Orders open mid-November
What Colour Goes With…?
Pairings that work, and the reason they work.
Whether two colours go together comes down to three things: their undertones, how far apart they sit in lightness, and how much of each you use. Colours that share an undertone usually sit happily together; colours opposite each other on the colour wheel create energy, so one should lead. Here are pairing ideas for the colours people ask about most, each linked to its full guide, plus how to find pairings for any shade in our palette.
At a glance
- Shared undertones are the surest way to pair colours.
- Opposites on the colour wheel energise a room; let one lead.
- A clear difference in lightness (LRV) stops pairings looking muddy.
- Every colour profile on our site lists suggested pairings.
- Always test pairs side by side in your own light.
What goes with sage, olive and dark green?
Warm whites, timber, pink, terracotta and ochre.
Greens pair naturally with warm whites and creams, natural wood and stone. For contrast, soft pinks and terracottas sit opposite green on the , and ochre and mustard add warmth. Dark green loves brass, leather and deep red accents.
What goes with navy, teal and blue?
Mustard, rust, soft pink, crisp whites and timber.
Blue sits opposite orange, so rust, terracotta, ochre and mustard are the classic lively partners. For a calmer scheme, pair blues with soft whites, stone and pale greys. Teal is especially good with mustard, paprika and soft pink.
What goes with pink, burgundy and terracotta?
Greens, warm neutrals, deep reds and natural textures.
Pinks and reds pair with greens, their opposite on the wheel, for a balanced scheme, and with warm neutrals, plaster tones and timber for a softer one. Terracotta and burnt orange suit teal, olive, cream and natural linen.
What goes with grey, beige and greige?
Match the undertone first, then add contrast.
Neutrals are rarely truly neutral. Check whether your grey or beige leans warm (yellow, red or brown) or cool (blue, green or violet), then choose partners that share it. Deeper colours with the same lean make the best accents.
Finding pairings for any colour
Profiles, the palette builder and samples side by side.
Every colour profile on our site lists suggested pairings, and the palette builder lets you put up to five colours together and share the result. When you have a shortlist, order samples and look at the pair together, morning and evening, before committing.
Sample it the way we would
Step 1
Paint your peel-and-sticks
Each £5.99 sample comes with three paintable peel-and-sticks. Give them two coats and let them dry fully.
Step 2
Stick them around the room
Put them on two or three walls, including the wall opposite the window, at eye level and lower down.
Step 3
Live with them for a day or two
Look in the morning, the afternoon and under your evening lamps. Move them around until you are sure.
Your questions, answered
How do I know if two colours go together?
Check their undertones, make sure they differ enough in lightness, and look at them side by side in your own light.
What colour goes with everything?
A soft white or warm neutral that shares the undertone of the rest of your scheme is the most adaptable choice.
Can I use complementary colours in one room?
Yes. Let one lead and use a muted version of the other in a smaller amount.
Colour theory explained