Today I want to tackle a question I get all the time – what paint colors go with emerald green carpet?
I feel your struggle, since emerald is such a rich, jewel-toned shade that can be tricky to complement.
Now I know some of you are probably wondering how I became a green carpet decor expert.
Well, it all started back in my first apartment after college.
I found this awesome retro shag rug in a vivid emerald green color called Parisian Green at a yard sale for $5 – what a score!
Or so I thought.
This rug was a lush 5×7 size and the perfect anchor for my small living room.
But I had no furniture yet, so that emerald rug was the main statement piece in the mostly empty space.
And let me tell you, that rich saturated green made all the blank white walls look harsh and sterile.
I went through about five test pots of various green and brown hues, but everything clashed or looked too Christmas-y.
I tried painting one accent wall olive green, but it just felt too dark and cave-like.
Long story short, I went through about fifteen paint color trials using samples and tester pots before finally finding a shade that worked beautifully with my Parisian Green shag rug.
It became an obsession – I was determined to find the perfect color combination!
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Soft Neutrals
One of the easiest ways to make emerald green carpet pop is by pairing it with light, subtle neutral wall colors.
Soft muted shades like cream, light gray, tan and greige will complement without competing with the emerald tone.
The quiet neutrals also keep the space feeling open and airy instead of closed in or oppressive.
Some of my favorite neutral paints to try with emerald carpet include:
Benjamin Moore Creamy – This is a warm off-white that has a subtle peach undertone, which flatters and brings out the green tones beautifully.
It’s a very livable soft neutral.
I’d use it in an eggshell finish for a soft glow.
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige – This is a gorgeous light tan shade that provides a subtle contrast to emerald without going too dark or yellow.
It’s a timeless, flexible neutral that I use often.
I recommend a matte finish for texture.
Behr Silver Drop – One of my go-to greige colors, Silver Drop is a very light muted gray that reads as a neutral backdrop and lets the emerald carpet shine.
It has just a touch of cool gray to balance out warm greens.
I’d do a satin sheen to highlight the green.
Valspar Heirloom Lace – A warm sand hue that complements the emerald without blending in.
It’s rich but still light enough not to overpower.
Eggshell finish would give it depth.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – A popular gray-beige shade with lavender undertones.
It has more personality than basic beige but remains neutral.
Satin sheen makes this color really come alive.
If you want to add visual interest, consider doing two complimentary neutral tones – maybe Creamy in the main living spaces and Revere Pewter in the adjoining kitchen.
The contrast will add dimension without fighting the emerald green carpet.
Layer in textures with nubby throw pillows and blankets in natural fibers.
Then the soft neutral walls will recede, making that green carpet the star!
Crisp White
Another classic option is clean, bright white walls.
Stark true white makes the rich emerald carpet really stand out and pop since it creates such a bold contrast.
Just be mindful of the finish when selecting white – flat, eggshell, or matte white walls will complement the carpet without competing with it.
But shiny, lacquered, or semi-gloss whites can sometimes appear too harsh or clinical next to the vibrant emerald.
Crisp white also makes a space feel light, bright and open, which is welcoming against the moody green.
Some favorite true whites are:
Benjamin Moore Simply White – A popular, very clean white with the slightest hint of warmth.
Great flat sheen.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White – A true, snowy white that reads as soft, not sterile, in eggshell or satin finish.
Behr Ultra Pure White – Behr’s brightest true white works well in any finish.
Valspar Swiss Coffee – Despite the name, this is actually a bright white that works beautifully with emerald green when in a flat or matte sheen.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster – A clean white with the subtlest hint of greige/beige.
Stunning in matte.
If going all white feels too stark, consider Benjamin Moore Simply White on the ceilings and trim to maximize the light and brightness.
Then use a super subtle neutral like Alabaster or Accessible Beige on the walls for a little soft contrast.
White trim framed with glossy black window sills and picture frames will pop against both the white and the emerald green.
Add glass vases, mirrors and lucite furniture to reflect light around the space and make the carpet glow!
Deep Blue
On the opposite end of the color wheel from emerald green is rich, inky blue.
So deep sapphire blues and navies make an unexpected but striking pairing with emerald carpet.
The contrasting bold colors complement each other without blending together too much or looking overly holiday-esque.
Try these regal, moody blues:
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – A gorgeous classic navy with a touch of refinement.
Not too light or too dark.
Sherwin-Williams Naval – A perfectly balanced true navy, not too purple or too green.
Crisp but sophisticated.
Behr Dark Cobalt – A vivid midnight blue that plays well with the emerald without matching.
Ralph Lauren Newburyport Blue – A dusty periwinkle blue that reads as a neutral but adds nice contrast to the emerald tones.
Valspar Boundless Blue – A bright but moody teal blue that brings vibrancy to the emerald green.
Distressed wood furnishings really enhance the elegance of deep blue on the walls.
A reclaimed wood dining table with textured wood chairs or bench seating feels earthy against the cool tones.
For lighting, try brass sconces or aged bronze pendants to add warmth.
Layer in fur throws, cowhide rugs, and sheepskin pillows to blend the colors together.
Oversized botanical prints with blue accents pull the palette together in an organic way.
For an intimate dining nook, painting the ceiling blue instead of the walls makes a striking statement!
Rich Bronze
Warm metallic bronze is a glamorous accent shade that flatters emerald carpet beautifully without matching it.
Bronze paint colors catch the light and add an elegant, reflective sheen to balance out the rich matte quality of the carpet.
Shimmering gold and bronze complement jewel tones in a refined way.
Some luxurious bronzy paint colors to try are:
Benjamin Moore Metallic Gold – A bright, true shimmering gold hue that pops against green.
Sherwin-Williams Sensuous Gold – A muted, burnished antique brass gold tone with subtle metallic sheen.
Behr Molten Gold – A lighter, more subtle metallic gold with hints of silver and champagne.
Valspar Gilded Glory – A soft glimmering champagne gold with hints of gray for sophistication.
Ralph Lauren Polished Bronze – A dark, smoky metallic bronze tone with charcoal undertones to match the emerald.
Don’t be afraid to really layer on the opulence if using bronze paint.
Crystal chandeliers, gold sunburst mirrors, and glass candlesticks will enhance the glam vibe.
Use luxurious textures like velvet, leather, silk, and faux fur on furniture and pillows.
For a dining room, consider bronze Chinoiserie wallpaper on one accent wall, mirrored bar carts, and ornate gold frames on artwork.
The bold emerald carpet anchored the space, so have fun and go grand with the metallic details!
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Blush Pink
Don’t be afraid to pair cool emerald tones with feminine blush pinks!
Soft rosy pink paint brings out the jewel-like quality in emerald carpet in an elegant, unexpected way.
The rich colors together feel lush and romantic.
Some sweet pink paint colors to try are:
Benjamin Moore Pink Peony – A very soft baby pink that plays nicely with emerald without being too sugary.
Sherwin-Williams Rosy Outlook – A warm peachy pink that makes the green pop without clashing.
Behr Petal Kiss – A slightly deeper pink with gray undertones to connect with the emerald in a sophisticated way.
Valspar Blushing – A light ballet pink that contrasts softly with the emerald for a lightly feminine vibe.
Ralph Lauren Rouge Riche – A muted clay pink that has enough dusty earthiness to pair well with jewel tones.
Take a feminine palette even further by layering in blush and gold accents.
Blush velvet furniture, padded headboards, silky pillows and rose quartz lamps create a romantic vignette.
Brass candlesticks, geometric side tables in rose gold metal, and champagne crystal fixtures keep it from feeling too sweet.
Floral wallpaper in soft watercolor tones makes a striking statement wall.
Use white molding and marble finishes to keep the space feeling timeless and elegant.
Any space can feel beautiful and refined when you blend emerald, pink and gold!
Purple
Vibrant jewel tones like emerald green and rich purple are made for each other.
Combining them creates a lush, regal feel.
Paint your walls a saturated royal purple or soft lavender to really play up the decadence of the green carpet.
The contrast is eye-catching and elegant.
Benjamin Moore Purple Rain is a dramatic royal purple with blue undertones that reminds me of a medieval throne room when paired with emerald.
For furnishings and decor, go ultra lavish – velvet tufted sofas, ornate gold framed mirrors, heavy brocade drapes.
Add in candelabra lighting, gold geometric coffee tables, and jewel-toned Persian-style rugs for maximum regal impact.
Nothing is too opulent when it comes to this palette!
Sherwin-Williams Majesty is a true, deep eggplant purple that looks almost black.
It makes the emerald carpet glow like a jewel against the dark backdrop.
Furnishings should feel sleek and modern – faux leather chairs, acrylic and glass tables, and minimalist marble or concrete finishes.
Cool metals like chrome, stainless steel, and mercury glass add reflective sparkle.
Use lots of sculptural lighting and gallery-style wall art.
The color combo feels lush but also refined.
Behr Regal Violet is a vivid purple with warm red undertones to nicely contrast the cool emerald tones.
Together they feel fun and playful.
Kid-friendly furnishings like bunk beds, colorful modular seating, and whimsical wall art lean into the vibrant palette.
White shelving and colorful storage bins keep things light and practical for family spaces.
Washable rugs and slipcovers make sense here too.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures!
Valspar Lavender Fog is a soft, hazy lilac purple that reads as a subtle neutral but still partners beautifully with emerald carpet.
Take a romantic approach with furnishings – tufted daybeds, wicker chairs, linen drapes, and fresh florals.
Pastel artwork, crystal fixtures, and vintage silver pieces feel feminine and timeless.
Use white trim to keep things light and sophisticated.
The emerald carpet grounds the space while the lavender walls set a dreamy mood.
Perfect for bedrooms and sitting rooms!
Ralph Lauren Bennett Violet is a muted dusty purple with gray undertones and subtle sheen.
It has an earthier, more neutral quality that provides an elegant contrast to emerald carpet.
Choose furnishings with a modern organic look – stone chip tables, woven jute chair pads, ceramic lamps, reclaimed wood pieces.
Creamy textured rugs and linen sofas tone things down while still complementing.
Large scale black and white nature photography and a few orchid plants complete the refined look!
Black
For dramatic contrast, try painting your walls black!
Stark true black makes emerald carpet the star of the show.
It frames the carpet and makes it pop.
Just be sure to use lots of lighting and metallic accents to balance out the dark walls.
Benjamin Moore Onyx is a rich, inky black that I’d pair with tons of candlelight and gold accents.
Use dimmable pendant lights, sconces, and table lamps to create a mysterious glow at night.
Gold furniture legs, hardware, frames and geometric accessories glimmer against the dark backdrop.
White trim and molding add definition.
Use lush textures like velvet, linen and wool in black and ivory for sophistication.
The space will feel intimate, elegant and perfectly moody.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black is a true dead black.
Take an edgy, urban approach by combining it with the emerald carpet.
Think modular furniture, exposed brick, cage light fixtures.
Add in wood and leather for warmth, and use green and white plants for an organic pop of color.
Gallery style art prints make a big visual impact.
For a bold look, paint black wide horizontal stripes on one wall instead of covering all the walls.
Behr Black Night reads slightly warmer than a true black, so it feels more approachable.
Have fun with funky, colorful furnishings and bright metals like neon, acrylic, stainless steel.
Use colorful area rugs and boldly patterned throw pillows.
Black shelves displaying vivid decor create a youthful contrast.
Large abstract art and neon signs liven up the dark walls.
It’s playful but still sophisticated.
Valspar Jet Black is ultra dramatic against emerald carpet.
Go full gothic romantic using carved wood furnishings, burnished gold candelabras, antique mirrors, and crystal glassware.
Florals and celestial motifs connect the jewel tones.
Heavy velvet drapes, distressed Persian rugs, and ornate chandeliers complete the moody look.
Use candlelight and wall sconces to create a mysterious glow.
The carpet adds organic depth.
Ralph Lauren Carbon is a slightly warm, soft black that provides contrast without harshness.
Take a minimalist approach by letting the emerald carpet shine.
Furnishings should be simple and utilitarian – hardwood platform beds, unfussy end tables, a few streamlined lounge chairs and bar stools.
Add glass, marble, concrete and metal finishes.
The black walls recede to highlight the carpet’s lush color.
Bold gallery art makes a striking focal point in the peaceful palette.
Yellow
Sunny, vibrant yellow is an unexpected choice that can actually make emerald green carpet sing.
Opt for a clear primary yellow versus muddier, mustardy shades.
The contrast is striking and playful.
Benjamin Moore Sun Valley is a bright, warm yellow that makes me think of sunshine against lush grass.
Lean into the vibrant playroom vibe with circus stripes on one wall, colorful modular furniture, and primary color accents.
White shelving displays fun collectibles.
Add lots of patterns – dotted, checkered, floral – but keep them light and whimsical.
Plush rugs, cozy pillows, and stuffed animals enhance the lively palette.
Sherwin-Williams Buckeye Yellow is a goldenrod yellow with orange undertones.
Make it feel sophisticated with earthy elements – rattan and wicker furniture, light wood finishes, woven textiles and jute rugs in natural hues.
Creamy neutrals balance the bright walls.
Add potted palms for an earthy pop of green.
White trim and molding keep things fresh and defined.
The palette feels optimistic yet grounded.
Behr Laser Lemon is an almost fluorescent yellow against the emerald carpet.
Have fun with funky retro furnishings – atomic starbursts, plastic Louis ghost chairs, op art and lava lamps.
Boldly patterned shag rugs, colorful tulip table and bubble lamps complete the psychedelic palette.
Use white to anchor the space and add doorknob hangers, wall pegs and open shelving for display space.
It’s groovy!
Valspar Polished Yellow reads as creamy against the emerald carpet.
Take a cottagecore approach with painted distressed wood furnishings, floral upholstery, wicker pendant lights and braided rugs.
Add zinc galvanized metal buckets, white crockery, and gingham accents for a homey country feel.
Use the yellow as an accent wall with crisp white on the rest.
Lots of indoor plants, wood slice prints and pastoral artwork enhance the nature vibe.
Cafe curtains and embroidered linens keep it cozy.
Ralph Lauren Canary Yellow has a touch of chartreuse that pops against the carpet.
Embrace the tropical palette with rattan furnishings, bamboo window treatments, decorative shells and starfish.
Touches of navy blue accent the yellow without dulling it.
White molding adds definition while allowing the colors to bounce.
The space feels cheerful, beachy and well-traveled.
