Quick Answers
Orange can be a bold, vibrant accent color that brings energy into a space. When working it into a living room design, focus on adding it thoughtfully in key furniture pieces, artwork, accessories, and textiles. Orange pairs beautifully with neutral tones like white, beige, gray, and brown. It also complements blues, greens, and other bright accent colors. Go for a burnt orange tone for a subtle look or vibrant orange hues for a bold style. Use orange sparingly and thoughtfully to liven up your living room in a stylish, cohesive way.
Choosing Your Shade of Orange
The specific orange tone you choose will dramatically affect the look and feel of your living room design. Here are some top shades to consider:
| Orange Tone | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Burnt Orange | Earthy, muted, and rustic. Pairs well with browns and tan colors. |
| Peach | Soft and feminine. Works nicely with grays, light blues and pinks. |
| Coral | Vibrant and tropical. Compliments greens, yellows, and teals. |
| Bright Orange | Bold, energetic and modern. Looks great with whites, charcoals, and chromes. |
Test out fabric swatches in your preferred orange tones next to your existing furniture and decor. See which shades look most cohesive or make the statement you want. A burnt orange will create a subtle, earthy look, while a bright orange makes more of an impact.
Add Orange Through Key Furniture Pieces
Use one or two main orange furniture pieces to anchor the color in your living room. This is an impactful way to add a pop of orange without going overboard. Consider the following ideas:
– Orange sofa or accent chair
– Orange leather ottoman or pouf
– Orange side tables or console table
– Orange cabinetry or bookcase
If orange furniture feels too bold, start with toss pillows in orange tones instead. You can always upgrade to a larger orange piece later on. When choosing your orange furniture, look for complementary wood tones and materials that tie into your overall decor. Aim for a natural, cohesive look.
Compliment with Orange Artwork and Wall Decor
Orange artwork and wall decor are easy ways to layer in this vibrant hue throughout your living room. Try out these stylish ideas:
– Abstract orange paintings or prints
– Orange photography or art in simple black frames
– Oversized orange wall clock
– Orange mirrors or wall hangings
– Orange floral or botanical art prints
Hang orange artwork above your main furniture pieces to create a coordinated look. For a subtle touch, use black and white artwork with pops of orange tones throughout. Frame prints and photos in black, white or wood frames to let the orange colors shine.
Add Pops of Orange in Accessories and Textiles
Accessories and textiles like throw pillows, blankets, vases and table decor offer low-commitment ways to incorporate orange. Start by adding orange here, then expand to larger furniture pieces. Orange accessory ideas include:
– Throw pillows or blankets in orange prints or solids
– Orange ceramic vases or decorative bowls
– Fresh flowers like orange tulips or lilies
– Stacked coffee table books with orange covers
– Scented orange candles or diffusers
– Orange trays, coasters or table runners
Mix different orange tones and patterns for visual interest. Pair solid orange pillows with printed blankets, or do alternating patterns on your accent chairs. Keep the overall color palette cohesive using oranges in the same family.
Use Neutral Tones and Woods to Anchor Orange
Orange pops best against clean, neutral backdrops like white, beige, gray and brown. Use these timeless neutral tones in your large furniture pieces, walls, floors and ceilings. Then layer in orange as accents for contrast. Cool grays balance out warm orange hues, while crisp whites make them shine.
Natural wood finishes also complement orange for a grounded, earthy look. Try medium woods like oak or walnut paired with burnt orange accents. Or go for light whitewashed woods with bright orange for modern contrast. Just take care not to overwhelm the space with too many competing tones. Keep the overall palette simple.
Consider Nearby Blues, Greens and Yellows
While orange delivers a bold accent, pairing it with colors that naturally complement it creates a more harmonious look. Try working in these colors adjacent to or overlapping your orange tones:
– Blues like navy, denim, and robin’s egg
– Greens like sage, olive, and seafoam
– Yellows like mustard, chamomile and lemon
For example, use navy blue accent chairs with burnt orange pillows. Or paint an olive green accent wall behind a bright orange sofa. Play with fun color combinations but keep the overall palette limited to 3-5 core hues.
Add Touches of Black and Metallic
For a bold, glamorous orange style, add in touches of black and metallic accents. Try these ideas:
– Black and white abstract art with orange hues
– Black end tables or console table
– Brass, gold or copper lamps or wall sconces
– Marble or brass coffee table
– Chrome and black modern floor lamp
– Gold, silver or pewter decor accessories
Juxtapose the matte black and glitzy metallics against soft orange tones on furniture and textiles. The contrast creates drama and visual interest for a contemporary gallery-like interior.
Use Orange Successfully in Small Doses
A little orange goes a long way in home interiors. Use it thoughtfully and strategically to create an energizing accent without going over-the-top. Some key tips:
– Stick to 1-3 main orange furniture or decor items as your focal points
– Choose lighter peach or coral tones for a delicate look vs bright hues
– Pair orange with plenty of neutral whites, grays, tans and wood tones
– Anchor orange accents with classic fabrics like denim and linen
– Add orange in small spaces like bathrooms, then build up to larger areas
Not ready for orange furniture? Start with removable accents like pillows, vases and art. You can easily tweak these if the orange becomes too bold down the road. Take it slow and trust your instincts as you add this captivating color.
Conclusion
Orange delivers major design impact when thoughtfully incorporated into a living room. Complementary furniture, strategic artwork placement, and accessories in burnt orange or coral tones create an inviting, energized space. Keep orange as an accent against quiet neutrals. Then amplify it with glossy black metallics and harmonious greens, blues or yellows. With a carefully edited palette and crisp, contemporary styling, orange elevates a living room in fresh, eye-catching ways.
