Frightening Cool Ways to Use Orange and Black in Your Home

Halloween is a time when you will likely want to decorate your new home.

You’re not alone. In fact, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend $2.7 billion on decorations.

If your idea of decorating for Halloween skews to the colors orange and black, it’s time to think of a sophisticated way to combine these two colors. Both colors can be loud or they can be muted, making orange and black versatile hues that you can use throughout the year.

Here are ways to use orange and black in your home:

Go Bold

Using black in the home can create a sophisticated look that is also bold. One way to achieve this look, says Sara McLean, color expert and stylist for Dunn-Edwards, is to paint a fireplace mantle and surround black. This is sure to be a show stopper in the living room; however, this bold look should be balanced out.

“Add orange in its rust tones by including leather chairs, such as Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs, and an area rug with highlights of orange and black,” McLean says.

Another suggestion is to paint the doors and cabinetry in a powder room in high-gloss black. “Keep the walls white or apply a black and white wallcovering, such as a floral. Use the orange for towels and décor highlights.”

For a vibrant bedroom, paint the bed’s wall black, says McLean. Create contrast with a white headboard and bedding and add touches of orange in a duvet or pillows on the bed.

Bring in Other Colors

Black and orange don’t have to exist by themselves! Bring in other colors, such as gray and white, to help balance out this color scheme and soften the effect.

McLean suggests using orange on an accent wall and then painting other walls a light gray and trim in white. Bring in black in artwork and use black and white décor and accessories.

Using Color to Accentuate a Room

Using orange and black doesn’t always mean going over the top or bold. Appreciating these colors in small bites is another way to bring these colors in your home.

“For a living room area, such as a loft-style look, paint the walls white and show the black in the artwork on the wall,” says McLean. “On a neutral sofa, place orange pillows and throws.”

There’s no need to frighten guests with clashing, over-the-top hues of black and orange. With these tips, you’ll bring sophistication into your home with black and orange all year round.