Colour Focus: Chartreuse Interiors

By Amy Kilvington

Content Writer at Blinds Direct

Tue 16 Oct 2018

Last updated Tue 14 Apr 2020

The halfway point between yellow and green, chartreuse is a chic and cheerful colour that’s guaranteed to bring excitement to your space.

Don’t be alarmed by its vibrance; chartreuse is surprisingly easy to work with. It is more versatile than you might anticipate, coordinating beautifully with a variety of different interior design schemes. Find out more about the ever-popular shade of chartreuse by reading on…

Why we love chartreuse

Chartreuse occupies a sweet spot on the colour wheel in between yellow and green. A balanced blend of these colours, the tertiary shade of chartreuse combines the optimism and energy of yellow with the harmony and freshness of green. Sitting along similar lines to pear, avocado and lime, chartreuse offers a sour juiciness that makes it somewhat of a rebel. This nods back to its roots as a French liquor, which was first produced in 1605 using a unique blend of herbs and flowers.

Of course, there is more than one shade within this colour range. Even the liquor itself has a number of versions, including Green Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse and White Chartreuse. But whether you prefer a more yellowish green or a greenish yellow, chartreuse is a positive and welcoming option that’s always been widely utilised in the world of interior design, from the silks and velvets of the 19th century, to the psychedelic decor of the 1960s, to the modern and retro fusion looks that we love today.

The acidic nature of these tones means many of us approach chartreuse with caution. But you needn’t feel intimidated, however – chartreuse works wonders with a wide range of colour palettes and interior styles.

Chartreuse colour combinations

Because chartreuse has the distinct ability to be earthy and electric, it lends to a variety of different schemes. One of the best colours to pair with chartreuse is grey, which helps to ground it into a more modern look. A fresher contemporary style can be achieved with white, while a powerful statement will be made by teaming chartreuse with deep purple or magenta. Emerald green and other jewel tones also tone well, creating a real statement within your space. And for a calming effect, try lavender and powder pink.

We also love the look of chartreuse alongside earthy tones, including terracotta, amber, chocolate and bronze. This creates an easy, laid-back look that’s both neutral yet exciting.

But our favourite chartreuse accompaniment has to be blue. From dark navy, to bright cobalt, to deep teal, shades of blue work brilliantly with chartreuse. When styled alongside dark blue, the acidity of chartreuse is enhanced, thus creating an even more electric look. For a softer result, try chartreuse with lighter shades of blue or turquoise.

Looking for inspiration? Discover our selection of chartreuse interiors below, which feature this winning shade in a variety of guises. You can also shop our own range of chartreuse window dressings and cushions by clicking the images, or visit our website for the full collection…