Orange is a vibrant, energetic color that allows for many exciting color combinations. From fiery red-oranges to sunny yellow-oranges, many hues look great with orange shades.
In this article, we’ll explore over 45 colors that complement orange wonderfully. Discover vivid orange color palettes and schemes to use in your home decor, outfits, and designs.
Table of Contents
What is Orange?
Orange is a secondary color made by mixing red and yellow. It sits between red and yellow on the color wheel. In the RYB color model, orange contains red and yellow pigments. In the RGB model, you can make orange by combining red and green light.
The hex code for pure orange is #FFA500. Orange is associated with joy, creativity, excitement, fun, and warmth. It’s a stimulating, vibrant color.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Orange
Here are some of the common symbolic meanings associated with orange:
- Energy – Orange conveys vigor, zeal, and zest for life. It’s the color of activity and thriving.
- Adventure – Orange evokes feelings of risk-taking, exploration, and experience seeking.
- Socialness – Orange is friendly and approachable, signaling community and interaction.
- Affability – Softer peachy oranges suggest warmth, informality, and congeniality.
- Enthusiasm – Orange’s cheerfulness and spirit arouses motivation and determination.
- Success – In many cultures, orange symbolizes prosperity and success.
- Health – As a energetic color, orange promotes good physical and mental health.
- Tropics – Vibrant oranges represent tropical climates and the fruits they bear.
Shades of Orange
Orange has many shades ranging from vibrant citrus tones to earthy clay hues. Here are some major types of orange:
| Color Name | Hex Code | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Tangerine | #FFCC00 | |
| Peach | #FFE5B4 | |
| Coral | #FF7F50 | |
| Papaya | #FFEFD5 | |
| Salmon | #FA8072 | |
| Pumpkin | #FF7518 | |
| Rust | #B7410E | |
| Terracotta | #E2725B | |
| Clay | #B66A50 | |
| Ochre | #CC7722 |
Complementary Colors of Orange
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating striking contrast. The complementary color for orange (#FFA500) is blue (#0000FF).
Blue (#0000FF)
Vibrant blue balances and cools down orange’s inherent warmth and excitement. Royal blue (#4169E1), navy blue (#000080), and cobalt blue (#0047AB) make orange pop. Baby blue (#89CFF0) also complements orange nicely.
Incorporate blue throughout orange interiors and fashion. Try a bright orange sofa with navy and orange patterned pillows. Or pair tangerine pants with a royal blue top and bold turquoise jewelry for contrast. Mix different shades of blue and orange.
Analogous Colors of Orange
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Analogous colors for orange (#FFA500) include:
Red (#FF0000)
Red brings out the cheer and warmth in orange, giving it vibrancy. Fire engine red (#CE2029), crimson (#DC143C), and cherry red (#DE3163) work well with orange. Avoid neon reds (#FF00FF), which may look garish.
Use red tones sparingly against orange backdrops for exciting impact. Try a cherry throw rug in a modern orange, grey and wood room. Style a peach dress with matching bold crimson heels and jewelry.
Yellow (#FFFF00)
Yellow injects brightness and visibility into orange’s already energetic essence. Lemon (#FFF44F), sunflower (#FFC72C), and goldenrod (#FFC125) yellow complement orange nicely. Avoid neon yellows (#CCFF00), which can overwhelm softer oranges.
Incorporate warm yellow accents into orange interiors and fashion for cheer. Add a sunflower pillow to a burnt orange couch. Style a tangerine top with goldenrod shorts and accessories.
Pink (#FFC0CB)
Pink brings out orange’s playful, feminine side. Pastel peach (#FFE5B4) and melon pink (#FFA07A) work best with orange. Neon hot pink (#FF00FF) may be too bold.
Use pink sparingly against orange backdrops for fun contrast. Try light peach wall art and textiles in a vibrant orange room. Pair a burnt orange dress with melon pink shoes and bag for a lively look.
Triadic Colors of Orange
Triadic schemes use three colors equally spaced on the wheel for vibrant effects. The triadic colors for orange (#FFA500) are purple (#800080) and green (#00FF00).
Purple (#800080)
Purple provides a soothing contrast to orange’s high energy. Soft lilac (#C8A2C8), lavender (#B57EDC) and wisteria purple (#C6A0E5) complement orange nicely. Avoid bright fuchsia (#FF00FF), which can be overwhelming.
Incorporate pale purple accents into vibrant orange spaces and outfits. Add lilac throw pillows to a tangerine couch. Style a peach dress with wisteria purple shoes and jewelry.
Green (#00FF00)
Green has a stabilizing, harmonious effect on lively orange. Sea foam (#66B2B2), olive (#808000) and sage green (#808000) work best with orange. Neon lime greens (#32CD32) may be too bold.
Use muted natural greens as accent colors in orange interiors and fashion. Try sage green rugs and art in an orange room. Or pair a burnt orange top with olive shoes and handbag.
What Colors Go With Orange?
With its warm, energetic hue, orange is a fun color to decorate with. From light pastels to rich jewel tones, orange combines effortlessly with many shades to create stylish, vibrant palettes.
Bright Orange Color Palettes
Vibrant orange pops when accented with other primary colors and bold rainbow hues. These playful combos add spirited color to any space.
1. Orange, Purple, Lime Green
Hex Codes: #FF8300, #9900FF, #AAD400
Mix cheerful orange with regal purple and fresh lime green for an energetic children’s room palette. The colorful combo will spark creativity.
2. Tangerine, Royal Blue, Sunshine Yellow
Hex Codes: #FF9E6B, #4169E1, #FFF21E
Tangy tangerine looks great with bold royal blue and bright sunshine yellow. This zesty combo is perfect for kitchens.
3. Pumpkin Orange, Fuschia, Turquoise
Hex Codes: #FB7A01, #FF00FF, #04CFAD
Pair earthy pumpkin orange with playful fuschia and refreshing turquoise for a lively, psychedelic palette. Fun for recreation rooms.
4. Amber Orange, Emerald Green, Cerulean Blue
Hex Codes: #FFBF00, #028A0F, #058ED9
Energetic amber orange complements jewel-toned emerald green and electric cerulean blue in this vibrant color scheme. Great for making a bold statement.
5. Peach Orange, Ruby Red, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #9B111E, #1CAC78
Mix cheerful peach orange with dramatic ruby red and soft robin’s egg blue for a playful, feminine palette. Perfect for a little girl’s bedroom.
6. Coral Orange, Hot Pink, Lavender
Hex Codes: #FF7F50, #FF69B4, #B57EDC
Combine fresh coral orange with sassy hot pink and airy lavender to create a lively pastel palette. Use in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
Earthy Orange Color Combinations
Rustic orange tones look perfectly natural paired with earthy neutrals like cream, tan, mocha and sand. These organic combos are cozy and inviting.
7. Burnt Orange, Cream, Walnut Brown
Hex Codes: #CC5500, #FFFDD0, #6E3C12
Sophisticated burnt orange complements creamy off-white and rich walnut brown. Use this elegant combo in living rooms and libraries.
8. Clay Orange, Khaki, Espresso Brown
Hex Codes: #C7541A, #C3B091, #4E342E
Warm clay orange walls look great with versatile khaki and deep espresso brown wood tones. Perfect for a cozy, casual living room.
9. Terracotta Orange, Sand, Pecan Brown
Hex Codes: #E2725B, #F1E7C1, #B97C46
Mix natural terracotta orange with earthy sand beige and gourmet pecan brown. This organic palette is perfect for kitchens and dining rooms.
10. Rust Orange, Stone, Dark Chocolate Brown
Hex Codes: #B55400, #A5A391, #1E1B18
Fiery rust orange complements hushed stone gray and decadent dark chocolate brown accents for an elegant, earthy combination.
11. Copper Orange, Taupe, Mocha Brown
Hex Codes: #B66325, #B7ACA4, #4C3328
Metallic copper orange looks striking against understated taupe walls and sophisticated mocha brown finishes. Use this palette in studies, libraries and dining rooms.
12. Salmon Orange, Beige, Umber Brown
Hex Codes: #FFAB81, #F5F5DC, #635147
Fresh salmon orange creates natural harmony with versatile beige and earthy umber brown. A relaxing palette for bedrooms and living rooms.
Retro Orange Color Schemes
Punchy orange shades look fabulous paired with retro greens, yellows and aquas. Use these fun combos to create playful vintage charm.
13. Burnt Orange, Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow
Hex Codes: #CC5500, #568203, #FDFF52
Spicy burnt orange combined with retro avocado green and zesty lemon yellow makes a fabulously playful, 70s-inspired palette.
14. Peach Orange, Olive Green, Raspberry Red
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #6B8E23, #E30B5C
Sweet peach orange walls complemented by organic olive green and tangy raspberry red creates a vibrant, eclectic palette full of charm.
15. Amber Orange, Sage Green, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #FFBF00, #87B388, #DB243B
Warm amber orange furniture pops against earthy sage green walls and nostalgic cherry red accents. A fun combination for a retro living room.
16. Carnelian Orange, Air Force Blue, Crimson Red
Hex Codes: #E95E4F, #5D8AA8, #DC143C
Bold carnelian orange looks striking next to official air force blue and patriotic crimson red. Perfect for a game room.
Soft Orange Color Palettes
Pastel peach and coral orange tones look effortlessly pretty paired with other light neutrals like buttery yellow, pale pink and mint green.
17. Peach, Buttercream, Lilac
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #F3EBC2, #C8A2C8
Mix fresh peach walls with creamy buttercream white and airy lilac accents. A sweet, romantic palette perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
18. Melon Orange, Seafoam Green, Sky Blue
Hex Codes: #FFA474, #B3ECEE, #89CFF0
Vibrant melon orange complements refreshing seafoam green and breezy sky blue beautifully. Use this laidback combo in beach cottages.
19. Salmon Orange, Mint Green, Powder Pink
Hex Codes: #FFAB81, #DBFFF6, #FFB6C1
Natural salmon orange looks stylish with cooling mint green and delicate powder pink accents. A lovely palette for dining rooms.
20. Coral, Lavender, Butter Yellow
Hex Codes: #FF7F50, #B57EDC, #F1E9C5
Energetic coral walls sing when complemented by airy lavender purples and warm butter yellow accents. Perfect for kitchens, kids’ rooms and entryways.
21. Peach Orange, Baby Blue, Rose Pink
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #89CFF0, #F7C6D0
Sweet peach orange creates a playful nursery palette when paired with soft baby blue and romantic rose pink.
22. Cantaloupe Orange, Robin’s Egg Blue, Buttercream
Hex Codes: #FFA474, #1CAC78, #F3EBC2
Refreshing cantaloupe orange looks lively alongside playful robin’s egg blue and creamy buttercream accents. Great for creating a fun, youthful atmosphere.
Gray Orange Color Combinations
Muted spice orange tones complement light grays and blues beautifully. These sophisticated palettes work well in minimalist, modern spaces.
23. Sandstone Orange, Light Gray, White
Hex Codes: #C68864, #D3D3D3, #FFFFFF
Natural sandstone orange furniture pops against pristine white walls and heathered light gray accents.
24. Clay Orange, Pale Blue, Dove Gray
Hex Codes: #C7541A, #AEDDFC, #696969
Warm clay orange complements breezy pale blue and weathered dove gray in this versatile, neutral palette. Use in any room seeking tranquility.
25. Dusty Orange, Ice Blue, Silver Gray
Hex Codes: #EDAA78, #CEF0FE, #C0C0C0
Muted dusty orange paired with icy blue tones and sleek silver gray creates an airy, ethereal combination. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
26. Sand Orange, Periwinkle Blue, Linen White
Hex Codes: #F1E1C1, #C5C9EA, #FAF0E6
Creamy sand orange walls complemented by pretty periwinkle blue and organic linen white make for a relaxing oasis palette.
27. Terracotta Orange, Sky Blue, Heather Gray
Hex Codes: #E2725B, #89CFF0, #B6B095
Natural terracotta orange looks earthy and refined next to bright sky blue and soft heather gray. Great for bedrooms, offices and reading nooks.
Rich Orange Color Palettes
Vibrant citrus orange pops against jewel-inspired colors like emerald, sapphire and amethyst. These bold combos make a dramatic statement.
28. Tangerine Orange, Purple, Turquoise
Hex Codes: #FF9E6B, #9900FF, #04CFAD
Tangy tangerine orange makes purple and turquoise shine in this electrifying color palette. Perfect for adding energy to a room.
29. Pumpkin Orange, Navy Blue, Gold
Hex Codes: #FB7A01, #000080, #D4AF37
Earthy pumpkin orange walls contrast beautifully with rich navy blue and glimmering gold accents. Use this warm yet regal palette in dining rooms and studies.
30. Amber Orange, Emerald Green, Silver
Hex Codes: #FFBF00, #028A0F, #C0C0C0
Glowing amber orange complements jewel-toned emerald green and gleaming silver finishes for a luxurious combination. Ideal for elegant, upscale spaces.
31. Peach Orange, Plum Purple, Rose Gold
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #580F41, #B76E79
Sweet peach orange walls enhanced by sensual plum purple and romantic rose gold accents create a glamorously feminine palette. Perfect for bedrooms and boudoirs.
Vintage Orange Color Combinations
Nostalgic orange shades look effortlessly chic alongside heritage blues, greens and reds. These timeless palettes evoke old-world charm.
32. Burnt Orange, Forest Green, Rustic Red
Hex Codes: #CC5500, #2E5B34, #C04749
Sophisticated burnt orange walls complemented by organic forest green and earthy rustic red accents. A cozy palette reminiscent of ski lodges and log cabins.
33. Clay Orange, Denim Blue, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #C7541A, #1560BD, #DB243B
Natural clay orange walls pop against worn-in denim blue and nostalgic cherry red. Perfect for creating a casual, all-American style interior.
34. Fire Orange, Olive Green, Crimson Red
Hex Codes: #ED541D, #6B8E23, #DC143C
Bold fire orange looks striking alongside earthy olive green walls and official crimson red accents. Great for studies, dining rooms and reading nooks.
35. Terracotta Orange, French Blue, Butter Yellow
Hex Codes: #E2725B, #436CB9, #F1E9C5
Handcrafted terracotta orange pottery pops against classic French blue walls and warm butter yellow accents. A refined, old-world palette.
High Contrast Orange Color Schemes
Vivid orange makes a bold impact against dark neutrals like black, charcoal and chocolate brown. These dramatic combos create an energizing tension.
36. Pumpkin Orange, Chocolate Brown, White
Hex Codes: #FB7A01, #3D0C02, #FFFFFF
Earthy pumpkin orange walls pop against sophisticated chocolate brown furniture and bright white architectural accents.
37. Tangerine Orange, Charcoal Gray, Cyan Blue
Hex Codes: #FF9E6B, #3B3C36, #00FFFF
Zesty tangerine orange makes a vibrant statement against smokey charcoal gray and electric cyan blue in this high-energy color scheme.
38. Amber Orange, Pewter Gray, Sapphire Blue
Hex Codes: #FFBF00, #333D49, #0F52BA
Radiant amber orange walls stand out dramatically against heathered pewter gray and bold sapphire blue accents.
39. Coral Orange, Espresso Brown, Hot Pink
Hex Codes: #FF7F50, #4E342E, #FF69B4
Vibrant coral orange creates exciting tension with deep espresso brown furniture and sassy hot pink decor accents.
40. Peach Orange, Black, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #000000, #1CAC78
Sweet peach orange walls provide the perfect backdrop for sophisticated black architectural accents and playful robin’s egg blue decor.
Orange and Pastel Color Schemes
Citrus orange hues sing alongside soft pastels like lilac, sage green and powder blue. These spring-inspired palettes feel light and refreshing.
41. Tangerine Orange, Lilac, Mint Green
Hex Codes: #FF9E6B, #C8A2C8, #DBFFF6
Tangy tangerine orange walls complemented by airy lilac and refreshing mint green create a satisfying springtime palette.
42. Peach Orange, Lavender, Seafoam
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #B57EDC, #B4FFE6
Sweet peach orange furniture enhanced by ethereal lavender purples and cool seafoam green makes for a laidback, soothing combination.
43. Cantaloupe Orange, Sage Green, Powder Blue
Hex Codes: #FFA474, #88B378, #B0E0E6
Refreshing cantaloupe orange looks cheerful alongside earthy sage green walls and soft powder blue accents. Perfect for kitchens, kids’ rooms and patios.
44. Salmon Orange, Buttercream, Dusty Blue
Hex Codes: #FFAB81, #F3EBC2, #95A3B3
Natural salmon orange complements creamy buttercream whites and weathered dusty blue beautifully. Use this relaxing palette in cottage bedrooms and living spaces.
45. Peach Orange, Periwinkle Blue, Lilac
Hex Codes: #FFCBA4, #C5C9EA, #C8A2C8
Sweet peach orange walls enhanced by pretty periwinkle blue and soft lilac accents create a heavenly, dreamy combination.
Design Tips for Decorating With Orange
Orange is bold and energetic. Follow these tips when incorporating orange into your home:
- Use orange as an accent color to add pops of brightness
- Combine orange with neutrals like white, gray, brown, tan, and black
- Add orange in moderation to avoid overwhelming
- Pair orange with blue, purple, or green as accent colors for contrast
- Mix orange tones with wood finishes and earth tones for natural harmony
- Use bright orange metals like copper and brass for glamorous accents
- Incorporate autumnal orange shades for seasonal decorating
- Add orange through textiles like pillows, throws, rugs and curtains
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors complement orange?
Blue, green, purple, yellow, red, brown, neutral metallics, black, white, and gray all complement orange beautifully.
What colors should be avoided with orange?
Don’t pair orange with other extremely bright, loud colors like neon pink or lime green. Avoid combining orange with muddy earth tones like olive or mustard.
What colors make orange pop?
Contrasting colors like blues, grays, and purples make orange pop nicely. Black is also an effective accent with orange. Metallics add shine and vibrancy.
What color furniture works with orange walls?
White, wood tone, black, gray, navy blue, or purple furniture looks great against orange walls. Metallic gold and silver pieces also complement nicely.
What color carpet matches orange?
Neutral beige, cream, light gray, and taupe carpets work well with orange walls and decor. Subtle stripe or geo-patterned carpets can also coordinate.
Final Takeaway
Orange is energetic, invigorating, and versatile. With shades ranging from fiery red-oranges to cheery yellow-oranges, it allows for many exciting color combinations. Use these vibrant orange color palettes to create a stimulating, feel-good atmosphere.