Choosing the right color for an accent wall can completely transform the look and feel of a room. An accent wall in a vibrant, eye-catching hue draws attention and livens up the space. Orange is a bold, energetic shade that makes a dramatic statement when used on a focal wall. But is orange the right accent wall color for your home? Here’s what you need to know about using orange paint on an accent wall and whether it’s a good choice.
The Psychology of the Color Orange
Before deciding if orange is a good accent wall color, it helps to understand the psychology behind this vibrant hue. Orange is associated with happiness, joy, enthusiasm, and warmth. It’s energetic and uplifting. Orange evokes feelings of excitement and adventure. It’s playful, youthful and casual. The color orange stimulates creative thinking and conversation. It encourages social interaction and connection.
In interior design, orange is often described as a “social” color. Its vibrant energy tends to bring people together. Orange also promotes appetite, which is why it’s popular in dining rooms and kitchens. Overall, the color orange creates an upbeat, friendly, laidback atmosphere.
The Different Shades of Orange Paint
If you’re considering using orange as an accent wall color, you’ll find there are many different shades and tints to choose from. Brighter, saturated oranges like tangerine and blood orange pack the most visual punch. Softer peachy-oranges like peach, apricot, melon, and cantaloupe have a warmer, more subtle effect. There are also retro-inspired oranges like terra-cotta, papaya, and pumpkin. The shade of orange you choose will impact the overall look and feel.
Deeper oranges with a brownish undertone like rust, cinnamon, and clay have an earthier feel. Pale muted oranges can provide a nice pop of color without being overpowering. Burnt orange, coral, and salmon work well in traditional or country-style decor. Brighter ginger, marmalade, and persimmon oranges create a contemporary vibe. Select an orange shade that fits your decorating style, whether it’s eclectic, rustic, Scandinavian minimalist or midcentury modern.
Where to Use Orange Accent Walls
An orange accent wall can add energy and personality to many different rooms. Here are some of the best places to use orange:
- Kitchen – Orange is a popular accent wall color for kitchens because it stimulates the appetite and creates a fun, casual vibe. Try a burnt orange, terra cotta or peach wall behind a breakfast nook.
- Dining room – Energize a formal dining space by painting one wall in a vibrant orange. The color will encourage conversation and connection around the table.
- Bathroom – Make a small powder room feel bolder with an orange accent wall. It will give the space a “wow factor” and add spa-like warmth.
- Bedroom – Use orange in a relaxing bedroom to energize and uplift your mood. Try apricot or melon behind the bed or headboard.
- Kid’s room – Orange walls encourage creativity and fun. For a playroom or nursery choose bright tangerine or pumpkin orange.
- Home office – Paint an orange accent wall in your home office to stimulate productivity and creative flow while working.
- Living room – Add personality to a neutral living room with an accent wall in burnt orange, terra cotta or clay.
- Entryway – Greet guests with cheery color in an orange entryway. Try persimmon or papaya behind a console table.
In general, the more public high-traffic areas of your home that can benefit from energizing color are well-suited for orange accent walls.
Design Tips for Orange Accent Walls
If you decide to paint an orange accent wall, follow these tips to make the color work best:
- Choose the brightest orange for north-facing rooms that need energizing.
- In a small dark room, orange can feel overwhelming. Go for a lighter peach or coral instead.
- Pair orange with neutrals like white, tan, grey or wood tones to prevent it from feeling too loud.
- Add orange artwork, pillows and accessories to tie an orange wall into the overall space.
- Orange pops against blue, green, brown and yellow. Use complementary accent colors.
- Warm metals like copper, brass and bronze work well with orange walls.
- Offset an orange wall with plenty of natural light. Dark shadowy spaces might look garish.
- Use multiple coats of paint for best coverage and vibrancy.
- Consider adding white trim or wainscoting to ground the orange color.
With the right shade choice and decor, an orange accent wall can be striking, cheerful addition to a room without going overboard.
Which Rooms Should Avoid Orange Walls?
While orange accent walls can work in many rooms, there are some spaces that may not be well-suited for this bold, energetic color.
- Library or home office – Orange can feel overly stimulating for a quiet focused workspace meant for reading and concentration.
- Small windowless rooms – Without ample natural light, orange walls might make a tight dark space feel closed in and claustrophobic.
- South-facing rooms – Spaces that get intense direct sunlight don’t need extra warming from orange walls, which could become overwhelming.
- Bedrooms – For adults, bright orange walls could disrupt sleep. Opt for softer apricot or peach instead.
- Bathrooms – Orange walls may compete with colorful tilework or appear dated next to pink or green fixtures.
In general, rooms meant for quiet relaxation are not the best candidates for bright, energetic orange. Muted oranges like peach can work, but limit bold shades to active social spaces.
How Does Orange Look with Other Colors?
If using orange as an accent wall color, it’s important to consider how it pairs with other hues in the space. Here is an overview of how orange interplays with different color scheme options:
- Orange and blue – This classic complementary color pairing offers high contrast. The energy of orange balances nicely with the calm of blue.
- Orange and green – Also complementary colors, rich green and vivid orange complement each other beautifully.
- Orange and brown – Earthy sophisticated brown grounds bright orange in a natural, warm color combination.
- Orange and yellow – These fun summery colors create an upbeat playful pairing full of sunshine.
- Orange and grey – Cool calming grey nicely offsets a vibrant orange without dampening its impact.
- Orange and white – Crisp clean white highlights and emphasizes the richness of orange.
In most cases, orange looks best paired with a neutral like white, grey or brown to prevent overwhelming the eyes. But complementing orange with shades like blue, green or yellow can create very attractive, lively color combinations.
Pros of Using Orange as an Accent Wall Color
Painting one wall orange in your home offers many exciting benefits. Here are the top pros of using orange as an accent wall color:
- Makes a bold, dramatic statement
- Provides a cheerful, uplifting mood boost
- Encourages creativity and conversation
- Feels friendly, inviting and accessible
- Stimulates appetite in dining spaces
- Creates a fun, casual environment
- Adds playful personality and warmth
- Catches the eye and draws attention
- Livens up neutral rooms and palettes
- Gives small dark rooms brighter vibrancy
A single orange accent wall can entirely transform the look and feel of a room. It’s an easy way to add a colorful focal point full of energetic charm.
Cons of Using Orange as an Accent Wall Color
However, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind when using orange as an accent color:
- Can feel overwhelming without enough neutral context
- Bright orange may prevent relaxation in bedrooms
- Not ideal for subtle, sophisticated formal spaces
- Dark shadowy rooms won’t showcase orange well
- Too much orange can appear juvenille or cheap
- Difficult to match with existing furnishings
- May seem dated if not on-trend shade like burnt orange
Orange has to be used strategically for it to feel energetic but not overwhelming. Grounding it in neutrals and natural light is key. Orange also doesn’t work in every style of home or room. But with caution, its downsides can be avoided.
How to Make Orange Accent Walls Work
If you want to use orange as an focal wall color but are unsure how to pull it off, these tips can ensure success:
- Test orange paint swatches at different times of day when lighting changes.
- Purchase fabric swatches like pillows or throws in potential orange tones.
- Decorate the opposing walls with art, mirrors or greenery to balance the orange.
- Hang lightweight sheer curtains to diffuse bright orange in a sunny space.
- Choose muted dusty oranges for a more subtle look.
- Incorporate orange artwork, flowers or decor accessories for a pulled together look.
- Add wooden furniture and finishes to warm up cool oranges.
- Use multiple orange shades in one space for visual interest.
- Paint orange only on the top or bottom half of a wall to minimize it.
There are many creative ways to thoughtfully implement orange accent walls that look polished, purposeful and integrated. Take your time testing out shades and decor pairings.
Best Orange Paint Colors
From bright and bold to muted and retro, there are many trendy orange paint options perfect for accent walls. Here are some of the best orange wall colors to consider:
| Paint Color Name | Shade Description |
|---|---|
| Tiger’s Eye | Saturated vibrant reddish-orange |
| Persimmon Orange | Bright glossy orange-red |
| Firecracker | Bold true red-based orange |
| Tangerine | Zesty vivid orange with yellow undertone |
| Pumpkin | Rich slightly muted orange |
| Carrot Cake | Dark muted orange with brown undertones |
| Cantaloupe | Soft peachy orange |
| Papaya | Intense tropical fruit orange color |
| Terra Cotta | Earthy burnt reddish orange |
| Coral Reef | Orange-pink with warm peach tones |
Popular paint brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer many dynamic orange paint hues perfect for accent walls in any style of decor.
Should You Choose Matte, Satin or Glossy Orange Paint?
When selecting orange accent wall paint, the finish you choose can impact the overall look and feel in the space. Here is an overview of how orange paint works in different sheens:
- Matte orange – This flat finish minimizes flaws and glare. Matte orange walls have a soft muted effect.
- Satin orange – With slight sheen, satin offers a balance of vibrancy and subtlety. This is a popular choice.
- Semi-gloss orange – The mid-level gloss gives walls a sleek, polished look. It enhances vibrancy.
- Glossy orange – A very reflective gloss finish makes orange appear bold and dramatic. Use gloss strategically.
- Eggshell orange – This delicate sheen is more durable than flat finishes. It gives a soft warmth.
In most cases, satin and eggshell finishes work best for orange accent walls. Glossy can feel too bold and matte washes vibrancy. Consider the mood you want to achieve.
Conclusion
Orange makes a lively, cheerful accent wall color that completely transforms a space. But it needs thoughtful implementation to prevent feeling overwhelming. Use muted oranges like peach in dark or small rooms. Pair bright orange walls with plenty of contrasting neutrals and natural light. In the right setting, orange accent walls create a warm, energizing focal point full of personality and flair.
