What Colors Go With Sage Green? – Sage Green Contrast Shades
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no additional cost to you.
Wondering what colors go with sage green? Being the color of the year for 2022, you have most likely seen sage green all over social media, as well as in the most popular interior design magazines. These high-quality images might have enticed you to buy this paint color, and now you are sitting with the predicament of not knowing what to pair the color with after you have used it on all your kitchen cupboards. Color theory makes finding what colors go with sage green as simple as possible. Throughout the article, we will be looking at the different shades of sage green, as well as the perfect color combinations for each of them when it comes to design.
Table of Contents
The History and Symbolism of Sage Green
It’s easy to guess where sage green got its name from – sage. Sage is a green-grayish herb that is used for its culinary properties as well as its aroma. The symbolism of sage includes wisdom, growth, and peace, which makes sage green a color with only positive connotations, which is a rare find. Sage green is created by mixing red, green, and blue. Below, different shades of sage green will be discussed, as well as a few examples of colors that go well with some of these shades.
Different Shades of Sage Green
Sage green is a very subjective color, as all people perceive color differently, and the intensity of sage green differs on the sage herb itself depending on various natural factors. There are many different shades, hues, and variables of sage green. Some sage greens are more cool-toned or warm-toned, and some are more vibrant than others.
This fact also makes sage green a very versatile color, and you can easily find a color combination to make work in almost any interior design setting.
Sage Green Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Pure Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Sage Green #1 | #8ABD91 | 27, 0, 23, 26 | 138, 189, 145 | |
Sage Green #2 | #9AC791 | 23, 0, 27, 22 | 154, 199, 145 | |
Sage Green #3 | #C0C791 | 4, 0, 27, 27 | 192, 199, 145 | |
Sage Green #4 | #A9BD93 | 11, 0, 22, 26 | 169, 189, 147 | |
Sage Green #5 | #9CAF88 | 11, 0, 22, 31 | 156, 175, 136 | |
Sage Green #6 | #779D84 | 24, 0, 16, 38 | 119, 157, 132 |
Sage Green Color Combinations
Color theory is of great help when choosing color combinations for non-standard colors or shades like sage green. Color theory takes into consideration the position of the color on the color wheel, which is determined by a color’s hex code. Color theories for sage green that will be explored below include complementary colors, split complementary colors, monochromatic colors, triadic colors, and analogous colors. Note that for each shade of green, the results of each color theory will differ. Also keep in mind that these combinations are purely theoretical, and the exact color combinations for different shades of sage green will be discussed later in the article.
Complementary Color of Sage Green
The complementary color of sage green is a soft, pastel lavender with a blue tint. These two colors are complementary for a reason: they look great together and can work in almost any interior setting, from the kitchen to the living room, to the bedrooms. In most circumstances, it is best to choose one color to make use of in its most saturated hue, and the other to be used in its more subtle version.
However, in the case of these two colors, they don’t seem to compete against each other, instead, they work very well together, even with both being as saturated as possible.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Lavender | #8B88B3 | 22, 24, 0, 30 | 139, 136, 179 |
Split Complementary Colors of Sage Green
Split complementary colors sit on each side of a color’s complementary color. On each side of the lavender shade in the table below, sits a vibrant pastel purple on one side, and a dusty blue on the other side. This is a great combination if you want to incorporate more than the standard two colors in a room. Be sure to choose one color as your focal color and apply the other two minimally through small furniture pieces, décor, and floral arrangements.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Dusty Blue | #91A0B3 | 19, 11, 0, 30 | 145, 160, 179 | |
Pastel Purple | #9F7FB3 | 11, 29, 0, 30 | 159, 127, 179 |
Triadic Colors of Sage Green
Triadic colors form a perfect geometric triangle on the color wheel with 60-degree angles, with the center point of the color wheel also being the center point of the triangle. In the case of the example shade of sage green used in the table below, warm purple and sage blue form the triadic colors. Notice that in the case of this specific shade of sage green, the results are very similar to the results of the split complementary colors previously discussed.
The only difference is that the triadic colors are a bit brighter and more vibrant than the split complementary colors.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Warm Purple | #B3769F | 0, 34, 11, 30 | 179, 118, 159 | |
Sage Blue | #9AB2B3 | 14, 1, 0, 30 | 154, 178, 179 |
Monochromatic Colors of Sage Green
Monochromatic colors include all shades of color, whether they be lighter or darker. When drawing a line from the darkest or most saturated shade of a color to the center of the color wheel, all the colors that sit on this line are considered monochromatic colors of the parent color. Monochromatic color combinations are a great way to create interest in an interior, without the addition of more colors. These colors are also very satisfying to look at, especially when arranged in order from lightest to darkest, or vice versa.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Yellow-Green | #BFB058 | 0, 8, 54, 25 | 191, 176, 88 | |
Pastel Yellow | #FFEA75 | 0, 8, 54, 0 | 255, 234, 117 |
Analogous Colors of Sage Green
Think of the color wheel as a clock with one analog arm that is the length from the center point to the parent color, which in this case is sage green. Wherever the analog is placed on the color wheel, that color can be considered an analogous color of sage green.
These colors tend to be very similar in shade and hue, and usually result in a very cohesive interior.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Green | #B5BF88 | 5, 0, 29, 25 | 181, 191, 136 | |
Dusty Green | #C9C78F | 0, 1, 29, 21 | 201, 199, 143 | |
Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Beige | #C9BB8F | 0, 7, 29, 21 | 201, 187, 143 | |
Sand | #BFAC88 | 0, 10, 29, 25 | 191, 172, 136 |
What Colors Go With Sage Green?
Taking into consideration the history, symbolism, and the color theory behind sage green, we will be taking a look at the exact shades of sage green that match well with certain colors. Note that most shades of sage green should pair well with the colors below, however, the illustrated sage green shades are the ones that work best.
Sage Green and Orange
Combining two natural colors like sage green and terracotta orange is a great recipe for injecting interest and color into a space without going overboard with bright, rainbow-themed colors. This color combination works well when terra cotta is naturally incorporated into the flooring.
You can use it in possibly the tiles, and sage green as the wall colors or furniture pieces.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #4 | #A9BD93 | 11, 0, 22, 26 | 169, 189, 147 | |
Terra Cotta Orange | #A24A0E | 0, 54, 91, 36 | 162, 74, 14 |
Sage Green and Black
Sage green and black are the perfect color combination when wanting to create a space that looks effortless and natural, yet contemporary. Incorporate sage green as the main color via wall colors or furniture pieces and make use of black in secondary furniture pieces, trimmings, and décor items.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Pure Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Black | #000000 | 0, 0, 0, 100 | 0, 0, 0 |
Sage Green and Purple
Nothing makes a statement than incorporating purple in an interior, and what better way to combine sage green than with its complementary color? Combining the growth and peace of sage green with the richness and wisdom of purple makes it the perfect combination for a study or a living room.
Keep in mind that these are two very vibrant colors, which means that it would be a good idea to introduce a neutral buffer color such as white, to balance out the interior.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #2 | #9AC791 | 23, 0, 27, 22 | 154, 199, 145 | |
Lavender | #BF9FF9 | 23, 36, 0, 2 | 191, 159, 249 |
Sage Green and Pink
Pink and sage green is a popular soft color combination and a color pallet that can regularly be seen at weddings. Be sure to make use of a dusty pink instead of a bright, highly saturated, and pure pink, as dusty pink fits in better with the earthy tones of sage green. This color combination works particularly well when it comes to the design of bedrooms.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #4 | #A9BD93 | 11, 0, 22, 26 | 169, 189, 147 | |
Dusty Pink | #FFCCCC | 255, 204, 204 | 0, 20, 20, 0 |
Sage Green and Yellow
If you want to brighten up a sage green color pallet, mustard is the perfect color combination, especially considering that yellow is a monochromatic color of sage green. In this scenario, make use of sage green as your neutral color by applying it to the walls, floors, or large furniture pieces. Minimally incorporate mustard through one or two statement furniture pieces.
Adding a few brass décor pieces here will pick up on the mustard yellow and tie everything together.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #4 | #A9BD93 | 11, 0, 22, 26 | 169, 189, 147 | |
Mustard | #EEB000 | 0, 26, 100, 7 | 238, 176, 0 |
Sage Green and Blue
Navy blue might not be a color that people are naturally inclined to pair with sage green. However, navy blue paired with a cool-toned sage green makes for a beautiful and unique color combination. Make use of sage green as your base color, and add navy blue furniture pieces, décor, and decorative textiles and patterns. Inverse the color combination by making use of navy blue as your base color to create a very dramatic interior.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #6 | #779D84 | 24, 0, 16, 38 | 119, 157, 132 | |
Navy Blue | #002060 | 100, 67, 0, 62 | 0, 32, 96 |
Sage Green and Green
When in doubt about what two colors go together, pair the exact two colors in different shades. Forest green adds a lot of natural depth to an interior when combined with sage green.
Make use of sage green on your walls and add forest green, and velvety soft furnishings throughout your interior to make the sage green stand out even more.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Pure Sage Green | #B2AC88 | 0, 3, 24, 30 | 178, 172, 136 | |
Forest Green | #275333 | 53, 0, 39, 67 | 39, 83, 51 |
Sage Green and Gray
Does sage green go with gray? Gray and sage green work well together in an interior setting with the undertones of both colors taken into consideration. When working with a vibrant, cool-toned sage green, opt for a cool gray pairing. Make use of gray as the base color for the interior on the walls and floor and incorporate sage green in the soft furnishings and with other greenery.
Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
Sage Green #6 | #779D84 | 24, 0, 16, 38 | 119, 157, 132 | |
Cool Gray | #82828A | 6, 6, 0, 46 | 130, 130, 138 |
Sage green is the perfect color to introduce to any room, especially considering the numerous colors that can successfully be combined with sage green. Go dramatic and contemporary by combining it with black or use dusty pink for a light and airy ambiance. Either way, incorporating a color like sage green that represents nature, wisdom, growth, and peace, is sure to make any occupant a happier human.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Colors That Go With Sage Green?
What are colors that go with sage green? Pink, orange, purple, yellow, and blue are among the colors that go with sage green, depending on the specific shade of sage green.
What Are Sage Green Complementary Colors?
What are sage green complementary colors? The complementary color of sage green sits directly opposite it on the color wheel. Depending on the exact shade of sage green, lavender usually results in its complementary color. The split complementary colors of sage green are lavender and dusty blue.
What Are Contrast Colors for Sage Green?
What are contrast colors for sage green? Because sage green is such a soft, natural color, you might want to add a few contrasting colors to your interior to add depth. Colors that contrast sage green are usually very dark and saturated colors, which include black, brown, terra cotta, and navy blue.
What Colors Go With Sage Green Clothing?
What colors go with sage green clothing? Sage green clothing looks best when paired with other neutral-colored items such as black, cream, beige, or brown. Very muted colors like dusty pink also work well with sage green clothing when incorporated via your accessories like a hat, or a belt.
Does Sage Green Go With Gray?
Does sage green go with gray? Sage green does go with gray but doesn’t necessarily complement all shades of gray. It largely depends on the shade of sage green you want to pair. If the sage green has a warm undertone, pair it with a gray that has the same warm undertone, and vice versa.
What Are Some Sage Green Color Combinations?
What are some sage green color combinations? Sage green looks great when combined with most earthy colors such as brown, beige, terra cotta, and black. Other colors that go with sage green are navy blue, mustard, and dusty pink.
Behind acrylgiessen.com are Martina (39) and Thomas (38) Faessler, a creative couple from Zurich in Switzerland. Artistically active are both already quite a while: Martina discovered her creative streak as a child and has always been passionate about painting and illustrating. Today she works as a graphic designer and art still plays a big role in her free time. Before painting, Thomas was active for years as a sculptor/art turner and created noble sculptures and hollow vessels from burl wood using a lathe.
The two of them came to Fluid Art by chance when it came to finishing one of Thomas’ sculptures with liquid acrylic paint. Once they tried Acrylic Pouring, both of them couldn’t get away from it and through countless Pourings they gradually acquired a gossamer know-how about the Acrylic Pouring technique.
In addition to the original fluid painting techniques, other topics such as color theory and the creation of drawing tutorials were added as an extension.
More about acrylgiessen can be found on our page “about us“.