Using Analogous Colors on a Smaller Scale in Décor

Analogous colors are often used as room color schemes in interior design. This is due in large part because the closeness of the hues on the color wheel (analogous colors are color wheel neighbors) tends to make them harmonious and soothing. But analogous colors don’t have to cover an entire space for the beneficial aesthetic to have effect. In this article, we’ll look at ways that even small displays, nooks, or vignettes that use analogous colors are eye-catching and memorable.

Analogous Colors On the walls
Analogous Colors On the walls

If you already have a large statement piece in a vibrant color, one way to capitalize on its dramatic visual appeal as well as provide cohesion with the space is through the use of analogous color on nearby accents. A burgundy sofa, for example, next to a dusty pink chair, with a hint of brick red in the throw rug provides balanced color. Notice, too, that the use of analogous colors here isn’t exclusive – other colors are involved without detracting from them.

Analogous Colors On the walls

Many designers love a use of analogous color that is subtle and, frankly, easy to miss. While the identical design of this side table set makes them an obvious pair, the deep red, bronze, and gold used in the collection play off each other beautifully and cohesively. Consider incorporating analogous colors into a pair of small accent pieces for some subtle analogous appeal.

Analogous Colors On the walls

With any bold piece of furniture, a simple way to tie it in to the rest of the room without detracting from its boldness is by using a side piece containing analogous colors. These orange chairs would lose some of their visual zing if there were other elements of orange in the space, but a shrewd use of a two-toned wooden side stool lets the chairs pop without making them isolated aesthetically.

Analogous Colors On the walls

With so many options for great bedding, the bed is a perfect place to incorporate analogous color into a space easily and affordably. Choose a duvet cover that you love, then move one step up and another step down the color wheel for sheets and/or pillowcases and throw pillows.

Analogous Colors On the walls

A collection of throw pillows with analogous colors is a super simple, cost-effective, and quick way to introduce a bit of color family charm into a space. The pillows don’t need to be matching in pattern or print for this to be true, either, although they can. A little indigo-blue-teal combination can really freshen up a space while maintaining its cool sophistication.

Analogous Colors On the walls

If you’re looking to give some vintage furniture a facelift, take inspiration from this sneakily analogous-colored setup. With a matte golden wall color, a pale tan, a subtle russet, and some walnut, there are all the makings here of a fantastic neutral analogous color scheme. The shocks of teal keep the pieces looking and feeling fresh and current.

Analogous Colors On the walls

Analogous colors really can be the foundation for a star-studded vignette, tucked away in a corner or resting quietly confidently on a tabletop. Keep in mind that everything the eye sees can be part of the analogous color scheme makeup – even a tea towel and the leaves of some flora.

Analogous Colors On the walls

Analogous colors look very well in a variety of décor styles, but they seem to play a particularly important role in industrial style spaces. The nature of industrial style’s rawness and use of wood and metal actually makes analogous color schemes an intuitive choice. It doesn’t take a huge leap to move from concrete to grey wood tones to leather in the décor elements, and that’s already analogous.

Analogous Colors On the walls

Charming table settings are made even more appealing through appetizing analogous colors. This is a wonderful way to supplement a collection, too, or to make a mismatched grouping feel like an actual collection. There are lots of ways to use analogous colors in your home’s interior décor; we hope some of these ideas inspire you to do just that.