Gold is a rich and luxurious color that lends itself to many glamorous combinations. From shiny yellow golds to antique golds, there are countless hues that pair beautifully with different shades of gold.
In this article, we will explore over 45 colors that complement gold wonderfully. Discover opulent gold color palettes and schemes that you can use in your home decor, outfits, and designs.
What is Gold?
Gold is a metallic yellow-orange color that is associated with the precious metal gold. On the color wheel, gold sits between yellow and orange. It is warm and radiant, with hints of red and copper that give it a unique glow. Gold represents wealth, extravagance, achievement, and prosperity.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Gold
Gold holds several symbolic meanings, including:
- Wealth: Gold conveys affluence, success, and luxury. It is the color of riches.
- Wisdom: Gold represents illumination, higher thinking, and consciousness.
- Divinity: In religion, gold symbolizes the holy light, sacredness, and the divine.
- Prestige: Gold indicates elite status, eminence, accomplishment, and merit.
- Opulence: Gold embodies ornate adornment, lavish decor, and gilded beauty.
- Royalty: Historically, gold was reserved for kings, monarchs, and rulers.
- Victory: Gold medals represent supreme achievement in athletics and competition.
Shades of Gold
Gold comes in many shades, ranging from bright shiny golds to vintage antique golds. Some major types of gold include:
- Metallic Gold (#D4AF37)
- Golden Yellow (#FFDF00)
- Gold Cream (#E0C568)
- Rose Gold (#B76E79)
- Bronze Gold (#CD7F32)
- Amber Gold (#FFBF00)
- Antique Gold (#b59e5f)
- Gold Leaf (#A87900)
- Pale Gold (#FAFAD2)
Complementary Colors of Gold
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a striking contrast. The complementary color for gold is purple (#800080).
Regal purples, such as amethyst, eggplant, and plum, contrast beautifully with luxurious gold tones. Incorporate rich purples throughout gold interiors and fashion. Add plum pillows to a golden couch or accessorize a gold dress with vibrant eggplant heels and a bag. Mixing gold and purple creates an elegant and luxurious look.
Analogous Colors of Gold
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Analogous colors for gold include orange (#FFA500) and yellow (#FFFF00).
Warm oranges like peach, coral, and apricot bring out the radiance in gold. Use peachy oranges to enhance gold palettes. Display apricot flowers on gold-colored vases or pair a shimmering gold top with coral heels and jewelry.
Yellows from lemon to amber inject brightness into gold tones. Mustard and golden yellow work best. Incorporate warm yellows to accentuate gold environments. Paint a golden yellow accent wall behind a gilded mirror or style gold jewelry with a lemon yellow dress.
Triadic Colors of Gold
The triadic colors for gold, equally spaced on the wheel, are aqua (#00FFFF) and fuchsia (#FF00FF).
Cool aqua creates an elegant contrast against warm, luxurious gold. Sapphire, teal, and seafoam work best. Use aqua conservatively as an accent color with gold. Add teal throw pillows to a golden couch or style gold heels with a seafoam handbag for an interesting look.
Vibrant fuchsia adds striking contrast and flair to gold palettes. Pair gold with richer fuchsias like ruby and magenta. Incorporate fuchsia into gold looks for high-impact drama. Display ruby red flowers in a gilded vase or accessorize a shimmering gold dress with magenta shoes and jewelry.
What Colors Go With Gold?
Are you looking for colors that pair beautifully with gold? Here are over 45 colors that create glamorous palettes when combined with different shades of gold:
Vibrant Gold Color Palettes
Luminous gold pops when accented with other primary colors and bold rainbow brights. These fun combinations add energy and luxury to any space.
1. Gold, Royal Blue, Cherry Red
Shimmering gold complements regal royal blue and playful cherry red beautifully. This is a perfect palette for kids' rooms or anyone wanting a majestic feel.
2. Champagne Gold, Lime Green, Tangerine Orange
Bubbly champagne gold accents are enhanced by fresh lime green and tangy tangerine orange. This vibrant, tropical combo is great for kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Bronze Gold, Fuchsia, Turquoise
Sultry bronze gold fixtures shine against playful fuchsia walls and refreshing turquoise tile backsplash in this eclectic bathroom.
4. Gold Leaf, Robin's Egg Blue, Chartreuse
Shimmering gold leaf wallpaper makes a lavish statement against playful robin's egg blue cabinetry and vivid chartreuse open shelving.
5. Rose Gold, Hot Pink, Sunshine Yellow
Romantic rose gold hardware pops against shocking hot pink case goods and cheerful sunshine yellow walls. This palette is youthful and lively.
6. Copper Gold, Magenta, Seafoam Green
Warm copper gold light fixtures complement vibrant magenta velvet chairs and soothing seafoam green walls. This palette is perfect for dining rooms.
Earthy Gold Color Combinations
Golden metallics take on an organic feel when paired with natural neutrals like mocha, tan, and greige. These laidback palettes create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
7. Rose Gold, Taupe, Walnut Brown
Romantic rose gold hardware looks stylish against versatile taupe walls and rich walnut brown shelves. This combination tones down the glam.
8. Champagne Gold, Khaki, Chestnut Brown
Bubbly champagne gold accents complement earthy khaki walls and rugged chestnut brown leather armchairs. This palette is perfect for rustic living rooms.
9. Gold Leaf, Greige, Dark Wood Stain
Shimmering gold leaf art makes a glam statement against versatile greige walls and deep dark wood beams.
10. Bronze Gold, Sand Beige, Espresso Stain
Sultry bronze gold sconces pop against natural sand beige walls and rich espresso wood plank floors. The wood prevents overwhelming opulence.
11. Antique Gold, Stone, Maple Stain
Aged antique gold chandelier has an organic luxuriousness against hushed stone walls and warm maple wood floor stain. Perfect for a study.
12. Rose Gold, Linen, Pecan Stain
Soft rose gold bedding looks stylish and serene with natural linen headboard and organic pecan nightstand stain.
Retro Gold Color Schemes
Shimmering golds take on a playful and nostalgic charm when mixed with groovy brights and retro hues. Use these fun combinations to liven up vintage homes.
13. Copper Gold, Mustard Yellow, Brick Red
Warm copper gold light fixtures enhanced by cheerful mustard yellow walls and traditional brick red cafe chairs create a retro diner flair.
14. Bronze Gold, Avocado Green, Raspberry Red
Sultry bronze gold accents complement groovy avocado green velvet sofa and tangy raspberry red bar cart wonderfully. Great for rec rooms.
15. Champagne Gold, Mint Green, Cherry Red
Bubbly champagne gold accents look playful against refreshing retro mint green kitchen cabinetry and nostalgic cherry red appliances.
16. Antique Gold, Robin's Egg Blue, Sunshine Yellow
Aged antique gold sconces complement playful robin's egg blue wainscoting and bright sunshine yellow front door charmingly. This palette is timeless and fun.
Soft Gold Color Palettes
Understated gold takes on an ethereal feel when mixed with soft pastels like lilac, blush, and powder blue. These palettes have an angelic charm.
17. Rose Gold, Blush Pink, Pale Blue
Romantic rose gold accents complement rosy blush pink walls and breezy pale blue trim beautifully. This palette is feminine and bright.
18. Champagne Gold, Lavender, Ice Blue
Bubbly champagne gold hardware looks graceful against soothing lavender walls and cool ice blue cabinetry. This is a lovely and relaxing palette for bedrooms and baths.
19. Bronze Gold, Aqua Green, Linen White
Sultry bronze gold sconces pop against refreshing aqua green walls and natural linen white trim in this breezy and ethereal bathroom.
20. Copper Gold, Peach, Buttercream White
Warm copper gold chandeliers complement juicy peach walls and creamy buttercream white wainscoting sweetly. This palette is cheerful and welcoming.
21. Antique Gold, Periwinkle Blue, Bone White
An aged antique gold mirror frame complements pretty periwinkle blue walls and organic bone white trim elegantly. This palette is light and refined.
22. Gold Leaf, Lilac, Pearl White
Shimmering gold leaf art prints make lilac walls and pearly pearl white molding glow in this dreamy, ethereal space.
Gray Gold Color Combinations
Understated golds gain a covetable vintage patina when mixed with soft grays and driftwood browns. These combinations work perfectly in minimalist homes.
23. Antique Gold, Light Gray, White
Aged antique gold sconces warm up cool light gray walls and bright white trim with a subtle vintage vibe. This palette is timeworn yet refined.
24. Rose Gold, Pale Blue, Bone White
Soft rose gold bedside lamps complement breezy pale blue walls and organic bone white bedding seamlessly. This palette is light and soothing.
25. Champagne Gold, Silver Gray, Cream
Luxe champagne gold accents look stylish and glamorous against sophisticated silver gray furniture and warm cream walls.
26. Gold Leaf, Blue Gray, Pearl White
Shimmering gold leaf art prints pop against weathered blue gray walls and pearly pearl white trim.
27. Bronze Gold, Dove Gray, Linen White
Sultry bronze gold table lamps add a dramatic gleam to soothing dove gray walls and breezy linen white curtains. This palette is elegant and minimalist.
Rich Gold Color Palettes
Opulent golds gain lush depth when combined with dramatic jewel tones and black. These bold combinations create lavish and luxurious spaces.
28. Gold, Emerald Green, Black
Shimmering gold fixtures and accessories shine against rich emerald green walls and classic black trimmed windows. This palette is striking and upscale.
29. Rose Gold, Navy Blue, Plum Purple
Romantic rose gold sconces glow beautifully beside deep navy blue wainscoting and sensual plum purple velvet chairs. This palette is refined and dramatic.
30. Bronze Gold, Eggplant Purple, Charcoal Gray
Sultry bronze gold chandeliers make a bold statement over decadent eggplant purple walls and sophisticated charcoal gray trim. This palette is mysterious and elegant.
31. Copper Gold, Cardinal Red, Black
Warm copper gold accents pop dramatically against vibrant cardinal red feature walls and classic black bookshelves. This palette is energizing and luxe.
Vintage Gold Color Combinations
Understated gold nicely complements heritage hues like denim blue and antique white for nostalgic and timeless style. Use these combinations to add old-world flair to your space.
32. Antique Gold, French Blue, Cherry Wood
Aged antique gold sconces complement classic French blue walls and reclaimed cherry wood flooring beautifully. This palette exudes refined vintage charm.
33. Rose Gold, Olive Green, Rustic White
Soft rose gold bedding looks romantic against organic olive green walls and timeworn rustic white trim. This palette is perfect for a shabby chic master suite.
34. Champagne Gold, Denim Blue, Oak Wood
Bubbly champagne gold accents enliven worn-in denim blue walls and natural oak wood floors for a relaxed vintage style.
35. Bronze Gold, Sandstone, Pine Wood Stain
Sultry bronze gold sconces complement organic sandstone and warm pine wood tones beautifully in this nature-inspired interior.
High Contrast Gold Color Schemes
Metallic gold pops dramatically against crisp white and black. Punchy brights amp up the energy. These bold palettes make a vibrant style statement.
36. Gold, Cyan Blue, White
Gleaming gold accents grab attention against electric cyan blue feature walls and bright white open shelves in this bold, contemporary space.
37. Rose Gold, Cardinal Red, Black
Romantic rose gold hardware stands out boldly against the dramatic combination of vibrant cardinal red walls and classic black trim. This palette is striking and refined.
38. Bronze Gold, Lime Green, Silver Gray
Sultry bronze gold table lamps provide perfect contrast beside vivid lime green velvet chairs and sleek silver gray walls. This palette is bold and eclectic.
39. Copper Gold, Hot Pink, White
Warm copper gold accents pop dramatically against shocking hot pink feature walls and bright white bookshelves. This palette is fun and lively.
40. Champagne Gold, Royal Blue, Black
Bubbly champagne gold accents look playful against regal royal blue wainscoting and classic black trim. This palette is punchy and elegant.
Gold and Pastel Color Schemes
Radiant gold color palettes feel dreamlike and ethereal when mixed with soft pastel hues like mint, lilac, and peach.
41. Rose Gold, Lavender, Seafoam
Romantic rose gold accents complement airy lavender and refreshing seafoam pastels beautifully. This palette prevents overwhelming glam.
42. Gold Leaf, Lilac, Mint Green
Shimmering gold leaf art prints pop against sweet lilac walls and cooling mint green trim. This palette is youthful and cheerful.
43. Champagne Gold, Peach, Periwinkle Blue
Bubbly champagne gold accents brighten up soft peach walls and pretty periwinkle blue furnishings. This palette is dreamy and romantic.
44. Bronze Gold, Buttercream, Robin's Egg Blue
Sultry bronze gold sconces complement creamy buttercream walls and playful robin's egg blue cabinetry charmingly. This palette is eclectic and charming.
45. Copper Gold, Lavender Gray, Aqua
Warm copper gold chandeliers make an elegant statement against soothing lavender gray walls and cool aqua accents. This palette is peaceful and refined.
Design Tips for Decorating With Gold
Gold is glamorous, luxurious, and elegant. Here are some tips for incorporating gold into your home decor:
- Use metallic gold as an accent wall color or backdrop.
- Incorporate pale gold alongside blush pink for a romantic bedroom.
- Mix bronze gold and deep reds for a stylish, earthy look.
- Add gold accents like throw pillows, frames, and decor.
- Pair gold with blacks, grays, and browns for sophisticated contrast.
- Mix gold and cream for