can create atmospheres ranging from playful to elegant depending on color pairings. It works fantastically in spring and summer color schemes.
Print and Patterns
Certain prints and patterns also evoke mint’s natural, relaxing vibe. These include:
- Leaf prints – Botanical patterns with ferns, palms or monstera leaves feel connected to mint’s plant origins.
- Floral prints – Delicate floral patterns in soft colors echo mint’s femininity.
- Ombre or watercolor patterns – These blurred, soft patterns complement mint’s haziness.
- Stripes – Thin pastel stripes enhanced mint’s clarity and freshness.
- Herringbone – The organic texture of herringbone suits mint’s natural side.
- Geometry – Hexagons, circles and triangles in soothing hues relate well to mint.
Leafy greenery prints pair most seamlessly with mint, picking up on its botanical heritage. Abstract prints in pale hues also match mint’s laidback personality.
Textile Textures
Beyond color, the texture of fabrics can also achieve visual harmony with mint. Recommended textiles include:
- Linen – Has a natural, breezy look and feel suited to mint.
- Lace – Delicate and feminine, enhancing mint’s romantic side.
- Velvet – Plush and soothing, playing up mint’s relaxing qualities.
- Satin – A soft, luxurious sheen that works nicely with mint.
- Chiffon – Floaty and dreamy, complementing mint’s haziness.
- Seersucker – Crisp yet casual. Aligns with mint’s casual refinement.
Lightweight fabrics like linen, lace and chiffon best match mint’s soft, delicate nature. Velvet also enhances its plushness in an elegant way.
Conclusion
With its cool personality, mintgreen aligns beautifully with other tranquil, refreshing colors and textures. Green hues like seafoam and sage green complement it naturally, while soft neutrals like dove gray and sand provide versatile pairings. For a bolder accent, cobalt blue or lemon yellow can liven up mint. Pastels like lavender and peach also introduce a romantic quality next to mint. Natural textiles such as linen and chiffon help extend mint’s relaxed, organic vibe. Whether used for spring-inspired palettes or serene spa designs, mint’s cool, laidback energy shines through alongside its perfect color partners.
