Color combinations can make or break an interior design scheme. While some color pairings like red and green or purple and yellow come across as bold and dynamic, others like blue and green evoke a more subtle, peaceful ambience. But can blue and green work well together? Here’s a look at the complementary qualities of these cool hues and tips for pairing them successfully.
The Meaning Behind Blue and Green
On their own, blue and green each convey distinctive symbolic meanings that inform how they work in combination. Blue is a calming, tranquil color that calls to mind serene skies and waters. It’s associated with stability, trust, and loyalty. Green is the color of nature and renewal, representing growth, freshness, and vitality. When combined thoughtfully, blue and green play off each other’s strengths to create a balanced, harmonious look.
Complementary Color Schemes
On the color wheel, blue and green sit opposite each other, making them complementary colors. This means they create strong visual contrast and a vibrant pop when placed together. But it also means the pairing requires careful handling to avoid clashing. Avoid placing very intense shades side-by-side. Instead, vary the tones and dilute the saturation to make blue and green more compatible.
| Color Scheme | Example Combinations |
|---|---|
| Deep blue + Grass green | Navy + Kelly green |
| Light blue + Lime green | Baby blue + Chartreuse |
Analogous Color Palettes
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating a harmonious, low-contrast look. Choosing adjacent shades of blue and green results in a subtle, soothing palette. Add white to soften and gray to mute the hues for a more unified effect. Vary textures instead of relying on bold color contrasts to add visual interest.
| Color Scheme | Example Combinations |
|---|---|
| Blue-green + Green | Teal + Hunter green |
| Blue-green + Blue | Seafoam + Sky blue |
Tones and Tints
One simple way to bridge the gap between contrasting blue and green shades is to mix them with white or black to alter their brightness and saturation. Soft blue-green tones blend seamlessly with faded greens, while vivid primary blue pops against muted olive greens. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tonal variations to find a combination you love.
| Color Scheme | Example Combinations |
|---|---|
| Tone on tone | Ice blue + Celadon |
| Tint on tint | Powder blue + Mint green |
| Tone on tint | Steel blue + Seafoam |
Neutrals
One of the easiest ways to connect discordant blue and green shades is by separating them with neutral bridges. Crisp white, soothing creams, warm taupes and rich umbers all help bridge the gap between contrasting hues. Try framing intense teal walls with neutral white trim or separating a grassy green sofa and deep navy rug with hardwood floors or a jute carpet.
| Neutral | Example Combinations |
|---|---|
| White | Robin’s egg blue + Apple green |
| Beige | Periwinkle + Moss green |
| Taupe | Azure + Olive green |
Natural Textures
Incorporating organic textures is another effective way to seamlessly merge green and blue in an interior space. Wood furnishings, cotton fabrics, wool knits, linen drapes, clay vases, and metallic accents in brass, copper and nickel all impart depth and dimension while pulling the colors together. Crisp stripes, ornate damask patterns and globally inspired ikat or suzani prints also marry green and blue beautifully.
| Texture | Example |
|---|---|
| Wood | Medium oak floors |
| Cotton | Denim accent pillows |
| Wool | Hand-knit throw blanket |
Matching Green and Blue Paint Colors
Bold blue and green paint colors can feel overwhelming together without the right undertones. Stick to cooler blue greens alongside muted sage or seafoam greens. Soft aquas also pair beautifully with antiqued mossy greens. For bolder contrast, go for a vibrant peacock or teal blue with a gray-based olive green. Avoid matching pure primary blues and greens unless you’re looking for serious drama.
| Blue Paint Color | Green Paint Color |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Grey Wisp | Sherwin-Williams Passive |
| PPG Oxford Blue | Behr Silver Drop |
| Valspar Seaglass | Benjamin Moore Laurel Green |
Upholstery and Decor
When working with blue and green upholstery and accessories, vary plenty of patterns and textures while keeping the tones relatively quiet. Intense emerald greens and cobalt blues will clash when placed side by side. Muted blue-green velvets, delicate botanical prints, and organic linen textures all help marry the colors. Add in layered wood, iron, and brass accents for depth.
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Sofa | Velvet in a blue spruce green |
| Pillows | Ikat pattern with blue, green, cream |
| Drapes | Belgian linen in sage green |
Kitchen Color Schemes
For a soothing, nature-inspired kitchen, blue and green are perfect partners. Stick to a single cool green paired with two compatible blues. One blue close to the wall color, a second as an accent. Or make green the star and bring in sky blue as a detail. Green tones from mint to sage work with everything from navy to aqua. Add wood cabinets, marble counters, and plenty of plants.
| Color Scheme | Example |
|---|---|
| Sage green walls, sky blue cabinets, navy island | Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue, Hale Navy, and Guilford Green |
| Seafoam cabinets, teal island, pale green walls | Valspar Aquamarine, Fountain Blue, Thyme Green |
Bedroom Color Combinations
Blue and green hues evoke relaxation and tranquility, making them ideal partners for bedrooms. Cool tones like spruce greens, aquas and mints create the ultimate soothing retreat. Paint the walls green and bring in powder blue bedding accents and curtains. Or paint the walls blue and layer in mint green textiles. Add natural linen, cozy wool throws, and warm wood accents.
| Color Scheme | Example |
|---|---|
| Pale blue walls, celadon bedding | Benjamin Moore Raindrop + IKEA Brattesta covers |
| Sage walls, periwinkle curtains | Behr Quiet Moments + World Market sheers |
Bathroom Color Palettes
For a relaxing spa-like bathroom, pair cool blue and green hues with marble, granite, travertine and wood finishes. Paint the upper walls green and use a deeper blue on lower walls or tile. Or make blue the feature wall color and accessorize with mint green towels, rugs and shower curtains. Keep the look cohesive with metallic finishes and neutral grout.
| Color Scheme | Example |
|---|---|
| Pale blue lower walls, mossy green upper | Valspar Seaglass, Behr Silver Drop |
| Seafoam green tile, navy vanity | Sherwin-Williams Swimming, Hale Navy |
Outdoor Color Schemes
Outside, green and blue work beautifully together to evoke natural landscapes. Paint a patio mint green and add navy outdoor cushions. Use a grassy green on garden fences and gates to pop against a blue-toned slate path. Or make blue the star with a cobalt front door against sage green siding. Varying the tones and adding stone, wood and floral textures pulls the palette together.
| Color Scheme | Example |
|---|---|
| Navy shutters, mint door | Sherwin-Williams Naval + Behr Spearmint |
| Sage siding, cobalt porch | Valspar Herbal Green + Benjamin Moore Neptune |
Conclusion
When thoughtfully combined, blue and green can create serene, nature-inspired spaces with real design power. Complementary colors require care to avoid clashing, while analogous schemes in tones of blue-green are foolproof. Vary textures and patterns over colors for added interest. With the right balance of neutrals and natural materials added in, blue and green can come together beautifully in both traditional and modern interiors.
