Gold is a versatile neutral color that can pair beautifully with a wide range of bright, vibrant hues. When selecting a colorful accent shade to complement gold, there are a few key factors to consider:
Undertones
Gold jewelry, accessories and decor span a spectrum from warm yellow golds to cooler rose golds. Identifying undertones is important, as pairing colors with complementary undertones creates a more cohesive and harmonious look. Warm gold metals and accents look best with other warm shades like bold oranges, rich yellows, fiery reds and sunny greens. Cooler rose gold and champagne gold work well with cooler accent colors like emerald, sapphire blue, orchid purple and cherry red.
Saturation
The depth and richness of gold’s tone is also a key consideration when selecting an accompanying bright color. Soft champagne gold looks beautiful with slightly desaturated or muted companion colors like blush pink, sea foam green, sky blue and buttery yellow. More saturated gold tones can handle equally saturated, vivid accessory colors like jewel tones, neon brights and primary colors.
Context
Thinking about the setting and usage for the color pairing is also important. For example, pairings for fashion versus home decor may call for different bright color choices. Traditional or formal settings may lean towards more expected combinations, while modern or casual contexts open up more daring bright color pairings.
With these factors in mind, here are some of the best bright color options to pair with gold tones:
Bright Colors for Warm Gold Tones
Warm gold tones look beautiful with other rich, fiery colors that pick up on the yellow, orange and red undertones.
Orange
Vibrant orange is a perfect accent color for yellow gold. It brings warmth and energy while also providing enough contrast. Try a bold orange necklace against a gold chain, orange vase filler in a gold planter, or orange throw pillows on a gold velvet sofa. Soft peach-orange is also a lovely, slightly muted pairing.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Vibrant Orange | #FF5B00 |
| Peach Orange | #FFCC99 |
Yellow
Yellow has obvious harmony with yellow gold tones. Mustard yellow, amber and goldenrod offer more muted pairings, while bright lemon and buttercup yellow make vibrant accents. Use sheer yellow drapes over gold hardware, arrange yellow tulips in a gold vase, or wear a bold yellow cocktail ring with gold jewelry.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Mustard Yellow | #FFDB58 |
| Buttercup Yellow | #FFCE31 |
Red
The vibrant but warm shade of red is timeless with gold. Ruby, crimson and cherry reds look posh and elegant against rich gold tones. Scarlet and fire engine reds add drama and excitement. Add red blankets to a gold accent chair, display red candles in gold candlesticks, or wear red statement earrings with gold.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Scarlet | #FF2400 |
| Cherry Red | #CE2029 |
Green
Lush green paired with gold evokes growth, life and luxury. Forest green, jade, emerald and malachite complement gold’s richness. Apple green, chartreuse and lime add vibrant pops of color. Display green potted plants on gold shelves, use green glass vases with gold bases, or wear an emerald cocktail ring with gold bands.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Jade Green | #00A86B |
| Chartreuse | #DFFF00 |
Bright Colors for Cooler Rose Gold Tones
Rose gold and pinkish champagne gold tones pair best with cooler, bolder brights that pick up on the red, purple and blue undertones.
Raspberry
Raspberry red adds a touch of cool, vibrant color next to rose gold. Pair a raspberry handbag with rose gold jewelry, display rose gold vases with red raspberry flowers, or add raspberry pillows to a rose gold accent chair. Burgundy is also a sophisticated combination.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Raspberry | #E30B5C |
| Burgundy | #6F1D1B |
Purple
Vibrant jewel tones like amethyst, violet and magenta complement the cool undertones of rose gold. Lavender, lilac and orchid offer lighter, softer pairings. Accent a rose gold mirror with purple candles, display purple flowers in rose gold planters, or wear an amethyst cocktail ring with rose gold bands.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Amethyst | #9B5FC0 |
| Lilac | #CEA2FD |
Blue
From navy to sky blue, rich shades of blue beautifully contrast rose gold’s warmth with cool elegance. Royal blue, sapphire, cobalt and teal work well. Light blue and powder blue offer a softened pairing. Add blue throw pillows to a rose gold sofa, display blue florals in rose gold vases, or wear sapphire earrings with rose gold.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Royal Blue | #0504AA |
| Powder Blue | #B2DFEE |
Pink
Vivid hot pink, fuchsia and neon pink make bold, lively partners for rose gold. Softer petal pink, blush and baby pink create elegant, feminine pairings. Add pink shoes and handbag with rose gold jewelry, display pink blooms in rose gold planters, or wear a pink cocktail ring with rose gold bands.
| Color | Hex Code |
| Hot Pink | #FF028D |
| Blush Pink | #FE848C |
Best Bright Accent Pieces and Ideas
Here are some stylish ways to incorporate pops of vibrant color with gold tones:
Jewelry
Statement rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets in bold bright colors immediately grab attention against sophisticated gold jewelry. Search for pieces with gemstones or enamels in your chosen accent shade.
Handbags
From small crossbody clutches to large totes, handbags make a fashionable bright accessory. Look for structured satchels or slouchy hobo bags with your chosen color in leather, suede or nylon.
Shoes
Add bright color through footwear like pumps, flats, sandals or sneakers in textures like patent, metallic, velvet or snake print leather. Shoes perfectly balance bright colors with neutral gold jewelry and accessories.
Scarves
Lightweight scarves in silk, chiffon or cashmere are an easy way to incorporate color. Drape around your neck over gold jewelry or tie onto handbags.
Home Accents
Pillows, throws, candles, vases, flowers, glassware and trays come in infinite bright color options to mix and match with gold accented furniture, lighting and decor.
Wall Art
Paintings, prints, photographs, tapestries and wall sculptures in colorful palettes enliven a gold accented space. Bold abstracts and geometrics work especially well.
Beauty Accessories
Hair clips, headbands, barrettes, makeup bags and cosmetic cases let you accent your personal care items and beauty routine.
Conclusion
Gold’s luxurious elegance is easily complemented by a wide range of bright, vivid accessory colors. Choosing colors with harmonious undertones that work with the exact gold tone creates the most cohesive overall aesthetic. Vibrant warm shades pair best with yellow gold, while cool brights accent rose gold beautifully. With endless possibilities across jewelry, fashion, home decor and beauty accessories, the perfect bright color pairing allows gold to truly shine.
