The 6 Best Sage Green Paint Shades

Sage green creates a space that’s full of life while still being relaxing and easy to live with. ‘Sage green is an optimal colour choice at the moment,’ says paint expert Annie Sloan. ‘It harnesses the calming energy inherent in green but anchors it with an earthiness and depth not always present in more vivid greens. Plus, it brings the outside in.’

‘It’s vital to make your home feel safe and comfortable, and sage is perfect – reassuring yet uplifting and invigorating,’ says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant. ‘It creates a space that’s full of life while still being relaxing and easy to live with.’

We've found six of the best sage green paint shades, and when, where and how to use them.

BEST FOR...

... Exuding a welcoming sense of calm.

BEST FOR...

... Complementing traditional features.

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BEST FOR...

... A natural and rustic look.

BEST FOR...

... A classic period property.

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BEST FOR...

... Woodwork with neutral walls.

BEST FOR...

... Warming up a north-facing room.

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5 WAYS TO DECORATE WITH SAGE GREEN PAINT

Looking for the best sage green paint shades, or wondering how best to decorate with a sage green paint? We spoke to the experts...

COLOUR PAIRINGS

Try sage with another shade of green for a look that has more layers and depth.

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Green is at the centre of the colour wheel, so you can combine it with both warm and cool hues. ‘To create a calming effect, marry sage green with cool grey-whites for a soft Scandi feel,’ says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore UK. ‘Or, for an earthier look, pair it with warmer off-whites or beige tones.’

‘For something bolder, think about adding red, especially at the browner end of the palette, such as oxblood,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador. ‘These are complementary hues on the colour wheel so will contrast effortlessly.’

PERFECT FOR SOUTH FACING ROOMS

‘Sage green almost glows when hit by the sunlight, so my preference would be to use it in a south-facing room,’ says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant. ‘However, it’s light enough to brighten up a darker space such as a hallway.’

CHOOSE YELLOW UNDERTONES FOR NORTH FACING ROOMS

‘In north-facing rooms, look for a shade with yellow undertones to bring warmth. For other aspects, cool or warm shades will work, changing with the light of the day,’ says Carol Campbell, director at Isle of Skye Paint Company.

USE DIFFERENT SHEEN LEVELS TO ADD INTEREST

To add interest, use different sheen levels in the same shade of sage. ‘For example, if you have picture rails, you could use eggshell on one section and matton the other,’ says Paula Taylor, colour and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

ADD A TOUCH OF SILVER

Silver accessories can look striking against the muted tones of sage. ‘It also works really well with copper, which brings out its softer, warmer red tones,’ says Fired Earth’s creative director Colin Roby-Welford. ‘Alternatively, try sage green with black for a contemporary take on classic monochrome.’

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