Orange is a bold, energetic color that has been rising in popularity as an accent color in interior design. When used correctly, orange can add a stylish, modern pop of color to any room. But is orange truly an effective and versatile accent color? There are several factors to consider when determining if orange is a good choice for an accent wall, accessories, or decorative accents.
The Psychology of Orange
Orange is often considered a fun, playful, and youthful color. It evokes feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth. Orange stimulates mental activity and social interaction. It’s associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics.
At the same time, orange is energetic to the point of being over-stimulating if overused. Too much orange can feel chaotic, loud, and abrasive. Orange draws a lot of visual attention and is best used in moderation.
This makes orange an ideal accent color. It provides a punch of visual excitement when used sparingly. Just a few vibrant orange accent pieces can brighten up an otherwise neutral room.
Complementary Color Schemes
A key factor in successfully using orange as an accent is choosing complementary base colors and textures. Monochromatic rooms feel boring, while pairing orange with too many other bright colors risks visual chaos.
Some examples of attractive color schemes featuring orange accents include:
- Orange with tranquil blues or greens
- Orange with natural tones like tan, sand, brown
- Orange with muted shades of purple, gray, beige
Orange pops beautifully against neutrals. The high contrast creates visual interest. Orange also harmonizes well with materials like wood, stone, wicker, and terracotta. A few key orange accessories stand out without overwhelming when set against these muted backdrops.
Types of Orange Accent Pieces
There are many ways to incorporate orange as an accent color. Creative placement of orange decorative details can make a bold statement. Consider using orange in one or more of these accent types:
| Accent Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Walls | Orange focal wall, orange geometric wallpaper, orange paneled accent wall |
| Furniture | Orange dining chairs, orange bar stools, orange desk chair |
| Decor | Orange throw pillows, orange vase, orange table centerpiece |
| Accessories | Orange lamp, orange rug, orange blankets |
| Artwork | Orange abstract painting, orange prints and photography |
Don’t be afraid to mix and match orange accents for a layered, collected look. Different shades of orange can provide depth and visual variety.
Shades of Orange
Orange has many shades ranging from soft peach to vivid blood orange. The shade of orange you choose impacts the overall look and feel:
- Soft peach and coral have a delicate, feminine vibe.
- Burnt orange has an earthy, rustic feel.
- Bright citrus orange is energetic and tropical.
- Blood orange makes a dramatic, bold statement.
In many cases, softer orange shades make the best accent colors. They have enough punch to stand out without feeling overwhelming. Deeper oranges can work well in smaller doses.
You can also layer different orange tones together. This helps create a nuanced, visually engaging accent wall or display. Just be sure to stick to 2-3 orange shades for a cohesive look.
Where to Use Orange Accent Colors
Certain rooms call for orange accents more than others. Orange works excellently to brighten up rooms that need energy. Consider using it in:
- Kitchens: Orange is an appetite-stimulating color perfect for kitchens. Orange bar stools, appliances, cafe curtains or an orange ceramic backsplash can give your cooking space a fun personality.
- Dining rooms: Incorporate orange through a vibrant glass pendant light over your dining table or orange textiles on dining chairs.
- Bathrooms: Orange bath mats, towels, shower curtains and floating shelves provide cheery pops of color to start your day.
- Home offices: Orange makes a perfect accent in a relaxing home office. Use it in an office chair, desk accessories, framed artwork or painted wall.
- Kid’s rooms: For children and teens, orange provokes creativity and focus. An orange wall pairs nicely with gender-neutral grays and tans.
- Entryways: Welcome guests with orange front door accents, a orange doormat or orange entryway mirror.
Orange should be used more sparingly in bedrooms, which call for softer, more relaxing color palettes. But touches of orange in lamps, art and decorative pillows can work here.
Tips for Using Orange Successfully
Follow these best practices when incorporating orange accent colors:
- Use orange sparingly – too much can feel overwhelming.
- Choose muted orange tones as easier to blend accent colors.
- Pair orange with neutrals and naturals for balance.
- Add orange in small decorative objects before painting walls.
- Select orange hues that complement your existing color scheme.
- Let orange be the only bold color – keep other accents neutral.
With a careful, restrained approach, orange makes a lively accent color. Use it to highlight focal points and add energetic pops of color.
Conclusion
Orange makes an excellent modern accent color when used judiciously. Its cheerful, lively personality instantly energizes a neutral space. While too much orange can feel loud, a few vibrant orange accents create just enough visual excitement.
Stick to softer orange tones like peach, coral and burnt orange as accents. Pair them with tranquil cool colors or earthy neutrals for balance. Use orange to inject color and creativity into kitchens, dining rooms, home offices, entryways and kids’ spaces. With an appropriate complementary color scheme and strategic placement of orange accessories, artwork and furniture, you can fashion a stylish, contemporary look with orange.
