What Colours Compliment Green?

A green colour palette is always a popular choice when it comes to decorating. This versatile corner of the colour wheel is synonymous with the outdoors and natural elements, with green hues turning any space into a serene sanctuary. It can also inspire, with the likes of lime green and citrus-infused shades a perfect pick for creative spaces. 

However, green walls can look a little drab if you're sticking to soft shades and muted tones. If you want to make the most of your interiors, settling on the right colour combination is crucial. 

The good news is that green works well alongside a multitude of different shades. From icy blue to burnt orange, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to green colour combinations. At Tikkurila, we stock an unbeatable selection of green paint colours, along with a first-rate range of hues that work beautifully alongside nature-inspired tones. 

Blues

Looking for the perfect partner for a green colour scheme? There are few better options than blue. Green and blue are immediate neighbours on the colour wheel, meaning they'll also work well together. 

Both colour families are inspired by the natural world. Sage green and mint green can bring a botanical element to your interiors, while sapphire blues will add a maritime influence to your spaces. They also work well with other organic accents, such as wood tones and raw textiles.

If you want to go with green and blue, you're free to use either colour as liberally as you wish. However, if you're using a light green as your primary colour, stick to a pale blue with grey undertones to create a more harmonious finish. 

Blue and Green Colour Pairings

With careful selection of complimentary and contrasting shades blue and green can work beautifully together. To help inspire you here are a few combinations to consider.

For a more serene interior, stick with a pale blue like Glacier Y435. While softer than some of our other blues, it'll instantly refresh any room, while grey undertones make it even more green-friendly. 

If you are using a pared-back blue, it's best to choose a much darker green for contrast. A forest green like Ficus N378 will make a stunning counterpoint and works well in more contemporary homes. 

Prefer darker blues? Use a cadet blue like Petrol S491 to bring some period appeal to your space. Rich and inviting, this colour works well with white and other neutrals but also plays well against just about anything from the green family. 

Once again, you'll want to balance out a darker shade with something more subtle. Go with a green like Flannel J446. This misty tone is underscored with a hint of grey, which works incredibly well alongside the deeper pigment of dark blues.

Greys

Pairing green with grey is another good design choice. It's a more neutral choice than blue, but can still enhance the botanical credentials of your interiors. 

If you're looking for a low-key accent colour for pale green walls, grey is the way to go. Light grey walls work well alongside dark green and lighter shades alike, making it the obvious choice for tonal decor schemes. 

Grey is just as versatile as green. If you're decorating a contemporary interior decked out in yellow green, a muted grey will make a fine addition. If you want to make more of a statement, use a darker shade alongside something like a saturated olive green.

Pale greys work well just about anywhere. Bungalow G500 is an easy choice that balances beautifully with all shades of green. Although predominantly grey, a hint of blue brings added depth. 

You can play off those undertones by choosing a green paint colour that's infused with hints of blue. Looking for something suitable? Why not give a medium green like Silk Road S440 a try?

If you want to make a small space feel larger, start with a pale shade that will bounce around natural light. A muted grey like Necklace F428 is a terrific alternative to everyday neutrals. 

However, don't be afraid of reaching for something more vibrant when selecting a green hue. Basilica M384 makes an instant impression with its earthy green pigment. Although it's a richer colour, it pairs perfectly with pale grey. 

Neutral Shades

When in doubt, reach for neutral shades. Muted earthy tones and off-whites are incredibly versatile, pairing well with all types of green. 

Furthermore, you don't have to hold back when using neutral shades in a green-inspired space. The best neutrals can be used to accent things like interior doors, sideboards and other room accents. 

If this is your first time straying from an off-white palette, think about using neutrals as your primary colour, then introduce pops of green to breathe life into your rooms. You can lean on soft furnishings and textiles to add more character to your space. Green pillows or bright yellow runners are easy ways to create visual interest. 

Green and Neutral Colour Pairings

Green and neutral colour pairings can create a very relaxing and soothing space.

Neutral paint colours don't have to be boring. Think about using a light stone shade like Piazza Y487 if you've had your fill of off-white tones and beiges. With subtle lilac undertones, this timeless neutral certainly doesn't lack warmth. 

A deep olive like Sepal L447 will work nicely here. Although a darker choice, it's muted enough that it won't clash with neutral colours. 

If you're aiming for a more elegant makeover, use a warm beige like Halva G459. With dusty pink undertones, this warm neutral will make any room more inviting. 

For best results, choose a more subdued green to balance things out. Menthol J442 combines elements of blue and green, bringing plenty of depth and interest to your spaces. 

What to Consider When Decorating With Green

While versatile, you'll have to think carefully when decorating with green. The most important thing to consider is the space. 

As with any other colour family, natural light plays a big role here. If you're decorating a room that receives minimal sunlight, try and avoid saturated shades and reach for sage green hues instead. 

What's more, it's best to avoid using green as a primary colour in north-facing rooms as light from this direction tends to amplify cooler tones. If you do want to use green in such a space, opt for yellow-infused greens that will bounce light around. 

Green has many complementary colours, but some work better in certain spaces. If you're painting kitchen walls in glorious green, keep things simple with all-white cabinets or slate grey fixtures. If you're overhauling a living room, stick to tonal greens, greys and monochromatic when selecting furniture and soft furnishings.