When decorating a room, choosing furniture and accessories in complementary colors can create a stylish and inviting space. Two colors that often work well together are orange and blue. But do orange and blue furniture actually go together? Let’s take a closer look at how these lively hues can be combined in home decor.
The Color Wheel
On the color wheel, orange and blue are considered complementary colors. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary color pairs create high contrast when placed side-by-side, allowing each shade to stand out boldly. The vibrant pop of orange energizes a space, while cool blue has a relaxing effect. Using complementary colors together creates visual interest and vibrancy.
Balancing Warm and Cool Tones
Orange is a warm, vibrant hue that evokes sunshine and citrus fruits. Blue is cool and soothing, bringing to mind serene skies and calm waters. When used together in a room, orange and blue balance each other out. The warmth of orange prevents an all-blue scheme from feeling too icy and stark. Likewise, blue’s cooling properties keep orange from becoming too overwhelming. This balance of warm and cool tones creates a pleasant, harmonious environment.
Creative Contrast
Placing orange and blue next to each other makes both hues “pop” thanks to their contrast. The eye is naturally drawn to these complementary colors when they are in close proximity. Using orange and blue together – whether on furniture, throw pillows, artwork or accessories – creates bold visual interest in a room. The vibrant contrast makes the two colors really stand out.
Tips for Combining Orange and Blue
Here are some tips for elegantly blending orange and blue furniture and decor:
– Use one color as an accent. Select blue or orange as your dominant shade, and use the other color sparingly on pillows, artwork or decorative objects to provide contrast.
– Layer different tones. Mixing light and dark values of orange and blue prevents the pairing from feeling overwhelming. For example, pair navy blue with burnt orange.
– Add neutrals. Cream, gray and wood tones are calming neutrals that allow the orange and blue to shine. They also add depth.
– Repeat the colors. Use orange and blue in the same room a few times to create a cohesive, pulled-together aesthetic.
– Use pattern. Solids in both colors paired with blue and white stripes or an orange floral print, for example, adds visual interest.
Orange and Blue Color Schemes
There are a few specific color schemes that expertly combine shades of orange and blue. Here are some of the most popular options:
Blue and Burnt Orange
This pairing has an almost autumnal feel. Deep burnt orange has a subtle earthiness that works well with all shades of blue. Use dark navy blue with rich burnt orange for dramatic contrast, or soft sky blue with rusty orange for a more soothing look.
Blue and Terracotta
Terracotta is an earthy reddish-orange that partners beautifully with light and medium blues. The terra cotta adds warmth and natural texture when combined with serene blues like powder blue, duck egg blue or periwinkle.
Blue and Peach
For a fresher take, try pairing cool blues with peach. Peach provides the same warm energy as orange, but in a softer, more subtle way. Light peachy tones look gorgeous with sky blue, icy blue or even vibrant electric blue.
Blue and Coral
Vibrant coral orange is playful and energetic when paired with blue hues. Opt for a bright azure or bold cobalt paired with a true coral shade for maximum contrast.
| Color Scheme | Example Color Combinations |
|---|---|
| Blue and Burnt Orange | Navy Blue + Burnt Orange |
| Blue and Terracotta | Powder Blue + Terracotta |
| Blue and Peach | Sky Blue + Peach |
| Blue and Coral | Cobalt Blue + Coral |
Rooms Showcasing Orange and Blue
Let’s explore some specific rooms where orange and blue furniture and decor create stylish, welcoming spaces:
Living Room
In living rooms, orange and blue make for an inviting, energetic color scheme. Navy blue sofas pop against burnt orange throw pillows. Sky blue accent chairs complement wood furniture and terracotta vases of fresh flowers. Paint one wall blue and hang orange abstract art for bold contrast.
Bedroom
Orange and blue create a comforting, peaceful bedroom retreat. Use turquoise blue on the walls as a soothing backdrop, and layer in peach and coral bedding and curtains for a punch of color. Add navy blue and burnt orange pillows to tie the whole scheme together.
Dining Room
Make mealtimes lively in an orange and blue dining space. Set a navy blue tablecloth, then layer on burnt orange placemats and napkins. Arrange blue and white ceramic pieces as centerpieces, and display coral orange glassware in a cabinet. Paint the walls a soft peach for a refined but cheerful look.
Kids’ Room
Orange and blue is a fun, vibrant combo for a kids’ or teen’s bedroom. Paint the walls blue, then add orange bedding, storage bins and desk accessories. An patterned area rug in both colors can tie the whole room together. Use one color for furniture and the other for decorations.
Home Office
In a home office, orange and blue create an inspiring yet focused environment. Pair navy blue bookshelves or filing cabinets with walls in a burnt orange hue. Choose a blue desk and orange desk chair, or vice versa. Add decor like blue and orange art, vases and organizers.
| Room | Example Color Combinations |
|---|---|
| Living Room | Navy Blue Sofa + Burnt Orange Pillows |
| Bedroom | Turquoise Walls + Peach and Coral Bedding |
| Dining Room | Navy Tablecloth + Coral Glassware |
| Kids’ Room | Blue Walls + Orange Desk Accessories |
| Home Office | Burnt Orange Walls + Navy Blue Bookshelves |
Complementary Color Palettes
There are endless possibilities when pairing shades of orange and blue. Here are just a few stunning complementary color palettes to inspire you:
| Orange Hue | Blue Hue |
|---|---|
| Peach | Periwinkle |
| Coral | Cerulean |
| Pumpkin | Denim |
| Rust | Steel Blue |
| Burnt Orange | Navy |
| Amber | Robin’s Egg |
Mixing and matching different orange and blue hues allows you to create a color scheme that’s uniquely your own.
Furniture in Orange and Blue
For furniture pieces themselves, look for sofas, chairs, ottomans and tables in shades of blue, then add contrast with orange upholstery, pillows and throws. Some specific furniture finds to inspire you:
– Navy blue velvet sofa with burnt orange and navy throw pillows
– Mid-century teal blue armchair with a terracotta ceramic garden stool side table
– Glossy orange lacquer desk paired with a navy blue office chair
– A vibrant coral bench or storage ottoman at the foot of a cool grey-blue upholstered bed
– An abstract blue and orange area rug layered under peach and navy accent chairs
– An electric blue sofa dressed up with rusty amber throw pillows
Don’t be afraid to mix and match orange and blue furniture pieces to create an eclectic look. Distressed wood, black metal and marble accents also complement the two colors beautifully.
Wall Colors
When it comes to walls, select a soft blue or orange hue as your base. For blue walls, consider a pale robin’s egg blue, icy sky blue or muted denim blue. For orange walls, go for a warm peach, clay or terra cotta tone. Then use the opposite color sparingly on furniture or decor. Blue walls pop when paired with orange artwork, mirrors and throw pillows. Orange walls come alive with additions of blue vases, curtains and area rugs.
| Wall Color | Complementary Furniture/Decor Colors |
|---|---|
| Robin’s Egg Blue | Peach, Coral |
| Sky Blue | Burnt Orange, Rust |
| Peach | Navy, Cobalt Blue |
| Terracotta | Periwinkle, Denim Blue |
Tips for Success
When combining orange and blue home furnishings and decor, keep these tips in mind:
– Add texture with wood, rattan, linen and velvet to soften the bold colors.
– Layer in metallics like brass, gold and silver to add warmth and sheen.
– Mix in black and white for sharp contrast; either color pops against black and white.
– Add plenty of lighting to highlight the gorgeous colors at night. Overhead, accent and natural lighting are all key.
– Use art, pillows, vases and other accessories in orange, blue or both to pull the whole room together.
– Start small with orange and blue if you’re unsure. Pillows, a single chair or a piece of wall art are low commitment ways to test the colors.
– Pay attention to undertones. A burnt orange and navy blue, for example, will feel richer than a peach and sky blue combination.
Conclusion
Orange and blue can pair beautifully in home decor when used strategically. Complementary colors provide contrast and visual interest when combined, and orange and blue have a particularly vibrant, playful feel. From wall colors to furniture to accessories, orange and blue work in harmony in both traditional and modern spaces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hues and tones to find a combination you love. The key is maintaining balance, using accent colors judiciously, and layering in plenty of neutrals and textures so the bold oranges and blues can take center stage. With the proper attention to color theory and aesthetics, orange and blue furniture and decor can live together in any stylish, welcoming home.
