Rust and burnt orange are earthy, autumnal colors that pair beautifully with other natural hues. When choosing colors to go with rust or burnt orange, focus on neutrals like tans, browns, ivories and grays as well as shades of green, yellow, red and blue. The right color combinations can create a warm, inviting look and feel. Here are some of the best colors to pair with rust and burnt orange.
Neutrals
Stick with neutral tones that complement the earthiness of rust and burnt orange. Soft tans, browns, ivories and grays create a soothing, grounded look. Try pairing rust with camel, beige or light brown. Burnt orange can be matched with darker browns like chocolate or espresso. Ivory is also a great neutral choice for either shade. For a cool complement, go for light grays or oatmeal.
Greens
Green is a versatile color that always works with earth tones. Olive green, sage green and mossy greens look beautiful with rusty oranges. For burnt orange, try forest green, jade green or lime green. Dark greens like hunter green can make burnt orange really pop. Light greens such as seafoam, mint and pistachio also pair nicely. Stay away from bright kelly greens, which may overpower rusty hues.
Yellows
Mustard yellow, gold and amber yellows make perfect partners for rusty oranges. Try mustard or ochre with rust. For burnt orange, go for school bus yellow, goldenrod or lemon yellow. Soft buttery yellows also complement burnt orange well. Stay away from bright neon yellows unless you want a bold, funky look. Stick with muted or earthy yellow tones.
Reds
Rusty oranges naturally pair well with other shades in the red family. Try pairing rust with brick red, maroon, cranberry or oxblood. Burnt orange can be matched with cherry red, crimson, wine red or rust itself. Soft corals and pinkish reds also work well. Avoid bright true reds, which can clash with earthy rusty oranges.
Blues
Surprisingly, shades of blue can complement rust and burnt orange beautifully. Try dusty blues, slate blue, steel blue or denim blue with rust colors. Robin’s egg blue and cadet blue also work well. For burnt orange, go for navy blue, cobalt, royal blue or periwinkle. Baby blue and powder blue are soft options too. Just avoid bright primary blues, which may overpower rusty hues.
Accent Colors
Use bright accent colors sparingly to really make rust or burnt orange pop. A touch of fuchsia, teal, turquoise or emerald green can liven up a rusty color scheme. Try a burnt orange pillow with a chartreuse throw, or a rusty vase with a few stems of magenta flowers. Accent walls in vibrant colors like eggplant, lime or sky blue can also highlight a rusty palette nicely.
Tones to Avoid
Some color combinations don’t work well with rust and burnt orange. Avoid pairing these earthy shades with pastels like baby pink, lilac or mint, which are too soft. Don’t match it with bright rainbow hues like primary red, yellow and blue. Neon tones can also clash. Steer clear of pale washes of color like peach, buttercream and sky blue, which all look washed out next to intense rusty oranges.
Home Decor Combinations
Rusty orange hues pair beautifully with neutrals and naturals for home decor schemes that are cozy and inviting. Here are some color palettes to try:
- Rust walls, tan sofa, dark wood accents
- Burnt orange curtains, gray rug, olive pillows
- Rust couch, beige chairs, navy throw pillows
- Burnt orange headboard, ivory bedding, sage lamps
Don’t be afraid to add some brighter accent colors too. A touch of turquoise or yellow can really make rusty tones pop.
Clothing Combinations
Rusty orange clothing looks great paired with neutral basics and earthy accent colors. Here are some chic combinations to try wearing:
- Rust sweater, jeans, brown booties
- Burnt orange dress, tan jacket, mustard scarf
- Rust blouse, gray trousers, olive heels
- Burnt orange top, navy skirt, cranberry bag
Look for interesting textures like lace, leather or velvet to make your rusty orange pieces really stand out. Add some metallic accessories for a touch of shine.
Conclusion
Rust and burnt orange are stunning, autumnal shades that pair beautifully with neutrals like tan, brown, ivory and gray. Earthy greens, yellows, reds and blues also complement them well. Use bright accent colors sparingly for pops of color. Avoid pastels and rainbow brights, which may clash. With the right combinations, rust and burnt orange can create warm, welcoming decor and fashion looks perfect for fall.
