Choosing a color for your orange walls can be tricky. The existing bold orange color means you’ll need to select accompanying colors carefully to create a cohesive look. There are a few key factors to consider when picking a color for an orange wall:
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are those located directly across from each other on the color wheel, like orange and blue. When placed together, they create a vibrant, energetic vibe. Blue is a versatile complement to orange walls, as it comes in so many shades like navy, royal blue, sky blue, and aqua. The right blue can lend a modern, luxurious, or calming feel.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony through tone rather than contrast. For orange walls, earthy analogous colors like terra cotta, peach, yellow, or ochre work well. Consider using these for accent walls or furnishings. Just avoid going too matchy-matchy.
Monochromatic Colors
Using different shades, tints, and tones of orange on the walls and furnishings creates a bold, dramatic look. For variation, use darker rust or clay tones on accent walls. Large doses of orange can feel energetic, so use creams, grays, and other neutrals to balance it out.
Metallic Accents
Metallic finishes like gold, copper, or bronze pair excellently with orange and add glamour. Try metallic throw pillows, lamps, wall art, or furniture. Brass hardware is another option for introducing metallic sparkle. Just make sure not to overdo the metallic accents or the look can become gaudy.
Cool Neutrals
Neutrals help ground and soften the bright orange walls. Cool grays, taupes, and beiges work better than warm creams or browns, which can feel too matchy. Use neutral tones in your soft furnishings, window treatments, and larger furniture pieces for an elegant vibe. Add warmth with wood accents.
Green Hues
Green and orange are striking complements. Mossy, olive, or sage greens contrast beautifully with orange walls, whether used on the trim or furnishings. Dark hunter greens also pair well for a bold, dramatic flair. Avoid going too bright with lime greens, which can look garish next to orange.
Purple Accents
Purple makes a gorgeous accent color with orange. Try deep plums, eggplants, or mulberry on furnishings like couches, armchairs, pillows, and area rugs. Light lavenders can work too, depending on your overall vision. Just stick to softer purples rather thanbright magentas.
Key Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to help guide your color selection for orange walls:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal taste | Choose colors you’re naturally drawn to and that fit your personality. Trends come and go. |
| Lighting | Test samples at different times of day. Lighting affects how colors appear. |
| Existing furniture | Make sure new colors complement existing furnishings you want to keep. |
| Architecture | Consider your home’s architectural style and select colors that enhance its features. |
Best Color Combinations
Here are some recommended color combinations that look great with orange walls:
Orange and Blue
Vibrant orange pops against cool or muted blues like navy, cobalt, or aqua. Grey-blues like slate also complement without being overpowering.
Orange and Green
Earthy sage greens, olive tones, and mossy shades make a sophisticated pairing with orange walls. Avoid bright greens.
Orange and Purple
Deep plums, eggplants, and mulberry purple offset orange beautifully. Soft lavenders can also work well.
Orange and Metallic
Coppery, bronze, and brass metallic accents give orange walls glamour and sophistication. A little goes a long way though.
Orange and Neutral
Beiges, taupes, greys, and whites soften bright orange. Use neutral tones on larger furniture pieces and soft furnishings.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
Here are some fresh design ideas to inspire you:
Scandinavian Minimalism
Scandinavian style pairs orange with clean white walls and wood accents for a minimalist vibe. Use orange as an accent on one wall and keep furnishings simple.
Boho Chic
In boho spaces, orange walls can anchor colorful tapestries, woven rugs, and printed pillows. Use a neutral like beige on remaining walls. Macrame wall hangings and indoor plants complete the look.
Mid-century Modern
For a retro flair, orange walls with blonde wood furniture, metallic accents, and sleek lines evoke mid-century style. Navy blue complements nicely here.
Modern Glam
Go for ultra-luxurious with orange walls contrasted by dark woods, black accents, and plush velvet furnishings. Metallic accessories like silver, gold, or bronze add glitz.
Mediterranean
Orange walls feel right at home in Mediterranean spaces with terra cotta tile floors, wrought iron details, and neutral furnishings. Try eggplant and sage green accents.
Contemporary
Contemporary rooms can use orange as a bold modern accent. Keep walls, moldings, and furnishings in grays and taupes for chic contrast.
Testing Color Samples
When ready to choose your orange wall’s companion color, test out samples so you can visualize the interplay. Paint large swatches of your top color choices next to the orange wall and view at different times of day before deciding. Move them around to different walls as well. Many paint companies offer free sample sizes. Compare both matte and glossy finishes too.
Paint Techniques to Highlight Orange Walls
Use special paint techniques to make your orange walls really stand out:
Two-Tone Walls
Paint the top and bottom halves of walls in different hues of orange for a fun effect.
Bold Trim
Compliment orange walls with contrasting color on the trim, like navy, white, or charcoal.
Textured Accent Wall
Add interest with lightly textured wallpaper, shimmery paint, or Venetian plaster only on the orange accent wall.
Herringbone Pattern
Paint a herringbone pattern over orange walls in a contrasting color for dimensional style.
Conclusion
Orange makes a bold, cheerful wall color that energizes any room. While the possibilities are endless, colors like blues, greens, purples, metallics, and earthy neutrals tend to create the most pleasing, harmonious look. Consider the existing architecture, lighting, furnishings, and your overall decor vision when selecting a complementary color. Use special techniques like textured or two-tone walls to make your orange paint pop even more. With some careful planning, you can create a stylish, cohesive look that showcases your orange walls in the best possible light.
