Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely decorate with red and orange! These two bold, vibrant colors complement each other beautifully and can create a warm, inviting, and energetic vibe in any space when used together. Red and orange are both perfect for making a statement and adding visual interest to a room. Just be sure to use them in moderation and balance them out with other colors and neutrals so they don’t overwhelm.
Using Red and Orange Together
Red and orange are both warm, bold colors that evoke feelings of excitement, passion, and energy. When combined in home decor, they create a lively, vibrant look perfect for kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and more. Here are some tips for decorating with red and orange:
- Use them in moderation – A little goes a long way with these strong colors. Use them as accents against neutral backdrops.
- Balance with other colors – Pair red and orange with cool blues, greens, whites, blacks or grays to create balance.
- Consider tone – Matching tones creates cohesion. Go for burnt orange with brick red or bright orange with cherry red.
- Use patterns and textures – Solids, stripes, florals and other prints in these colors add visual interest.
- Mix in metallics – The warmth of red and orange pops against metallics like gold, silver and copper.
Red and Orange for Walls
Painting your walls red or orange can be tricky, but it makes a bold, dramatic statement when done right. Here are a few tips:
– Stick to accent walls or small spaces – A little goes a long way with these colors on walls.
– Pair with neutral walls – Surround bright red or orange walls with soft whites, grays, or tans for balance.
– Consider undertones – Warm oranges and brick reds feel cozy, while bright oranges and cherry reds are energizing.
– Add depth with colorblocking – Painting the bottom half of a wall a different shade adds dimension.
– Include trim – White or neutral trim helps ground bold walls.
– Limit patterns – Solids have the most impact for red and orange walls.
– Light it right – Ensure the space has plenty of natural light or use lots of lamps.
Decorating with Red
Known for its passion, excitement and energy, red makes a bold and vibrant accent color. Here are some ideas for effectively using red in home decor:
Kitchen
Incorporate a red backsplash, bar stools, appliances or accent walls. Red works well against white, black or wood cabinetry.
Living Room
Use red in moderation here – a red couch or chairs, pillows, rug, curtains or artwork. Balance it out with neutrals.
Bedroom
Try a vibrant red accent wall, bedding, pillows or bench at the foot of the bed. Pair with whites, grays and wood tones.
Bathroom
Make a statement with red towels, mats, curtains, cabinets, mirrors or wall art. Keep the walls light.
Dining Room
Red dining chairs, a chandelier or curtains add a pop of color. Black, white and wood table and cabinetry help balance it out.
Entryway
Paint your front door red or hang a red coat rack or art by the entry. Use red in moderation here.
Decorating with Orange
Warm, inviting and energetic, orange is a fun accent color for any room. Here are tips for incorporating orange into home decor:
Kitchen
Try an orange backsplash, barstools, small appliances or accent wall. Pair with whites, grays and natural wood.
Living Room
Use burnt orange pillows, blankets, rugs or curtains to warm up neutrals like gray. Paint an accent wall orange.
Bedroom
Orange bedding, headboard, bench or wall art adds cheerful pops of color. Keep other elements neutral.
Bathroom
Incorporate orange towels, mats, shower curtain, wall art or an accent wall. Use sparingly against white.
Dining Room
Orange curtains, chair cushions, centerpieces or an accent wall adds vibrancy. Balance with wood and black.
Entryway
An orange front door makes a vibrant statement. Bring in orange with a small coat rack, rug or art.
Red and Orange Color Combos
When pairing red and orange together, consider these color combinations for a coordinated look:
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Bright cherry red | Bright orange |
| Brick red | Burnt Orange |
| Burgundy red | Rust orange |
| Scarlet red | Coral orange |
| Crimson red | Terracotta orange |
| Oxblood red | Clay orange |
Matching the tones and shades will create a cohesive, pulled-together look. Be sure to balance them out with neutral colors as well.
Styles that Work with Red and Orange
Some decor styles perfectly complement and enhance red and orange accents. Here are a few styles where these colors shine:
Traditional
The rich, luxurious feel of traditional decor provides the perfect backdrop for bold reds and oranges. Use them sparingly in ornate rug designs, elegant chair upholstery or vibrant floral arrangements.
Rustic
Rustic wood elements combined with brick reds and burnt oranges create a cozy farmhouse feel. Use in plaid prints, wood accents and natural materials.
Eclectic
The mix-and-match nature of eclectic decorating welcomes vibrant pops of red and orange. Use them in bohemian prints, unique flea market finds and conversation-starting art.
Mid-Century Modern
Simple mid-century silhouettes get a bold enhancement from bright red and orange accents. Use in furniture, lamps, art and accessories against clean lines.
Industrial
The no-fuss look of industrial decor is the perfect way to let vibrant reds and oranges shine as accents. Contrast them with wood, black metals and concrete.
Tropical
Punchy red and orange prints and decor capture the exotic, festive spirit of tropical style. Use them in floral prints, rattan furniture and artisanal crafts.
How Much Red and Orange to Use
When decorating with powerful colors like red and orange, it’s important not to go overboard. Here are some general guidelines on how much to use in each room:
| Room | Recommended Amount of Red/Orange |
|---|---|
| Living Room | 10-15% of the room |
| Bedroom | 15-20% of the room |
| Kitchen | 15-25% of the room |
| Bathroom | 15-20% of the room |
| Dining Room | 15-25% of the room |
| Entryway | 10-15% of the room |
Remember, less is often more with bold shades like red and orange. Use them strategically as accents against soft neutrals to let them really pop.
Tips for Pulling Off Red and Orange
Decorating with vibrant red and orange may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some top tips:
- Choose the right tones – Matching shades like burnt orange and brick red work best.
- Use sparingly – Start with one or two accents and build up gradually.
- Balance with neutrals – Whites, grays, blacks and natural wood tones balance brightly colored accents.
- Repeat colors – Use both colors in different areas to create flow.
- Add metallic accents – Golds, coppers and silvers make red and orange pop.
- Layer on texture – Mixing matte, glossy, sheer and patterned textiles adds dimension.
- Consider undertones – Warm shades encourage relaxation, cool shades energize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about decorating with red and orange:
Is red and orange too bold together?
Red and orange are definitely bold, vibrant colors. But used strategically in moderation, they can work beautifully together to create an energetic, welcoming space. The key is balancing them out with neutral colors and textures.
What are some good accent colors with red and orange?
Some accent colors that work well with red and orange are metallic golds, blacks, grays, crisp whites and wood tones. Blue and green can also complement red and orange nicely when used carefully.
Can I use red and orange in a small space?
Yes, red and orange can work in small spaces like bathrooms, entryways and kitchens. Stick to one bold accent piece in a strong color against a neutral background. Too much red or orange can overwhelm a small area.
Should I paint my walls red or orange?
Painting full walls red or orange is very bold, so use caution. If doing an accent wall, choose a muted brick red or burnt orange over super bright shades. Surround with soft contrasting walls and neutral decor.
What are the best red and orange paint colors?
Some popular, versatile red and orange paint colors are Benjamin Moore Caliente AF-290, Sherwin-Williams Romantic AF-545, Behr Orange You Glad SC-OR-14 and Behr Rustic Red DQ-13.
Conclusion
Red and orange are vibrant, bold color choices that provide an instant energy boost and visual appeal to any space. When used together strategically in home decor, they can create a stylish, inviting look. Just be sure to use them in moderation as accents against neutral backdrops for balance. With the right tone combinations and decorative styles, you can easily decorate in red and orange for a warm, lively feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment with punches of these dynamic colors throughout your home!
