Jewel tones—rich and sumptuous—add so much drama to a room. They’re called jewel tones because they have colors that resemble gemstones. Think: sapphire, amethyst, ruby, citrine, etc. These saturated colors are for those who like deeper and moodier colors—and don’t mind taking a risk in their interior design. (This risk, by the way, is sure to impart luxury to any space!).
Simply put, a jewel-toned color palette would be opposite of neutral. It makes a statement and is really all about living out loud. If you’re ready for the plunge but not sure where to start, we’ve tapped some designers and collected 8 jewel tone color palettes that are sure to work. So, let’s get started.
1. Emerald Green and Yellow
This one’s for folks who have a radiant aesthetic. Emerald green, when paired with mustard or golden yellow, adds brightness, but the sophisticated way. This palette is perfect for spaces where you want a dynamic look.
“I love using jewel tones in smaller spaces, like mudrooms or home offices,” says Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors. “Emerald green works beautifully with natural wood accents and a pop of yellow to create a fresh, vibrant design statement.”
How to use it: Use emerald green for the walls; this creates a bold base. Accessorize it with mustard yellow throw pillows (and artwork). Here, a natural touch—think wooden furniture—will go a long way.
2. Sapphire, Turquoise, and Gray
Sapphire blue and turquoise are just so serene! Similar to the tranquility of the ocean—sure to create a relaxed vibe in your home. Gray, a calming neutral, balances this boldness. This color palette is especially great for the living room and bedroom, because that’s where we’re looking to set back in some much-needed tranquility.
“A few strategically placed accessories in jewel tones can make a huge impact,” says Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design. “You don’t have to paint the entire room; just add pops of color through textiles, rugs, or wall art.”
How to use it: Use a gray sofa (or even gray walls) and add on sapphire and turquoise through velvet pillows and curtains. This adds a beautiful sense of luxury while sticking to a monochrome base.
3. Navy and Amethyst
We love this combination for the regal and cozy vibe it creates—a luxurious ambiance that will feel both intimate plus dramatic. You don’t want to miss adding metallic accents, like gold and brass. These really enhance the elegance of the space!
“Purple is an excellent base color for jewel tones,” says Alessandra Wood of Modsy. “Pair it with sapphire or golden yellow for a dramatic, regal effect.”
How to use it: Paint your walls navy and factor in amethyst accents (through the furniture upholstery or rugs). You can add in metallic accents with a golden chandelier and table lamp.
4. Jade and Citrine

This one’s a palette that feels earthy and upscale! Jade and citrine work especially well in large and open spaces with high ceilings. This is where their depth and warmth can truly shine.
“This rich scheme is perfect for creating a cozy yet dramatic vibe,” says David Mason of The Knobs Company. “Use citrine for soft accents like pillows or throws, and let jade dominate larger pieces like walls or a statement sofa.”
How to use it: Add jade through the walls (or if you’re working in the kitchen, with the cabinetry). Add citrine in smaller doses, like the accessories (vases, curtains, etc.).
5. Peacock Blue and Emerald Green

The striking, jewel-box effect of this palette is perfect for smaller spaces as well as accent areas. Peacock blue and emerald green come together to create a memorable design statement.
“Rich tones like peacock blue can do wonders in compact living rooms or dens,” says Mark Manardo of Perlmutter & Freiwald. “They add instant character and make the room feel intimate yet luxurious.”
How to use it: Use peacock blue for the walls of your space; this sets a moody base. Add on emerald green furniture as accents. We recommend a neutral trim and minimal flooring in this setting.
6. Jade, Magenta, and Cerulean Blue
If you prefer a high-energy palette, look no further. Jade green, magenta, and cerulean blue is a such a playful trio. It’s especially perfect for eclectic and contemporary interiors.
“This palette is all about going bold,” says Marco Bizzley of House Grail. “Incorporate these colors through throw pillows, abstract paintings, or a colorful area rug.”
How to use it: We vouch for magenta and cerulean accents against jade-painted walls. Be sure to add modern artwork so the palette is tied together.
7. Garnet and Sapphire
If you love a moody but romantic look, jewel tones can help serve the purpose! We’re talking garnet red and sapphire blue for that incredibly seducing vibe. This palette is especially great for dining rooms and formal living spaces—where you’d want to evoke warmth as well as elegance.
“These tones shine in rooms designed for evening gatherings,” says Lauren Harmon of JL Design. “A multicolored rug can help unify the palette while adding an extra layer of texture.”
How to use it: In the dining room, use garnet for upholstered dining chairs. If you like it a bit too much for just the chairs, a garnet accent wall would look stunning, too! Complement this with sapphire curtains and a bold rug.
8. Mustard and Navy
This timeless combination adds richness to any space. Mustard yellow and navy blue are particularly versatile because they work well in both modern and traditional settings.
“This scheme creates a cozy and inviting vibe,” says Studebaker. “Start with a jewel-toned sofa and build the rest of the room around it with complementary colors.”
How to use it: Paint the walls in a navy color and add mustard accents through the furniture. Bonus luxury design points if you lay down a navy rug with mustard patterns.
Bonus: Periwinkle, Teal, and Seafoam Green
We had to save the softest palette—yes, even with jewel tones!—for the last. Soft and serene, periwinkle, teal, and seafoam green make for such a stunning palette. We’re combining Pantone’s “Very Peri” with teal and seafoam green. Together, these colors create a soothing yet luxurious ambiance. Especially great for bedrooms and bathrooms.
“Using jewel tones in unexpected ways, like on the ceiling, can completely transform a room,” says Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate. “This trio offers richness and softness, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere.”
How to use it: Paint the ceilings in periwinkle; use teal and seafoam for the bedding in the bedroom—and tiles in the bedroom. (Using it for decorative accents is always an option, too).
Let’s Add Jewel Tones to Your Home
These designer-approved ideas are good for inspiration—but you can always make your own, too. We’d say: try choosing one dominant color and then build your design around it. For more inspiration in the form of visuals, Houzz is a good platform to check out. If you need a hand designing that luxury home, we’re right here at your service—just a message away 🤍