Choosing complimentary colors can be an important part of interior design, fashion, graphic design, and more. When colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, they are considered to be complimentary colors. This means they create strong contrast and vibrancy when placed next to each other. Forest green is a dark, muted green that is found in nature. It’s the color of pine trees, ferns, and other lush plant life. Determining the right complimentary color for forest green can help make it stand out and look its best in any design or decor situation.
Understanding Color Theory
In order to find a good color match for forest green, it’s helpful to understand some basic principles of color theory. The first is the color wheel. This is a circular diagram showing the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors and how they relate to one another. Complimentary colors are located opposite each other on the wheel. For example, red and green, orange and blue, and yellow and purple are complimentary pairs.
Colors are also categorized by hue, saturation, and brightness. Hue refers to the pigment or color itself. Saturation describes the intensity of the color from muted to vivid. Brightness indicates how light or dark a color is. These three factors create countless possible color variations. However, hue is most important when it comes to choosing complimentary colors.
Key Characteristics of Forest Green
So what are the specific characteristics of forest green that will help determine its ideal color match? Here are some of the main qualities:
– Hue – Forest green is a cool, yellow-green hue situated between blue-green and pure green on the color wheel.
– Saturation – This color has medium saturation compared to more muted khakis or more vivid emeralds.
– Brightness – Forest green is decidedly dark, approximately 20-30% brightness.
– Personality – Its earthy quality gives it a grounded, natural feel. However, it also has sophistication.
– Use – Commonly used in formal settings, home decor, nature photography, etc.
With these attributes in mind, we can narrow down color options to find the best complimentary match.
Complimentary Color Options
Here are some potential candidate colors that may work well with forest green:
Burgundy
Burgundy is a dark, cool red that could provide nice contrast. Like forest green, it has an elegant, formal vibe. As a tertiary color, burgundy contains hints of blue, bringing out the cool green tones. The muted saturation of both also helps them pair well.
Deep Orange
Opposite forest green on the color wheel, deep orange offers vibrant contrast. Together these colors are bold and eye-catching. Deep orange also contains some red tones to connect with forest green. However, the brightness difference may be jarring in some combinations.
Goldenrod
This warmer, yellow-orange shade bridges the gap between red and yellow complements. Goldenrod has the same nature-inspired personality as forest green and similar saturation. Against the darker green, it really pops.
Magenta
For a bolder, funkier look, magenta is the perfect choice. Its vivid purple-red hue contrasts sharply with muted forest green. But because magenta sits between red and blue/green, it also relates harmoniously.
Crimson
Crimson provides a red-based compliment but in a cooler, darker hue. Being in the same brightness range makes crimson and forest green easy to balance. Crimson offers a classic, sophisticated look.
| Color | Hue | Saturation | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Cool red | Medium | Dark |
| Deep orange | Warm orange | Medium-high | Medium |
| Goldenrod | Yellow-orange | Medium | Medium |
| Magenta | Blue-red | High | Medium-light |
| Crimson | Cool red | Medium-high | Dark |
Best Match: Burgundy
After considering all these options, the color that complements forest green best is burgundy. There are a few key reasons why these two make an ideal pairing:
– Hue contrast – Burgundy sits opposite forest green on the color wheel for maximum vibrancy.
– Harmonious saturation – Both share a muted, earthy quality that blends well.
– Same brightness level – The matching deep darkness creates a very balanced look.
– Shared personality – Sophisticated yet organic vibe suits formal and natural settings.
– Flexibility – Burgundy transitions forest green between warm and cool color palettes.
Whether used in a living room, office, website, or wardrobe, forest green and burgundy work beautifully together. The colors bring out the best in one another. Burgundy adds energetic contrast while staying grounded in forest green’s earthy appeal. For a professional, stylish, and organic design aesthetic, this color duo is unbeatable.
Using Forest Green and Burgundy Together
There are endless possibilities when pairing forest green with its burgundy complement. Here are just a few ideas:
– Decor – On walls, furniture, carpets, drapes, and accessories
– Fashion – For dresses, blouses, skirts, pants, handbags, shoes, jewelry
– Branding – Logos, marketing materials, websites, packaging
– Event decorating – Tables, linens, flowers, invitations, signage
– Photography backdrops – Enhance nature, lifestyle, and product images
– Food presentation – Contrasting table linens, dishes, garnishes
Pro tip: Add metallic accents like gold and silver to make the colors pop even more. Black and white elements also create drama against these jewel tones.
When combining any colors, remember to pay attention to proportions. Too much of one shade will overpower the other. Start with a 60-40 or 70-30 split and adjust from there.
Conclusion
Forest green and burgundy beautifully demonstrate the power of complementary colors. Their luscious, nature-inspired hues form a sophisticated color palette that feels both classic and contemporary. Whether designing, decorating, styling, or selecting gifts, this winning color combination works for almost any project. Just keep in mind the key qualities of each shade and expert tips for pairing them successfully. With the right balance, forest green and burgundy can elevate any application to the next level of visual appeal.
