Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Bright, cheerful, classic and amazingly versatile, coral has a lot to offer. And because it works well in small doses, it's easy to give your space a boost with this vibrant color. Here are 10 reasons to add coral to your home.
1. Coral adds instant glamour. Room feeling a little ho-hum? Paint something coral for a quick hit of glamour. This hue feels like it could have been plucked straight out of the Hollywood set of a Technicolor film -- try it on a mirror frame or side table.
2. Coral is cheerful. Like a ripe apricot or a beautiful sunrise, coral is a naturally uplifting color. Use it wherever you want a little boost -- a coral front door would be spectacular.
This custom coral color is very similar to Sherwin Williams Gladiola, according to the designers.
3. Coral freshens up traditional spaces. Coral is elegant but not at all fussy, making it a great partner for antiques and traditional pieces. Try adding coral-colored drapes, cushions or upholstery to give your traditional room a twist.
4. Coral plays well with neutrals. If you're feeling bored with an all-white or neutral room, consider perking it up with coral-colored accessories. Natural hues like linen, oatmeal and sand look richer and more interesting when used alongside this bold hue.
5. Coral brightens up darker hues. Navy and charcoal gray really come to life when paired with coral. Try adding a few coral throw pillows to a basic blue and white living room for a fresh look.
6. Coral warms up modern spaces. Add pop to a cool modern or eclectic space with a hit of coral. The bright hue looks especially vibrant against pale gray, white and watery blue.
7. Coral is bright and fun. Wouldn't waking up in a coral and aqua bedroom be more fun than opening your eyes to the usual blah beige? Treat yourself to a colorful life! Try painting an old headboard vibrant turquoise, then punch it up further with coral and aqua bedding and a graphic black and white striped rug.
8. Coral transitions with the seasons. In spring and summer, use coral alongside celery green, lemon yellow or aqua. When the air turns crisp in the fall, keep the coral and trade the other colors for rich, warm ones, like persimmon and chocolate.
9. Coral can work for boys and girls. Are you expecting? Yellow is not the only gender-neutral option. Gray or aqua walls with cheery coral accents would work well for a boy or a girl, or try pale lavender walls with coral accents for a girl.
10. Coral lends gravitas to sorbet hues. Coral is also fabulous for keeping grown-up pastel rooms from veering into Sugarplum Fairy territory. A print that includes coral and lilac, like the one shown on the headboard here, would make a good starting point for a balanced decorating scheme.
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