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What Are Accent Colors?

How to create a color scheme that you'll love

Paint fan deck

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If you're in the process of redecorating a room, thinking about an accent color in your color scheme is a great starting point. Consider the kind of atmosphere you want to evoke because your color choices will influence the look and feel of a space. Choose accent colors that can be carried through your room's decor such as an accent wall, throw pillows, or artwork. Read on to learn how to pick accent colors to create a harmonious aesthetic throughout a room.

What Is an Accent Color?

Accent colors are supplementary colors that typically contrast or complement the primary colors used in a room. Accent colors are used for emphasis, to enhance a color scheme, or to liven up or add drama to an otherwise monochromatic space.

The Importance of Accent Colors

Accent colors create continuity and balance in a space. When done right, they will make a room feel put together and the colors will bring in just enough contrast to add the right amount of definition and dimension. However, when accent colors are overdone or there are too many, a room can lose its sophistication and start to look a little kitschy. Here are general rules of thumb on how to correctly use accent colors:

  • Use an accent color sparingly so that it doesn't feel overpowering.
  • Use an accent color in its varying shades.
  • Don't use an accent color only on a wall. Add it throughout your decor, mixing it in with two or three other colors to balance it out so that the space doesn't start to feel like a checkerboard.
  • Use the 60-30-10 rule to achieve a well-balanced look: 60 percent of the room is your main color (walls, sofa, and rugs), 30 percent is your accent color (curtains, side chairs, and small furniture), and 10 percent is your secondary accent color (decor, pillows, and art).

How to Find Accent Colors

When trying to find accent colors for your home, start with one room. Answer these questions to help you begin thinking about a general color scheme that will include accent colors:

  • How do you use the room, is it a formal or an informal space?
  • What furniture and decor items do you want to place in the room?
  • What kind of mood do you want to create?
  • What colors are you naturally drawn to?

Once you answer these questions, begin to pull together a color scheme of a couple of different complementary colors that you like. Select the ones that you want to use as your main and accent colors.

If you're not sure about what colors will look good together, there are plenty of tools to help you out. For example, look at the color wheel for quick and easy picks, paint manufacturers' brochures with curated color collections, color fan decks that allow you to view various shades of colors, online color scheme generators, and magazines or online images showing spaces that you can emulate. Read on for some tried-and-true favorite color combinations and accent colors.

Popular Color Combinations

There are literally thousands of beautiful color combinations that you could use, but here are some examples of popular ones to inspire you, depending on the style and feel you want to create.

Earthy

  • Sage green
  • Beige
  • Cream white

Coastal

  • Blue
  • Tan
  • Crisp white

Classic

  • Blue and white
  • Calming neutrals as supportive colors

Traditional

  • Burgundy
  • Deep green
  • Brown

Serene

  • White
  • Beige
  • Light green

Sophisticated

  • Gray
  • White
  • Blue

Ultra-Modern

  • Black
  • White
  • Gray

Energetic

  • Coral
  • Teal
  • Beige

Fun

  • Pink
  • Green
  • Gray

Eclectic

  • Blue
  • Red
  • Brown
FAQ
  • What are ways to bring accent colors into a room?

    Bring accent colors into a room using an accent wall in addition to decor, such as rugs, pillows, lamp shades, and artwork.

  • How many colors should I have in the color scheme of one room?

    Traditionally, three colors (as in the 60-30-10 rule) work well for a color scheme. A main color, along with two accent colors, works best. Sometimes designers use the 60-30-10-10 rule, adding a fourth accent color.

  • Should color schemes be complementary or contrasting?

    Complementary colors are actually known as contrasting colors. Complementary, or contrasting colors, are shown on opposing sides of the color wheel. Color schemes can also be monochromatic (lighter and darker variations of one dominant color), which are neither complimentary nor contrasting.