Is mint or sage green a different color?
Mint green and sage green are two similar but distinct shades of green. While they are close in hue, they have enough differences that they are considered separate colors. Understanding the distinctions between mint green and sage green can help with interior design, graphic design, fashion, and more.
Defining Mint Green
Mint green is a pale, cool-toned shade of green. It gets its name from the green color of the mint plant. Mint green sits between the primary colors green and blue on the color wheel. It has more blue undertones compared to standard green.
The hex code for mint green is #98FF98. In the RBG color model, its values are 152 red, 255 green, and 152 blue. Mint green has high amounts of green and blue, with very little red.
Mint green first became popular in the 18th century. At the time, it was known as “Mint Julep.” The name mint green became more widely used in the 1930s. It saw increased popularity as a fashion color during the 1950s and 60s.
Defining Sage Green
Sage green is also a pale green shade. However, it is warmer and duller than mint green. It gets its name from the herb sage, which has soft green-gray leaves.
The hex code for sage green is #9DC08B. Its RGB values are 157 red, 192 green, and 139 blue. Compared to mint green, sage green has higher red levels and lower blue levels. This makes it shift toward the yellow side of the color spectrum.
Sage green has been used since medieval times. dyers would use sage leaves to create green hues. Sage green saw a resurgence in modern fashion during the 1940s and 50s. It is commonly used for paint colors.
Comparing Mint Green and Sage Green
While mint green and sage green are similar, they have some key differences:
Hue
– Mint green is a cooler, brighter green.
– Sage green is a duller, olive-tinged green.
Temperature
– Mint green is cool-toned, with blue undertones.
– Sage green is warm-toned, with yellow undertones.
Use
– Mint green has a clean, fresh feeling. It is popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
– Sage green has an earthy, natural look. It is often used in living rooms and studies.
Color Wheel Position
– Mint green sits between green and blue.
– Sage green sits between green and yellow-green.
RGB Values
| Color | Red | Green | Blue |
| Mint Green | 152 | 255 | 152 |
| Sage Green | 157 | 192 | 139 |
As shown, mint green has higher blue levels, while sage green has higher red levels.
Mint Green Uses
Mint green has many uses, thanks to its cool, cheerful personality:
Interior Design
Mint green is a popular wall color for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces. It pairs nicely with whites and grays for a clean, crisp look. Mint also complements pinks and blues.
Fashion
In fashion, mint green evokes freshness and spring. It is commonly used for bridesmaid dresses. Mint looks great combined with navy, coral, brown, and other earth tones.
Weddings
For weddings, mint green is a soft, romantic choice for bridesmaids, invitations, decorations, and more. It provides an airy feel for summer weddings.
Branding
Companies use mint green to cultivate an image of being clean, eco-friendly, or medicinal. Brands like Starbucks, EOS, and Seventh Generation use mint green in their packaging and logos.
Food
Mint green can stimulate appetite, making it ideal for restaurants, baked goods, candy, gum, etc. It is commonly paired with pink for a fresh, dessert-like look.
Sage Green Uses
With its natural, subtle personality, sage green also has many applications:
Interior Design
In home decor, sage green is an earthy, versatile background color. It complements wooden furniture and antiques. Sage green is popular for studies, living rooms, and nature-inspired spaces.
Landscaping
Sage green paint or siding fits nicely on the exterior of homes. It blends with natural environments. Sage also works for garden furniture, structures, and accents.
Office Spaces
Sage green helps create a focused, productive ambiance in offices. It reduces eye strain from computer screens. Sage works well in libraries, schools, and other academic settings.
Packaging Design
For packaging, sage green conveys eco-friendliness, herbs, and health. It is widely used for organic, natural products as well as gardening products.
Healthcare
In hospitals and healthcare settings, sage green summons feelings of healing and renewal. It also works for pharmaceutical branding.
Comparison in Design
When using mint green vs. sage green, consider the impression you want to give:
Mint Green
– Youthful, lively energy
– Cool tranquility
– Purity, innocence
– Crisp, clean refreshment
Sage Green
– Natural, earthy sophistication
– Soothing wisdom
– Rustic, heritage quality
– Healing, renewal
Should You Use Mint or Sage Green?
So when should you choose mint green over sage green or vice versa?
Use Mint Green When:
– You want a fresh, cool look
– Adding a pop of color
– Promoting energy and liveliness
– You need to stimulate appetite
– Trying to cultivate a clean, pure feeling
Use Sage Green When:
– You prefer a subtle, softer mood
– Adding an earthy touch
– Promoting focus and wisdom
– You want an antique or vintage vibe
– Trying to create a sense of nature, renewal, or calm
Combining Mint and Sage Green
Since mint green and sage green have complementary personalities, they work beautifully together. Combining them adds visual interest and depth.
Some ways to effectively use mint and sage green together include:
– Using one as an accent color on top of a background in the other shade. For example, mint green pillows on a sage green couch.
– Having mint green accessories like vases or candles pop against a sage green wall.
– Alternating mint and sage stripes or geometric patterns on furniture, fabric, or wall designs.
– Having mint green foliage and sage green pots or planters in indoor/outdoor spaces.
– Grouping mint and sage colored items together to create an eye-catching display.
No matter which shade you choose, remember that both mint and sage green bring fresh, inviting energy to any space.
Conclusion
Mint green and sage green have distinct personalities that share an overall sense of calm, renewal, and nature. Though similar, mint is brighter and cooler while sage is duller and warmer. When designing with color, mint green will create a more lively, crisp look while sage green lends an earthy, heritage feel. They work beautifully together, balancing and complementing one another. So whether you decide on mint, sage, or both – you can bring a touch of pleasing green harmony to your surroundings.
