Orange and Blue: How to Use This Colour Combination at Home
Orange and blue are opposites on the colour wheel. That contrast is exactly why they work: each makes the other look brighter and richer. It is one of the easiest bold combinations to get right, and it suits almost any style, from mid century to coastal.
This guide shows which shades to pair, how much of each to use and how to bring the scheme in with curtains and cushions.
Pick Your Shades
Orange and blue cover a huge range, from soft peach and sky blue to rust and navy. Matching the depth of the two colours keeps the look balanced.
| Orange shade | Blue shade | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt orange or rust | Navy | Warm, grown up, perfect for living rooms |
| Terracotta | Denim or dusty blue | Relaxed and earthy |
| Bright orange | Cobalt or royal blue | Bold and energetic |
| Peach or apricot | Sky or powder blue | Soft and calm, good for bedrooms |
| Orange | Teal | Retro and lively |
How Much of Each?
Using equal amounts of both colours can feel loud. The 60/30/10 rule keeps it easy:
- 60% neutral: walls, large furniture and floors in cream, white, sand or warm grey.
- 30% main colour: usually the blue, because it is calmer. It could be the sofa, a rug or your curtains.
- 10% accent: the orange, in cushions, a throw, a lamp or artwork.
For a warmer room, swap them: orange as the main colour with blue accents.
Bringing It in with Curtains
- Curtains with both colours tie the scheme together in one move. Look for florals, abstracts and waves that include orange and blue, then repeat each colour in the rest of the room.
- Blue curtains make a calm base. Add orange through cushions and accessories. Browse blue curtains.
- Orange curtains make a warm, confident statement, best with a navy or blue sofa or rug. Browse orange curtains.
Bringing It in with Cushions
Cushions are the easiest way to try the scheme. On a navy or grey sofa, try one patterned cushion with both colours, one plain or small patterned cushion in orange, and one in cream. On an orange or tan sofa, reverse it with blue cushions. See how to match cushions to curtains for more combinations.
Room Ideas
Living room
Navy sofa, cream walls, rust and orange cushions, and curtains with a warm pattern that picks up both colours. Warm wood furniture completes it.
Bedroom
Soft blue walls or bedding with peach and terracotta cushions for a gentle, restful version.
Kitchen and dining
Blue and orange floral curtains at the window and a runner in one of the two colours on the table.
Mid century room
Teal and orange is a classic retro pairing. See our guide to the mid century modern living room.
Colours That Go with Orange and Blue
- Cream and white for a fresh, clean backdrop.
- Warm wood and tan leather for warmth.
- Mustard as a third colour for a retro look.
- Green through plants, which suits both colours.
- Brass and gold accents, which flatter orange and navy.
Orange and Blue Curtains
Orange and Blue Botanical Curtains
Teal and Orange Wave Curtains
Peach and Blue Abstract Curtains
Navy, Rust and Mint Wave Curtains
Browse blue curtains, orange curtains and cushion covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do orange and blue go together?
Yes. They are complementary colours, opposite each other on the colour wheel, so each makes the other look more vivid.
Which shades of orange and blue look best together?
Match their depth: rust with navy, terracotta with dusty blue, peach with sky blue, or bright orange with cobalt.
How do I stop orange and blue looking too bold?
Use plenty of neutral, keep one colour as the main and the other as a small accent, and choose softer or deeper shades.
What colour cushions go with a navy sofa?
Rust, burnt orange and mustard are warm, striking choices. Add cream to lighten the look.
What colour curtains go with a blue sofa?
Curtains that include both blue and a warm colour such as orange or rust link the sofa to the rest of the room. Cream curtains with a warm pattern also work.
Is orange and blue good for a bedroom?
Yes, in softer shades such as peach, apricot, powder blue and dusty blue.
What third colour goes with orange and blue?
Cream or white is the easiest. For more colour, add mustard, or green through plants.
Is teal and orange the same as blue and orange?
Teal is a blue green, so it works the same way but feels more retro and lively.