Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Coral is a beautiful color that can be used in a variety of ways in interior design. It is often associated with the beach, and can create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.
In this guide, we will discuss some of the best color combinations to use with coral when designing your home.
We will also provide some tips on how to use coral effectively in your designs. So whether you are looking for a new paint color for your walls or just want to add a touch of coral to your decor, read on for some inspiration!
What Color Is Coral?
Coral is a deep hue of orange, ranging from light peach to dark orange. It’s one of the more vibrant and energizing colors that can be used in design, fashion, and home décor.
Coral can be combined with other bright shades such as yellow or turquoise for an eye-catching look. Alternatively, softer shades such as blush or cream can provide the perfect backdrop for coral to really stand out.
A Brief History of Coral Color.
Coral has been used as a decorative color for centuries, first appearing in ancient Rome and then the Byzantine Empire. It was popular during the Renaissance, with many artists using it to add vibrancy to their works.
In Chinese culture, coral is considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck, while in India it was often seen as a sign of royalty and prosperity. Coral has even appeared in ancient mythology, where it was said to bring luck and protection to the wearer.
During the Victorian era, coral became a popular color for jewelry, particularly necklaces and earrings. It was thought to have magical properties that could protect its wearer from harm. This popularity continued into the 20th century, when coral beads and discs became popular accessories for eveningwear.
The color has also been associated with different visual art movements, including Art Nouveau, Cubism, and Surrealism. During the 1950s, it gained popularity again as a fashionable color for clothing and home decor, and today it remains a favorite among interior designers and fashionistas alike. Its versatility makes it a great choice for any room, whether it is brightening up an otherwise neutral palette or adding a splash of color to a more daring design.
Meaning of Coral Color.
The color coral is a mix of orange and pink that is often associated with the ocean. It’s a warm, inviting color that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. This shade is often used in interior design to create a calming atmosphere and promote relaxation.
Coral can also be seen as an expression of joy and creativity, making it a popular choice for home decor and wedding decorations.
Additionally, this hue has a special significance in many cultures around the world, as it can be seen as a symbol of fertility and new life. Coral is also often used to represent passionate love or friendship, making it an ideal color to express those emotions.
Shades of Coral.
Coral is a popular choice for home décor, featuring muted tones that blend well with many other colors.
From soft pink to deep orange, shades of coral are an elegant and sophisticated option for curtains, bedding, or wall paint.
Adding these bright yet soothing hues can give your room a tropical feel without overwhelming it with too much color.
To really make your room stand out, mix your coral shades with different textures such as wicker furniture and textured rugs for a complete look.
1. Light coral.
A baby pink color with a hint of orange, this delicate shade is perfect for any room that needs to come alive with a bit of warmth.
Perfect for light and airy bedrooms or adding an inviting feel to the living room, light coral will add subtle beauty to any space.
2. Coral Red.
This reddish-orange hue is a popular choice for home décor, as it adds warmth and flair to any room. It’s bright enough to bring attention, yet subtle enough to not overwhelm the space.
Coral Red looks great against other colors like white, cream, beige and gray. For a more daring look, pair it with shades of green, blue, or yellow. When used in a room, Coral Red can help create a cozy atmosphere with an inviting feel. It’s perfect for living rooms and bedrooms alike.
3. Coral Pink.
In the world of coral, coral pink is one of the more subtle shades. Unlike its brighter counterpart, the bold and vibrant coral hue, coral pink leans toward a softer hue with nuances that can range from pale salmon to light orange.
It’s a favorite among designers for its versatility and ability to create a sense of harmony in any setting.
4. Living Coral.
This color has been chosen as the Pantone Color of the Year 2019. It is a vibrant and energetic coral hue that evokes a feeling of warmth, optimism and joy.
This shade of coral is perfect for creating spaces full of energy and positivity. Its optimistic nature can transform any room into one that radiates happiness, while its warmth can create an inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or a more subtle hint, Living Coral is sure to make any space come alive.
Living Coral has the potential to be used in all kinds of settings, from home décor and fashion to graphic design and web design. Its versatility makes it a great choice for designers who want to create memorable visuals. Its vividness and brightness can bring life to any project, while its warmth helps evoke a feeling of comfort and well-being.
18 Best Colors that Go Well with Coral for Interior Design.
1. Coral and Black.
Accentuating a coral wall with black furniture or fixtures will bring drama. The two colors create an interesting contrast that can be softened with white, grey, and other neutral tones.
If you have a large living room, opting for dark furniture and lighter walls in shades of coral will ensure a unique look.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something a bit more understated, try pairing coral walls with black furniture or fixtures in an accent corner. Use floral prints, stripes and other fun patterns to create visual interest.
2. Coral and Blue.
When used together, coral and blue can create a stunning interior design. This dynamic combination of colors is perfect for creating a beach-inspired look in any room. The bright, perky hue of coral acts as the perfect contrast to the calming tones of blue.
Whether it’s navy or baby blue, this classic duo will provide a cheerful atmosphere that can be dressed up or down depending on the desired vibe.
You can even mix in a few patterned prints, such as gingham, stripes, and polka dots, to make this look truly special.
3. Coral and Brown.
Brown is a great complementary color to coral and can be used in many different ways. For instance, you could combine a light coral wall with dark brown furniture to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Alternatively, pairing lighter shades of both colors together will produce an airy, beachy look.
4. Coral and Canary Yellow.
A bright and cheerful combination, these two colors look great together in any room. Coral is a warm, vibrant hue that brings energy to the space while the canary yellow adds a softer touch of sunshine.
They work well as accents or even throughout a room. Use them to add pops of color among neutral tones or try using different shades of each for an ombre effect.
5. Coral and Chartreuse.
This combination is bright and modern, creating a stunning look in any room of your home. The bright chartreuse green provides the perfect contrast to the softer coral shades, while still keeping with the same color palette.
For a more subdued feel, pair coral with muted greens such as sage or olive. This pairing offers both depth and dimension to the space, while still adding subtle pops of color.
For a more traditional feel, try combining coral with navy blue or black. The dark hues will create a more sophisticated and elegant atmosphere in your home.
6. Coral and Gold.
The classic coral and gold combination is one of the most iconic looks in interior design. This timeless pairing creates a romantic, luxurious vibe that never goes out of style.
Coral’s warm pinkish-orange hue is perfectly complemented by the deep yellow undertone of gold, creating an eye-catching contrast that can be used to create a bold statement in any room.
To keep the look from becoming too overwhelming, try pairing coral and gold with neutral colors such as white, black, or grey. This will help to create a classic yet modern feel that is sure to turn heads.
7. Coral and Gray.
This classic color combination is perfect for contemporary spaces, as well as more traditional ones. The subtle warmth of coral pairs beautifully with the cool tones of gray.
For a timeless look, use a light or medium shade of coral and add texture through curtains, rugs and furniture upholstery in shades of gray.
To keep the look fresh and modern, use a deeper shade of coral and paint the walls with a light gray hue. Accentuate the look by adding gold or brass accents, such as lamps and coffee tables for a touch of glamour.
8. Coral and Green.
A classic combination that never goes out of style is coral and green. This combo works because the colors are complementary and share a similar color temperature.
For an organic, nature-inspired look, pair light corals with olive greens. To create a bright and energizing room, try pairing bright tangerine corals with forest greens.
If you’re looking for a more formal look, opt for darker shades of coral and emerald green. Finish off the look with accents of white or black to break it up.
9. Coral and Orange.
One of the strongest color pairings that work well with coral is orange. This pairing creates a warm and inviting atmosphere and is perfect for a contemporary design or an eclectic style.
Coral can be used as an accent wall to add some visual interest, while orange can be used in furniture, pillows, rugs, or artwork to complete the look.
To create a softer palette, select lighter shades of orange like peach or apricot. For a bolder impact, use brighter and deeper oranges such as tangerine or rust.
10. Coral and Peach.
This classic pairing of coral and peach has a warm, inviting feel that’s perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Coral provides the perfect backdrop to showcase shades of peach in rugs, furniture, curtains, or artwork.
The combination can also be used outdoors with outdoor accessories like cushions and planters. To create more contrast, add darker shades of brown, such as espresso or chocolate.
Neutral colors like white and gray can also be used to lighten the look and add a modern feel. Add pops of color with brightly colored accessories in shades like purple, teal, yellow, or pink.
11. Coral and Pink.
This color combination is youthful and fun, perfect for a little girl’s room or a playroom. Coral is also a popular choice for nurseries as it is gender-neutral.
12. Coral and Purple.
If you’re looking for a calming and tranquil interior design, the combination of coral and purple is perfect. The two colors complement each other beautifully, with the richness of purple giving depth to the bright pop of coral orange.
To create an inviting look, use dark purples like eggplant or amethyst as background colors, then add lighter shades of purple, like lavender or lilac, to your accents and accessories.
To keep the look interesting, include different sizes and textures in both colors. For example, pair a velvet purple chair with a coral ottoman or add a plush coral rug under a deep-purple sofa.
13. Coral and Red.
Red and coral create a bold and vibrant look in any room. The bright tones of red, combined with the softer hues of coral, can help to highlight certain features in the space, such as a feature wall or an accent piece.
For example, pair pale coral walls with darker red furniture and fabrics for an exciting contrast. Or use shades of coral as an accent against a neutral or white backdrop to create a subtle yet impactful statement.
Red and coral are also complementary colors, so they can be used together in larger doses without clashing.
14. Coral and Teal.
This classic combination is a stunning option for any interior design space. The soft, muted coral tones are softened further by the deep teal colors, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
Together they create an eye-catching contrast that complements almost any style of furniture or decor. For a modern look, pair this color palette with glossy white paint and metallic accents.
For an elegant and traditional look, mix in shades of grey and beige to complete the palette. Coral and teal also pair nicely with soft green accents for a more rustic, nature-inspired look. Adding neutral shades like cream or ivory will help to balance out the bolder hues.
15. Coral and White.
A classic combination, you can never go wrong pairing white with coral. This color palette has a timeless elegance that will look beautiful in any room of your home.
Whether it’s used for an entire wall or as an accent piece, the neutral tones add lightness to the room, highlighting the warmth and vibrancy of coral.
An added bonus, white can be easily accessorized with other colors making it a great choice for those who like to switch up their color palette every once in a while.
16. Coral, Burgundy, and Cobalt Blue.
These three colors work together in unison to create an inviting and warm color palette for your space.
Coral is a unique and eye-catching hue that can be used as the main color of the room or as an accent shade. It provides a bright and cheerful atmosphere while still maintaining a sophisticated elegance.
Burgundy, which is slightly darker than coral, helps to ground the space and pairs well with both lighter and darker shades. Cobalt blue, a deep and vibrant hue, adds a pop of color that can brighten up any room.
17. Coral, Light Blue, and Gray.
This combination of colors is light and airy, perfect for creating a coastal-inspired aesthetic. The coral gives the room a pop of color without being too bright or overwhelming, while the light blue adds an inviting touch and helps to cool down the overall look of the room.
Meanwhile, gray serves as a calming neutral that ties all the other colors together. This color palette is perfect for a beach-style bedroom or living room, and it will also add a unique spin to any dining area.
For an extra hint of sophistication, try adding in some metallic decor pieces like gold table lamps or silver picture frames.
18. Coral, Mustard Yellow, and Emerald Green.
These three colors create a bold, vibrant palette that will instantly bring life to any room. Pairing coral with mustard yellow provides a more subtle look than its brighter orange counterpart, while emerald green adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the mix.
For an even bolder statement, add in some black or white accents for contrast. This combination is a great choice for living rooms or bedrooms, as it can bring out the best in any space.
For an even brighter look, use shades of pink or peach to complement the coral and yellow tones. These colors can create a soft and feminine feel that is perfect for nurseries or bathrooms.
Related:
- 15 Colors That Go With Anthracite: How to Coordinate Colors for Your Home
- 30 Colors That Go With Burgundy: How to Coordinate Colors for Your Home
- 20+ Best Colors That Go Well With Aqua For Interior Design
- 54 Colors That Go Perfectly With Green in Your Home Decor
- What Colors Go With Royal Blue? How To Decorate With Royal Blue
- What Color Is Pewter? (25 Colors Go With Pewter In Home Decor)
- 20 Colors That Go Well With Teal In Your Home Decor
- 34 Best Colors That Go Well With Beige In Home Decor
- 25 Best Colors That Go Well With Navy Blue In Home Decor
- 24 Best Colors That Go Well With Olive Green: The Perfect Fall Palette
How to mix coral paint.
Mixing coral paint for interior design can be a tricky endeavor. There are many colors that complement coral, but the trick is finding the perfect blend of hues to create an inviting atmosphere.
The first step in mixing coral paint is to decide on the overall look and feel you want. Consider how much contrast you desire between the different shades, and how bold or muted you want the overall effect to be.
Once you have an idea of the desired outcome, pick two colors that will work well together. You can consult a color wheel for guidance when selecting shades that are complementary, analogous, or triadic in hue. A good rule of thumb is to choose one light shade and one dark shade, as this will create more contrast and visual interest in the space.
When you have chosen two colors, mix them together using a paint mixer or paintbrush. Start by adding small amounts of both shades to the jar or container, and then gradually increase the amount until you reach the desired color intensity. Make sure to test the color on a piece of paper before applying it to your walls.
When finished, you can play around with different combinations of coral and other colors to create unique looks for your interior space. Consider adding touches of white or cream for a soft and airy feel, or be bold by pairing coral with richer shades like navy blue or dark green. Experimenting with different colors can be a fun and creative way to liven up your home.
