Orange is a bold, vibrant color that can make a dramatic statement in any room. When used thoughtfully, this spirited shade can lend energy, warmth and character to your living space. From accent walls to patterned textiles, orange offers almost endless possibilities for adding flair to your home décor.
Benefits of Using Orange in Your Décor
There are many reasons to incorporate orange into your home’s design scheme. Here are some of the benefits of using this lively color:
- Injects energy – Orange is associated with sunlight, warmth and fire. It delivers a sense of energy and vitality unlike any other hue. Orange can instantly brighten up a dull space.
- Stimulates creativity – In color psychology, orange is linked to creativity and innovation. It sparks imaginative thinking and playfulness. Orange can help ignite your creative spirit.
- Encourages socializing – Orange promotes conversation and social interaction. It has an inviting, engaging quality perfect for social spaces like kitchens, family rooms and dining areas.
- Uplifts mood – Orange is known to boost mood, inspire optimism and increase self-esteem. It’s a happy color that can make you feel more positive.
- Adds visual interest – With its attention-grabbing qualities, orange makes a statement. It adds flair and personality to any room. Orange provides a unique decorative touch.
Ideas for Incorporating Orange into Your Décor
There are endless options for weaving orange into your home’s design. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:
Orange Accent Wall
Paint one wall orange to create a dramatic focal point. Opt for a rich, saturated hue like burnt orange or rust. For a more subtle look, try a muted clay or peach tone. Accent with neutral furnishings and accessories.
Orange Throw Pillows
Incorporate orange through decorative pillows in a range of solids, stripes, patterns or prints. Scatter them on sofas, chairs and beds in living rooms, family rooms and bedrooms. Orange pillows can easily amplify color in a space.
Orange Area Rug
An orange rug adds a vibrant foundation to any room. Search for area rugs in bold orange hues or Moroccan-inspired patterns featuring the color. Use an orange rug to define a seating area or anchor a bed.
Orange Kitchenware
Bring bursts of orange into the kitchen with small appliances, cookware and kitchen accessories like juicers, utensil holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, dish towels and organizer bins. Replace old canisters with new orange ones.
Orange Furniture
Make a bold orange statement by incorporating the color into furniture like chairs, ottomans, bar carts, desks and headboards. Paint old wooden pieces orange for a budget-friendly pop of color.
Orange Artwork
Hang orange artwork or photography to infuse walls with color. Search for abstract orange prints, botanical images with orange flowers or still-life paintings featuring oranges. Orange artwork is an easy way to jazz up a neutral scheme.
Orange Fabrics
Work orange into window treatments like curtains, valances and Roman shades. Upholster furniture in orange patterns and prints. Layer your bed with orange sheets, shams and a coverlet. Orange fabrics easily liven up a room.
Decorating with Orange: Do’s and Don’ts
When decorating with a bold color like orange, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Use orange as an accent. A little orange goes a long way, so use it strategically as an accent color against muted backgrounds.
- Combine with neutrals. Let orange shine by pairing it with neutral tones like white, beige, gray and wood tones. Avoid matching orange with other bright colors.
- Consider undertones. Look for orange hues with warm yellow or red undertones that coordinate with your existing decor. Orange with a cool blue undertone may clash.
- Use different shades. Incorporate light and dark orange tones together for visual interest. Try pairing pale peach with deep rust or pumpkin.
Don’t:
- Overdo it. Too much orange can feel overwhelming. Start small by adding an accent pillow, vase or artwork in orange.
- Use pure orange everywhere. Stick to accent pieces in pure, saturated orange. Use softer orange tones on larger surfaces like walls or upholstery.
- Choose orange that clashes. Avoid orange with blue or purple undertones. Complementary shades like blue-green will make orange appear louder and more abrasive.
- Forget to repeat it. Use orange in at least a few spots throughout a room to create a cohesive look, repeating it in artwork, accessories and soft furnishings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating With Orange
Here are answers to some common questions about integrating orange into home décor:
What colors go well with orange?
Some of the best colors to pair with orange include warm neutrals like cream, tan, light gray and wood tones. Earth tones like greens, browns and blues also complement orange nicely.
What rooms should I use orange in?
Orange works in nearly any room but is especially well-suited for kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, dens and home offices where its energy and creativity-boosting qualities are most welcome.
How can I use orange if I don’t want a bright look?
Try a more mellow apricot, peach, terra-cotta or pumpkin shade of orange. Muted oranges come off as softer and more subtle. Or use pure orange sparingly on accessories against quiet neutrals.
What type of orange should I use in a small space?
In a small space, use orange even more judiciously as an accent. Stick to small orange artwork or accessories against light walls and avoid dark or overpowering shades.
What are some good orange color combinations?
Some gorgeous color combinations with orange include pale orange and sage green, coral and navy blue, burnt orange and light gray, peach and robin’s egg blue or terracotta and cream.
Decorating with Orange to Boost Your Mood
The lively color orange can instantly improve your mood and outlook. Here are some tips for using orange décor to give your spirit a lift:
- Paint an orange accent wall in an entryway or hallway. The burst of color will give you an energizing welcome home.
- Add orange throw blankets and pillows to bedrooms. The cheerful color can help you wake up happier.
- Display fresh flowers like lilies or zinnias in orange hues for an uplifting focal point.
- Incorporate orange into home office designs to stimulate creativity and combat workday fatigue.
- Use orange kitchen décor and serve foods like oranges, carrots and mangos to start your day feeling positive.
- Set a beautiful orange-hued dining table with candles and linens to make meals feel celebratory.
- Arrange orange books on coffee and side tables for an artsy still life that boosts your outlook.
With its spirit-lifting essence, decorating with orange can simply make you glad. Welcome this jubilant hue into your home to brighten your décor and your disposition.
Conclusion
Orange is a dynamic, feel-good color that brings energy and personality into your living space. By incorporating this cheerful shade through accent walls, artwork, textiles, furniture and accessories, you can easily breathe new life into your décor. Use orange thoughtfully, sticking to accent pieces against neutral backdrops. Combining different shades of orange together along with complementary hues creates beautiful, cohesive looks. Most importantly, display orange proudly to boost your mood and outlook. With its propitious spirit, orange truly makes a happy home.
