Burnt orange is a popular color that is known for its warm and earthy tone. It is a versatile color that can be used in many different ways in interior design, fashion, and graphic design. One of the challenges of working with burnt orange is finding the right color combinations that complement it. In this blog post, we will explore different color palettes that work well with burnt orange and how you can use them in your design projects.
Colors that complement burnt orange
When it comes to finding colors that complement burnt orange, it’s important to understand color theory. Burnt orange is an orange shade that has a reddish-brown undertone. It is a warm color that reflects energy, excitement, passion, and creativity. In color theory, colors that harmonize with each other are those that are opposite on the color wheel. This means that the complement of burnt orange is a blueish-green. However, pairing burnt orange with blueish-green can look too bold. That’s why many designers prefer to use colors that are close to burnt orange on the color wheel, such as yellows, cooler grays, and soft greens.
Yellows
Yellows are perfect for pairing with burnt orange because they create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many different shades of yellows can complement burnt orange, ranging from mustard yellow to pale yellow. If you want a more neutral palette, you can also consider pairing burnt orange with a muted yellow. When decorating with burnt orange and yellow, one of the colors should be dominant and the other should be an accent. You can use burnt orange as the dominant color and yellow as the accent, or vice versa.
Cooler grays
Using cooler grays with burnt orange creates a sophisticated and elegant look. Cooler gray shades, such as charcoal or slate, create contrast with burnt orange and can help to balance the warmth of the hue. You can use these colors in upholstery, wall paint, or accent pieces. If you want to tone down the boldness of burnt orange, you can combine it with cooler grays.
Soft greens
For a more calming and serene atmosphere, pairing burnt orange with soft greens is a perfect choice. The green hues that work well with burnt orange include sage, olive, lime, and mint. These softer greens can help to balance the intensity of burnt orange while adding a fresh and natural feel to the space. You can try combining burnt orange with soft green in accessories like pillows, curtains, and rugs.
Other colors that work with burnt orange
Aside from the colors mentioned above, several other shades can work well with burnt orange. These include muted shades of blue, such as teal or navy, soft shades of pink or peach, and even bold contrasts like black and white. When experimenting with color combinations, it’s important to keep in mind the overall tone and mood of the space you want to create. Make sure that the colors you choose complement each other and work well together.
Final thoughts
Burnt orange is a versatile and attractive color that can add warmth and energy to any space. When selecting color combinations to complement burnt orange, it’s important to keep in mind color theory principles but also to experiment with different shades and tones to find the perfect match. Whether you are using burnt orange in your interior design, fashion, or graphic design, it’s essential to choose colors that harmonize well with it to create a cohesive and visually appealing outcome.
FAQ
What is the complementary color of orange?
In color theory, complementary colors are sets of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. These color pairs have a high contrast and are visually appealing when used together. The complementary color of orange is blue.
This means that when you mix orange with an equal amount of blue, you will get a neutral gray color. However, when you use these two colors side by side, they create a vibrant look. Orange and blue are often used together in graphic design, advertising, and interior design because of their striking contrast.
Complementary colors can also be used to balance out an intense color. Orange is a warm, energetic color that can sometimes be overwhelming when used on its own. Adding a cool color like blue can temper its intensity and create a more harmonious palette. For example, pairing an orange accent wall with blue furniture or accessories can create a balanced, visually pleasing space.
The complementary color of orange is blue and using these two colors together can create a striking and balanced color scheme.
Does gray and burnt orange match?
Gray and burnt orange can be a beautiful and sophisticated color combination when used correctly in interior design, fashion, or in any artistic field. The key to creating a successful match between the two colors lies in understanding their individual properties and how they complement each other.
Gray is a neutral color that can be both warm and cool, depending on its undertones. It can range from light shades like dove gray or silver to darker tones like charcoal or slate. Gray has a calming effect, making it a popular choice for wall colors, bedding, and furniture. It can also act as a backdrop for bolder colors, helping them to stand out while remaining visually pleasing.
On the other hand, burnt orange is a warm color that derives its name from the deep, rich hue that resembles the color of a burning ember or autumn leaves. It can evoke feelings of warmth, energy, and excitement. Burnt orange can be used as an accent color to add pop to a room or outfit, or it can be the main focal point of a design.
When it comes to pairing gray and burnt orange, the two colors work well together because they are complementary colors. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, and when placed side by side, they make each other appear brighter and more vibrant.
In the case of gray and burnt orange, gray is a cool color while burnt orange is warm, making them a perfect match. The cool tone of gray can balance out the intensity of burnt orange, preventing it from becoming overwhelming or too bold. Additionally, gray can act as a foundation, allowing burnt orange to be effectively highlighted without being too distracting.
Gray and burnt orange can be a stylish and elegant color combination when used appropriately. By understanding their unique properties and how they complement each other, designers can create beautiful and harmonious designs that are both visually appealing and well-balanced.
