What Colours Go With Green? A Guide to Perfect Pairings
- Karolina Kogut
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Green has always been a staple in interior design, but recently it’s taken centre stage. From calming sage to bold emerald, green offers a refreshing and grounding presence that works in almost every space. But what colours go with green? Whether you’re planning a full room makeover or just adding a pop of green to your home, knowing which colours complement it best is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most stylish and harmonious pairings for green in interiors, based on mood, style, and design intent. From earthy neutrals to rich jewel tones, we’ll show you how to make green work its magic—no matter your aesthetic.
Why Green Is So Versatile
Before diving into colour pairings, it’s helpful to understand why green is so universally loved in interiors. As a colour rooted in nature, green inherently evokes a sense of calm, renewal, and balance. It sits between warm and cool on the colour spectrum, making it one of the most adaptable shades to work with. This chameleon-like quality is part of why designers are so drawn to it.
When clients ask what colours go with green, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the tone of green you’re using and the mood you want to create.
1. Earthy Neutrals: For a Calming, Organic Look
One of the easiest and most timeless ways to pair green is with earthy neutral tones like beige, taupe, cream, or stone. These colours create a harmonious, grounded look that lets green be the hero without overpowering the space.
Best combinations:
Sage green with soft beige
Olive green with taupe
Forest green with creamy whites
This palette works beautifully in living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms where you want a serene, natural feel. Add wood accents and natural textiles like linen or jute to enhance the grounded atmosphere.
Why it works: The combination feels effortless like a forest floor under dappled sunlight. It’s one of the most organic answers to what colours go with green if you’re aiming for a restful space.
2. Blush and Dusty Pinks: Romantic and Modern
Green and pink may sound like an unexpected duo, but they’re actually complementary colours on the colour wheel. This contrast creates instant visual interest, and when the tones are muted, the effect is surprisingly sophisticated.
Try pairing:
Mint green with blush pink for a fresh, airy vibe
Moss green with dusky rose for something moodier
Sage green with pale terracotta for an earthy twist
This combination shines in bedrooms, nurseries, and even modern bathrooms, especially when paired with brass or copper accents.
Designer tip: If you’re using a cooler green, opt for a pink with brown undertones to avoid clashing.
3. Navy and Deep Blues: Sophisticated Depth
Still wondering what colours go with green when you want something bold and moody? Navy and other dark blues are excellent companions. Because green and blue are neighbours on the colour spectrum, they sit together naturally, but the contrast in tone adds just enough edge.
Gorgeous pairings:
Emerald green with classic navy
Olive green with slate blue
Teal with inky indigo
This palette is ideal for dining rooms, home offices, and entryways where you want depth, drama, and a touch of formality.
4. Warm Metallics: Glam Meets Nature
While not a colour in the traditional sense, metallics like brass, copper, and gold are perfect for accenting green. These finishes add warmth, shine, and sophistication to even the simplest green palette.
How to style it:
Pair sage cabinetry with brushed gold handles
Use antique brass fixtures against a dark green feature wall
Combine forest green with copper lighting for a vintage-industrial look
Why it works: Metallics add contrast and dimension without introducing another competing colour. They reflect light beautifully and elevate the space instantly.
5. Terracotta and Rust: Earthy Yet Elevated
For a Mediterranean-inspired look, warm earth tones like terracotta, burnt orange, and rust offer a rich, sunbaked counterpoint to green. This pairing feels timeless, grounded, and full of character.
Try:
Olive green walls with terracotta tile
Sage green upholstery with rust-coloured cushions
Deep green cabinetry with a warm clay-toned backsplash
This combo is great in kitchens, conservatories, or anywhere you want to channel warmth and authenticity.
6. Black, Charcoal and Greys: Modern and Minimal
If your green leans vibrant or saturated—like jade or emerald—a charcoal or matte black can help anchor the scheme and give it a contemporary twist. Greys also work beautifully with softer greens like pistachio or eucalyptus for a lighter, Scandinavian-inspired feel.
Ideas to try:
Emerald green velvet with black furniture
Soft sage walls with dove grey skirting
Mint green paired with gunmetal accents
This pairing suits modern homes, city apartments, or minimalist spaces that still want to play with colour.
What Colours Go With Green? It Depends on Your Mood
So, what colours go with green? As we’ve seen, the answer is wonderfully diverse. From blush pinks to earthy neutrals, deep blues to warm metallics, green plays well with a wide range of hues. It’s this flexibility that makes it such a favourite in interior design whether you’re styling a light-filled kitchen, a moody study, or a calm, cosy bedroom.
As always, consider the tone of your green and the feeling you want to create. Then choose your supporting colours accordingly. The result? A layered, beautiful space that feels intentional, personal, and stylish.
