What Colors Go with Gold? 12 Stunning Gold Complementary Colors for Home Decor and Fashion
Updated on March 28, 2023
Gold is a versatile color that can be paired with many other colors to produce various effects, from sleek and sophisticated to cozy and inviting. Use these guidelines the next time you’re looking for gold complementary colors to create a stylish and coordinated space or outfit every time.
This article lists some of the best colors that go well with gold: charcoal gray, burgundy, olive green, violet, tan, ivory, teal, dusty rose, lavender, burnt orange, brown, and emerald green. Read on to discover the symbolism behind each color, together with our tips for home decoration and wardrobe choices. Check out the FAQs section for more info. But first, find out more about the color gold.
What you need to know about the color gold
Check out interesting facts about the color gold:
- According to color composition, gold is made of 87.5% yellow and 12.5% red.
- The hex code of the color gold is #FFD700.
- The color gold takes its name from the precious metal with the same name. In a pure form, the gold metal is bright, slightly reddish-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile. The metal is relatively rare and has been used for coinage, jewelry, and other arts throughout recorded history.
- According to color psychology, gold is a very positive color. It is associated with wealth, success, and prosperity. It also symbolizes the sun, which is the source of life.
- Gold was particularly important to ancient Egyptians, represented by the symbol Nebu. The metal gold was believed to be divine and unbreakable. Furthermore, the sun god Ra was associated with gold.
- There are many shades of gold available, from old gold to candlelight. For instance, the shade golden is associated with Buddhism.
- In branding, gold can be seen in numerous logos, such as Versace, Gucci, Lindth, 20th Century Fox, and Warner Bros. Pictures.
What colors go well with gold?
The best colors that pair well with gold are charcoal gray, burgundy, olive green, violet, tan, ivory, teal, dusty rose, lavender, burnt orange, brown, or emerald green. Check out more info about each.
1. Charcoal gray
Charcoal gray (#36454F) is a cool color that pairs well with gold. Charcoal gray is a dark shade of gray with a blue tint, which can be used to create a variety of looks, from sleek and minimal to warm and inviting.
Color symbolism: The color charcoal gray is often associated with strength, stability, and modernity. Teamed up with gold, charcoal gray creates a timeless color combination that exudes sophistication and elegance.
Home décor: The deep shade of charcoal gray provides a rich, dramatic backdrop for the shining gold, while the gold adds a touch of luxury and refinement. This color palette is perfect for creating a guest-pleasing space in the living room. For instance, you can use charcoal gray as a neutral color and build around it with gold accents, like painting the walls charcoal and hanging a mirror with a gold frame.
Fashion: Charcoal gray and gold make a stunning combination when used in clothes, depending on the look you are going for. For a modern look, use charcoal as the neutral base color and add pops of gold. To add a touch of glamor, pair charcoal gray with shimmering gold. To add interest and texture to an otherwise boring outfit, you can couple a gold smooth fabric like silk with a charcoal gray rough fabric like wool.
2. Burgundy
Burgundy (#6a1C36) goes well with gold. It is a warm color with a red-brown hue.
Color symbolism: Burgundy is a symbol of strength, luxury, and power, qualities shared with the color gold. As such, pairing burgundy with gold produces a refined look that is sure to impress.
Home décor: Combining gold with burgundy gives off a luxurious vibe that can be felt throughout your home by using all colors in accents like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains. Use different shades of gold and burgundy to add interest, like light gold as an accent color and dark burgundy as a statement color. It is also a good idea to mix and match different patterns and textures, such as florals, stripes, or plaids.
Fashion: Gold and burgundy are great colors for casual and formal occasions. For instance, use burgundy as the base color and pair it with gold accents, or add a third neutral color to add more dimension to the outfit, such as gray, beige, or black. A black dress works well with burgundy shoes and a gold necklace.
3. Olive green
Olive green (#BAB86C) is a warm, earthy color that makes a wonderful team with gold. Olive green is a dark green-yellow color, ideal for adding a pop of color without going over the top.
Color symbolism: The color olive green is associated with nature, health, peace, wealth, and prosperity. Gold is also a prosperous color, so it is natural to combine the two.
Home décor: Olive green is an incredibly versatile color, so you can use it with gold in various ways to decorate your space. For instance, these two colors would create a stunning backsplash or countertop in the kitchen, a cozy and inviting space in the living room, or a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom. An olive green accent wall could go with gold flower vases, while golden curtains would pair well with an olive green couch.
Fashion: Gold and olive green can be fabulously worn, as long as you do not go overboard. It is a good idea to use additional, neutral colors like black, white, or gray to tone down the natural brightness of gold and olive green, making these colors more wearable for everyday looks. For example, a gold top goes well with olive green pants and black shoes, while an olive green dress would be stunning when worn with gold jewelry and black heels. If you are still unsure about incorporating gold and olive green into your wardrobe, start small by using these colors in accessories, like gold earrings with an olive green scarf.
4. Violet
Violet (#8F00FF) is a beautiful color that can really make gold pop. Violet is a cool, deep blue-purple color with a rainbow of shades, from light lavender to rich plum.
Color symbolism: Violet is the color of royalty, so it makes sense that it would go well with gold. Together, these colors convey a feeling of opulence and luxury.
Home décor: You can use violet and gold together in many ways to create an elegant look in your home. For example, you can paint one wall violet and add gold picture frames or hang a violet tapestry with golden tassels. Or you can use violet as an accent color in throw pillows, rugs, or curtains. If the gold-violet pairing is too intense, add other colors like white or cream to tone it down.
Fashion: When it comes to fashion, violet and gold is a classic color combination that always looks chic. For a casual look, pair a violet tee with golden jeans and sneakers. Or go for a more glamorous outfit by wearing a violet dress with gold heels and jewelry. You can also use these colors in your makeup, like a violet eyeshadow with gold eyeliner.
5. Tan
Tan (#D2B48C) is a warm, light brown color that goes great with gold. Tan is a versatile color that can be used in both casual and formal settings.
Color symbolism: The color tan is associated with nature, stability, and reliability, as it evokes the feeling of the sun and sand. Gold is also a stable color, thanks to the durability of the metal, making it a good choice to pair with tan.
Home décor: Tan and gold make a fantastic combination for interior design, as they create an inviting and comfortable space. A gold and tan wallpaper is a great focal point in a room, especially when the wall is behind a fireplace, in an entryway, or in a dining room. You can also use gold and tan window treatments to filter sunlight. Meanwhile, gold and tan accessories like vases, candles, picture frames, or sculptures add visual interest, while gold and tan fabrics used in upholstery, drapery, or bedding create texture.
Fashion: Tan and gold also look great together in fashion. A tan blazer with gold buttons is perfect for a formal occasion, while a gold top with tan pants is ideal for a casual day out. You can also use these colors in your accessories, like a tan handbag with gold earrings or a golden necklace with a tan dress.
6. Ivory
Ivory (#FFFFF0) is a warm, pale, creamy white color that goes well with gold. Ivory is often used in wedding dresses and décor as it has a very elegant and sophisticated look.
Color symbolism: Ivory is associated with purity, innocence, and elegance, inheriting these traits from white. Gold also has a luxurious feel, so the marriage of these two colors creates a look of refinement and wealth.
Home décor: In interior design, ivory and gold create a classic and timeless aesthetic, regardless of how the colors are used together. For example, an ivory tablecloth with a gold table runner makes a beautiful setting for a formal dinner party. Or you can use gold and ivory wallpaper to create an elegant accent wall. You can also find gold and ivory fabric in many different textures and patterns, which can be used for upholstery, drapery, or throw pillows.
Fashion: The gold and ivory combination is ageless in fashion, just like in home décor. An ivory wedding dress with gold accents is always popular for soon-to-be brides. Or you can use gold and ivory in your everyday wardrobe, like a pair of ivory pants with a gold blouse or sweater. You can also find many accessories made with these colors, such as gold and ivory earrings or an ivory clutch with a gold chain strap.
7. Teal
Teal (#008080) is a cool, dark blue-green color that produces a spectacular combination with gold. Teal has a rich, jewel-tone hue that makes it perfect for formal settings.
Color symbolism: Teal is associated with nature, tranquility, and health, as the color is often found in the ocean or in forest foliage. Teal adds a bit of playfulness to the otherwise serious gold, making a pairing that can be found in nature, such as the shoreline of teal ocean waves and gold sandy beaches.
Home décor: In home décor, teal and gold create a modern, contemporary, luxurious, and relaxing space. For example, you can use gold-leafed furniture with teal accessories, paint walls green and with a golden rim, or hang abstract artwork above the bed that incorporates the gold and teal shades.
Fashion: You can use gold and teal creates a fresh outfit that oozes youth and refinement, depending on which look you prefer. For a casual look, you can don a long, delicate summer dress with a golden hue and pair it with long teal tassel earrings and a teal bracelet also look great together in fashion. For a girl’s night out, you can rock a pair of gold pants with a teal jacket.
8. Dusty rose
Dusty rose (#C47685) is a light, muted pink color with a touch of gray that gives it a vintage feel. Dusty rose goes great with gold because the two colors have similar warm undertones.
Color symbolism: Dusty rose is associated with romance, femininity, and nostalgia. Gold also has a romantic feel, making these two colors the perfect pair for an intimate setting.
Home décor: In interior design, dusty rose and gold create a soft, inviting space that is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing at the end of the day. For example, you can use dusty rose wallpaper with gold accents in the living room or bedroom. You can also find many fabrics in these colors, such as dusty rose velvet upholstery or drapery with a gold trim.
Fashion: The colors dusty rose and gold are often seen in wedding dresses, as the hues create a beautiful and romantic look. You can also use these colors in your everyday wardrobe, like a dusty rose blouse with gold jewelry or a pair of pants in a rich golden hue. You can also find many accessories made with these colors, such as shoes, handbags, and scarves.
9. Lavender
Lavender (#B57EDC) is a cool, light purple, delicate color with blue undertones, which pairs well with gold.
Color symbolism: Lavender is associated with royalty, luxury, and sophistication. Gold also has a luxurious feel, so two colors are the ideal pair for a formal setting.
Home décor: Lavender and gold create a regal and elegant space. For example, paint all walls lavender in a bedroom or bathroom and add pops of gold through accessories, such as artwork, pillows, monogrammed towels, lamps, or picture frames. To add intimacy to a room, you can further accessorize with lavender, such as lavender-scented candles or potpourri. And if you need an extra color contrasting the gold and lavender tones, try green, such as plants.
Fashion: Wear lavender and gold together to create a look that is both sophisticated and feminine. For example, you can pair a lavender blouse with gold earrings and a bracelet. Or, for a more dramatic look, try a floor-length lavender dress with gold heels and accessories, which is a stunning outfit for a wedding or other formal occasions.
10. Burnt orange
Burnt orange (#CC5500) is a rich, deep orange color with red and brown undertones. Burnt orange goes great with gold since both colors are warm.
Color symbolism: Burnt orange is associated with fall, warmth, and energy. Combined with gold, burnt orange creates a luxurious and sophisticated look, especially during autumn.
Home décor: The combination of burnt orange and gold works for multiple interior design styles, including traditional and contemporary, depending on the effect you are trying to produce. For a subtle effect, it is best to use these colors sparingly in accessories when decorating a room, like artwork, coasters, or a lampshade. For a dramatic effect, you should use burnt orange and gold in large doses, like a burnt orange accent wall with gold armchairs.
Fashion: Gold and burnt orange create a stunning combination, especially for formalwear such as weddings. For instance, you can have your bridesmaids wear burnt orange dresses, which can be accessorized with gold and burnt orange tassel earrings. When incorporating gold and burnt orange into your wardrobe, it is important to choose the right fabric. Silk is a great choice for showing off the shine of gold, while wool is a good option for burnt orange as it will help to accentuate the color’s natural warmth.
11. Brown
Brown (#964B00) is a warm, rich, and earthy color that goes well with gold. Together, these two colors create a look that is both sophisticated and down-to-earth.
Color symbolism: Brown is a natural color that symbolizes strength, stability, and security. Gold is also a strong color, making the two ideal for creating a look that instills confidence, familiarity, and warmth.
Home décor: Brown and gold is one of the most recognizable color combinations in interior design, thanks to the neutral tones of brown and the pops of color added by gold. These two colors create a soothing, relaxing space to retreat in and recharge your batteries. For example, you can paint one wall brown in a living room and use golden tones in the furniture or accessories. You could also use brown leather furniture with gold throw pillows or artwork. Another way to incorporate these colors into your home is through nature-inspired elements, such as using branches as part of your décor or adding plants with gold pots.
Fashion: When incorporating gold and brown into your wardrobe, it is important to consider the different shades of brown. For instance, a light brown top with gold earrings and a bracelet can create a look that is both feminine and earthy. A dark brown dress with gold heels and accessories can be worn for a variety of occasions, from work events to formal gatherings. You can also experiment with different textures, like pairing a smooth brown blazer with a shimmery gold top.
12. Emerald green
Emerald green (#115C55) is a cool, beautiful, deep green color with blue undertones. With gold, it creates a luxurious and eye-catching combination that is sure to turn heads.
Color symbolism: Emerald green is associated with wealth, luxury, success, growth, new beginnings, and fertility. Combined with gold, emerald green creates a look that oozes opulence.
Home décor: Emerald green and gold make a fantastic combination for elegant homes, whether you want to use them in large or small doses. For instance, you can use emerald green as an accent color in a room with golden furniture. Or you can have an emerald green sofa with golden legs. You could also use these colors together in a more subdued way, like adding a few emerald green plants to a room with gold accents.
Fashion: Emerald green is a great color for formalwear, especially when combined with gold. For example, you could wear a floor-length emerald green skirt with a golden lace top to a wedding or another special event. For a casual outfit, try emerald green trousers with gold buttons, a white shirt, and gold jewelry.
Tips for using the color gold in home décor
- Gold looks best when used as an accent color rather than a dominant one. Try pairing it with other colors like charcoal gray, burgundy, tan, or emerald green.
- If you want to go all out with the color gold to create a luxurious look, paint your walls with metallic gold paint. For a more subtle approach, try using gold leaf or stencils. Gold leaf is thin sheets of actual gold that can be applied to surfaces like walls or furniture. You can also add gold leaf to the rim of glasses to dress up your table setting for parties or other special occasions.
- Adding gold beads or sequins is a great way to make any project sparkle and shine. Gold beds and sequined are perfect for embellishing clothing, accessories, or home décor items.
- To add a touch of elegance to your living room, incorporate gold into your furniture, such as a gold coffee table or end table. You can also try upholstering your dining room chairs in a gold fabric, such as Jacquard.
- Adding gold accessories to your home can really make a difference. Try using gold candlesticks, picture frames, vases, or even lamps.
- To make your kitchen look more grown-up and elegant, consider using gold hardware on your cabinets or adding a few golden accents like dish towels or pot holders.
- It can be challenging to add gold to a small space like a guest bathroom without making it look kitschy. For example, add white tiles with gold accents behind the sink.
- Gold is the perfect color to add shimmer and shine to your décor. Try using it with other metallics like silver or copper for an even more dramatic effect.
- If you are going for a glamorous look, try using gold with other rich colors like jewel tones or even black for an ultra-chic look.
FAQs
Discover more useful information about the color gold.
Is champagne color the same as gold?
No, the champagne color is different from gold. Gold is closer to yellow and has the #FFD700 hex code, while champagne is closer to beige and has the #F7E7CE hex code.
What are the different shades of gold?
There are many shades of gold, including old gold, golden yellow, golden poppy, Arizona State University (ASU) gold, University of Southern California (USC) Gold, California (Berkeley) gold, Cal Poly Pomona gold, UCLA gold, MU gold, pale gold, sunglow, harvest gold, goldenrod, Vegas gold, satin sheen gold, golden brown, and candlelight.
Does maroon go well with gold?
Yes, maroon and gold are a great color combination. Burgundy is a deep, rich color that pairs well with gold, which is a warm, metallic color. This combination is often used in formal settings such as living and dining rooms to create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.
Conclusion
With so many colors, it can be tough to decide what goes best with gold. But by understanding the color symbolism and following our tips for home decoration and clothing, you can confidently select gold complementary colors, such as charcoal gray, burgundy, olive green, violet, tan, ivory, teal, dusty rose, lavender, burnt orange, brown, or emerald green. Whether you want to go bold or play it safe, there are endless possibilities for creating beautiful color combinations with gold. For example, you can use gold in combination with any of the colors outlined in this article to create a stunning color scheme for family photos.