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12 of the Best Sage Green Paint Colours for Every Interior
Sage green is one of those colours that never seems to date — or go out of fashion. Whether it’s featured on kitchen cabinets, bedding or sofas. It’s a perennial favourite with interior designers and homeowners alike. But the breadth of sage green paint colours can be totally overwhelming, there are so many!! I’ve used various sage green paint colors all over our house. I wanted sage for both my kitchen and also for our boot room. So I went on a mission to find the perfect shade. I *think* I managed it! I’m so happy with the sage green paint I eventually chose.
I thought I’d share a list of my favourites, in case anyone out there is on the same hunt for the perfect sage green paint.
What Colour is Sage Green?
Sage green is a muted, greyish-green colour, reminiscent of the grey-green leaves of the sage plant. It is a soft and subtle shade, often described as a grey-green or silvery green.
That said, the exact hue can vary. Young sage plants are a fresher, brighter green and can sometimes even be a soft, yellow-green shade. Whilst older plants can be silvery or even a brownish, drag green. But sage generally falls within the range of muted, earthy greens with a hint of grey.
Sage green is a popular choice in interior design and fashion due to its calming and versatile nature. In my humble opinion, sage green is a true neutral.
12 of the Best Sage Green Paint Colours
Whether you prefer a more yellow-based green or a blue-toned shade, I can guarantee there are so many sage green paint colours on the market today that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Here’s a rundown of the best sage green paint colours to suit every interior.
1. Park Life Sage Green by Coat Paints
Of ‘Park Life Sage Green’, Coat says, ‘this welcoming nature-inspired colour works in any space. Great when paired with darker greens. I love how Katy from Katy Orme Interiors has used it in the shot above. Colour drenching the walls, woodwork and the little cupboard to give a really gentle, cohesive look.
2. Livid by Little Greene Paint Company
According to Little Greene, ‘This Livid paint shade is a deep, moody yet restful colour, sitting somewhere between blue, green and grey.’
For me, it’s the perfect sage green paint colour.
I spent ages looking for the right one for our Billy bookcase hack, and Livid was the one I eventually settled on. Even though this bookcase sits in quite a dark room, the colour makes it feel welcoming and cosy.
It’s my favourite of all the sage green paint colours I’m sharing in this blog post.
3. Cley by Fenwick and Tilbrook
This gorgeous shot was taken by my Instagram buddy Sharon. We share a love for biophilic design and green interiors and I love how she’s used Fenwick and Tilbrook’s ‘Cley’ paint in her home.
Fenwick and Tilbrook say that Cley was inspired by the view across the marshes to Cley windmill and this ‘gorgeous mixture of texture and colour inspired this beautifully natural and earthy, grey green.’
4. Sage by Neptune
Neptune is a perennial favourite with the interior Instagrammers. Just a mention of the name and there will be a flurry of excitement. And if you can’t afford the hefty pricetag of their kitchens or furniture, you can always buy a couple of cans of their paint to recreate the look at home.
Sage by Neptune was ‘inspired by the pale, soft green of a sage leaf. It’s one of their most relaxing shades to have around the home. Make it feel fresher with whites or cooler with greys and deep green.
5. Viridis by Graham & Brown
Viridids is Graham & Brown’s Colour of The Year 2024.
It’s a ‘beautiful muted green colour that has been conscientiously curated to create a warm and welcoming space’.
Best of all, this lovely shade isn’t just available in paint but also made to measure curtains and blinds too.
6. Lichen by Farrow and Ball
Now, although this shade is named after the subtle colour of the algae that ages stone so beautifully, Farrow and Ball’s ‘Lichen’ is also one of the most perfect sage green paint colours.
It’s a gorgeous grey green, calm and muted.
Just look how beautifully it goes with the pastel pink woodwork and panelling and the coral-peach shade of the cushion.
7. Heritage Sage by Dulux
Heritage Sage by Dulux is a ‘mid-tone, blue-based green that takes its name from the medicinal herb and cottage garden favourite.
This shade has become a modern classic for interiors, complementing all tones of wood and also sitting comfortably against white or black in modern and classical homes.’
I love how the shot above shows it paired with the olive green sofa and peach-toned accessories. It just shows what a versatile colour sage green is.
8. Green 02 by Lick
‘Green 02 by Lick is a soft mid-green with balanced blue and grey undertones.
This sage green matt paint cultivates feelings of reflection and positivity; it will make your space feel restful and invite moments of quiet contemplation.’
Sienna Edmonds who curates the Instagram account Living With Sienna has used it to create a lovely calm haven. The painted wall pulls all the neutral tones together and stops the bedroom looking bland.
9. Sage by Zoffany
Sage by Zoffany is a dusky, chalky, nature-inspired sage leaf green and one of the yellower-based sage green paint colors in my round-up.
I really love how the team at Jojo Bradley Interiors have used it as a backdrop for this New England-esque sitting room in the shot above. The green wall almost has a putty-coloured tone to it, which is a brilliant foil for the raspberry red accessories.
10. Nephrite by Tikkurila
Nephrite N494 is a dark, slightly muted green. According to Tikkurila, it creates an earthy and relaxing aura and is a great alternative to traditional grey.
If you’ve not used Tikkurila paint before, I urge you to give it a go!
Their eggshell comes in three different finishes — Helmi 10, 30 and 80 — and the coverage and finish is second to none. I absolutely love this paint brand.
11. Greenstone by Mylands
Of ‘Greenstone No. 190’ Mylands say:
‘Similar in tone to naturally occurring Verdigris this archive colour is a truly modern grey-green paint. It has an intensely calming effect with a zen-like quality that is natural and unique.’
I love how Airbnb Instagram account, The Whistable Pearl, has incorporated it into their bedroom scheme. The clever use of colour blocking has created a fantastic frame for the headboard. And — once again — it shows how beautifully sage green paint colors work, when paired with natural textures, grey and blush tones.
12. Drab Green by Edward Bulmer
Last, and by no means least, I have selected Drab Green by Edward Bulmer Paints.
The write-up and back history behind this shade is lovely. They say:
‘Drab referred to an un-dyed cloth (the French drap) and its use in colour terminology came to mean a lightish brown. C18th accounts refer to drab green and we have taken this idea to mix a beautiful brown green in defiance of its name. I have seen this colour used by clients to create really grown up rooms with depth and self-assurance.
Great as an all-over colour for wooden panelling. Drab Green is a natural paint, made from natural raw materials and so breathable and the smarter choice of paint for period properties. Never drab, always green, in every way.’
Edward Bulmer
And I agree. This lovely colour mat be drab in name but is far from it. It’s a beautiful fresh shade and looks amazing in this hallway, paired with Adam’s Eden wallpaper by Lewis and Wood.
What Colours Go Best with Sage Green?
Sage green is such a versatile colour, and as I said above, I feel it’s neutral in the truest sense, as it pairs so well with so many other colours.
Here are some colour combinations that work well with sage green. Cover up either the colour to the left — or the right — of the sage green shade in the middle to see how well they work together as a pair.
Neutral Tones
- White: Clean and crisp, white complements sage green and adds a fresh and airy feel.
- Beige: A warm beige or tan can create a soft and sophisticated look when paired with sage green.
Earthy Tones
- Earthy browns: Rich chocolate or soft taupe can create a natural and grounded look when combined with sage green.
- Terracotta: This warm, reddish-brown colour complements sage green and adds warmth to the palette. Pantone’s Marsala is the perfect terracotta shade.
Soft Pastels
- Soft pink: Ballet slipper pink is a perfect match when paired with sage green.
- Light blue: Soft, muted blues compliment sage green too and will create a serene and tranquil feeling.
Cool Tones
- Grey: Cool grey tones can provide a modern and sophisticated contrast to sage green.
- Navy blue: A deep dark navy can create a classic and elegant combination.
Contrasting Colors
- Coral, peach or carmine pink: These warm tones contrast so well with sage, creating a vibrant and energetic look.
- Mustard yellow: Adds a pop of colour and complements the muted, neutral tones of sage green.
Try to balance the intensity of the colours and experiment with different shades and combinations to find the one that suits your own taste.
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Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
