Do Pink & Orange Look Good Together in Rooms?

Color Theory

• In color theory, pink and orange is considered an analogous color scheme, meaning that the colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Orange is a combination of red and yellow, and pink is a shade of red. Therefore, the colors work together in harmony, making it an attractive color scheme for a room. However, for the colors to work together in true harmony, you want to choose shades of pink and orange that have similar undertones. Shades of pink with cool blue or purple undertones will not coordinate well with orange, which is created from warm red and yellow. Instead choose a shade of pink that has a warm red undertone to keep the combination harmonious.

Room Themes

• Depending on how you combine pink and orange in your room, you can create a variety of moods. For example, adding pink and orange to a room with bright white walls and plenty of greenery creates a tropical island feeling while a more dramatic room with deep pink walls, pink and orange fabrics and gold accents creates an exotic, Eastern-vibe in the room. Bright pink and orange polka dots or stripes create a fun and youthful room while using multiple sunset-inspired shades of pink and orange creates a sophisticated and romantic feeling. As with any color scheme, though, use moderation. Every item in the room does not have to be pink or orange. Incorporate neutrals, accent shades and wood or metal to give the eye a place to rest among the riot of color.

Balancing Colors

• A pink and orange color scheme gives a room a bright, cheerful and energetic feeling, but too many bright colors can overwhelm a room, which is especially true if you choose the colors for your bedroom as pink and orange are not a particularly restful combination. Carefully combining the colors will help you avoid creating a room that is too bright and shocking. Use the gallon-quart-pint method when you design your room. The gallon represents the dominant color of the room, such as the wall color. The quart represents the secondary color in the scheme, which you use in a smaller amount, such as for rugs, window treatments or bedding. The pint represents a third color in the scheme, used to provide accents or "pops" of color throughout the room. This color can be a more intense shade of one of the other colors in the room, a neutral or a complementary color. In a pink and orange color scheme, for example, begin with a bright tangerine color for the base, and choose soft goods in a warm pink shade. Add pillows, a lamp or other accessories in a bright white or a contrasting color such as turquoise.

Choosing Accent Colors

• The colors you choose for the accents in your pink and orange room help determine the overall feeling of the room. Choosing complementary colors, such as blue or green, from the opposite side of the color wheel adds interest to the room. Choose a complementary accent color in the same, or greater, intensity as the main colors to prevent it from getting lost in the room. Accent colors should be noticed. Or pair your orange and pink colors with a neutral. White is clean and bright; orange and pink pop against a pure white background. Brown subdues pink and orange and is a good choice for a warm and romantic room.