Best Green Paint Colors for your Home (Designer Approved)

Ah, green. The color of healthy foliage, of growth, of nature—and yes, one of the most universally flattering paint colors in interior design. Whether you’re aiming for a sophisticated backdrop, an earthy accent, or an elegant work area, there’s a shade of green paint for your next project, thanks to this list of the best green paint colors.

Over the years, green has made its way into some of the most restful bedrooms, serene bathrooms, and energetic living spaces. And whether you’re working with dark woods, neutral accents, or plenty of natural light, the perfect hue is out there.

So if you’re choosing paint for your own home, here are my favorite green paint colors broken down by tone, mood, and how they fit with different spaces. Let’s dive into this rich spectrum of gorgeous greens!

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Top Green Paint Picks by Brand

Here are a few brand-specific suggestions to check out that I mention in this post:

• Sherwin Williams: Thunderous, Mount Etna, Shade Grown
• Benjamin Moore: Carolina Gull, Essex Green
• Farrow & Ball: French Gray
• Clare Paint: Current Mood

Visit your local paint store to compare actual color chips and sample sizes. The real-life difference between digital swatches and actual paint colors is huge!

Best Green Paint Colors

Moody & Dark Green Paint Colors

If you’re craving drama or depth in your interiors, these deep emerald greens will make a bold statement. They’re perfect for north-facing rooms, formal dining spaces, or cozy home office corners.

1. Mount Etna by Sherwin Williams

This one’s a personal favorite. Mount Etna is a dark green with blue-green tones that shift depending on the light. It creates a lively accent that pairs beautifully with wood tones or brass fixtures. Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia famously used it in her home, and I was hooked from the moment I saw it.

2. Current Mood by Clare Paint

It’s moody, modern, and incredibly easy to work with. We used Current Mood in our playroom, and it has this subtle blue undertone that feels rich but not overwhelming. A great option if you want a sophisticated backdrop in a family-friendly space.

3. Essex Green by Benjamin Moore

The glamor of deep emerald is fully embodied in Essex Green. Angela Rose used it on a geometric accent wall, and it instantly elevates the room’s feel. If your design style leans contemporary or luxe, this is a stunning choice.

Mid-Tone Greens for a Classic Look

These green paint colours strike a balance between bold and neutral, making them a versatile choice for almost any room. They play beautifully with dark woods, warm colors, and interior primers.

4. Thunderous by Sherwin Williams

If you love a slightly muddy green, Thunderous is your shade. It’s rich with gray undertones and has a chameleon quality in different light. I used it in my home office, and it creates a calm yet moody vibe. It’s one of those interior paint options where a sample pot is a must for best results.

5. Shade Grown by Sherwin Williams

Looking for forest green with depth? Shade Grown brings that touch of glamour in a small space. Think guest bedrooms, powder rooms, or spa-inspired bathrooms. It’s dramatic without being too dark, and it’s especially striking with gold or brass hardware.

Light Green Paint Colors for Airy Spaces

These softer greens are perfect for light tone lovers. They bring a calm, organic feel that suits serene bathrooms, restful bedrooms, and elegant work areas alike.

6. Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore

A personal favorite that feels like a breath of fresh air. Carolina Gull is a muted green that leans slightly gray. It’s very similar to October Mist, which was Benjamin Moore’s color of the year for 2022. Perfect for spa-inspired bathrooms and any space that needs a dose of peace.

7. French Gray by Farrow & Ball

Despite the name, French Gray is actually a soft jade color green with cool undertones. I used it in my second home office remodel, and I can see it working just as beautifully in a formal dining room. It’s also a great pick if you’re easing out of neutrals but don’t want to go full-blown bold.

Where to Use Green Paint in Your Home

Green can bring harmony, depth, or a bit of drama depending on where you use it. Here are some inspo ideas using green around your home:

Exterior paint: Use greens with exterior wood stains for natural curb appeal, especially surrounded by abundant vegetation.

Kitchen cabinets: Try forest green or deep emerald greens for a bold, modern look with high impact.

Home office: Choose calming mid-tones like Thunderous or French Gray for focus and warmth.

Guest bedrooms: Soft greens like Carolina Gull make these spaces instantly welcoming.

Bathrooms: From shade grown to October Mist, these tones turn baths into serene bathrooms.

How to Pair Green with Other Colors

Not sure how to style green? Here are some winning color combos:

With other greens: Mix different colors in the same family for layered depth – especially fun in interior paint with trim and wall combinations.

With neutrals: Cream, beige, or soft gray can tone down bolder greens and add balance.

With warm colors: Rust, mustard, or terracotta accentuate green’s earthiness.

With wood tones: Mid-to-dark woods pair beautifully with green hues, adding natural texture.

Best Paint Finishes for Green Walls & Cabinets

Finish matters just as much as color when it comes to green. Here’s how to get the most out of your paint:

• Matte or Eggshell: Ideal for restful bedrooms and formal dining spaces where you want low sheen.
• Satin or Gloss Enamel Sheen: Go for this on kitchen cabinets, trim, or exterior paint for easy cleaning and shine.
• Always prep with interior primers (or exterior primers if you’re painting outdoors) to ensure color accuracy and longevity.
• Be sure to consider reflective value too – the more sheen, the more light bounce.

Whether you go deep and moody or light and muted, green hues bring the outside in. From blue-green tones to classic forest greens, this color family has a wide range of options that fit every mood and space. You just have to find the right shade!

Skip the vibrant lime, unless you’re painting a playroom or have prior design experience! For most rooms, soft, earthy greens create the perfect note of freshness and timelessness.

Let me know if you try any of these favorite shades in your own home! And if you’re thinking of painting with different colors, check out my roundup of favorite blue tones for more color trends to inspire your next makeover.