Fruity Orange Paint Colors
Rich melon hues offer all the perks of orange minus its tendency to feel spicy or boisterous. "They're warm, nurturing, and embracing," says designer Sara Bengur. "Color can feel as peaceful as a neutral if the tone is right—natural and muted." Painting your walls orange might sound like a bold idea, but these plucked-from-nature melon hues are creamy and mellow. Even when they're deep and lush, oranges from pale cantaloupe to rich papaya whisper rather than shout.
Paint colors pictured:
- Orange Pecan 2003-1B, Valspar
- Tangerine SW 6640, Sherwin-Williams
- Summer Peach Tree 088, Benjamin Moore
- Melon Sorbet P190-3, Behr
- Coral Silk PPG1195-5, PPG
Earthy Pink Tones
Ruddy pinks and light camel tones borrow inspiration from the warm, earthy landscapes of the Southwest. Layering variations of terra-cotta (such as pastel, clay, and rust) creates a calming, cozy look that's perfect for bedrooms. The combination evokes the tranquil feeling of watching a desert sunset.
Paint colors pictured:
- Fairhaven Peach 135C, Pratt and Lambert
- Coral Clay SW 9005, Sherwin-Williams
- Audubon Russet HC-51, Benjamin Moore
- Arizona Dust 2003-8A, Valspar
- Fresh Croissant S250-4, Behr
Floral Pink Paint Colors
"Warm pink hues of flowering quince [blooms]—what I like to think of as hotter colors of nature—can be used in any room," says Maryland-based designer Kelley Proxmire. The Sherwin Williams' bright, eye-catching coral paint color "Daring" and the soft, sweet pink of Behr's "Deco Shell" exemplify how soft and bold hues come from the same color, modified by undertones and tints.
Paint colors pictured:
- Deco Shell P180-1, Behr
- Daring SW 6879, Sherwin-Williams
- Phoenix Sand 017, Benjamin Moore
- Sierra Pink 136D, Pratt and Lambert
- Youthful Coral SW 6604, Sherwin-Williams
Pastel Paint Colors
The mellow peaches, pinks, and coral paint colors that bring to mind fruity Italian ice offer refreshing colors without getting too dramatic. "Sorbets are soft enough to blend with bold hues. Or use several in a monochromatic palette," designer Tineke Triggs says. The key to not going too sappy? Bring in a bold complementary shade. For example, pair with a turquoise blue or stronger oranges and pinks with the same undertones for a vibrant yet livable palette.
Paint colors pictured:
- Jovial SW 6611, Sherwin-Williams
- Champagne Fizzle 304-1DB
- Ibis Pink 336B, Pratt and Lambert
- Melon Popsicle 2016-50, Benjamin Moore
- Lover's Knot PPG1186-1, PPG
Coral Paint Colors
"Coral is such a vibrant and energizing color," says Nancy Ramirez, the artist behind the online art shop Cozamia. "It feels feminine and strong—a little intense but in a good way." Straddling the line between pink and orange, coral paint color warms everything it touches with its inherent optimism. Use it to infuse a space with joy and enthusiasm.
Paint colors pictured:
- Coral Spice 2170-40, Benjamin Moore
- Emotional SW 6621, Sherwin-Williams
- Pink Mimosa P180-3, Behr
- Coral Reef, Portola
- Cranapple PPG1190-5, Glidden
Blush Pink Paint Colors
Blush is meant to flatter your face, and colors inspired by the makeup-bag staple can do the same for your walls. Look for great combos to hit the right note with these pinky shades. "Ground bold coral with black and white. Pair pink with a classic gray for a sophisticated look," says Nicole White, a Miami designer.
Paint colors pictured:
- Coral Pink 2-6, Pratt and Lambert (no longer available)
- Ballet Slipper PPG1190-2, PPG
- Coral Reef SW 6606, Sherwin-Williams
- Chit Chat 09C-4, Clark+Kensington
- Coral Peach 2005-48, Valspar (no longer available)
How to Use Soft Colors
Light colors like blush and peach look overly sweet if you're not careful. Achieve a sophisticated look with these tips for using soft paint colors. Watch and learn our expert advice.
Mango-Inspired Paint Colors
Showcasing colors like energetic orange and subtle pink, mangoes offer plenty of color inspiration for bright, lively rooms. "These shades bring such warmth to a space, and it can be fun to just saturate the room with an orange glow," color and pattern expert Khristian A. Howell says. "Layer in yellows and golds, copper and brass, and rich dark woods."
Paint colors pictured:
- Posh Peach 234-C, Pratt and Lambert
- Stirring Orange SW 6889, Sherwin-Williams
- Whipped Peach 2007-4B, Valspar
- Orange Sherbet 98YR-533 Glidden
- Coral Serenade PPG1193-5, PPG
Persimmon Paint Colors
These fall-inspired oranges can look great any time of year. So how do you build a palette around these spicy shades? "To create a larger color story, use multiple tones of persimmon rather than one specific shade," designer Emily Henderson says. "Mixing deeper and lighter shades tones down the individual shades and makes it easier for the eye to understand the palette as a whole."
Paint colors pictured:
- Colorado Peach DE5236, Dunn Edwards
- August Morning 2156-40, Benjamin Moore
- Carmelized Orange PPG1197-7, PPG
- Clarified Butter 3001-68, Valspar (No longer available)
- Sewing Bee B1-4, Dutch Boy (No longer available)
Spring Pink Paint Colors
These popular shades of pink make a showing in spring as budding cherry blossom and magnolia trees herald the end of winter. And the hues can have a surprisingly sophisticated and energizing effect on your decor. "The pairing is what gives pink its energy," designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey says. "An all-pink room will start to feel tired very quickly." Her current fave is a neighboring hue: cantaloupe.
Paint colors pictured:
- Impatiens Petal SW 6582, Sherwin-Williams
- G*psy Rose 1327, Benjamin Moore/Ace Hardware
- Barely Blush 98RR 80/078, Glidden
- Plaster Pink A31-1, Olympic (No longer available)
- Cherry Soda 04A5, True Value Paint (No longer available)
Golden Orange Paint Colors
If you think orange only has a bright side, think again. As these squash blossom-inspired hues prove, orange can take on a subtle energy. To use orange as an enveloping room color, designer Asler Valero prefers the creamier shades that border yellow. "These lighter colors are refined, classic, and livable," he says. But don't let orange stray too far and wash out. "Avoid light yellow," he says. "It disappears. The best shades are vivid and earthy and influenced by browns."
Paint colors pictured:
- Palomino Gold 25YY 62/353, Glidden
- Daisy Dew C2-4, Dutch Boy (No longer available)
- Grand Canyon B21-6, Benjamin Moore/Ace Hardware
- Evening Glow A17-3, Olympic (No longer available)
- Sunflower SW 6678, Sherwin-Williams