Dark orange is a rich, vibrant hue that can make a bold statement in any design. When paired with the right accent colours, dark orange can look modern, energetic and stylish. Choosing complementary colours is key to making dark orange really pop. Here are some of the best colour combinations to try with dark orange and tips for decorating with this dramatic shade.
Blue
Orange and blue are complementary colours opposite each other on the colour wheel. This makes them a striking and high-contrast combination that creates visual interest. Dark orange has a warm, fiery energy while cool blue provides a soothing counterbalance. For a living room, pair a bold dark orange sofa with blue accent pillows and artwork. Or liven up a blue dining space with dark orange napkins, candles and fresh flowers as centrepieces.
Teal
Slightly lighter and greener than blue, teal works beautifully with dark orange to give spaces a punch of colour. It has the same complementary effect as blue but with a more playful, beachy vibe. Use dark orange and teal together to decorate a kids’ room, office or eclectic living space. Try painting one wall dark orange and another teal, then tie the two colours together with patterned drapes and accents.
Yellow
For a cheerful and sunny colour scheme, combine dark orange and yellow. These two warm shades are next to each other on the colour wheel so they have enough contrast without clashing. The boldness of dark orange paired with the brightness of yellow evokes happiness and energy. Use them in a kitchen with orange appliances, yellow walls and décor with both hues. Or liven up a neutral living room with a dark orange sofa and yellow throw pillows.
Green
Green is another excellent colour to pair with dark orange for an inviting, earthy look. Darker greens like forest, olive and emerald work best. The natural vibrancy of green balances out the intensity of dark orange. Use this colour combo for rustic living spaces, home offices or bedrooms. Paint one wall dark orange and another green, then pull the colours together with area rugs, art and indoor plants.
Red
For a bold, fiery look, match dark orange with bright red. These two shades with similar undertones have strong visual impact when combined. Use them sparingly together as intense accent colours. For example, in a neutral room, bring in dark orange and red through patterned pillows, ceramics and fresh flowers. Or paint a home office dark orange and hang a bright red piece of art on one wall for contrast.
Purple
Dark orange can look daring and luxurious when paired with different shades of purple. As complementary colours, orange and purple play off each other for an eye-catching combination. Deep plums, eggplants and lilacs all work beautifully with dark orange. This colour scheme is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and dramatic dining spaces. Use purple artwork, pillows, throws and area rugs to pull the look together.
Grey
For a more subtle, sophisticated look, combine dark orange with neutral grey. Greys help tone down the bold impact of dark orange while still allowing it to make a statement. Use grey as a backdrop and bring in dark orange through accessories and décor. For example, paint a bedroom grey then add an orange headboard, patterned rug and colorful art. Or decorate a grey living space with orange throw pillows and fresh flowers.
Cream
Another nice neutral pairing is dark orange and cream. Cream has warmth that works with the vibrancy of orange. For a relaxed living room, use cream couches and rugs as a base, then layer in dark orange with pillows, blankets and ceramics. In a bedroom, try cream walls and bedding with a dark orange headboard. Cream helps soften the boldness of orange while enhancing its richness.
Brown
Earthy, natural brown also complements and grounds the vividness of dark orange. Different shades of brown work well, from beige to cocoa to rust red-browns. Use dark orange and brown together in rustic, mission-style living spaces for a warm, inviting look. Try painting a wall chocolate brown and hanging dark orange drapes. Use brown leather furniture and wood accents to tie the colours together.
Black
For dramatic contrast, pair dark orange with classic black. The vibrancy of orange really pops against a black backdrop. Use this colour duo in bold contemporary rooms or artsy, eclectic spaces. Paint an accent wall black then style it with orange printed art and décor. Or try bold black and orange patterned chairs at your dining table with black floors and napkins.
Tips for Decorating with Dark Orange
Keep these tips in mind when using dark orange in your home’s décor:
- Use dark orange in moderation. A little goes a long way since it has such a bold presence.
- Use lighter shades of orange for larger spaces like walls. Reserve the dark shade for accents.
- Pull in other colours through patterned fabrics, art and accessories to keep the look from becoming too overwhelming.
- Pair dark orange with muted cool tones like grey and cream to help balance its warmth.
- Incorporate natural textures and wood accents to enhance the earthiness of orange.
- Use dark orange to instantly modernize a neutral room by grabbing attention.
- Combine orange with metallic accents like brass and copper for an elegant, glamorous look.
Conclusion
With the right complementary colours, dark orange can be a gorgeous, vibrant hue that immediately energizes any space. Classic pairings like blue, yellow and grey allow the orange to pop. Creative combinations like green, black or purple give off an edgier, artistic vibe. When decorating with dark orange, balance it with lighter, muted tones and natural textures. Use the bold shade sparingly in key accent pieces and décor for a stylish, put-together look. With limitless pairing possibilities, dark orange offers endless options to use in home designs.
| Colour | Pairing Rationale |
|---|---|
| Blue | Complementary colours that create high-contrast |
| Teal | Playful, beachy complement to orange |
| Yellow | Cheerful and sunny, next to orange on colour wheel |
| Green | Earthy and natural complement |
| Red | Bold, fiery accent colour |
| Purple | Daring, luxurious complementary colour |
| Grey | Subtle and sophisticated neutral |
| Cream | Warm, soft neutral |
| Brown | Natural, earthy complement |
| Black | High-contrast for dramatic look |