If you’re thinking about re-decorating, then using orange as a keynote may not currently be at the top of the list. You might think it’s too bold a statement, or you might be put off by the memory of some ill-advised shagpile carpeting in the 1970s. Now, though, orange is back topping the trends list. We’re not talking dayglo Jaffa this time around, but burnt orange – a subtle terracotta shade that bridges the gap between orange and dark red.
Using burnt orange will add depth and warmth, and works particularly well in north-facing rooms or those that don’t have much natural light. Using a lamp with a burnt orange shade will cast a cosy, intimate glow in dining rooms and bedrooms, while velvet and wool throws in burnt orange create an instant feeling of opulence and luxury.
All colours have ‘moods’ associated with them – think how light and airy a bright spring green or yellow make a room feel. Orange supposedly stimulates sociable feelings and appetite, so if you want to re-do one room in nothing but burnt orange, then the dining room is the obvious choice!
Burnt orange is a difficult colour to use in large stretches as it can become over-powering, so use it as an accent colour and team it with something else. It works surprisingly well with all shades of blue (turquoise if you want to make a statement, duck egg or navy if your taste is more conservative), and looks great with all shades of grey as well.
We’ve picked out a few of our favourite ways of using burnt orange as an accent colour – just steer well away from tangerine and fluorescent brights!
1. Unfold flexible silicone pendant light, Muuto
Amazingly, this pendant light looks like a classic metal industrial lamp but has a flexible shade made from moulded silicone rubber which gives a modern, matt appearance. It comes with an opal acrylic diffuser and colour coordinated cable, and if you get tired of it, it will fold up flat for storage! Was £155, now £139.50, available from Rume. Also available in other colours.
2. Tourron orange stoneware jumbo cup and saucer, Jars
Part of a range, this jumbo cup and saucer will make a statement on any kitchen shelf. It has a matt brown exterior and eye catching orange glaze inside, and will help get any morning off to a flying start! £30, available from Abode Living.
3. Silk road stripe terracotta wallpaper, Arthouse
Perfect for dining rooms, studies, snugs and even cloakrooms, this statement wallpaper takes inspiration from hand-crafted tribal patterns. This design is brought to life in a strong spice and ochre colour palette for a statement that’s bold without being overpowering. £16.99 a roll from WallpaperDirect.com.
4. Poet sofa in Luxor orange, MYFurniture
Create a centrepiece for your sitting room with this iconic sofa, based on a classic 1941 Danish design by Finn Juhl. Features include solid oak legs, angled for a retro look, and sleek, curved lines. There’s also a matching armchair available. The two seater sofa costs £569.99 from MYFurniture.
5. Zilo dining chair in russet orange, Danetti
This sleek and stylish chair is covered with fabric, so combines texture with a minimal, contemporary profile. The legs are in matt black, so overall this chair should be easy to coordinate with existing furniture. Also available in a range of other fabric colours, the Zilo chair costs £69 for one and is available from Danetti.
Stacey Sheppard says
I never ever thought I could be persuaded to use orange at home but I’m seeing some really lovely examples of terracotta permeating interiors at the moment so maybe I could be tempted after all!
Kate says
I’m loving burnt orange at the moment, and that terracotta stripe wallpaper is stunning!