The Meaning of Color: Orange
Designing a space for people to gather and converse in good spirits? Consider including orange in your decor
In this series on the meaning of color, we are looking at color from a wide range of perspectives: design, psychology, philosophy and nature. We examined red last time; this time we are delving into another fiery hue: orange. From the way it makes us feel to how it’s used in our homes, let’s get to know the color orange a little bit better.
The color orange and mood. Orange is the color of happiness, optimism and social communication. A rich saffron orange feels warm and exotic, while a bright tangerine orange is fresh, playful and fun.
The color orange in feng shui. Like red, orange is considered a “fire” hue in feng shui, making it a good choice for social spaces like the living room. Use it where you want people to gather and converse, or anywhere you would like to boost the warmth.
The color orange in nature. From the changing leaves on the trees to ripe pumpkins in the fields, orange, more than any other hue, signals the change of seasons from summer to fall. A sign of transition, but also of the abundance of harvest time, orange is a warm, rich hue that calls to mind golden autumn light and peaceful groves of maple trees.
Orange and the chakras. The chakras are considered centers of energy in the body, starting at the base of the spine and going up to the crown of the head. The lower chakras are more closely related to our physical bodies, while the upper chakras relate more to our spirit.
The sacral chakra, which is associated with the color orange, is located in the lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel. This chakra represents creativity and sexuality. A balanced second chakra can bring feelings of well-being and abundance.
The sacral chakra, which is associated with the color orange, is located in the lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel. This chakra represents creativity and sexuality. A balanced second chakra can bring feelings of well-being and abundance.
Orange in design. Not quite as hot as fiery red but still plenty bold, orange can be used as a spicy accent hue — or, if the orange is muted, it can be a warm and welcoming wall color. Brighter, cleaner oranges tend to read more modern and youthful, while deeper, spicier tones exude sophistication and rustic warmth.
Color Guide: How to Work With Orange
Color Guide: How to Work With Orange
Using orange at home. A warm and spicy orange makes a beautiful backdrop to a bookcase or salon-style art wall. Rich shades of orange can warm up an all-neutral scheme — try draping a luxurious burnt orange cashmere throw over a leather sofa, or line up a row of glossy orange vases on the mantel for a quick fall update.
The color orange and you. When it comes down to it, color is personal. So pay attention to how the color makes you feel before using it in your home. Do you crave the energy of bright orange, or do you prefer a more soothing, earthy hue? There is no right or wrong place to use color if it makes your heart sing.
Exploring further. Consider trying one of these explorations to deepen your color awareness:
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The Meaning of Color: Red
Read more about designing with orange
- Swing by the market or a farm stand, and pick up an armful of orange blooms to brighten up your table.
- Snap pictures of all of the orange items you see for an entire week — at the end of the week, compile the photos into a slideshow or collage.
- Browse a fabric store or design center (where fabrics are often organized by color) and go to the orange section; notice which you are most drawn to.
- Visit a paint store and bring home some orange paint swatches.
- Give a piece of yard-sale furniture a makeover with two coats of glossy orange paint.
More
The Meaning of Color: Red
Read more about designing with orange
