Burnt orange is a bold, autumnal accent wall color that can really make a statement in any room. When working with such a strong hue, it’s important to choose complementary colors that will enhance the burnt orange rather than clash with it. The right color pairings will create a cohesive, inviting look. In this article, we’ll explore the best colors to use with a burnt orange accent wall in various rooms throughout the home.
Warm Neutrals
Pairing burnt orange with warm neutral tones is a foolproof way to create a coordinated, welcoming look. Soft beiges, taupes, creams, and tans make an excellent backdrop for a burnt orange focal point. The neutral walls recede while allowing the orange to take center stage. Here are some specific warm neutrals that work beautifully with burnt orange:
– Beige – A light beige with yellow undertones is a perfect match for burnt orange. The two colors are from the same color family, so they naturally complement each other. Try Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash or Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige.
– Greige – This on-trend blend of gray and beige is a sophisticated partner for burnt orange. Greige provides just enough contrast without overpowering the orange. Go for Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray.
– Taupe – From pale taupe to deeper mushroom tones, this versatile neutral looks right at home with burnt orange. Consider Benjamin Moore Kelp or Sherwin-Williams Camelback.
– Cream – A rich cream with a hint of yellow brings out burnt orange’s warm qualities. Benjamin Moore Cream Froth and Sherwin-Williams Crisp Linen are great options.
– Tan – For a cozy, earthy feel, pair burnt orange with natural tan shades. Try Benjamin Moore Sable or Sherwin-Williams Rye Bread.
Gray
Although cool tones are not an obvious choice, gray can actually complement burnt orange beautifully. The right shades provide an unexpected sophisticated look. Stick to muted, warm-leaning grays rather than stark whites or cool blues. Here are some gray shades that work well:
– Greige – As mentioned above, this gray-beige hybrid strikes an ideal balance with burnt orange.
– Dove Gray – A very light dove gray reads as a neutral backdrop that lets the orange pop. Think Benjamin Moore Pale Oak or Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray.
– Heather Gray – Slightly deeper than dove gray, heather gray offers a bit more contrast. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is a popular heather gray paint color.
– Warm Gray – With subtle yellow undertones, this gray takes on an earthy feel next to burnt orange. Try Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray or Sherwin-Williams Gray Matters.
– Charcoal Gray – In small doses, a soft charcoal gray can be a sophisticated accent with burnt orange. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is a great dark gray.
Yellow
Yellow is an obvious color match for burnt orange, seeing as the two share a vibrant, sunny vibe. But not just any yellow will do. Steer clear of lemony brights and opt for mellower, earthy yellow tones. Here are some flattering options:
– Mustard – Ranging from pale to deep, mustard yellow is a perfect partner for burnt orange. It’s brighter than neutral beige but not as intense as pure yellow. Try Benjamin Moore Mustard Seed.
– Gold – From shimmering metallics to organic golden hues, any shade of gold looks right at home with burnt orange. Benjamin Moore Golden Straw is one great option.
– Ochre – An olive-yellow derived from mineral ochre clay, this antiqued yellow hue complements burnt orange beautifully. Benjamin Moore Carriage Door works well.
– Buttermilk – With its warm creamy hue, buttermilk yellow reads as a neutral but packs more personality than plain beige. Sherwin-Williams Buttercup is a good buttermilk shade.
Green
Analogous colors like green and orange always pair nicely together by virtue of their close relationship on the color wheel. When pairing green with burnt orange, focus on spicy, earthy greens rather than primary greens. Try these sophisticated greens:
– Olive Green – From deep hunter greens to softer sages, olive greens complement burnt orange perfectly. Benjamin Moore Odysseus is a great olive paint color.
– Avocado Green – With natural yellow-green tones, avocado green adds vibrance without overwhelming burnt orange. Try Sherwin-Williams Guacamole.
– Moss Green – Deep and woodsy, moss greens provide an earthy complement to burnt orange’s autumnal flair. Benjamin Moore Laurel Green is a good moss shade.
– Chartreuse – More yellow than primary green, soft chartreuse mixes beautifully with burnt orange. Benjamin Moore Lime Light is a versatile chartreuse.
Blue
At first glance blue and orange seem to clash, but the right shades of blue can actually work quite nicely as an unexpected accent. Steer clear of primary blues and bright turquoises. Instead, consider these more subtle blue options:
– Teal – With green undertones, teal reads more as a neutral compared to brighter blues. Benjamin Moore Teal Topaz is one muted teal paint color.
– Periwinkle – Pretty and soft, periwinkle mixes well with burnt orange when used sparingly. Try Benjamin Moore First Light.
– Denim Blue – Echoing the blue jeans hue, denim blues complement burnt orange when used minimally. Sherwin-Williams Naval is one option.
– Royal Blue – Though not an obvious choice, a deep dusty royal blue can provide a nice pop of contrast. Try Benjamin Moore Tarpaper.
Purple
Purple sits opposite orange on the color wheel, making it a potentially bold contrast. But dusty plums, mauves and lilacs actually pair beautifully with burnt orange. Here are some ideas:
– Plum – Deep dusty plums offer a sense of sophistication with burnt orange. Benjamin Moore Blackberry is one rich plum paint color.
– Mauve – Soft muted mauves complement burnt orange in an unexpected way. Try Benjamin Moore Pink Sands or Sherwin-Williams Lilac Dust.
– Eggplant – Deeper than plum, eggplant purples contrast burnt orange nicely when used sparingly. Benjamin Moore Eggplant is a good deep purple.
– Lilac – Pale tones like Benjamin Moore Horizon provide an airy accent alongside burnt orange.
Red
You can’t go wrong pairing burnt orange with other shades in the red family. Try out these cozy complements:
– Terracotta – Similar to burnt orange, these clay-based reds make a seamless match. Benjamin Moore Terracotta is one option.
– Brick Red – A universally flattering red, brick tones contrast just enough without overwhelming burnt orange. Sherwin-Williams Royal Ruby is a good one.
– Cranberry – Deep reddish purples like cranberry contrast burnt orange nicely. Try Benjamin Moore Red Mahogany.
– Rust – As fellow autumnal colors, rusty reds and burnt orange were made for each other. Benjamin Moore Rust Red is a good match.
Pastels
Contrary to popular belief, burnt orange can work beautifully with soft pastels when paired correctly. The pastels keep the burnt orange feeling fresh rather than overwhelming a space. Consider these pastel pairings:
– Lavender – A muted pastel lavender like Benjamin Moore Wisteria Frills provides the perfect accent pop.
– Mint – Benjamin Moore Mint Condition is one fresh minty pastel green that complements burnt orange.
– Blush – Soft rose golds like Benjamin Moore Pearl Blush add a dose of subtle femininity.
– Buttercream – Sherwin-Williams Buttercream pastel yellow lightens up burnt orange nicely.
Paint vs. Fabric Combinations
Now that we’ve covered paint colors, let’s discuss how burnt orange looks when paired with different fabrics around the home.
| Fabric | Pairing Rationale |
| White | Clean, bright white makes burnt orange pop as an accent shade. White bedding or an upholstered chair provide a neutral foundation. |
| Ivory | Softer than white, ivory also allows burnt orange to take the spotlight. Try ivory linen curtains. |
| Cream | From pale sand to richer caramels, cream shades complement burnt orange walls or pillows. |
| Khaki | Earthy khaki and burnt orange are rustic complements. Khaki slipcovers or throw pillows work nicely. |
| Chambray | The workwear fabric echoes denim’s blue which works with burnt orange as mentioned previously. |
| Plaid | Classic plaid blankets infuse additional warmth when paired with burnt orange accents. |
Rooms in the Home
Now let’s explore how to effectively use burnt orange as an accent wall or decor touch throughout the home.
Living Room
In the living room, burnt orange makes a dramatic focal point. To keep the look cohesive, stick with warm-toned wooden furniture and neutral upholstery. Echo burnt orange with rustic clay vases and pillows. Try pairing it with:
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter walls
– Cream linen sofa
– Greige patterned armchair
– Rustic wood coffee table
– Olive throw pillows
Bedroom
In the restful bedroom, burnt orange can feel energizing but not overwhelming. Pair it with calming neutrals like creamy white bedding and soft gray walls. Natural light wood nightstands also complement burnt orange nicely.
– Benjamin Moore Pale Oak walls
– White bedding
– Wood nightstands
– Burnt orange lumbar pillow
– Benjamin Moore Rust Red bedside lamp
Kitchen
The heart of the home is perfectly warmed up with burnt orange accents. For a light and airy vibe, pair it with bright whites and pale woods. For extra vibrance, bring in deep teals or olive appliances and decor. Consider:
– Benjamin Moore Simply White cabinets
– Marble countertops
– Benjamin Moore Burnt Orange pendant lights
– Teal decorative bowls
– Wrought iron hardware and fixtures
Bathroom
In the bathroom, burnt orange can ignite before you’ve had your coffee in the morning. Keep the look uplifting with crisp whites and calming grays for balance. Introduce burnt orange through towels, tiles or wall decor.
– Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray walls
– White wainscoting
– Marble shower tiles
– Benjamin Moore Burnt Orange towels
– Round wall mirror
Dining Room
Make the dining room extra inviting by complementing burnt orange with more autumnal colors like olive greens, muted teals and warm grays. Rustic elements like wood chairs and natural fiber placemats reinforce the earthy color story.
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl walls
– Burnt orange accent wall
– Wood dining chairs
– Woven jute rug
– Olive napkins
– Sherwin-Williams Naval blue table runner
Home Office
In a home office, burnt orange can help fuel creativity and concentration. Pair it with professional grays and tailored furniture lines to prevent distraction. Crisp white trim prevents the space from feeling too heavy.
– Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray walls
– Burnt orange accent wall
– White built-in bookshelves
– Metal desk and desk accessories
– Moss green desk chair
Kids’ Room
Finally, burnt orange is a fun and energizing accent in a kids’ room. Pair it with calming blues and greens to balance the excitement. White furniture and bedding provide a neutral foundation.
– Sherwin-Williams Naval walls
– Burnt orange wall mural
– White bunk beds
– Striped bedding in burnt orange, white and green
– Grasscloth boxes for toy storage
Conclusion
Burnt orange makes a gorgeous accent wall or decorative detail in any room. By thoughtfully pairing it with tones like warm neutrals, grays, greens, and blues, you can create a pulled-together yet unique look. Allow burnt orange to take center stage against a calming backdrop. With the right complementary colors, this dramatic shade can be stunning rather than overwhelming in your home’s interior.
