Charcoal and gold are classic neutral colors that look elegant together. When paired, these darker and lighter neutrals create a sophisticated color palette. However, sticking to just two colors can be limiting. Adding a third color to a charcoal and gold color scheme can really make the palette pop. But what color goes best with charcoal and gold? There are a few shades that work particularly well.
Complimentary Colors
A great way to choose a third color for a charcoal and gold palette is to select a complementary color. The complementary color for charcoal is a vibrant orange. Charcoal has cool undertones while orange is bursting with warmth. This contrast makes them stand out against each other in an eye-catching way. Adding pops of orange to a charcoal and gold palette adds energy and visual interest.
Some specific shades of orange that would look great with charcoal and gold include:
| Burnt Orange | Pumpkin Orange |
| Rust Orange | Spice Orange |
These shades have a burnt, earthy quality that Coordinate well with the natural, mineral tones of charcoal and gold. A burnt orange throw blanket on a charcoal sofa accented with gold pillows would make a gorgeous living room combo.
Triadic Colors
Another complementary color option is to choose a triadic color – one located on the opposite side of the color wheel as charcoal. Triadic color harmonies tend to be vibrant, energetic and eye-catching.
The triadic colors for charcoal are vibrant shades of purple and pink. These fun, unexpected shades balanced out the somber charcoal beautifully. Gold acts as a metallic neutral linking the two color families together.
Some triadic shades that work with charcoal and gold include:
| Eggplant Purple | Plum Purple |
| Magenta | Fuschia |
Just a few accent pillows or colorful print in these hues can enliven a charcoal and gold space. The contrast is modern yet elegant.
Split Complements
Split complements are another sophisticated color scheme option. This palette is formed by pairing the original color with the two colors on either side of its complement.
For charcoal, this would mean choosing lighter and brighter shades of blue-green paired with oranges with more red undertones. These colors have enough contrast to pop against the dark charcoal but have some shared undertones that tie the palette together.
Some split complement shades for charcoal and gold include:
| Seafoam Green | Coral |
| Ice Blue | Salmon |
Cool tones like these contrast nicely with warm metallics like gold. Split complementary palettes lend themselves well to accent colors.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors are located right next to each other on the color wheel. Choosing an analogous color palette creates a harmonious, monochromatic look.
For charcoal and gold, analogous colors would be shades of gray, black, brown, and navy. These colors complement charcoal seamlessly, integrating into the palette instead of contrasting sharply. This creates a refined, coordinated look.
Some analogous shades that work with charcoal and gold include:
| Dove Gray | Pewter |
| Espresso | Navy |
Analogous colors are perfect for larger pieces like furniture or rugs. They ground the space and allow the metallic gold accents to stand out.
Greens
Certain shades of green pair surprisingly well with charcoal and gold. Green is located opposite red on the color wheel from charcoal, making shades like emerald green pop against the gray backdrop.
Emerald greens lend a glamorous, Art Deco style to charcoal and gold palettes. The retro combination is modern and luxurious. Mossy greens and olive tones also work. They have gray and brown undertones that seamlessly Coordinate with charcoal.
Some flattering greens for charcoal and gold combinations include:
| Emerald | Avocado |
| Hunter Green | Moss |
There are so many ways to incorporate green into a charcoal color scheme. Throw pillows, wall art, area rugs and accents are great places to add pops of green.
Browns
Brown is an underrated color that pairs exceedingly well with charcoal and gold color combinations. Shades like chocolate, espresso and taupe are rich complements to charcoal. They add warmth and dimension.
Brown and charcoal both have gray undertones derived from natural, earthy mineral pigments. This makes them blend together beautifully. Gold adds light and shine that brightens the entire palette.
Some lush brown shades to pair with charcoal and gold include:
| Chocolate | Espresso |
| Mocha | Taupe |
Use brown on larger pieces like sofas or sectionals to anchor the charcoal and gold accents sprinkled throughout the room. Brown also pairs well with natural textures and materials for an organic feel.
Metallic Silvers
For a cooler, sleeker take on charcoal and gold, incorporate metallic silver. The mix of silver and gold metals creates an elegant, glamorous look. Silver has undertones that coordinate nicely with charcoal.
Some lustrous silvers to pair with charcoal and gold include:
| Silver | Pewter |
| Platinum | Steel Gray |
Cool grays work nicely too, especially in glossy finishes. Use these metallics sparingly as accents against the neutral charcoal backdrop for sophistication.
Pale Blue
Light and airy shades of blue beautifully balance out deep charcoal hues. Soft powder blues, sky blues and icy blues add sophistication and subtle contrast. These cool, delicate tones pair elegantly with shiny gold accents as well.
Some ethereal blues to light up a charcoal and gold color palette include:
| Baby Blue | Cloud Blue |
| Robin’s Egg | French Blue |
These pale blues lend a dreamy, romantic feeling to charcoal color schemes. They feel modern yet timeless. Use them in accents, artwork or soft furnishings.
Conclusion
Charcoal and gold make such an elegant pairing, but the color palette needs a third shade to really sing. Colors like burnt orange, plum, mossy green, chocolate and baby blue Complement the neutral tones beautifully.
Complementary, triadic, split complementary and analogous colors offer different degrees of contrast and vibrancy. Metallic silvers and cool grays harmonize seamlessly with charcoal and gold.
The possibilities are endless for putting together a sophisticated three-color palette starting with charcoal and gold. Whether you prefer an invigorating contrast or understated elegance, there is a third shade that can take your charcoal and gold color scheme to the next level of style.
Plus, having a third color in the mix adds flexibility so you can switch up your decor from season to season. With the right accent colors, a charcoal and gold palette will never go out of style.
