How to Work With the Color Orange

Samantha Schoech, Houzz Contributor

Orange is a blend of yellow and red, and in its truest form, it's an equal mix of the two. But it ranges from almost red to bright tangerine. It's the color of sunsets and tropical fruit, and it is undeniably cheery and bold.

Traditionally, orange is said to stimulate activity, appetite and socialization. In decor it can be a bright pop of color or a more muted background color used to warm up a room.

It looks amazing with blue, but it cozies up well with gray too. In its more subdued form, it can blend into brown, and its peachy, terra-cotta and rust incarnations are extremely popular, especially in dining rooms.

In its brighter, bolder hues, it is the most controversial color in the spectrum -- people either love it or hate it. Read on to find out how to use it in your decor.

Browse More Beautiful Orange Rooms on Houzz

Orange Walls

This mellow orange brings out the color in the carpet and adds a feeling of coziness and warmth to a simply furnished room.

These red-orange walls with bright white trim are not for the faint of heart. A saturated, color-themed room like this has an old-fashioned feel.

A brown-orange hue, otherwise known as burnt orange, adds instant warmth.

Tangerine orange is a bright and cheerful alternative for genderless nurseries.

A pinkish salmon orange looks lovely with a fresh, springy green and bright white. Think salmon with dill and dollops of sour cream.

In an otherwise starkly modern room, orange adds a bit of warmth without sacrificing any design chops.

Orange Doors

Orange is a popular color for front doors. It pops against the muted colors of most houses and invites visitors to step right up. It works well for modern houses.

A tangerine-orange door looks beautiful against warm white walls and gold frames.

Orange Accents

These shelves with lit orange interiors would look amazing even without the matching orange sofa.

The orange fireplace signifies warmth and becomes the focal point of the room. Blue and citrus accents are perfect complements.

Orange with Its Friends

Pink and orange are festive and summery together -- close enough to be cousins.

Orange always goes well with its citrusy siblings, lemon and lime. It can also mingles with pink, lime, magenta and kelly green.

More:

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