31 Green Paint Colors Designers Swear By

Find the exact green you've been looking for. Designers show you which shades will be best for your style.

deep green paint lids
Photo: Adam Albright

Green is a versatile, nature-inspired color that has the power to calm, ground, energize, and refresh and its various shades range from soft pastels to dark and moody hues. Whether you crave the softness of mint or the moody richness of malachite, green paint colors bring refreshing energy to rooms. Lifted straight from nature, these shades brighten kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, and more.

We're sharing paint color recommendations for the most common shades of green, along with tips for color pairings, where to use each shade, and what materials it complements well. If you want to incorporate shades of green into your next home refresh, consider these green paint colors. From playful mint green to earthy olive and everything in between, these are some of our favorite hues.

How to Add Other Colors to Green Rooms

Blue and green are a harmonious, calming combination if you want to add more color to your home. Add pale blue walls for a soft, airy look, or choose navy blue for a relaxing atmosphere. Incorporate yellow in a green space with accessories, like pillows and artwork, for a bright accent that you can switch out for other hues as your mood or the seasons change. Pink and green is a preppy, youthful combination, perfect for a girl's room or powder room. Crisp white trim is always a good choice for green-painted walls, whether bold or muted.

Best Green Paint Colors

Liven up your home with these expert picks for the best green paint colors.

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Sea Green Paint Colors

Carson Downing

One beautiful aspect of warm whites is how they can fade into the background but pair cream with sea green, and you'll see this subtle color's striking side. Ranging from light to lush, watery greens gently contrast sandy tones for a refreshing look. Warm blue-greens are generally easier to work with; cream pulls out that warmth even more. "It keeps green from feeling sterile," says Jenny Taylor of August Taylor Design.

Paint colors pictured:

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Neutral Green Colors

Edmund Barr

Green paint colors like celadon can read as neutral because they're pale and muted. The key is to look for greens with gray or brown undertones. While these shades aren't as commanding as their more saturated cousins, they're ideal for visually expanding a small space. Use these green paint colors to add just a taste of color when true neutrals seem a little too dull.

Suggested paint color: Chill, Clare

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Hunter Green

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Use a deep shade of hunter green such as Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams to set a moody and sophisticated tone. Reminiscent of an English country estate, it has a historic quality and calming nature. Pair this down-to-earth green with natural wood and metal and use it on walls, cabinets, doors, and trim for classic elegance that will never go out of style.

Paint color: Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams

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Jewel Green Paint Colors

Adam Albright

There are a lot of great ways to decorate with jewel tones, but we think they look best when paired with other dark, saturated colors. Take malachite green, for example. Whether it's marbleized or painted as a solid color, this green paint color looks great with charcoal gray and black accents.

Paint colors pictured:

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Emerald Green

Courtesy of Behr

Sparkling Emerald is a jewel-toned shade of green inspired by the luxurious undertones of the dark gemstone. For a sophisticated, alluring space, use this emerald green with an array of other rich jewel tones, dark wood furniture, and pops of warm brass to emphasize the color's indulgent nature.

Paint color: Sparkling Emerald by Behr

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Green Cabinetry Colors

Mary Costa

Set a regal tone with green paint colors in shades of emerald, jade, and malachite. While these hues are intense, don't be afraid to use them in large strokes (on walls rather than just accessories) or in small rooms. "People are nervous to put dark colors in small rooms. But they don't make the room seem smaller—they just make them darker," Perera says. Use metallic accents or a high-gloss finish to make the room less cavelike.

Suggested paint color: Rainforest Foliage 2040-10, Benjamin Moore

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Green Paint Colors for Cabinets

Werner Straube

Step away from white cabinets and into something a little more colorful. In this kitchen, muted forest green cabinets pair with a modern mix of marble and brass finishes. To achieve a softer look, pair the color with midrange neutrals. Pure whites or pale neutrals yield a higher contrast look. If you're not ready to fully commit to a green kitchen, paint just lower cabinets or an island.

Suggested paint color: Greenfield SW 6439, Sherwin-Williams

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Earthy Green Paint Colors

Adam Albright

For hues taken straight from nature, try these green paint colors. "There's something refreshing about green that denotes a healthy vibe," designer Ruthie Sommers says. To prevent earthy greens from looking drab, keep potential accent colors in mind. Sommers pairs lighter shades of green with creams or butter yellow to wake them up a bit.

Paint colors pictured:

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Army Green

Courtesy of Glidden 

Army green isn't just for camouflage. It's a deep shade of green whose rich, saturated nature makes a bold statement in any space. We love Oakmoss by Glidden; it has an inviting and invigorating warmth that's enhanced when layered with warm tans and luxurious browns. Pair it with bright white trim and molding for crisp contrast. Or, if you want to dip your toes in without painting a full room, consider using it on an accent wall or beaded-board wall paneling.

Paint color: Oakmoss by Glidden

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Olive Green

Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Olive green is a sophisticated shade whose depth and warm golden undertones make it a great choice for both traditional and modern interiors. The slightly muted hue pairs beautifully with tone-on-tone neutrals and crisp white trim for a cozy space that's endlessly inviting. Consider this shade for living room wall paneling, a powder room accent wall, or a formal dining space.

Paint color: Hiking Path by Benjamin Moore

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Deep Mossy Green

Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

Add warmth and serenity with a comforting shade of moss green, such as Bancha. It's a rich color that's named after Japanese tea leaves, hinting at the feeling of security it provides. The nature-inspired shade looks particularly striking in a mid-century modern style interior paired with warm walnut wood and brass accents, but it's also a fun choice for a kitchen island or built-in bookshelves in a living room.

Paint color: Bancha by Farrow & Ball

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Succulent Green Paint Colors

Kim Cornelison

The yellow-green shades seen in succulents are more lively than their mint or sage counterparts. "Succulent greens are very fresh, inviting, and springlike. Even the palest hue still has a happy kick to it," designer John Loecke says.

Paint colors pictured:

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Forest Green

Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

For a rich, timeless aesthetic, you can't go wrong with forest green. The shadeBeverly is one of our favorite options, because it's so versatile. Bright daylight brings out this mid to dark green's saturation, while low light gives it a more conservative feel. Use it on kitchen cabinets for a striking statement, in a mudroom for a seamless transition to the outdoors, or on wainscoting for a two-tone look.

Paint color: Beverly by Farrow & Ball

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Bright Jade Green

Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

If you want to make a dramatic statement with paint, jade green is a no-brainer. This gemstone-inspired shade of green is equal parts bold and luxurious, and offers two options when it comes to what colors to pair it with—tone it down with a warm white such as Swiss Coffee, or go all out with an equally saturated color such as navy blue or a deep shade of eggplant.

Paint color: Jade Green by Benjamin Moore

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What Goes with Green Paint?

Helen Norman

Green paint colors work with a wide range of styles and color schemes. Finding the right mix depends on what type of style you want to convey and what specific shade of green you're using. Pale celadon paired with blue and white sets a traditional tone when accessorized with classic furniture and formal accents. The same color scheme can be considered cottage with timeworn finishes, vintage floral prints, and antique accessories. Choose accent colors according to the mood you want to create in the room.

Suggested paint color: Ball Green No. 75, Farrow & Ball

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Bold Kelly Green

Courtesy of Valspar

Kelly green is crisp, clean, and cheerful shade. This medium green sets a playful tone and its vibrancy lends itself well to various room accents, from a kitchen island to an accent wall. Give kelly green a modern edge and layer it with black, white, and gold for a striking space.

Paint color: Green Galore by Valspar

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Mint Green Paint Colors

Greg Scheidemann

On-trend but completely livable, mint green paint colors can soothe a room. "Mint greens are happy colors that work in a lot of different climates," designer Paige Sumblin Schnell says, as long as the room gets plenty of bright daylight. She favors shades of mint with more blue in them. To find the right shade, she fans out paint chips and goes with a mint that neighbors violet rather than peach.

Paint colors pictured:

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Pistachio Green

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Whether you're looking for a refreshing bathroom paint color or want to incorporate a fun pop of green into your kitchen, pistachio green fits the bill. If the shade reminds you of a '70s color palette, think again—pistachio is a popular shade for modern spaces. The pastel leans towards calm and serene when mixed with other neutrals and light wood tones, but takes on a playful energy when paired with crisp white, other pastels, and shiny metals.

Paint color: Oh Pistachio by Sherwin-Williams

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Dusty Sage Green

Courtesy of Behr

Infuse your space with the calming energy of sage green. Gray undertones balance out the color's warmth, making it a versatile green that pairs well with cool grays as well as warm browns and tans. Jojoba by Behr exudes tranquility and stability and is a great way to bring a harmonious feel to a living room or bedroom. It's also a lovely choice for a front door and looks stunning against white siding and modern matte black hardware.

Paint color: Jojoba by Behr

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Mint Green

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Give your home a refreshing update with a light and airy shade of mint green. The cool blue undertones of Rainwashed usher in a calm and serene atmosphere that makes this shade of green a popular choice for a bedroom or bathroom. It's also a trendy option for an exterior paint color and looks fresh and clean when paired with white trim work and shutters. Indoors, pair it with with aged brass hardware for a timeless finishing touch.

Paint color: Rainwashed by Sherwin-Williams

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Market Green Paint Colors

Adam Albright

Refresh your home with green paint colors inspired by farmers market finds. "Market greens nicely accomplish being traditional but still hip," designer Kishani Perera says. "In places where there isn't a lot of light—like Seattle—don't go with grayed-down colors. I choose ones that have a little more white," Perera says. Moody gray-greens hold up well in sunnier locales.

Paint colors pictured:

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Lime Green

Courtesy of The Home Depot

Bring in vibrant energy with a zingy shade of lime green. The citrus-inspired mid-tone green has warm yellow undertones and blends well with a rusty shade of orange or deep navy. Consider using this bright green as an accent on trim for an unexpected pop of color.

Paint color: Crisp Green by Behr

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Lime Green Color Schemes

Paul Costello

Basic beige can make succulent-green paint colors fall flat, but earthy textures make them sing, Loecke says. Natural accents, such as rattan, wicker, sisal, grass cloth, and stone, are right at home with yellow-greens. Crisp white also tempers these zippy hues so that the lemon-lime green is enjoyable and refreshing, not sour.

Suggested paint color: Putting Green 6004-8B, Valspar

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Bright Green Wall Colors

Adam Albright

Blush pink and pure white with midcentury accents convey a retro air when teamed up with bright green. When the same colors partner with sleek, clean-lined furnishings and minimal accessories, the overall look skews more contemporary. Add touches of gold or silver for a polished finish.

Suggested paint color: Spring Meadow 6006-7C, Valspar

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Chartreuse Green

Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Go bold with Chartreuse, a saturated yellow-green shade that delivers a bright burst of energy. Tone down the color's intensity with white and gray accents or play up its electric nature and pair it with a deep teal shade. For a small splash of chartreuse green, use it on your front door—it creates an instant warm welcome and looks gorgeous against a charcoal gray exterior.

Paint color: Chartreuse by Benjamin Moore

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Sea Glass Green Paint Colors

Adam Albright

Los Angeles designer Sasha Emerson loves this soft blue-green color because "it's a watered-down version of Tiffany blue." Sea glass green is a soothing hue that makes you feel good, which is why you see it in many spas, Emerson says. If you're trying to replicate the color of a piece of pottery or a sea glass souvenir, Emerson suggests taking it with you to the paint store to match it. If the ideal color is just in your head, "think pale because if you go too bright, you're heading into turquoise or mint."

Paint colors pictured:

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Blue-Green Paint Colors

Marty Baldwin

Because green is created by mixing two primary colors, shifting the ratio will yield a shade that leans blue or yellow. These green walls fall toward the blue camp but are enlivened thanks to colorful accessories. To create a similar look, paint walls a green-blue in a midrange intensity and include fabrics (on furniture, rugs, or window treatments) in blue to help draw out the blue tones of the color. Sprinkle in plenty of colorful accents in warm hues, and include strong neutrals on furniture throughout the space to keep the palette grounded.

Suggested paint color: Caribbean Current P460-7, Behr

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Kelly Green Wall Color

Nicolas Gourguechon

Intense but bright green paint colors without any neutral undertones energize a room. Employ this zingy hue in a smaller, private space like a powder room or bedroom. Keep the ceiling and trim white for a visual palette cleanser. Rich wood finishes temper the color but also pair nicely with its warm undertones.

Suggested paint color: Aragon Green PPG1227-5, PPG Paints

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Modern Green Paint Colors

Helen Norman

Modernize an earthy green paint color by including dark and light counterpoints in the room. The pale leaf green wall color, combined with white fixtures and linens, inspires serenity in this bathroom. Meanwhile, the bright patterned rug and black-painted door introduce a contemporary flair.

Suggested paint color: Jardin SW 6723, Sherwin-Williams

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Teal Green

Courtesy of Behr

Thai Teal is a jewel-toned blue-green shade that evokes memories of a faraway tropical vacation. The intensely saturated color has a fun, fresh, and energizing effect and looks best against bright white trim and reclaimed wood pieces, whether in a bedroom or bathroom.

Paint color: Thai Teal by Behr

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Seafoam Green

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

For a space that feels as relaxing as a day at the beach, add a fresh coat of Sea Salt. This seafoam green is a Sherwin-Williams classic whose cool blue undertones give it a muted appearance you can set off with white trim. Layer it with tone-on-tone grays, from light gray to charcoal to create depth and contrast, or stick with whites and pops of dusty pink to highlight this green shade's softness. Use seafoam in a coastal-inspired bedroom or to brighten up a small kitchen.

Paint color: Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams

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