Warmer colors in general, and pinks and corals in particular, seems to be regaining popularity in recent years, so this is an update to my coral post from a few years ago.
It started when Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year was Living Coral, and continued with some Raspberry Blush from Benjamin Moore for 2023, and the slightly anemic, but more or less coral SW HGTV COTY for 2024, Persimmon.
Living Coral is the bright hue I have often referred to as “aggressive salmon”, when implemented poorly…not to be confused with “dead salmon” which is an actual paint color name. Yes, really.
But back to coral, so can it be used in interiors? Of course! Even the bright shades! But exercise caution…it takes a fair amount of skill to pull off large amounts of such a bold color.
And for those who still want a touch of warmth without the drama, there are less intense versions of coral to be had!
Coral falls somewhere between orange and pink in the color spectrum and as such is a warm and generally flattering hue that works in a variety of situations.
Coral Paint
Painting large surfaces with coral is the boldest use of coral. As always, follow THESE steps for selecting the paint for your home - I promise you, it will look different in your house than it does at the paint store, at your friends house, or on your computer screen!
The bathroom below is a good example of saturated coral walls balanced with white fixtures and accented with black. Like several of the images in this post, it is a fantasy room from my imagination - a rendering I created with AI using text prompts to generate an inspiration image in #midjourney.
fantasy coral powder room AI image via midjourney
This fantasy coral dining room features varying shades of coral solids and prints juxtaposed with abundant cream millwork and rich wood furnishings.
elegant coral imaginary dining room AI image via midjourney
The lovely AI rendered city living rooms below feature walls in bold and softer, more muted shades of coral.
In the one with matching drapery panels, the coral is accented with black and gray tones for a moodier room. Do be sure your coral is actually coral and not orange if you are using it with black, unless, of course, you are aiming for a Halloween vibe!
The other pairs a paler coral with an abundance of ivory for an elegant and airy mood.
Another way to use a vibrant coral is to paint a piece of furniture in this unexpected color adding life and a whimsical accent to your space. It is a great way to use a vintage piece and give it a modern twist.
A medium coral adds a flattering glow to this imaginary bedroom, paired with cream and taupe.
sunny coral imagined bedroom AI image via midjourney
Coral pairs well with pale woods and brass finishes as seen in this imaginary kitchen. Coral cabinetry can be a unique and beautiful accent color in a kitchen.
warm coral and light wood fantasy kitchen AI image via midjourney
Here is a list of coral shades from pale to dramatic.
Don’t be put off by the NAMES of the shades…I honestly kind of wish they wouldn’t name paint colors as it often adds an unnecessary level of confusion to the selections!
These are all coral shades…somewhere between orange and pink - and will look closer to one or the other in different environments.
Coral Wallpaper
Sometimes a pattern or texture is just what is needed in a room and wallcovering can be the perfect answer.
This dramatic powder room in our antique farmhouse project (more here) features wallpaper in charcoal with a coral and aqua pattern. We added bright coral paint to the ceiling and coral wooden bead trim to the window shade.
dramatic powder room, design by JRL Interiors
What would otherwise be a very ordinary bathroom is both fun and dramatic because of its bright coral flamingo wallpaper.
Flamingo wallpaper by Tempaper
Below are some coral wallpaper options (click on each image for more information):
*Please note that this page contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase, I might make a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Coral Textiles
We used a coral colored oriental rug and a silk and linen watercolor print with muted coral , green, and cream in this master suite from our Gentleman’s farm project.
Elegant master suite in coral, taupe and green. Design by JRL Interiors
In this personality packed guest room, we used accents of coral along with a palette of garden colors.
Vintage hats and coral accents add warmth and personality to this guest room. Design by JRL Interiors.
Coral floral and striped fabrics bring together the color story for this family living space and add warmth and a garden feel.
Coral floral fabric covers a tufted chair and ottoman in the library. Design by JRL Interiors.
Coral striped fabric and vibrant coral pillows (along with a coral painted chandelier!) add a playful note to the breakfast room. Design by JRL Interiors
A selection of coral rugs, fabrics and accessories below (click on each image for more information):
And a few accent pieces for your coral room…
Well, this is certainly one way to add the color coral to a bathroom, though wallpaper is probably less problematic! (This was actually a hurricane plan executed by a Miami zoo in 1992, news story HERE)
