Purple and green are classic color combinations that have stood the test of time. When pairing these complementary hues, it’s important to find the right shade of green to create a stylish and visually appealing look. Let’s explore some of the best greens to combine with purple.
Lime Green
Vibrant lime green can make a bold statement when paired with rich purple. The high contrast creates an eye-catching color scheme that’s playful and fun. Lime green works well with both light and dark purple shades.
With light purple like lilac or lavender, the lime green pops and creates a spring-like color pairing. For example, a pale purple skirt or top can be worn with a bright lime green jacket for a cheerful look. Metallic purples also pair nicely with the zing of lime.
Deep purple hues like eggplant and plum provide a sophisticated base for the zesty lime green. Think deep purple dresses or accessories jazzed up with lime shoes, bags or jewelry. This combo is bold and trendy.
Mint Green
For a more subdued take on green and purple, mint green is a great option. Mint is a pale pastel green with cool undertones that work well with lighter purple shades.
Pretty pairings include mint green with lilac, lavender, periwinkle or wisteria. These color combos evoke a romantic, spring-like vibe and are very feminine. Mint accessories like handbags, scarves and shoes can freshen up solid purple dresses or outfits.
Mint green and pale purple look fantastic together in home decor as well. Walls painted a soft purple or lilac shade gain a sense of tranquility when accessorized with mint green decorative pillows, throws, vases and other accents.
Sage Green
Earthy sage green has grayish undertones that complement the depth of purple hues nicely. It’s a muted neutral green that isn’t too bold or bright.
Pair sage green with deeper plummy purples like eggplant, wine and iris for a sophisticated look. A sage blouse or tie can work well with a dark purple skirt or pantsuit for the office. Sage walls also give richness to a plum accent wall or purple furnishings.
Pale purples like lilac and wisteria also gain a romantic Victorian feel when combined with sage green accents. This is a fail-safe color scheme for bedrooms, bathrooms and other peaceful spaces.
Olive Green
On the darker end of the green spectrum, olive is another earthy neutral that pairs well with most shades of purple. The dirty green tone of olive isn’t too bright, allowing it to complement both light and dark purples.
With softer purples, olive provides a muted contrast. An olive green sweater can smarten up a casual lilac dress. Olive walls also give a cozy feel to a pale purple bedroom or living area.
When matched with deeper plums and eggplants, olive has a sophisticated effect. An olive green suit jacket or handbag can pull together a dark purple pantsuit or dress. Olive bedding or area rugs also enrich the jewel-tone elegance of a plum dining room or office.
Jade Green
For a brighter but still versatile green, jade is a great match for purple palettes. With a boldness similar to lime but with cooler blue undertones, jade pairs well with a wide spectrum of purples.
Against light lilacs and periwinkles, jade gives a punch of energy. It develops a retro, artsy flair against metallics like orchid and amethyst. Yet it also holds its own against darker, moodier purples like wine, plum and mauve.
Use jade strategically as an accent color. A vivid purple wall gains modern edge with jade art or decor. Jade shoes, jewelry and bags can light up solid purple outfits and add flair.
Emerald Green
True, rich emerald green has bluer undertones compared to jade and more intensity. It contrasts beautifully with shades of purple while also feeling sophisticated and upscale.
Emerald green adds drama against pale purples like lilac and wisteria, taking them from sweet to chic. It also makes an elegant pairing with deeper plums, eggplants and magentas. An emerald dress can really make a purple blazer pop.
For home decor, emerald makes a striking accent color to liven up purple walls or sofa upholstery. Echo touches of emerald in artwork, pillows, centerpieces and other details.
Kelly Green
Kelly green is a bright, clear shade without too much yellow or blue. This versatility allows it to work with any shade of purple for a vibrant color scheme.
Pair kelly green with soft violet, lavender or lilac for a playful springtime vibe. Contrast it with deeper plums and magentas for an eye-catching, dramatic flair. Kelly also energizes pastel purples and gives punch to bold metallic purples.
In fashion and decor, use kelly strategically like emerald to brighten up purple palettes. Kelly shoes, handbags and jewelry make fun accessories against purple outfits. Decor accents in kelly green provide fresh contrast on purple walls and furnishings.
Lighter & Brighter Greens
When working with lighter or brighter purple shades like lilac and lavender, you have more flexibility choosing an accompanying green. Keeping the green light as well creates a soft, elegant aesthetic.
| Light Purple Shades | Matching Light Greens |
|---|---|
| Lilac | Seafoam |
| Lavender | Honeydew |
| Orchid | Pear |
| Wisteria | Iceberg |
| Periwinkle | Spearmint |
These pastel pairings are perfect for spring and summer. Mix and match light greens and purples in your wardrobe. Use them in event decor for a light, airy feel. Keep paler greens like seafoam and mint as accent colors against a dominant purple for a more sophisticated look.
Darker & Richer Greens
Deep, dramatic purple hues give you more freedom to use rich, darker greens. The high contrast creates striking, upscale color combinations.
| Dark Purple Shades | Matching Dark Greens |
|---|---|
| Plum | Evergreen |
| Eggplant | Hunter |
| Wine | Shamrock |
| Magenta | Forest |
| Iris | Clover |
Jewel-toned greens paired with deep purples are perfect for creating an elegant, evening look. Use this color scheme for formal events, dinner parties, or adding drama to bedrooms and living rooms.
Neutral Greens
Some greens have gray, brown or olive undertones that make them more neutral. These earthy greens complement any shade of purple in a more subtle way.
| Neutral Greens |
|---|
| Sage |
| Olive |
| Moss |
| Forest |
| Pine |
Keep these greens as accent colors against dominant purple hues. Use sage with pale purples and olive with deeper hues for foolproof pairings. Neutral greens work well in decor, adding an organic touch to any purple scheme.
Metallic Purples
Shimmering metallic purples like amethyst, orchid and iris add glamour to any color scheme. Greens with blue undertones work best to complement the cool tone of metallic purple.
| Metallic Purples | Best Greens |
|---|---|
| Amethyst | Emerald |
| Orchid | Teal |
| Iris | Jade |
Pairing these jewel-toned greens with metallic purples creates an upscale, elegant look perfect for special occasions. Contrast them for maximum visual impact in your outfit, or use green accents against dominant purple decor.
Warm Purples
On the other end of the purple spectrum, warm shades like mulberry, wine and mauve have red undertones. Greens with yellow tones best complement these purples.
| Warm Purples | Best Greens |
|---|---|
| Wine | Moss |
| Mauve | Chartreuse |
| Mulberry | Lime |
The contrast between rich, warm purples and vivid yellow-greens is eye-catching. Use this combo to make a bold fashion statement, or add green accents to warm up a moody purple room.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer light pastels or rich jewel tones, green and purple make timeless color companions. Choosing the right green hue comes down to the shade of purple and the atmosphere you want to create.
Softer purples pair best with pale greens like seafoam, while deeper plums and eggplants pop against forest and emerald. For a versatile green, opt for cooler-toned jade or warmer kelly green to complement any purple.
Use color theory to guide you, but don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations. Green and purple are classics for a reason – they create stylish, visually captivating color schemes that stand the test of time.
