Gold Combinations: 13 Hues That Highlight Warm Metallics at Their Best
Gold, with its metallic sheen, can elevate any decor scheme and serve as a versatile neutral in home interiors, according to various designers. However, choosing colors that complement gold can be a bit complex due to the variety of tones and finishes available.
One point to consider when pairing gold with other colors is the finish and tone of the gold itself. "Gold comes in various tones, ranging from rich antique golds to buttery brass hues, warm rose-tinted shades, and gentle soft gold tones," explains Philippe Desart, MD of contemporary wallcovering brand Arte. "The nature of the gold you choose, its intensity, warmth in tone, and the finish will significantly impact the atmosphere you create and the colors that will complement the shade."
In search of modern and elegant color combinations for gold, several top designers and experts weighed in on their favorite pairings:
1. Greige
This neutral blend of grey and beige complements gold beautifully due to their shared warm, muted quality that prevents clashing. Jenna Choate and Mariana Ugarte, co-founders of design studio Interior Fox, explain, "Gold pairs wonderfully with greige, as both tones share a warm, muted quality that complements rather than clashes. In this space, the combination of patterns and textures adds depth, making the palette feel layered and intentional."
A striking example of this pairing can be found in a room featuring a mustard-colored velvet cushion, which ties the gold beautifully to the space. According to Jen and Mar, "This example demonstrates how an earthy, restrained palette can still feel rich and elegant when cultivated with care."
2. Turquoise
This beautiful blue hue offers a calming yet complementary contrast to the warm luxury of gold. As turquoise sits opposite gold on the color wheel, their opposing qualities create a visually balanced and sophisticated look.
Molly Torres Portnof, of DATE Interiors, offers insight, "The partnership of light blue or turquoise and gold works so well because it's a balance of cool and warm tones. They're opposite colors on the color wheel, making them extremely harmonious."
A chic space designed by DATE Interiors illustrates this pairing perfectly. The choice of light blue drapes pairs beautifully with gold, creating an inviting yet luxurious feel.
3. Pink
Long associated with gold, pink feels playful while maintaining a modern classic appearance, especially in soft blush or dusty shades. "Warm, lighter tones like blush pink can look very modern," adds Tom Rutt, director of architecture firm TR Studio. For a more unexpected combination, consider incorporating a dusk pink or vivid turquoise, which could go on a single chair or oversized vase.
4. Purple
The metallic sheen of gold can complement purple, another versatile neutral, as well. "Blush pink, lavender, and terracotta are some of my favorite colors to accentuate gold," says Grace Baena, an interior designer at online pre-loved furniture marketplace Kaiyo. "They complement each other in a way that feels sophisticated without being too serious."
A maximalist bedroom designed by Crosby Studios showcases a striking example of this combination, featuring a shiny gold upholstered bedhead paired with vibrant purple bedding.
5. Black
Typically associated with luxurious schemes, black and gold can be challenging to execute successfully. However, when done correctly, the combination creates a stunning effect, as in this powder room, a masterclass in decorating with black.
Cathy Dean, a color expert and ambassador for Farrow & Ball, advises softening the glamor by layering the colors with other warm, softer shades, such as chalky off-blacks, inks, and caramels. "Use gold with chalky off-blacks, inks, and caramels to let the gold be part of the tonal palette, rather than the stand-out pop of color, which can appear brash," she says.
6. White
White and gold evoke Regency-era elegance but can also create a sleek and stylish pairing, particularly when combined with other neutral textures. Case in point: this breathtaking curved archway by Heju Studio, lined with gold, exudes Parisian chic.
"For a chic Parisian apartment-effect, keep all other elements super calm to truly let the gold take center stage," says Patrick O'Donnell, a color expert and ambassador for Farrow & Ball. "To achieve this, paint your walls in a 'clean but not too cool' white like Wimborne White."
7. Deep Red
Gold's metallic surface behaves as a neutral when used as a base tone, allowing it to pair well with almost any color. In her personal design, Megan Dufresne, founder, and principal designer of Californian-based MC Design, favors pairing gold with deep jewel tones, like deep burgundy. "In my personal design, I like to pair gold with deep jewel tones to create a rich and luxurious palette," she says.
The vibrant shade of red works with gold, especially when used in a deep burgundy. Mixing the colors with other tones can help prevent the scheme from appearing too brash.
8. Yellow
As its closest color match, gold is one of the ideal colors to pair with yellow. For this dining area by Honeybee Interiors, designer Sacha Berger selected an opulent mustard-upholstered banquette seating to create a warm, welcoming feel.
"I wanted to create a warm and inviting dining area, so I used a color palette of taupe walls, natural woods, mustard, and gold accents. The velvet is called Omega Brass – it tonally layers with the metal accents in the lighting and detail on the backs of the chairs, while also providing a strong pop of color that works harmoniously in the overall scheme," she explains.
9. Terracotta
For a grounded, earthy scheme, gold can complement terracotta and its cousin, paprika. "The on-trend color, paprika – a more intense version of terracotta – would be a great match to the warm metallic," says Tom Rutt.
Similar tones like Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon (seen above) work well with gold. Take care to layer the scheme with warm-toned woods such as teak and introduce hints of blue-green, or another one of Tom's suggestions, jade, for a cool twist and to avoid monochromatic uniformity.
10. Green
Green and gold pairings became popular, replacing navy as a favorite scheme, particularly for kitchens. Deep greens like emerald pop alongside gold accents, enhancing their warmth and giving them shine.
Patrick O'Donnell offers insight, "For more dramatic effect, consider pairing gold accents with deeper, richer tones like charcoal or navy hues. The contrast between the warm gleam of gold and the dark, moody base colors creates a striking impact."
Cathy Dean also advocates for deep, warmer greens for a fresh take on the look. "Greens and golds sit comfortably together, but opt for a more forest or olive tone and avoid blue-green with golds for a more contemporary feel." Look to pistachio, a lighter, yellow-green shade making its way into modern designs, which pairs well with gold.
These color pairings offer a modern and sophisticated approach to decorating with gold. When using gold in a scheme, carefully consider the natural light in your space and choose a suitable shade that complements it. Additionally, focus on the finish: opt for textured, burnished, or aged finishes for an attractive and subtle presentation.
- Gold, with its versatile neutral quality, can elevate any interior design scheme, but choosing colors that complement it can be complex due to the variety of tones and finishes available.
- In search of modern and elegant color combinations for gold, designers suggest pairing it with greige, a neutral blend of grey and beige, as both tones share a warm, muted quality that prevents clashing.
- Turquoise, a beautiful blue hue, offers a calming yet complementary contrast to the warm luxury of gold, creating a visually balanced and sophisticated look.
- Pink, especially in soft blush or dusty shades, maintains a modern classic appearance while feeling playful when paired with gold.
- Purple, another versatile neutral, can complement gold, creating a sophisticated look, as long as warm, lighter tones like blush pink or a more vibrant turquoise are considered and are used sparingly.
- Black and gold can create a stunning effect, but when done correctly, they need to be softened with other warm, softer shades to avoid appearing too harsh.
- White and gold evoke Regency-era elegance and can create a sleek and stylish pairing, especially when combined with other neutral textures.
- Deep red, when used in a deep burgundy, works well with gold, especially when mixed with other tones to prevent the scheme from appearing too brash.
- Yellow, particularly in mustard shades, is one of the ideal colors to pair with gold, creating a warm and welcoming feel.
- Green, especially deep warmer greens like emerald or forest green, pairs well with gold accents, enhancing their warmth and giving them shine, while avoiding blue-green shades for a more contemporary feel.
