Gold is a versatile neutral color that can work with a wide range of colors. When pairing colors with gold, it’s important to consider the undertones and intensity of the gold as well as the other color. Generally, rich and warm colors complement gold best. Earth tones like brown, taupe, cream and beige are classic pairings. However, vivid gem tones like ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue also make striking combinations with gold. With so many options, what are the best color matches for gold? Here is an in-depth look at the top color pairings for gold and tips for coordinating gold successfully.
Warm Neutrals
Neutral colors are easy to match with gold and create a cohesive and sophisticated look. Gold has warm undertones, so warm-toned neutrals like cream, beige and camel paired with gold produce a harmonious effect. These softer neutrals allow the gold tones to shine. Lighter neutrals keep the look airy and bright while darker neutrals like tan and brown have a more grounded, earthy feel. Here are some top neutral shades that work beautifully with gold:
- Cream – A warm off-white that adds lightness.
- Beige – A gentle neutral that complements gold’s soft glow.
- Camel – Slightly deeper than beige, with brown undertones.
- Champagne – A pale golden neutral that mirrors gold’s brilliance.
- Mushroom – A warm mid-tone neutral with gray undertones.
- Mink – A rich brownish-gray that’s still neutral.
- Taupe – A cool gray-brown that balances gold’s warmth.
Warm neutrals provide an easy and natural looking match for gold. Keep the look elegant by selecting neutral tones that lean warm rather than cool. Pairing gold with stark white or icy gray has too much contrast and looks disjointed. Go for harmonious neutrals in the beige to brown color family. These earthy neutrals accentuate gold’s radiance in a subtle, peaceful way.
Rich Browns
For a more bold, intense look, rich brown hues pair strikingly with gold. While lighter tans and beiges gently complement gold, deep, dark browns provide more contrast and drama. Chocolate brown, espresso brown, cinnamon brown and deep mahogany browns make lavish partnerships with gold. These darker browns bring out the opulence and sophistication of gold.
Some specific shades of brown that make an impact with gold include:
- Chocolate Brown – A dark, reddish brown with red undertones.
- Coffee Brown – A very deep brown, like the richest coffee.
- Espresso Brown – An extremely dark, bold brown.
- Cinnamon Brown – A vivid reddish brown.
- Chestnut Brown – A brown with subtle red tones.
- Mahogany Brown – A reddish-brown reminiscent of the wood.
Browns with red, orange or yellow undertones work best with gold. Cool-toned browns like taupe lack vibrancy. Choosing rich browns with warm undertones creates strong visual harmony and elegance. Dark browns also make gold pop more, while very light browns can sometimes look washed-out beside gold’s bold gleam.
Black
For a look that’s dramatic, sleek and modern, black is a foolproof pairing with gold. The high contrast of glossy black against shining gold adds energy and edge. Black creates a bold backdrop that makes the gold stand out powerfully. This versatile combination works for everything from jewelry and accessories to home decor and furniture.
Black and gold evokes luxury and sophistication. It’s a classic color scheme for formal events and elegant style. The colors are both visually “heavy”, creating a grounded, upscale look and feel when combined. For example, a black dress with gold jewelry and accessories has a refined, almost regal aesthetic.
In fashion, pairing black with gold jewelry or accents is striking and chic. For interior design, black and gold makes a strong, opulent statement. Use this dramatic color scheme in small doses or the look can become overwhelming. A little black and gold goes a long way.
Ruby Red
For those who like vibrant color, ruby red is a lively pairing for gold. The mix of rich red with radiant gold is bold and energetic. Red has an exciting, passionate quality that enlivens the mood. It contrasts beautifully with gold’s mellow glow.
Specifically, look for red tones with a blue undertone, like ruby, magenta and raspberry. Orange-reds like vermilion and coral don’t pair as well, since their undertones clash with gold’s warmth. The best reds for gold have a jewel-toned, slightly cool quality.
A few specific shades of red that pop with gold include:
- Ruby Red – A blue-toned vivid red, like the gemstone.
- Raspberry Red – A red with subtle blue undertones.
- Cranberry Red – A rich, cool-toned reddish purple.
- Burgundy Red – A deep red wine color.
- Maroon Red – A moderately dark red with hints of brown.
When pairing red with gold, aim for medium to darker shades rather than pale reds, which can appear washed out next to gold’s boldness. Deeper reds hold their own and create harmony.
Red gold combinations are dynamic in fashion, jewelry and more. A red dress with gold earrings and bangles, red table linens with gold dishes or red and gold candles all make dazzling statements.
Emerald Green
For those who prefer cooler tones, emerald green is an elegant pairing for gold. The combination evokes natural beauty, renewal and luxury. Emerald green has a refreshing quality that contrasts nicely with gold’s warmth.
The key is choosing rich greens with blue undertones. Deep jewel-toned greens work best, rather than lighter or duller shades. Here are some top greens for coordinating with gold:
- Emerald Green – A vivid green like the emerald gemstone.
- Forest Green – A very deep, slightly muted green.
- Hunter Green – A bold green with just a hint of blue.
- Bottle Green – A very deep green with yellow undertones.
- Sea Green – A blue-green with touches of gray.
Gold and green evoke images of nature, renewal and prosperity. The palette feels fresh yet elegant. For instance, a forest green sofa with gold accent pillows has an inviting, classy feel. Emerald green tableware with gold trim appears refined and lively. Any rich green with blue undertones pairs gorgeously with radiant gold.
Sapphire Blue
Along with emerald green, sapphire blue is another cool tone that complements gold beautifully. Sapphire is a vivid blue gemstone shade that provides striking contrast against warm gold. The mix of cool blue and brilliant gold is colorful yet elegant.
When choosing a blue for gold, medium to dark jewel tones work best. Pale blues can look washed out beside gold. Instead, go for deep, intense blue hues like:
- Sapphire Blue – A bold blue reminiscent of the sapphire gem.
- Royal Blue – A very deep, moderately bright blue.
- Navy Blue – A rich dark blue just a shade lighter than black.
- Cobalt Blue – A half-way point between royal and navy blue.
Blue and gold combinations add boldness and drama in both fashion and decor. Navy blue walls with goldenrod trim pop dramatically. Gold chandelier earrings glitter against a cobalt blue dress. Vibrant blue tableware trimmed in gold feels luxurious.
Purple
Purple is another exciting color pairing for gold. Historically associated with royalty and ceremony, purple and gold evoke elegance and luxury. Deep jewel-toned purples complement gold’s warmth beautifully.
Some stunning shades of purple to pair with gold include:
- Amethyst – A jewel-toned purple with hints of red and blue.
- Eggplant – A very deep purple with blue undertones.
- Byzantium – A moderately light reddish purple.
- Wisteria – A medium purple with cool undertones.
Light pastel purples can look insubstantial and dull beside gold, so opt for richer tones. Combinations like amethyst and gold are eye-catching. Use purple and gold to add bold accent pieces, like throw pillows or jewelry.
Avoid Overwhelming Contrast
While gold loves bold, intense colors, too much contrast can be jarring. Stick to one or two vibrant colors and anchor them with neutral shades. For example, pair an emerald green sofa with cream walls and gold accents. Or wear a ruby red dress with nude heels and simple gold jewelry. Let the bold colors shine against a neutral backdrop.
Too many competing colors alongside gold can diminish the effect rather than complement it. Don’t overlook the power of creams, browns and other earthy neutrals to create balance. They allow the bolder colors and gold tones to pop.
Consider Undertones
Undertones are the subtle color mixes that make up a hue, like hints of blue, yellow, red and so on. Matching undertones creates harmony. Gold’s primary undertones are yellow and orange, which makes warm-toned colors most compatible. Cooler shades work with gold too but benefit from richer, darker tones rather than pastels to balance the undertones.
For example, pairing a vivid sapphire blue with gold looks regal, but an icy powder blue clashes. Soft mauve purple complements gold nicely, but cool lilac looks mismatched. Pay attention to undertones when combining colors with gold for most pleasing results.
Use Gold as a Neutral
Don’t be afraid to use gold itself as a neutral. While it has a bold presence, gold can also work as a versatile background color for accents in other vivid shades. For example, serve chocolate cake on a gold plate. The gold acts as an elegant neutral backdrop that lets the chocolate brown tones shine.
Gold furniture can anchor a room while patterned throw pillows provide pops of color. Gold’s natural radiance enhances other hues beautifully. Allow gold metal finishes or fabric to serve as a neutral foundation for bolder colors.
Add Metallic Accents
For a quick touch of gold, add metallic accessories in gold tones. Jewelry, shoes, handbags and home decor accents in shimmering gold automagically enhance any color scheme. Gold trim on dinnerware, picture frames and furniture provides subtle sophistication.
A little metallic gold goes a long way in elevating neutral colors. For example, spice up an all-white outfit with a gold belt or stilettos. Even a simple gold candlestick or vase makes neutrals like cream and beige feel special. Don’t overlook metallic accents as an easy way to inject gold’s elegance.
Use Different Shades of Gold
Gold ranges from bright shiny yellow gold to deeper antique gold. Mixing up shades of gold can provide depth and visual interest. For example, pair a slate blue dress with antique gold heels and bold yellow gold jewelry for layered elegance. Or decorate with dark walnut wood furniture, creamy upholstery and throw pillows in metallic gold, old gold and champagne gold.
Varying gold shades adds subtlety while still letting the gold tones enhance other colors. Not every gold piece needs to match exactly. Blending warm and cool gold tones creates nuance.
Add Pops of Unexpected Color
While gold loves traditional pairings with other warm tones, adding an unexpected pop of color can create excitement. For example, mix ruby red and emerald green with gold for a playful holiday combination. A cool pastel purple sofa makes an interesting contrast beside golden yellow walls.
Gold has endless possibilities to integrate color. Don’t be afraid to get creative with fun combinations like orange and gold or pink and gold. Pops of color liven up neutrals and add youthful energy to any gold palette.
Use Gold as a Bridge Between Colors
With its neutral glow, gold can act as a bridge between colors that don’t inherently match. For example, pair purple and green which have contrasting undertones with gold accents for a cohesive effect. The gold harmonizes the colors in an eclectic way.
Gold candlesticks and napkin rings bring together contrasting blue and orange table linens. A gold picture frame makes a random mix of colorful art feel right. Gold has a magical way of blending disparate colors that might otherwise feel disconnected.
Trust Your Taste
Trends come and go, but certain color pairings have remained timeless and tasteful over the years. Trust traditional gold combinations like black, brown, red and emerald green for enduring style. However, don’t overlook trending options like rose gold with blush pink or champagne gold with pastels and neutrals.
Most importantly, choose colors you’re naturally drawn to. Gold’s stunning patina acts like a chameleon that adapts to all kinds of color schemes and styles. Follow your instincts and let creativity guide you to make the most of gold’s leading lady status.
Conclusion
Gold’s elegance plays well with a vast range of colors from warm neutrals to vivid jewel tones. Combining complementary undertones is key, as is balancing gold’s brightness with darker, richer hues. Trust timeless pairings like black, brown, red and emerald, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Gold accents add a touch of glamour to any color scheme, so have fun with this versatile neutral that pairs beautifully with nearly every shade. Let gold enhance your style with colors that express your unique taste and personality.
