Emerald green is a rich and vibrant hue that can add a sense of luxury and drama to any interior. However, pairing colours with emerald green that complement its tone without clashing can be tricky. The key is to opt for a colour palette that creates the right balance and enhances the emerald green rather than competing with it. Generally, colours in analogous, complementary or neutral schemes work best.
Analogous Colour Schemes
Analogous colours are located right next to each other on the colour wheel, meaning they share similar undertones. Choosing analogous shades in softer tones is an easy way to create a cohesive and soothing look. Some great analogous options include:
- Sage green
- Moss green
- Lime green
- Aqua blue
- Turquoise
- Teal
These colours have enough variation from emerald green to contrast well, but their adjacent positions on the colour wheel ensure they mix gorgeously. Pairing emerald green with analogous shades results in a harmonious, natural colour palette perfect for creating a peaceful sanctuary.
Complementary Colour Schemes
The complementary colour of emerald green is red-violet. While tricky to work with, complementaries provide striking visual contrast when balanced well. As full-on red-violet could overpower emerald, muted dusty pinks, plums and wines work better. These softer shades retain the accentuating effect of complementaries without clashing. Other rich complementary hues like burgundy, maroon and mauve can also elegantly accent emerald green.
| Complementary Colours |
|---|
| Dusty pink |
| Plum |
| Wine |
| Burgundy |
| Maroon |
| Mauve |
A touch of these reddish hues draws out the jewel tone of emerald green for an opulent feel. But limit their use to accents like pillows, rugs or artwork so the space doesn’t become too intense.
Neutral Colour Schemes
Neutral colour schemes are easy, fuss-free ways to allow the emerald green to take centre stage while adding subtle depth. Timeless neutrals like white, black, grey and brown act as rich backdrops that highlight the emerald beautifully. Crisp white has a lightening effect, making the green pop even more. Charcoal grey and black add stylish contrast, creating an elegant, sophisticated look. While soft taupes and camel hues bring in warmth.
| Neutral Colours |
|---|
| White |
| Black |
| Grey |
| Taupe |
| Camel |
| Brown |
Layer luxurious textures like velvet, silk, leather and wood tones alongside these neutrals to craft a glamorous backdrop for emerald accents. Metallic sheens in gold, silver, bronze and copper also pair strikingly, bringing in extra glitz.
Avoid Overwhelming Emerald Green
Some colour combinations can diminish the eye-catching qualities of emerald green instead of enhancing them. In general, steer clear of hues that are too close in tone or extremely vibrant, otherwise the emerald gets lost. Some colours to avoid include:
- Mustard yellow
- Chartreuse
- Lime
- Kelly green
- Forest green
- Neon tones
These shades tend to visually compete with emerald green rather than harmonising with it. Stick to softer, more muted versions of these colours in small doses only.
Vibrant primaries like electric blue or fire engine red can also overwhelm emerald green unless used sparingly. Opt for darker jewel tones like sapphire, ruby or garnet instead.
Consider the Room and Mood
The exact emerald green colour combinations that work best will depend on the room and overall mood you want to create. Here are some examples:
Bold, Dramatic Living Room: Pair emerald green with black and white accents. Use one complementary shade like wine-red for interest. Add metallic touches for glamour.
Relaxed Bedroom: Combine emerald green with soft neutral tones like dove grey and ivory white. Incorporate analogous shades like sage green and moss green for a calm, peaceful vibe.
Elegant Dining Room: Mix emerald green with refined camel, beige and cream. Use mauve or burgundy reddish accents sparingly. Incorporate wood and marble textures for luxe vibes.
Tropical Conservatory: Surround emerald green with analogous aqua, turquoise and lime green shades. Add pops of coral and terracotta for warmth. Include leafy greenery and rattan textures.
Conclusion
Emerald green is a dramatic colour that adds an elegant, inviting pop to any room. Sticking to a cohesive colour scheme is key to making it work beautifully. Analogous greens, complementary reds or neutrals generally combine best with emerald. Avoid overpowering the emerald tone by steering clear of competing vibrant shades. Tailor your supporting colours to the room and desired ambience. With a thoughtful, balanced approach, emerald green can become the stylish jewel in your interior design.