What Color is Paris Green
Paris Green is a vivid, blue-leaning hue that bridges the gap between natural vibrancy and chemical intensity. Historically known as Emerald Green, it possesses a luminous quality that once captivated artists despite its deadly arsenic content. Today, it represents vitality without the danger, offering a fresh pop for modern interfaces.
What color is opposite Paris Green?
The opposite color to Paris Green is Mulberry (#c851a0).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue-Green
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #C851A0
- Brightness: 155/255
- Saturation: 60%
Colors That Pair Well With Paris Green
Complementary
Pair with Mulberry for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Medium Red Violet for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Paris Green History
Developed in 1814 by Wilhelm Sattler in Schweinfurt, Germany, this pigment was chemically known as copper acetoarsenite. It rapidly replaced earlier, duller greens because of its unprecedented brilliance and durability. It became a staple for Impressionists like Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne, who utilized its intensity to capture natural landscapes.
However, the color harbored a dark secret; it was highly toxic due to its arsenic base. Used extensively in Victorian wallpapers and fabrics, it reportedly caused sickness in households and is famously suspected of contributing to Napoleon Bonaparte’s demise. By the late 19th century, safer alternatives like Viridian rendered the original pigment obsolete.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this shade strikes a balance between soothing nature and high-energy alert signals. It evokes a sense of renewal, suggesting fresh growth and new beginnings. Because of its blue undertone, it feels cooler and more clinical than a grassy, yellow-based green, promoting mental clarity.
Historically, the color carried associations of wealth and fashion, as it was expensive to produce and maintain. In modern contexts, it can trigger feelings of envy or artificiality if used in excess. When balanced, however, it communicates innovation and forward-thinking energy.
In Nature
Although the historical pigment was strictly synthetic, this specific hue mirrors the iridescent sheen of the emerald beetle (Agrilus planipennis). It also appears in the oxidized layers of copper minerals like malachite. You might find similar distinct hues in the shallow, sunlit waters of a tropical lagoon or on the feathers of Amazonian parrots.
How To Use Paris Green
As a Senior Designer, I recommend using Paris Green as a high-impact accent rather than a primary background. Its high saturation can cause visual vibration against bright reds, so pair it with crisp whites or deep charcoals for better readability and sophistication.
This color excels in digital interfaces for call-to-action buttons, as it stands out without the aggressive urgency of red. To ensure accessibility, avoid placing white text directly over it unless the font is large and heavy; dark text offers significantly higher contrast ratios.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Victorian Parlor
A nod to the 19th-century interior design aesthetic, balancing the intensity of Paris Green with deep, moody neutrals.
Synthetic Flora
A modern, high-contrast palette that pairs the green with digital-friendly pastels and darks.
Oxidized Copper
Inspired by the chemical transition of copper metals, creating a cool, monochromatic gradient.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #50C878;
color: rgb(80, 200, 120);
background-color: #50C878;
border: 3px solid #50C878;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #50C87866;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #50C878 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Paris Green
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Paris Green?
Explore color palettes containing Paris Green and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Blue-Green colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Paris Green
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Paris Green?
What colors go with Paris Green?
Is Paris Green accessible for text?
How do I use Paris Green in CSS?
You can use Paris Green in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.paris-green {
background-color: #50C878;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.