Choosing the right colour palette for a green living room can be challenging. The shade of green you select for the walls sets the tone for the whole space. To create a cohesive, stylish look, it’s important to find colours that complement the green walls. In this article, we’ll explore the best colour combinations to pair with green living room walls.
Neutral Tones
One of the most popular approaches is to match green walls with neutral tones like white, beige, grey and brown. These muted shades allow the vibrant green to take centre stage without clashing. They also create a calm, relaxed vibe.
White is a natural pair for green. It lightens up the room and makes the green pop. Different shades of white and off-white such as eggshell, ivory or cream work beautifully with sage, mint or lime green walls. Add white trim, wainscoting, furniture and accessories for a crisp, bright look.
Beige has a warming effect that complements cooler green hues like seafoam or aqua. taupe is also stylish with olive or jade greens. Incorporate beige couches, area rugs, pillows and other decor elements.
Greys from light silvery greys to charcoal complement any shade of green without competing. Green and grey is a soothing, natural colour scheme. Use grey tones in furniture, window treatments, artwork and decorative objects.
Browns like tan, mocha and chestnut pair nicely with darker green walls. The earthy tones provide a rustic, welcoming feel. Use brown leather armchairs, wooden furniture and accessories for a chic organic look.
Accent Colors
While neutral backdrops allow the green walls to shine, dashes of accent colours can add extra flair. Bright, energetic hues like red, yellow and teal contrast beautifully with green for a vibrant, playful aesthetic. Just be sure not to overdo it – too many competing colours can feel chaotic.
Red makes a dramatic impact against green walls. For a festive look, adorn a kelly green or emerald living room with bold red throw pillows, area rugs and artwork. Or try a red couch or armchairs against a sage green backdrop.
Yellow energizes a green palette. Sunny shades like lemon, goldenrod or marigold enliven a mint green or lime green living room. Use yellow in small doses – a vase, pouf or accent chair – for maximum effect.
Teal has a natural affinity for green. The two cool tones complement each other seamlessly. Robin’s egg blue and turquoise also harmonize with light greens like seafoam or pistachio. Incorporate through pillows, decorative objects and statement furniture.
Metal Accents
Metallic accents add a glamorous touch to a green living room. Polished gold, silver, copper and brass fixtures, furniture and decor shine against green walls. A little bit of metallic goes a long way – focus on key statement pieces.
Gold looks lavish against dark green walls like hunter or emerald. A gilded mirror, lamp or side table provides a dash of opulence. Rose gold and champagne tones also pop against sage or olive greens.
Silver complements lighter green walls in a cooler, sleeker way than gold. A chrome floor lamp or mercury glass vase adds sheen and interest. Stainless steel and nickel accents also complement pale green or minty walls.
The warm glow of copper makes an earthy match for green. Use it sparingly – a copper pendant light over a moss green dining area or burnt orange ceramic pieces on kelly green shelves.
Brass strikes an elegant middle ground between silver and gold. Pair antique brass sconces or a brass framed mirror with forest green walls for a timeless, traditional feel.
Go Monochromatic
For a bold, immersive look, decorate your green living room using shades of green. Vary textures and tones for visual interest. Light greens like pear, pistachio and seafoam blend seamlessly. Or try bolder contrasts like emerald walls with lime green accents.
Use plenty of plants and organic wood tones to enhance the earthy vibe. You can also incorporate neutrals like white and brown to ground the verdant scheme. Just stick to one primary accent colour like blue or yellow rather than mixing multiple hues.
Recommended Colour Combinations
Here is a quick reference table of suggested colour pairings for common green wall shades:
| Green Wall Colour | Complementary Colours |
|---|---|
| Sage | Beige, cream, grey, tan, pale yellow |
| Mint | White, grey, robin’s egg blue, bright yellow |
| Kelly green | Brown, red, brass, gold |
| Emerald | Gold, silver, champagne, white |
| Olive | Tan, mocha, terracotta, peach |
| Jade | Taupe, grey, black, metallic |
| Lime | Grey, black, teal, purple, red |
| Forest green | Brown, tan, cream, brass |
Choosing Furniture
Furniture choices can make or break a green living room colour scheme. Opt for pieces in complementary neutrals or natural wood tones. Minimalist, mid-century or retro-inspired silhouettes work well against bold green walls.
Neutral couches in grey, beige or cream allow the green to take centre stage while providing a cohesive foundation. Sectionals help delineate space in open floor plans. Tufted designs feel elegant and invite lingering.
Wood furnishings like walnut, oak or teak sideboards, consoles and dining tables add organic warmth. Distressed wood coffee tables and rustic wood side chairs also complement green in a casual way.
Opt for multifunctional furniture like nesting tables, ottomans and sleeper sofas to maximize smaller spaces without clutter. Benches and built-in bookshelves also double as both storage and seating.
Avoid overly ornate furniture with carved details, which tends to compete with green walls. Simple tables with metal frames and smooth tops better suit the minimalist vibe. Platform beds and unadorned dressers also keep the bedroom serene.
Flooring Options
Ground your green living room with natural flooring materials like hardwood or stone. Rich wood flooring complements both light and dark green walls. Stone or porcelain tiles also create an earthy feel.
Hardwood oak or walnut floors suit lighter greens like sage or seafoam. The warm tones provide balance and prevent the space from feeling too cool. For bolder greens like emerald or hunter, try ebony wood floors for striking contrast.
Natural stone flooring like slate, travertine or limestone pairs nicely with green walls in old world or Mediterranean style homes. Large stone tiles make the space feel expansive.
Concrete flooring is trendy for an urban loft or industrial vibe. Polished concrete complements jewel tones like jade or forest green. Area rugs in sisal, jute or wool help warm up the space.
Lighter carpeting can brighten up a dark green living room. Try low-pile wool or hemp area rugs layered over hardwood. Just avoid busy patterns that compete with green walls.
Fabrics and Textiles
Carefully chosen fabrics and textiles can pull your green living room together. Consider hues and patterns that complement the wall color.
For patterned green walls like grasscloth or flocked velvet, opt for solid textiles. Choose leather or microfiber sofas and lounge chairs in neutral hues. Add texture with knit or cotton throw pillows.
With plain matte or glossy green paint, layer on bolder patterns. Try floral, damask or paisley prints in accent colors like navy or yellow. Avoid competing green patterns and florals.
Natural fiber rugs like jute, seagrass and sisal feel earthy underfoot. Oversize designs make the space feel grand. Neutral textures like wool boucle and linen also suit green schemes.
Window treatments like roman blinds, curtains and drapes frame green walls nicely in harmonizing solids or simple stripes. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in heavy fabrics luxuriously define sitting areas.
Lighting
Proper lighting showcases green walls while setting the right ambiance for relaxation or entertaining. Combine general overhead lighting with task lighting and accent fixtures.
For soft general lighting, try drum or globe pendant lights. Position them over sitting areas or above the dining table. Chandeliers suit formal spaces; opt for cleanly designed contemporary styles.
Task lighting like directional floor lamps and table lamps illuminates reading nooks and workspaces. Gooseneck designs direct light right where it’s needed.
Accent lighting adds drama. Sconces flanking a fireplace make it a focal point after dark. Picture lights highlight displayed art and photographs. Install dimmers to set the perfect mood.
Smart bulbs like Philips Hue let you change the colour temperature from warm to cool. Automated schedules help wake you up gently and wind down at night.
Accessorizing Your Green Living Room
Carefully chosen accessories provide the finishing touch for a polished green living room. Stick to your colour palette while playing with shape, scale and texture.
Large statement mirrors expand smaller spaces and amplify natural light. Lean into shape for interest – try rounded, hexagonal or starburst designs. For patterned walls, keep mirrors plain. On solid green walls, choose unique frames.
Sculptural ceramic vases, bowls and planters work in neutral hues like white, black and soft grey. Try organic hand thrown shapes for a touch of artistry. Plants with green foliage harmonize beautifully.
Abstract art prints and paintings in accent colors enliven walls between furniture. Black and white photography also pumps up the contrast. Collect pieces over time for an eclectic gallery wall.
Throw pillows and blankets provide pops of color and visual interest. Opt for solids, geometric prints and subtle textures like cable knit. Keep them in accent hues like blue, yellow and brick red.
Simple tray tables corral remotes and devices while introducing new colors and materials. Try gold, black marble, or natural woven trays atop sleek metal stands. The decor options are endless.
Conclusion
Green living room walls provide a vibrant backdrop that inspires creativity as you adorn the space. By heeding the basics of colour theory and decorating principles, it’s simple to achieve a harmonious oasis. Let the verdant walls shine with accent hues, natural textures and strategic lighting. Soon you’ll have a favorite room for relaxing and recharging in unique style.
