Why You Should Think Twice Before Painting Your Walls Orange

Whether you're renovating your entire home or a singular space, deciding which color to paint a room can be a tricky decision to make. Your taste could lean toward bright shades or neutrals, but there are still heaps of colors to pick from that could lead to some major indecisiveness. Still, there is one color you should avoid when painting a room, and that's orange. Orange paint can infuse a charming pop of color, but it can also overwhelm a room. It's additionally a difficult color to style because of how bold it is.

While neutrals may seem boring to some, they are far easier to style than colors that demand attention. As well as being difficult to style, orange clashes with many other colors, making it challenging to use in a room that has already been furnished. This is not to say you should avoid orange at all costs. Incorporating a pop of orange through accessories is a great way to bring personality and playfulness to a spae, and there are certain rooms that orange can look great in.

As mentioned, orange is a color that can become visually overwhelming due to how in-your-face it is. Some colors, like green, have darker and lighter hues that can work in a room, but orange is bright no matter the hue. Both dark and light orange shades can appear to be just too much. An additional thing to consider is how much light a room gets. If it gets plenty of natural light, a warm-toned orange with a neutral base is best, so the sun doesn't exemplify the orange to a point where it feels irritating to look at.

In a space that's tucked away, orange should be avoided completely. If no light hits it, it will lose its glow and instead look dull and potentially even tacky. Additionally, never use orange in a bedroom or a living room. Both of these areas are typically spaces where people like to relax and wind down from the day, and a bright color won't help this happen. If you do really love orange and are determined to use it on your walls, below are the best places to do so.

Firstly, the kitchen. This room is one that naturally holds energy, so the boldness of orange can actually work. Rather than painting the whole room orange, stick to one accent wall or a backsplash. Orange can create a great effect when used well, but a headache when used everywhere. Orange pairs exceptionally well with white, as both are bright and light colors. White will balance out the energizing effect of orange, too.

Orange would also look incredible in an oft-overlooked space like a hallway. Per Homes & Gardens, interior designer Sheila Bridges shared, "A vibrant orange entrance hall is a wonderful way to welcome people to a home, especially if your space is on the smaller side. While I'd never use a bold color like this in a bedroom, I love vibrant and jewel tones for more public spaces." If you don't have a room you believe orange will suit, look outside of the box. Though it's advisable to really think through using orange in a space, this doesn't mean it should be avoided entirely. Incorporate the color through accent items like a vase, cushions, or even a statement piece of furniture.