What Colours Go With Orange?

An orange colour scheme isn't for everyone. Orange walls can overwhelm the senses if you don't know how to make effective use of complementary colours. However, just because orange is a tricky shade to work with, doesn't mean you should avoid this section of the colour wheel altogether. 

What colours goes with orange? Rather than being limited in your choices, you'll find that orange pairs surprisingly well with various shades. If you're looking to create a living room with a retro vibe, pairing bold tangerine with patterned earthy hues, wood tones and patterned wallpaper. 

Do you have your heart set on a more contemporary aesthetic? You can use bright orange sparingly, balancing it out with white walls, wood floors and a go-to accent colour like olive green or pale blue. 

If you want to go with orange for your next decorating project, you'll find plenty of options in Tikkurila's extensive range of paint colours. Whether you're looking for muted shades for an understated blue and orange colour scheme or something more daring, you're sure to find what you're looking for. 

The Range of Orange Paint Colours

Most people dismiss adding orange tones to their colour palette because they only picture a single pigment. However, there are many more shades of orange than you might think. 

If you want to make a bold statement, go with burnt orange or tangy tangerine. If you want to create a warmer, more relaxing space, a red orange with fiery undertones is the way to go. 

Even those with more understated tastes can embrace the colour orange. A pale orange can be used in place of a neutral paint colour, pairing well with crisp white finishes and more pared-back accents. 

What Goes With Orange?

If you're having trouble pairing orange with other shades, turn to the colour wheel for some guidance. You can enrich an orange-infused palette by introducing neighbouring warm colours, such as red or yellow paint colours. Even vibrant shades of pink can be used effectively. 

However, most people tend to look towards the opposite side of the colour wheel to create contrast. This makes cool tones like blue the obvious choice. A soft orange can also be used alongside rooms decked out in grey and monochromatic colour schemes. 

Off-Whites

If you've never decorated with orange before, stick off-whites to make things easier. These easy-going shades will pair well with everything from saturated shades to more subdued orange accents. 

A pastel-inspired orange is a good choice if you want to avoid more overwhelming colours. Use a colour like Siesta J407 to decorate small rooms or use it to highlight an accent wall in a larger space. Although it evokes the feeling of bright orange flowers and citrus fruit, this pastel hue has delicate pink undertones that bring a touch of warmth to any interior. 

Balancing out a pastel orange is incredibly easy. Stick to a pure white like Paper F497 when painting decorative finishes and surfaces like interior doors. If you feel that your room is calling out for an extra pop of colour, bring some accent pillows or patterned curtains into the mix. 

The right shade of orange can bring much-needed energy to tired spaces. A sunny shade like Beeswax L396 combines the best qualities of yellow and orange. Perfect for rooms with south-facing windows, it's an easy choice if you're not yet ready to embrace a more dazzling take on orange. 

A cool white will work nicely alongside this sunshine-infused paint colour. With its muted blue undertones, Snowdrift L503 will balance things out beautifully.

Blues

Blue always pairs well with orange. What's more, you've plenty of shades to consider if you're thinking about using this primary colour to enhance an orange interior. 

If you're thinking about creating a more serene space, you'll want to stick with a more delicate orange. A warm cream like Checkmate is a good choice, with its uplifting yellow base breathing life into any space. 

While blue can balance this colour out wonderfully, you'll need to use something fairly subtle. A classic sea green like Tide L491 is the way to go. 

Sometimes, a more dramatic colour combination is called for. Use a delicate peach-like Bast G405 as your orange of choice, then counter things with a splash of Petrol S491. This cadet blue might be dark, but it'll enhance, rather than distract from orange walls. 

Neutrals

Neutrals are another safe bet if this is your first time experimenting with an orange colour palette. Use a neutral with cooler undertones if you want to make a room feel larger. If you're decorating a social space, warmer neutrals are the best choice. 

For a more elegant makeover, use a golden orange like Safari K396. Rich and inviting, it's the perfect choice for living spaces and dining rooms. 

To take things up a notch, forget about using tepid neutrals and use something like Canvas G485 instead. This alabaster grey is incredibly luxurious. You can add to the aesthetic pleated throw pillows or premium room textiles. 

For a more subtle restyle of your space, stick to medium hues and warm whites. A mid-tone orange works well in any space. Meringue F468 brings essential balance, with subtle pink undertones delivering added depth. 

Greys

If you favour contemporary aesthetics, think about using grey alongside orange. These two colour families are made for each and offer a more understated alternative to orange and black pairings. 

To add warmth to your space, use an earthy red-orange like Terracotta N405. If you're overhauling a smaller space, it might be a good idea to limit this hue to a feature wall. 

Rather than stick to subtle neutrals, use a mid-greige like Pumice H487 to uplift your interior. If you're using this one generously in a living room, add a bold orange couch to make a statement. 

Harvest V406 is another versatile choice if you're in the market for a mid-tone orange. Rich and stimulating, it'll bring some heat to any interior. To balance things out, stick to a delicate light grey like Tuft H495.