With the phrase “jewel in the crown” referring to the best part of something, it’s fair to say jewels are known for their value. They’re also renowned for their beauty, not least the wonderful colours they possess.
But it’s not just jewellery that can benefit from these magnificent shades. Jewel colours are a great way to add a bit of interest to your space…
What are jewel colours?
Jewel colours are tones of yellow, green, red, blue and purple. They’re saturated shades ranging from deep to mid-tone with a great depth of colour and luminosity – but not at all neon or acidic.
Jewel paint colours are often named after gemstones, due to their saturated and luminescent tones. Think emerald or jade greens, sapphire and turquoise blues, or gorgeous ruby reds. Of course, not all jewel tones have jewel names – magenta and golden mustard yellow are equally jewel-toned (and equally stunning) without the gemstone namesake.
Why are they so popular? Simply put, jewel colours are unbeatable for an injection of personality, adding interest when used sparingly. Even the smallest splash of a jewel shade can liven things up and create an opportunity for the unexpected. These colours have the ability to be striking and bold, adding richness and luxury depending on how they are partnered.
Jewel colours also fit perfectly with the current trend of injecting personality and being brave with your design. While they might seem scary, they are truly wonderful when you get them right, such as breaking up neutrals.
Using jewel colours in your home
If you want to get on board with the jewel trend, the simplest way to get started is by using them to add pops of colour. Jewel colours are great as accents, injecting interest and personality to neutral schemes. As well as being deep, luminous and highly popular, jewel colours look great on a variety of materials. That makes soft furnishings a great option when testing the water. Most importantly, they are simple and quick to add.
Cushion covers, throws, and rugs are a great way to try your favourite jewel tones. But they also allow you to combine textures with different fabrics, which can enhance the richness and decadence of jewel colours. Think silk cushions, velvet curtains, chunky knit throws and deep, plush rugs.
Jewel furniture
Taking the next step up, you can try jewel furniture. Again, you can start cautiously with small items like a lamp base. You can then pair that with a larger piece of furniture, updated with a jewel paint colour, or even jewel upholstery. Sofas, armchairs and dining chairs provide more opportunities for those sought-after textures.
Painting your own furniture is another great way to try colours out. If you want to change things up, it’s simply a case of cleaning the surface then lightly sanding to help new paint adhere – you can find out more in our guide to surface preparation. Frenchic paint gives you a lot more freedom when it comes to furniture, as our paints are formulated for a range of surfaces such as wood, composite and uPVC. Kiss Me Sloely is a deep, rich purply-blue jewel shade that embodies this perfectly.
There are plenty of other options beyond furniture too. Adding a jewel paint colour to a kitchen island or even your front door is a good way to experiment without making a huge change or commitment. That way, you can try out combinations and see what you like until you find something that works for you.
Combining jewels
When it comes to jewel colours, you’re by no means restricted to one shade. Different shades can work very well together – whether used sparingly or widely – to create unique effects.
Consider how complementary blues and greens can intensify the tones of each other. Or an energetic combination of contrasting blue and magenta. Or how about three in one – like a Hot as Mustard doorframe, paired with splashes of yellow, magenta and blue jewel shades on the dining table?
Jewel colours with dark backdrops
If you want to keep colours popping without having to splash them about, try teaming jewel colours with a dark, moody and dramatic backdrop. This intensifies the tone to transform a room with just a few jewel accents. The wardrobes below have been freshened up with our bold, sophisticated Blackjack.
In the same way, jewel colours can be used to bring an existing dark backdrop to life. Something as simple as a drawer unit, transformed with gorgeous green Constance Moss, can tie together a bright green sofa and dark backdrop for a fantastic cohesive look.
Jewels on the walls
Last but certainly not least are your walls. It goes without saying that walls can have the biggest impact on your room. But it’s not simply a case of painting your entire room in a jewel colour. You can dial things up by painting a feature wall. A jewel colour block is the perfect way to bring a room to life. Alternatively, opt for a half-and-half wall. You could combine a jewel tone with a complementary pastel colour or contrast a jewel paint colour with neutral shade like jewel green Victory Lane with white.
A stage further? Go for it in a small room like a bathroom, hallway or even a downstairs loo. Because these rooms aren’t living spaces, it’s easier to go bold and bright or dramatic. The same colour combination as above, for instance, has been used on multiple walls to great effect.
More jewel paint colour ideas
The saying goes “you can have too much of a good thing”. But that’s not the case with jewel paint colours. To give you even more inspiration, here are some more stunning jewel shades from our Chalk Wall Paint and Trim Paint ranges…
- Emerald Isle – This strong green can be partnered with any deep or strong colour, as well as looking great with wood surfaces and natural shades.
- Hottie – A vibrant hot pink that becomes energetic and lively with other jewels or bold and sophisticated alongside deep dark shades.
- Lime Light – Ideal for both contemporary and mid-century schemes, this lime green is strong and energetic with a real presence.
- Pinch Punch – Go bold with a delightful, teal-toned blue, which packs and punch if needed, but can also be used alongside myriad other shades.
- Rubina – Make a statement with a sophisticated heritage red with a deep ruby glow that’s wonderfully welcoming.
- Sundowner – Keep gorgeous holiday sunsets in your mind forever with a stunning orange shade that blends Ibiza vibes with mid-century cool.
All of our Chalk Wall Paint is ultra-scrubbable with an ISO11998 Class 1 Wet Scrub rating, so your jewel colours won’t fade when you want to keep them clean. All of the colours above are matched in our Trim Paint range, which has a soft sheen finish that’s perfect for doors, skirting boards or radiators as well as interior furniture.
High quality jewel paint for your next project
Whether you’re going all out with an emerald hallway or starting small with a ruby red side table, Frenchic can make it happen with a range of beautiful jewel paint colours for furniture, walls, woodwork and other surfaces.
All our chalk paint products are self-priming, low in VOCs and UKCA & EN71-3 certified, meaning they’re safe to use on children’s toys. So, you can enjoy every last minute as you make these wonderful shades the jewel in the crown of your home’s design.
