The Color Edit: Orange - How to Bring Warmth, Energy & Personality Into Your Home
There’s something about orange that makes a room impossible to ignore.
It’s warm, energetic and unapologetically playful. Whether you use a little pop, or let it take center stage, orange can completely change the personality of a space.
And if you're a fan of retro and mid century inspired interiors, you already know that orange has a special kind of magic. Pair it with the right colors and suddenly your room is giving major 60s and 70s vibes, in the best possible way.
So, if you've always thought “I could never decorate with orange,” stick around. You might just change your mind.
What Does Orange Bring to Your Home?
🔥 Warmth
Orange is a naturally warm color, making it an easy way to add warmth and coziness to a space. It can be especially effective in rooms filled with cool whites, grays or other neutral tones.
Even a single orange accent can make a room feel more inviting.
⚡ Energy
Orange brings energy. It's lively, attention-grabbing and definitely not afraid to be noticed.
If your space feels a little flat or predictable, orange can be just the thing to wake it up.
☀️ Optimism
Orange is often associated with enthusiasm, positivity and playfulness. It has a cheerful quality that can make a room feel happier and more upbeat.
Basically, orange doesn't take decorating too seriously - and we like that.
🎨 Personality
Orange has a naturally expressive quality. It's a great choice for people who want their home to feel creative, colorful, individual and a little unexpected.
In other words, it's perfect for breaking up a sea of neutrals.
5 Color Combinations That Make Orange Look Amazing
Orange is fun on its own, but the colors you pair with it can completely change the mood.
Read on for five combinations worth trying.
This is a classic for a reason.
Brown gives bright orange somewhere to land, toning down some of its intensity while keeping all of its warmth and personality. Add natural wood, vintage-inspired furniture or earthy neutrals and you've got a palette that feels wonderfully retro, with mid century modern vibes.
Think: orange + chocolate brown + warm wood.
Cream softens the boldness of orange and creates a lighter, more relaxed look.
It's an easy combination if you love color but don't want your room to feel overwhelming.
Think: orange + warm cream + natural textures.
Orange and olive make a surprisingly natural pair.
The warmth of orange combined with the muted, earthy quality of olive creates a palette with plenty of personality while still feeling grounded.
And yes, it has a serious retro factor.
Think: orange + olive + brown.
Orange and teal are perfect for anyone who isn't afraid of a little color.
The warmth of orange and the coolness of teal create a fun, high contrast look, while still feeling balanced and inviting. Add a little cream or warm wood and the combination takes on an effortlessly cool, retro feel.
Think: orange + teal + warm cream.
Ready to have a little more fun?
Orange and pink create an energetic combination that's anything but predictable. Softer pinks can make orange feel sweeter and more approachable, while brighter pinks turn the volume way up.
Think: orange + pink + cream.
How to Use Orange Throughout Your Home
You don't need an orange room to enjoy orange.
Sometimes one well chosen piece is all it takes.
Bedroom
Orange can bring warmth and personality to a bedroom, especially when paired with softer neutrals or natural wood tones.
If you're hesitant about using a strong color in the bedroom, start with one statement piece, like bedding, a rug or a few pillows - and let the rest of the room stay relatively simple.
Try: orange + cream + brown for a warm, retro bedroom.
Want more orange for the bedroom?➡️ bedding, throw pillows, lamps
Bathroom
Bathrooms tend to be filled with cool neutrals: white tile, gray, chrome and glass.
A little orange can change that instantly.
An orange shower curtain, bath mat or other accent can add warmth and personality without requiring a renovation.
Try: orange + cream for something warm and relaxed, or orange + teal if you're ready to embrace your retro side.
Want more orange for the bathroom?➡️ shower curtains and bath mats
Kitchen & Dining
Not ready for an orange sofa? Start at the table.
Orange works beautifully in kitchens and dining spaces because of its warm, cheerful and energetic personality. A little orange can make everyday meals and gatherings feel more colorful and inviting.
Try introducing it through smaller pieces such as tea towels, table runners, serving pieces or wall art.
Try: orange + brown for a warm vintage feel, or orange + pink for something playful and unexpected.
Want more orange for the kitchen?➡️ table runners and table cloths, cutting boards, serving platters, entire kitchen collection
Living Room
The living room is where orange can really show off.
Use it as an accent through pillows, curtains, lamps or accent furniture, or let one larger piece become the focal point.
Orange pairs particularly well with warm woods, brown, olive, cream, pink and teal, making it surprisingly versatile.
Try: orange + brown + cream for a cozy retro look, or orange + teal for something bolder.
Want more orange for the living room?➡️ window curtains, lamps, nesting tables, sideboards/credenzas
How Much Orange Is Right for You?
Not ready to commit to an entire orange room? You don't have to.
A LITTLE ORANGE
Try a pillow, tea towel, piece of wall art or another small accent.
I LIKE ORANGE
Bring in a rug, table runner, curtains or a larger statement piece.
ORANGE IS MY PERSONALITY
Go all in with orange bedding, rugs, furniture and accessories.
There are no decorating police.
Your home should look like you.
The Orange Edit
Whether you're drawn to bright orange, red-orange or simply love the way orange works with other colors, there's no reason to keep it limited to one room.
Start small. Mix it with colors you already love. Let one piece be the star, or flood the space with color!
There is no wrong way to bring a little more orange home.
🍊 Want more orange?
We have 350+ products featuring orange throughout the shop, from bedding and bath to rugs, pillows, blankets, kitchen and dining pieces, wall art and more.
Search “orange” in our shop to discover them all. Click here to explore.