Discover colours that go well with orange

Orange has a myriad of colour companions, ready to infuse your space with a lively ambience.

From neutrals and greens to reds and deep browns that evoke the cosy essence of autumn – in colour psychology, orange is the colour of optimism, confidence, enthusiasm, and warmth. It thrives on contrasts and looks amazing against lively purples and blues, its complementary colour on the colour wheel. These colours have the highest level of difference between their two hues, creating a striking look that you just can’t ignore.

Amid its vivaciousness, a touch of serenity awaits… to mellow its vivid nature, consider blending orange with the purity of white. With so many tones to work with, we’re going to unveil how to make a pop of orange work in your colour scheme. From harmonious combinations to furniture and bed inspiration – we’ll help you choose a palette and design your beautifully vibrant orange retreat.

1. Orange and lovely autumn tones

Autumn is a season of rich and earthy hues that create a rich and inviting atmosphere.

Orange pairs fabulously with colours like cream, olive green, and deep browns. The warmth of orange melds seamlessly with the comfort of creams, olive green’s freshness, deep browns’ grounding depth, and natural wood tones. This combination will connect you to nature and design a rustic, snug environment you’ll love relaxing in. It’s the perfect palette for living areas and bedrooms.

Explore wooden bed frames to inspire you…

2. Orange and rich purple

Orange and purple may seem like an unexpected pair, but their contrasting nature results in an exciting and bold composition.

Orange and purple are two distinct hues positioned at opposing ends of the colour wheel. Orange is classified as a warm colour, whereas purple is a cool colour. Yet, this combination works remarkably well in spaces where you want to evoke energy and creativity, such as home offices or creative studios. To strike the right balance, try using orange as an accent colour against a purple backdrop or vice versa.

3. Blue and orange

For a more refined and sophisticated look, consider combining orange with its complementary colour on the colour wheel… blue.

The warmth of orange finds a compatible partner in the calming coolness of blue tones such as navy. Imagine a space alive with orange accents and soothing navy… isn’t it wonderful! Together, the colours create a serene yet invigorating mood that works well in areas where relaxation and creativity coexist.

Shop the look: Blue bed frames

4. Contemporary neutrals and orange

Neutrals are timeless… the go-to hues of interior design.

Adding a burst of orange against a neutral palette can inject energy into your space. Think classic neutrals like grey, beige, or white to create that contemporary and chic look we all know and love. The neutral backdrop provides a blank canvas for the lively presence of orange to stand out. Play around with neutral walls and bold furniture to create the look.

Credit: @heathhome

5. Green and orange

Together, green and orange form a dynamic and refreshing pairing.

The natural vibrancy of orange resonates with the vitality of green – they are complementary colours on the colour wheel. With this duo, you can design an environment that feels invigorating and rejuvenating.

This palette works wonders for creating an electric style that revels in the art of combining diverse patterns, textures, and colours. It also seamlessly embodies a botanical or bohemian vibe, as these interior design concepts thrive on vibrant and nature-inspired elements. Think tropical foliage, textiles, and décor pieces from the natural world.

Credit: @lisatickley_studio

6. Orange and pretty pink

From bright fuchsia giving Barbiecore to vintage dusty rose – have fun pairing orange with pink.

Pink and orange are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel, so they work together in inherent harmony. When combined, they strike a balance between warm and cool tones. The warmth of orange is offset by the cooler undertones of pink, balancing each other out and ensuring that neither dominates the space.

Softer variations of this combination, such as blush and coral, design a romantic and feminine look, working wonderfully in master bedrooms and cosy nooks. Meanwhile, vibrant shades of hot pink and tangerine dreams radiate playfulness. Experiment with this fun palette in kids’ rooms and creative spaces.

Building an orange colour scheme

It’s all about selecting complementary colours and balanced tones.

Here are a few things to consider…

• Choose your base shade – this will be the focal point of your palette. Whether you want a bright, vibrant scheme or a softer, more muted look, the choice is yours.
• Explore complementary colours – these hues are opposite to orange on the colour wheel, such as shades of blue and green.
• Consider analogous colours – these are colours adjacent to orange on the colour wheel, such as shades of red and yellow.
• Experiment with accents – select accent colours that add depth and balance to your scheme. Neutrals like grey, beige, and white can help ground the vibrant energy of orange.
• Balance warmth and coolness – pairing warm orange with cool colours like blues or greens can help prevent the space from feeling overwhelmingly warm.
• Consider the 60-30-10 rule – this means allocating 60% of your space to the dominant colour (perhaps orange?), 30% to a secondary colour (complementary or analogous), and 10% to accent colours (neutrals or other complementary tones). Maths and interior design – the combination we never knew we needed.
• Experiment with pattern and texture – beyond the walls, add textiles, décor, and furniture to inject tactile elements to the colour.

With a little experimentation and planning, you’ll soon find the style you want to convey in your space.