When selecting a wall paint to complement an orange color scheme, there are a few key factors to consider. The shade of orange, whether it trends more towards red, yellow, or brown, will impact the colors that go well with it. The sheen of the paint also affects the overall look. Finally, the purpose of the orange accent and room decor plays a role in choosing coordinating wall colors.
Shade of Orange
Oranges come in a wide spectrum, from bright and zesty to muted and earthy. A vibrant orange that leans towards the red end will pop against cooler paint colors like green, blue, gray, and taupe. Softer oranges with more yellow tend to coordinate better with warm neutrals like cream, beige, tan, and light brown. Rusty oranges containing brown work well with other earth tones.
When pairing paint with a strong orange, opt for a neutral wall color several shades lighter or darker than the orange. This creates enough contrast for the orange to stand out. With muted and dusty oranges, the wall color can be closer in tone for a more blended effect.
Sheen
The sheen, or luster, of the wall paint also affects how it coordinates with orange. Matte or flat finishes recede and blend more seamlessly with the orange. Glossy and semi-gloss sheens reflect more light and make the wall color pop, creating more contrast with the orange. Eggshell paint offers a nice in-between sheen.
Darker or more saturated wall colors tend to look better in flatter finishes to avoid overwhelming the space. Lighter neutrals can take on more sheen without overpowering the orange. In general, satin or low luster is a good middle ground sheen when pairing paint with darker oranges.
Purpose of the Orange
Consider whether the orange is used as an accent or focal point, or if it dominates the overall room. If orange is just an accent, like throw pillows or artwork, you have more flexibility with your wall color. Paints that match, contrast, or complement the accent orange can all work well.
For prominent orange furniture or large bright orange walls, choose a more neutral wall color so the orange can take center stage. Soft tans, light grays, warm whites and other quiet hues allow the orange to be the star.
Recommended Wall Paint Colors
Here are some recommended wall paint colors that coordinate well with different shades of orange:
| Orange Tone | Coordinating Wall Colors |
|---|---|
| Bright, Red-Orange | Sage green, sky blue, light gray, tan, cream |
| Yellow-Orange, Peach | Light brown, sand, beige, warm white |
| Rust, Terracotta | Taupe, greige, mushroom, warm grays |
Some popular paint colors that look great with different oranges include:
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Behr Silver Drop
- Valspar Rock Candy
- PPG Portobello Mushroom
Tips for Choosing Paint
When trying to find the perfect wall color for your orange scheme, keep these tips in mind:
- Pick a lighter or darker shade for maximum contrast
- Stick to muted neutrals so the orange pops
- Get color swatches and samples to test out
- Ensure the undertones work together
- Consider surrounding decor and furnishings
- Allow the orange to take center stage
Viewing paint samples on the wall before committing to a color is recommended. The way the paint interacts with the lighting in a space can affect how it coordinates with other colors. Testing out a few potential colors first will help you find a shade that perfectly complements your orange.
Creative Color Pairings
If you want to get more adventurous with your wall color instead of neutral shades, here are some complementary hues that can really make orange pop:
- Cobalt or sapphire blue
- Lime green
- Violet
- Coral
- Turquoise
- Mustard yellow
These lively colors create an energetic, fun combination with orange. The color contrast is high, so they work best when the orange is not overwhelming the space.
Factors to Avoid
Some pitfalls to steer clear of when selecting an orange-complementing wall color:
- Avoid matching shades – go lighter or darker instead
- Don’t choose complementary colors like blue-green, which can sometimes vibrate
- Watch out for clashing undertones like cool vs warm
- Don’t overwhelm a small space with dark or saturated colors
With orange, maintain enough contrast and watch for complementary clashes. Keeping the wall color neutral helps the orange furnishings or accents stand out.
Conclusion
The shade of orange and purpose within the room décor determine what wall paint goes well with it. Lighter oranges look great against darker neutrals or even bright complementary colors. Deep oranges coordinate beautifully with earth tones and warmer grays. Testing paint swatches is key to find a wall color that enhances your orange scheme.
With the right wall color choice, orange can bring fun, energizing style to any room. Balancing and supporting the orange rather than competing with harmonious paint is the goal for a cohesive, stylish space.
