Forest green is a deep, rich shade of green that resembles the colour of pine trees and dense foliage. It’s an extremely versatile colour that can work well with a variety of different colours in home decor, fashion, graphic design, and more. But what are the best colour pairings and combinations with forest green? Here are some of the top colours that look great when paired with forest green.
Warm Neutrals
Forest green has both warm yellow undertones and cool blue undertones. This makes it highly compatible with neutral colours in the warm, earthy colour palette. Soft beiges, light browns, tan, cream, and white look beautiful with forest green. These warmer neutrals help make forest green feel more welcoming, natural, and soothing.
| Neutral Colour | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Beige | #F5F5DC |
| Light Brown | #987654 |
| Tan | #D2B48C |
| Cream | #FFFDD0 |
| White | #FFFFFF |
Pairing forest green with neutrals like ecru, tan, or cream can create a very peaceful, zen look perfect for a spa or retreat space. Adding touches of white or beige helps lighten up the deep green in a pleasant way.
Gold
Gold is a stunning accent colour with forest green. The bold, lush green provides the perfect complementary backdrop for metallic, shiny gold tones. The pairing feels lush, upscale, and glamorous. Gold also brings out the warm undertones in forest green. Use golden accents, like throw pillows, vases, table lamps, or wall art, against a forest green wall or sofa for dramatic contrast.
Terracotta
For a more earthy, autumnal look, pair forest green with terracotta. Terracotta is a type of clay-based orangey-red hue. When combined with deep green, it calls to mind the colours of fall – green pine trees and terracotta clay pots or patios. Use terracotta coloured throw blankets, area rugs, candles, or rustic ceramic vases with forest green furniture or walls. The colours complement each other beautifully while creating a cozy, grounded look and feel.
Yellow
Yellow brings a cheerful, uplifting vibe when paired with forest green. Opt for soft, muted golden yellows rather than neon brights. Soft sunshine yellow accent pillows or an antique yellow chair look fabulous against a forest green sofa or feature wall. Yellow and green are opposite one another on the color wheel, making them natural complementary colors. The combo evokes feelings of vitality and happiness.
Slate Grey
For a more modern, sophisticated look, try pairing forest green with slate grey. This cool-toned, muted grey has a hint of blue that works well with forest green’s blue undertones. Use light grey woods like oak or ash flooring with forest green furnishings and decor accents. Or paint one wall forest green and the rest a pale, misty slate grey. Crisp white trim ties the whole chic look together.
Navy Blue
Few colours complement forest green better than navy blue. The classic colour pairing is nautically inspired, as it calls to mind evergreen forests meeting deep blue seas and oceans. Navy blue has the same cool-toned blue undertones as forest green, allowing the two deep shades to seamlessly blend together. Use navy blue throw pillows, ceramic pieces, or upholstered chairs to accent forest green sofas, headboards, and more.
Burgundy
For an elegant, luxurious look, pair forest green with rich burgundy. Burgundy is a red-purple hue that leans more to the purple side. It has a similar sophisticated, regal feel as forest green. Use burgundy and forest green together in formal living rooms or dining rooms. Burgundy table runners, curtains panels, and upholstered chairs all pop against forest green walls. The contrast is eye-catching.
Light Blue
While navy blue pairs well with forest green, so does light blue. Soft powder blue and sky blue complement forest green nicely. Pick a pale robin’s egg blue couch or area rug to contrast a deep forest green accent wall or media unit. The light blue has the same cool undertones but feels more breezy and relaxed. Mint green also works similarly to light blue.
Purple
Shades of purple like lilac, lavender, and violet also complement forest green’s blend of warm yellows and cool blues. Pair a muted purple sofa or armchair with forest green walls or area rugs. richer, darker shades of eggplant purple and plum also look striking with forest green when you want a more gothic, moody vibe. Use purple cautiously though as the combination can risk feeling dated if not done well. Stick to modern or traditional designs.
Black
Black is a foolproof neutral that pairs effortlessly with virtually any colour, including forest green. Matching forest green walls or furniture with black accents is an easy way to create drama and sophistication. Black window frames, throw pillows, cabinets, or trim help anchor forest green, keeping it from feeling overwhelming. Similarly, forest green accents pop against a black backdrop.
Pink
Certain shades of pink can also beautifully complement forest green for a feminine, romantic look. Opt for soft, muted pink rather than neon brights. Think blush, antique rose, mauve, and nude pinks rather than fuchsia. Pair a dusky rose velvet sofa with forest green walls or mix forest green and pink fabrics in floral curtains and upholstery. Just stick to soft, subtle pinks so the pairing feels elegant rather than dated or tacky.
Conclusion
Forest green is an extremely versatile shade that pairs well with a wide array of colours. Stick to warm, earthy neutrals like cream for a zen look or bold metallics like gold for drama. Terracotta and yellow bring out forest green’s warmth and vitality. Cool tones like slate grey, navy, and light blue complement forest green’s blue undertones. For richness, choose burgundy, purple, or black. Just remember to strike the right balance so forest green doesn’t overwhelm the space. With the right accent colours, forest green can look fresh, inviting, and modern in all kinds of interior design schemes.
