What Color Goes Well with Orange? Exploring the Best Color Combinations

Introduction

Orange is one of the most vibrant colors in the spectrum. It’s cheerful, energetic, and often associated with warmth and optimism. But when it comes to decorating with orange, it can be difficult to know which colors to pair with it. In this article, we’ll explore what colors go well with orange so you can create an eye-catching design scheme.

Exploring the Best Color Combinations with Orange

When choosing colors to pair with orange, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some of the best color combinations to consider.

Complementary Colors

One of the easiest ways to match colors is to use complementary colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, blue and orange are complementary colors, as are purple and yellow. According to a study by the University of Maryland, complementary colors “create a dynamic look because they are so contrasting.”

Monochromatic Colors

If you want to keep your design scheme more subtle, you can also opt for a monochromatic palette. Monochromatic colors are shades of the same hue. For instance, if you choose orange as your main color, you could add tints of lighter oranges and shades of darker oranges. This gives your design scheme a cohesive look and feel.

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are adjacent colors on the color wheel. These colors tend to blend together seamlessly, so they’re great for creating a harmonious look. When it comes to orange, you can pair it with yellow-oranges, yellow, and yellows-greens. You can also add tints and shades of these colors to give your design scheme more depth.

Creating a Color Palette with Orange as the Focal Point

Once you’ve chosen a few colors to pair with orange, it’s time to create a color palette. Here are two key elements to consider when creating a color palette with orange as the focal point.

Choosing Accent Colors

Accent colors are bolder, brighter colors that will draw attention to certain areas. To create an eye-catching design scheme, you should choose one or two accent colors to pair with orange. For example, you could choose a bright pink or teal to contrast with the orange. Or, you could opt for a muted gray or navy blue for a more subtle effect.

Selecting Neutral Colors

Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray provide a perfect backdrop for more vibrant colors. To make your design scheme look more balanced, you should incorporate some neutral colors into your palette. For instance, you could paint the walls white or cream and add pops of color with furniture and accessories.

How to Pick Colors that Look Good with Orange

When it comes to picking colors that look good with orange, it’s important to understand color theory. Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other. Here are two key concepts to keep in mind when choosing colors for your design scheme.

Understanding Color Theory

Color theory can help you create a visually appealing design scheme. One of the most important concepts to understand is the color wheel. The color wheel is made up of three primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), three secondary colors (orange, green, and purple), and six tertiary colors (yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green, and yellow-green). By understanding the relationships between these colors, you can create a harmonious design scheme.

Applying Color Schemes

Once you understand the basics of color theory, you can start applying color schemes. A color scheme is a combination of two or more colors that work together to create a unified look. Some common color schemes include monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic. By using a color scheme, you can create a consistent design that looks professional and polished.

Designing a Room with Orange Accents

Using orange as an accent color can add energy and vibrancy to any room. Here are two tips for designing a room with orange accents.

Choosing the Right Furniture

When adding orange accents to a room, it’s important to choose furniture that complements the color. For instance, you could choose an orange sofa or armchair to make a statement. Or, you could opt for a neutral sofa and add an orange throw blanket or pillows for a pop of color. Whichever option you choose, make sure the furniture fits the scale and style of the room.

Adding Wall Decorations

Wall decorations are a great way to add color and texture to a room. You could hang a painting with orange accents or add a wall decal with an orange pattern. Or, you could opt for a gallery wall filled with photos and artwork in various shades of orange. Whatever you choose, make sure the decorations fit the overall style of the room.

Tips for Mixing and Matching Colors with Orange

Mixing and matching colors can be tricky, but there are a few tips you can follow to ensure your design scheme looks cohesive. Here are two tips for mixing and matching colors with orange.

Varying Intensity

When mixing and matching colors, it’s important to vary the intensity of the colors. For instance, you could pair a bright orange with a muted yellow or a deep orange with a light pink. This will create a visually appealing design that’s not too overwhelming.

Contrasting Textures

Texture is another important element to consider when mixing and matching colors. To create a balanced design, try pairing different textures with the same color. For instance, you could pair a velvet pillow with a silky curtain in the same shade of orange. This will create a textured look that adds visual interest to the space.

Conclusion

When it comes to decorating with orange, it’s important to choose colors that complement it. Consider pairing orange with complementary, monochromatic, analogous, or accent colors. You can also use color theory to create a balanced design scheme and vary the intensity and texture of the colors. With the right color combinations, you can create a beautiful room design with orange accents.