Choosing a wall color to go with orange walls can be tricky. Orange is a bold, energetic color that makes a statement. You’ll want to select colors that complement the orange walls without clashing or overwhelming the space. The right color pairings can make the orange walls pop while creating a cohesive, pulled-together look.
When matching colors with orange walls, you’ll need to consider the undertones of the orange. Orange can lean warm or cool. Warm orange walls tend to have more yellow or gold undertones while cool orange walls skew towards red or pink undertones. The undertones will impact which colors pair best with the orange.
You’ll also need to think about the mood you want to create in the space. Orange is often associated with creativity, excitement, and enthusiasm. Color pairings can enhance these lively qualities or tone them down as needed. Lighter, brighter colors tend to amp up the energy while darker, muted colors have a more calming effect.
Colors That Go With Warm Orange
If your orange walls have golden or yellow undertones, you’ll want to stick with warm color schemes. Here are some of the best color matches for warm orange walls:
Beige or Tan
Beige and tan are versatile neutrals that work with most warm colors. They’ll provide a subtle, earthy contrast to golden orange walls. Different shades can create a relaxing oasis or bright, sunny space. Lighter beiges and tans keep things airy and casual while deeper shades have a cozier, more grounded feel.
Yellow
Matching different shades of yellow with warm orange walls gives you a cheerful, summery vibe. Lemon and buttery yellows have a fresh, uplifting effect. Mustard or golden yellows have more warmth and depth. Use yellow sparingly as too much can feel overwhelming. Pale yellows work nicely for ceilings, trims and accent walls.
Terracotta
For a southwestern or Mediterranean look, pair warm orange with rich terracotta colors. Deep terracotta oranges, reds and pinks align perfectly with golden orange walls. Variations in tone and saturation prevent it from feeling monotonous. Terracotta tiles, textiles and furnishings balance out the walls nicely.
Sage Green
Earthy sage greens complement golden orange walls in rustic or boho spaces. The natural green tones interact beautifully with the warm orange, creating a relaxed, organic look. Use sage on accent walls, furniture, rugs and accessories to tie the colors together. Dusty blue-greens work similarly to forge an inviting, nature-inspired palette.
Colors That Go With Cool Orange
If your orange walls skew towards red-orange or coral, you’ll want to use cooler, more saturated color pairings. Here are some top choices for coordinating with cooler orange walls:
Royal Blue
Vibrant royal blues make an energetic, dramatic match for coral or pink-orange walls. The bold contrast jazzes up modern spaces. Use multiple shades of rich blue for accents and decor. Lighter sky blues can provide a subtle punch of color as well. Turquoise and teal work similarly to cool down orange.
Slate Gray
For a sophisticated, refined look, balance out red-orange walls with charcoal, slate and heather grays. The muted, hazy tones keep things relaxed against vibrant orange. Use gray on feature walls, furnishings, flooring and decor touches. Silvery grays also pair elegantly for a glam effect.
Purple
Red-violet and plum purple shades bring out the red undertones in orange in a bold, significant way. The color combination is associated with creativity and magic. Use purple in accents like pillows, art and floral arrangements. Soft lilacs can provide a more understated complement as well.
Sea Green
Peacock, jade and seafoam greens interact gorgeously with coral and red-orange walls. The mix of warm and cool tones is both harmonious and energizing. Gray-greens work similarly to forge a refined palette. Use fresh greens in decor, tiles, trims and textiles to link the palette.
Neutral Colors For Orange Walls
Sometimes neutrals are the way to go if you want the orange walls to take center stage. Clean and simple off-whites, grays, browns and blacks keep the focus on the vibrant orange color. Here are some top neutral shades for orange walls:
Cream
Cream has a soft, delicate effect that prevents orange from feeling too bold or harsh. Use an off-white cream on the ceiling and trim or larger surfaces like an accent wall or furniture. Avoid bright whites, which can feel stark.
Light Gray
Pale grays help ground orange walls nicely without dulling the impact. Use on accent walls, furniture, flooring and decor pieces like throw pillows. Silvery grays work well with cooler orange tones while greige grays pair better with warm orange.
Charcoal
For dramatic contrast, charcoal grey makes an eye-catching match with orange walls. Use charcoal judiciously on accents so it doesn’t overwhelm. Dark grey furnishings and flooring also balance the orange beautifully.
Chocolate Brown
Rich chocolate browns complement orange walls in cozy living spaces. Use a milk chocolate on the trim and doors and a darker chocolate on furnishings and accents. Avoid orange-browns, which won’t provide enough contrast.
Black
For modern contemporary spaces, basic black is a bold, graphic complement to orange walls. Use black metals, furnishings and decor touches to play up the punchy palette. Limit black to keep the look from feeling too stark and chilly.
Tones to Avoid with Orange Walls
Some colors can clash, overwhelm or appear dated with orange walls. It’s best to avoid:
– Bright red – Too visually jarring with orange
– Bubblegum pink – Clashes with both warm and cool oranges
– Lime green – Overpowers and competes with orange
– Pure white – Can look harsh and sterile with vibrant orange
– Overly muted grays or tans – Will make orange appear dull and faded
– Brown-orange – Insufficient contrast with orange walls
Using Accent Colors with Orange Walls
Accent walls, trims, furnishings and decor touches are great ways to pull in coordinating colors with orange walls:
– Paint ceiling, doors and baseboards in a cream or light gray
– Use a charcoal or navy on an accent wall
– upholster furniture in complementary hues like yellow, green or purple
– Add pillows, throws, rugs and art in coordinating colors
– Use tiles, fixtures, hardware and mirrors in metallic neutrals like bronze, silver, pewter
– Incorporate plants, flowers and ceramics in harmonious tones
Creating Color Schemes for Orange Walls
Some examples of attractive, balanced color schemes for orange walls include:
Warm orange, cream, tan and light yellow – Fresh and cheerful
Golden orange, terracotta, sage green and sand – Warm and earthy
Red orange, charcoal, plum and pale gray- Bold and elegant Coral orange, turquoise, white and natural wood – Relaxed and casual
Burnt orange, sea green, black and cream – Vibrant yet soothing
Use Caution with Dark or Bright Orange
Very dark or neon bright orange walls can be tricky to decorate around. Deep oranges can feel oppressive while fluorescent orange risks looking dated. If using a bold orange, keep wall paint semi-gloss to reflect more light. Use neutral furnishings and lots of windows. Add bright, light accent colors like white, yellow or mint green in doses.
Conclusion
Orange walls make a bold, energizing statement. Choose coordinating colors carefully to enhance the orange in pleasing, harmonious ways. Warm oranges pair best with other fiery tones like yellow, terracotta and sage green. Cool oranges sing with contrasting blues, grays, purples and greens. Neutrals like cream, light gray and black provide a soothing, refined backdrop. Avoid matching orange with brown-orange, red and bright white for best results. With the right accent colors and balance, orange walls can look fresh, contemporary and inviting.
