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Everyone knows that it takes to change a room’s color to change its mood, but not everyone knows how to do it right. By exploring what color goes with orange and what colors make orange feel vibrant and alive, homeowners would be able to use this vibrant color to bring personality to their home.
Despite the fact that getting things wrong won’t take more than simply repainting the room, most people end up choosing a safer option and neglect bold choices that would perhaps make their space amazing.
If they knew how to make orange pop, many people would draw on this color for its warmth and vibrancy.
What color goes with orange? Let’s dive into the subject
Orange is by far the biggest taboo in interior design.
Nevertheless, it remains one of the warmest and most personal colors that can impress everyone.
The orange color palette ranges from soft peaches to a deep tangerine orange color. It can be used to give a soft, warm color to a home, or to create an interesting feature wall.
Image source: Chris Snook
Have you ever wondered what colors make orange? Orange consists of red and yellow, ideally mixed in equal quantities. Therefore both yellow and red are colors that go with orange.
You are free to adjust the content from absolute red to bright tangerine and choose cute cherry or sunset nuances. Orange can be used in pastels or bold colors such as mango. Blue provides excellent contrasting colors.
Traditionally, orange has been used in rooms that lack energy, in order to stimulate activity and socialization. Orange colors can be used both as a muted background which would warm up the entire space, or an unexpected accent that would add interest.
Orange color schemes and how to use them
Image source: David Giral Photography
Orange is a combination of two primary colors, namely red and yellow.
It is exactly the power of these warm shades that attract the eye towards orange, but that’s not where the attractiveness of this color ends – the wide range of depths, shades, and tones make orange suitable for many of the counterparts used at home.
Orange combines the daring and flirty charm of red, and the sunny and cheerful side of yellow, and depending on how you’ve balanced the two, it can be just as jubilant and eccentric for contemporary interiors as it is quiet in traditional and formal ones.
Basically, you can tweak it enough to reach every mood the color wheel can produce. What it takes is a bit of general knowledge on how to match paint colors, in particular, to pick color compliments that go with orange.
What colors go with orange?
- Creamsicle + white + pale blue
- Golden and brownish-orange scenarios
- Orange and white
- A focal orange wall
- Aqua – orange pairings
- Rusty & retro scenarios
- Dark Chocolate with cayenne
- Mediterranean Riviera themes
- Hunters Orange with gray and weathered woodsy tones
- Orange in naturally toned and rustic living rooms
- Creamy orange and floral bouquets
- Orange with earthy tones and terracotta blue
- Apricot with white and black
- Sunny yellows for a positive mood
- Persimmon with light wood and blue
- Twin tones
- Burnt orange with warm white and turf green
- Hot fuchsia for a summer wedding theme
- Tangerine with ebony and cream
- Carrot orange with white and gray
- Peachy orange in pastel combos
- Orange in lively dining rooms
- Sunset orange with desert sand and brown tones
Now let’s look at them in detail.
Despite what you think, there are many colors that go with orange. Read our suggestions on how to match paint colors, and choose the best combination for your home.
Creamsicle + white + pale blue
Image source: Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs
Predominantly formal and neutral bedrooms can indeed benefit from the sweet sherbet tones and light-hearted cheer orange can provide.
Orange is, before anything else, a fruity shade that would look amazingly sweet on a bed-foot bench or throw pillows.
Ideally, you should take advantage of the light pigments that dominate this color and make it focal in the room.
When it comes to paint matching, you should use the colors that go with a light orange color because of similar light tones, including soft lilac and paint blue.
Golden and brownish-orange scenarios
Image source: Gary McBournie Inc.
If you want to make your orange interior richer, use more red than yellow. For an even better effect, think of welcoming colors that go well with orange, including shiny gold like this one and chocolate brown.
An orange and brown living room offers a fun 70s vibe while orange and red make warm and vibrant living spaces. is the shortest and easiest way to turn your place into a warm home.
Orange and white
Image source: Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group
Completely orange walls can be just as overwhelming as lime green ones or banana yellow. In order to avoid an annoyingly vibrant effect, push orange into a more neutral scenario, or complement it with white paint.
Believe it or not, these are paint colors that go together, and that can be easily seen on orange carpets softened with white details, or classy woodwork and cornicing applied on white walls.
Another great idea is to paint an orange accent wall, and place a plain white cabinet like these in front of it.
A focal orange wall
Image source: BRG Homes
You can use orange’s playful spirit to revive a neutral living room, even in cases where you’ve predominantly used black and gray hues. An orange and blue color palette will add interest to a gray or neutral room.
A focal orange wall will look stunning supporting your elegant fireplace or catchy artwork collection. You can create an orange wall with paint, or simply by buying a wallpaper like these.
Aqua – orange pairings
Image source: Decorum Home + Design
Despite the obvious, direct contrast, aqua blue provides a great answer to the question “What color goes well with orange?” A blue and orange color scheme uses contrasting colors to create a vibrant and attractive room.
Even turquoise can be used to create a funky, retro vibe in your living room, kitchen, or youthful guest bedroom.
Rusty & retro scenarios
Image source: Laura U, Inc.
Orange is the key asset for retro decorations. For a more ‘vintage look, combine orange with pale oak and grayish mauve, but if you dislike these colors, make the setting more rustic with Welsh cottage wall themes in pale tan, manila beige, or plain white, and use natural oak as the main wood stain.
Dark Chocolate with cayenne
Image source: B Fein Interiors LLC
We all know how good chocolate and hot spices work together in cuisine, but few would dare to replicate the same delicious concoction in interior décor. A burnt orange living room with spicy accents creates a warm gathering space for family and friends.
Reddish orange accents against brownish walls is one of the most attractive orange color combinations. Add the same powerful combination on small details such as drapery, upholstery, pillows, and carpets to complete the look
The ideal cool finish for such an ambiance is beige and creamy white.
Mediterranean Riviera themes
Fans of Mediterranean culture and cuisine will easily get inspired by an orange palette, adding modest doses of zesty chartreuse and cobalt blue to depict and visualize some of Southern France’s flavor. Orange and blue décor works perfectly in Mediterranean color schemes.
These combinations work perfectly even in modern kitchens, where stone-inspired and pastel yellow hues and dark walnut wood stain have already prepared a good background for your bold choices.
An accent orange, olive, or cobalt wall is not a bad idea either.
Hunters Orange with gray and weathered woodsy tones
Image source: ALL & NXTHING
Masculine rooms with weathered woodsy walls and clean-lined furniture certainly deserve a bold orange accent, which can spring up on your striped rugs, curtains, and linens. Enhance this atmosphere of flannel shirt coziness by displaying warm grey accessories.
Orange in naturally toned and rustic living rooms
Image source: Peabody’s Interiors
Orange can provide the desired subdued color output in naturally-toned and rustic living rooms, and reinforce the welcoming effect with floral rugs and deep carrot armchairs.
Creamy orange and floral bouquets
It is difficult to decide what color matches orange in a multi-toned room and still avoid an overwhelming and over-energized scenario.
Best practices show that dusty rose and orange shades play off each other, which is why we recommend you to pull together a bouquet of orange ranunculus, pink tulips, and orange/red roses. You could look at nature photography for other good color pairs.
Playful combinations of fabrics are always welcomed to revive the monochrome scheme of soft orange tones, in particular, creamy linens and taupe walls.
Orange with earthy tones and terracotta blue
Image source: MuseInteriors
Contrasting orange with blue is, as we discussed before, one of the easiest and most appealing complementary combinations which you could also use as your starter combo for Tuscan color scenarios.
Orange is traditionally affined with warm and earthy colors, but the real magic happens when you coordinate this scenario with royal blue tones, French blue, or cobalt.
For further variations of the earthy palette, replace orange with reddish or yellowish colors, including ochre, or burnt or raw sienna.
As for the walls, try to stick to creamy or beige, misty blue or soft terracotta. The ideal wood stain is rustic pine, oak, or any darker brown. This will complement your blue and orange room. To enhance this Mediterranean feel, add soft cotton blankets or woven baskets to your blue and orange bedrooms.
Apricot with white and black
Swathing apricot and black is the most cost-effective way to give your traditional living area a contemporary flair, but also a brave paint solution that requires attention.
Orange will naturally dominate this scenario, as creamy lampshades and wingback chairs, and black-and-white patterns on the pillows and the print rugs let bolder colors take over quite easily.
Sunny yellows for a positive mood
Image source: Schumacher Homes
Decorating with yellow and orange is a natural process since the later is completely dependent on the first. Put together, these colors spread a positive and welcoming vibe, which turns them into designers’ favorite pick for happy guest rooms.
Persimmon with light wood and blue
Image source: GR Home/Graciela Rutkowski Interiors
If your kitchen is white, you’re able to use literally every color as the accent edge.
If you’re on the hunt for something vivid and contemporary for your finishes and cabinets, however, you should look no further than persimmon islands complemented with azure bar stools. The warm orange tones will add vibrancy to your neutral space.
Twin tones
Image source: White Webb
Orange doesn’t always have to be the accent color in your room. Instead, you can use it alongside its parent-colors (yellows and reds), choosing nuances that are well coordinated.
For instance, a burnt red ceiling will be softened by mid-orange walls, while a yellow one could use a bolder accent wall reminiscent of the complimenting upholstery on your furniture.
Burnt orange with warm white and turf green
Ever wondered why orange-green themes are perfectly complemented with wooden furniture? Mix these two colors, and the product will be warm brown!
This inspired us to suggest a slightly more dominant dining room, where instead of letting plain white walls and brown furniture bore users, you can unify them with bold orange – green pops on decorative accents (for example, pumpkin orange shelving and grass green Roman shades).
An orange creative zone
Offices are among the rooms that could use a strong flow of creative juices, and orange can inspire creativity.
For instance, you can bring inside a sunny orange countertop, or secure even more energy with an oversized sofa in orange and gold.
Even a single burnt-orange décor item element will be enough to boost your inspiration.
Hot fuchsia for a summer wedding theme
There are several pinkish versions of orange that can make a summer wedding fabulous. For instance, we recommend you to use deep tones of it combined with leafy greens and pale, fuchsia pinks.
The softer and chalkier your pink backdrop is, the more striking orange tone you should use, or instead balance it with deep greens to attract even more attention. Pink and orange mixed with green will bring a luxurious feel to your day.
Choose dark hardwoods for the furniture, and chalky sage green or pale pink for the walls.
Tangerine with ebony and cream
Image source: Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants
Plain elegance may be a timeless choice for a sophisticated bedroom, but that shouldn’t restrict the creative souls out there from adding their personal touch to it.
They can still part from the dullness of their monochromatic bedrooms with bold and exotic patterns, such as a vivid orange wallpaper patterned with white flowers and branches.
Since there will be a single accent wall, the energizing spirit of orange will remain in the shadows, and priority will be given to creamy walls and black furniture and accessories.
Cool orange kitchens
Image source: Dyna Contracting
Orange settings come somehow natural in contemporary kitchens, usually set against silver kitchenware and gray appliances, and plain white furnishing. These are colors that go well with orange.
In the best scenario, the back areas and tilling will all be splashed in orange, and there will be few shelves or cabinet spotlights to redirect attention towards them.
In a picture such as this one, there is no room for accessories other than sunny orange ones.
Carrot orange with white and gray
Image source: Andrea Schumacher Interiors 40 ReviewsReview me
We bet you’ve seen at least one similar bedroom setting! Orange bedroom walls are popular, but if you’d prefer to use orange as an accent color, there are a range of great color combinations to choose from.
Orange, white, and gray are a hot trend in interior design, where the warm mixture of red and yellow is used to defocus viewers from the gray walls and white furniture, and applied on accent elements such as bedside tables, statement bed frames, or heirloom quilts.
Try different nuances of the color of orange until you’ve discovered the one you can use deliberately, without worrying how it would affect the overall scheme of your room.
Winter sunrises
Image source: Carstensen Homes
Another elegant combination you must give a thought to is orange and green.
Seafoam green colors duck egg tints look breathtaking next to soft apricot and reddish browns, which is how some popular designers like to describe the perfectly balanced living room.
The browner you decide to go, the more vivid the room will become, which makes this combination suitable for social areas as well. All it takes is to make the palette slightly warmer.
Cooling down the sunrise scenario can be executed by replacing greenish sea glass with saturated samples of aqua and tint. The backdrop should consequently be pale, somewhere between warm white and apricot. The perfect wood stain is antique mahogany.
Peachy orange in pastel combos
Peachy orange is one of the most frequently used wall backdrops around the world, which speaks in favor of its ability to integrate with multiple colors, tones, and accessories.
You can further apply it on quilts, floral patterns, fabrics, or artwork, in combination with pale blue that supports or strong red that contrasts the soothing effect of the walls.
This is hardly a rule – as long as you can link colors and patterns in cohesive harmony, you’ll be able to create a great color scheme. If you’re seeking further inspiration, create a Pinterest board ‘what colors match orange’ or ‘what colors go with peach walls’ and collect a range of pins until you find a combo you love.
Orange in lively dining rooms
Image source: AND Interior Design Studio
A dark, wood-based dining combo and buffet may be the elegant, mansion-style retreat you’ve always desired, but it won’t be thick enough without refreshing accessories.
Orange handles this task extremely well, in particular when pumpkin tones are displayed on walls reflected by a sunburst mirror that can echo their positive vibes across the room.
For increased reflections, add neutral glass accessories across the room. This way your burnt orange color palette will add vibrancy to your room.
Sunset orange with desert sand and brown tones
Image source: Andrea Braund Home Staging & Design
So, what color goes with orange walls? How about a room nook where you will welcome evenings embraced with sunset orange tones, red and dusty desert sands? Orange and yellow mixed together will create a vibrant and earthy space to enjoy when the sun goes down.
Golden orange is perfect for a relaxing area, in particular when you’ve used it to balance the spectrum of tones and to create a bridge between your brighter accessories and your brown furniture.
FAQ on colors that go with orange
What colors go well with orange?
Orange is a warm, energetic color that can pair beautifully with various hues. Some classic combinations include orange and gray, orange and white, or orange and blue. If you want to get a bit more adventurous, you can try pairing orange with green, purple, or even turquoise. Just make sure to choose complementary shades that create a balanced and harmonious look.
How can I use orange as an accent color?
Incorporating orange accents can bring a vibrant and lively touch to your space. You can add some orange throw pillows, artwork, or even a statement piece of furniture. Just remember to keep it balanced – you want the orange accents to enhance the room, not dominate it.
Is it okay to mix different shades of orange?
Absolutely! Mixing different shades of orange can create an interesting and dynamic look. You can experiment with soft pastels or more bold, bright shades. Just make sure the shades you choose work well together and don’t clash or compete with each other.
What are the best orange shades for a cozy atmosphere?
For a cozy atmosphere, opt for rich, deeper shades of orange, like burnt orange or terracotta. These colors evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, making a space feel more inviting. You can use these shades in your living room, bedroom, or any area where you want to create a warm, welcoming vibe.
How do I choose the right shade of orange for my space?
Selecting the right shade of orange depends on the mood you want to create and the existing colors in your space. Consider the size of the room, the amount of natural light, and the other colors present. Test out different shades by applying swatches to your walls and observing how they look in various lighting conditions. Trust your instincts and choose the shade that feels right for your space.
Can I use orange in a minimalist design?
Sure thing! Orange can be a great addition to minimalist designs, as long as you use it sparingly. Choose a more muted shade, like apricot or peach, and incorporate it in small doses – like a piece of artwork or a single piece of furniture. The key is to maintain the overall simplicity and clean lines of the minimalist aesthetic.
How do I balance orange with other colors in my room?
To balance orange with other colors in your room, focus on finding the right proportions. Make sure there’s a good mix of your main color (orange) and any complementary or contrasting colors. For instance, if you’re using orange as an accent, you could choose a 70-30 or 60-40 split between your main color and orange. This way, your space will feel harmonious and cohesive.
How can I use orange in a small space?
In a small space, use orange strategically. You can either use it as an accent color or paint one wall or area with orange to create a focal point. Lighter shades of orange can help make a small room feel more open and spacious, while darker oranges can add depth and coziness. Just be careful not to overwhelm the space with too much orange.
What are some popular orange paint finishes?
When painting with orange, you can choose from various paint finishes. Matte and eggshell finishes are popular for walls, as they provide a soft, muted look. Satin and semi-gloss finishes work well for trim and doors, adding a subtle sheen that brings a touch of sophistication. Ultimately, it’s all about personal preference and the specific look you’re trying to achieve.
Ending thoughts on colors that go with orange
Image source: Suk Design Group LLP
When choosing colors for your home, you’re not only deciding how your interior is going to look, but also how it is going to feel as well as reflect who you actually are.
For most people, nevertheless, room colors are still secondary, and they neglect how atmospheric they can be.
At the same time, colors are interpreted differently across different cultures and ethnic communities, and often related to age and gender.
Despite the fact that certain colors invoke the same reactions among different groups of people, slight changes in tones or shade can cause a completely opposite effect, which is why homeowners must decorate and paint wisely.
Orange is definitely the most controversial color on the wheel and is rarely the dominant shade that dictates the mood of a particular room.
Its role is rather complementary, as it appears on rugs, pillows, linens, and accent walls more often than it does on floors and ceilings. Orange is also an amazing detail color, ideal for chairs, lamps, or artwork.
But most of all, orange is a brave choice that combines the vividness of red and the positivity of yellow, and the mood it will invoke depends on your color combinations.
Milder orange shades are known to have a relaxing effect, while reddish, striking orange works better to create vibrancy in spaces that lack energy.
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