Colors That Go With Pink — 10 Pairings Designers Use For Sophisticated Decor Schemes

These colors that go with pink can create a wide variety of moods — designers explain how to go from subtle, elevated, to unexpected and bold

A restaurant with pink walls and a black console
(Image credit: The Ingalls, Design Kelly Wearstler)

Colors that go with pink can help create a space that feels instantly fresh and inviting. There are practically endless ways to incorporate pink into your color scheme, and these tones are great to create combinations with. 

'The softness of pink makes it a very versatile and livable hue,' says Amy Krane, architectural color consultant and founder of Amy Krane Color. 'Both mid-toned and darker colors work well with pink and make for lovely combinations.'

Look to the color wheel and choose complementary tones that give the color a grounding, more mature look. Think of blues, greens, and, browns. Pink is also a great color that goes with grey. If you're open to experimenting with this delightful shade, then these 10 examples by experts will offer plenty of ideas.

1. Yellow

A passageway with pink doors and yellow walls

(Image credit: AMOO)

Amongst the many colors that go with yellow, pink makes quite a statement. The combination is chic and bold, and because it is so visually striking, works best in smaller spaces like a living room corner, hallways, or even a playroom. If you love the idea of pink and yellow together but want to make it more liveable, you could consider choosing the more muted tones of both hues; or even pastels. 

'Pairing a pink and yellow can seem tricky however it's really not,'says Lucie Ayres, founder and principal designer at 22 Interiors. 'Mother Nature knows best and you see this in the most beautiful flowers. One of the two colors should be a deep, saturated hue and the other should be a pale, muted almost dull tone. Together it's magic.'

2. Black

A restaurant with pink walls and a black console

(Image credit: The Ingalls, Design Kelly Wearstler)

Even just a touch of black in an all-pink space will add some depth and drama. Plus several colors go with black, meaning you can add more layering to the room which has black and a pink palette.

'The best way to pair pink and black – simple, you don't use real black,' says Lucie. 'You do an almost charcoal or a deep, deep green. That plus any pink – whether pale or hot pink – will feel fresh and modern. Doing a true black with any pink will read too 90s in my opinion.'

3. Pink

A interior with two tones of pink

(Image credit: Zaickz Moz. Studio credit Cuaik CDS)

Yes, among the colors that go with pink is...pink! By color layering two shades of the same tone, you can create an interior that has depth and visual volume. Think of an earthy pink and a reddish-pink of a warm interior. Even two pinks of different color temperatures can do the trick.

'The color pink emerges as the central element, defying expectations and transforming the visual experience of the space, making us feel contained and warm,' says Santiago Cuaik, founder and CEO of Cuaik. 'To use two shades of pink in a room effectively, select a dominant pink for walls and large items, complement it with a contrasting shade for accents, incorporate neutral tones for balance, and add texture and accessories to create a harmonious and visually pleasing space.'

'Pink layered with deeper or contrasting tones of pink can set a space apart,' says Charlie Morrison, a designer at Topology. 'As a standalone hue, it works well as both an accent color, and as a subtle backdrop.'

4. Blue

A study with pastel pink and blue walls

(Image credit: House of Clark)

Pink and blue can be a bold yet instantly charming combo – pink is definitely one of the edgiest colors that go with blue. In fact, if you like a slightly sweeter pink you can tone down its effect with a deep navy blue or dark teal. Alternatively, the pastel renditions of both colors look lovely, especially in small spaces. These can give a room a jewel box effect, and fill the home with character. 

'This little study room faces the north direction and was not getting enough light,' says Anna Clark, interior designer and founder of House of Clark. 'So to make it a brighter and more attractive space, we decided to use pink plaster on the walls. The color embraces you and it's never too overwhelming; it's always pleasing to the eye. The cabinet with shelves occupies a lot of space, and so for a lovely contrast, we decided to paint it this grey-blue tone. The color is quite delicate and neutral, but not boring at the same time.'

5. White 

A dining room with an artwork

(Image credit: Federica Carlet. Studio credit House of Hudson Interiors)

White creates a crisp and bold scheme when paired with rosy hues, and largely, decorating with neutrals is fairly easy. In this project by House of Hudson Interiors,white provides simplicity, and a good background and the boldness of the pink artwork really takes center stage. It's a versatile combination too, working with pale pinks and a bold fuchsia, all against a muted wall. 

'Having pink as part of a pattern in a white fabric, or perhaps the drapery or rug is recommended,' says Jennifer Morris, founder of JMorris Design. 'Even a pop of pink on an all-white pillow could change the ambiance of a space. The color has soft, gentle connotations, and is also a flexible color. I think it’s a great balance with light and dark tones.'

6. Green 

A dining room painted raspberry pink with a green chair

(Image credit: Studio SFW)

Pink and green is a classic pairing that crops up time and time again in modern interior schemes. Pink, be it light, dark, or raspberry bright, works well in terms of colors that go with green because pink creates a sense of balance. Pink softens and warms up a green tone, while green keeps the pink grounded and earthy. 

'The atmosphere we wanted to create in this room was an enveloping one, with a feeling of warmth and comfort,' says Erin Fearins, partner and lead interior designer at Studio SFW. 'Our client loves color, so we wanted to make this dining space feel like a special jewel box destination, with a clash of raspberry pink and green.'

7. Red

A red and pink living room

(Image credit: Studio SFW)

Pink is a lovely color that goes with red, as both tones have several variants, and can look great together. Take the pink and red combination a step darker for a contemporary twist or team neutral pink with earthy terracotta and shades of clay for an on-trend tonal look. Or, for a modern look, pair the muted tones of both for a calm feeling.

'In this family room, there is a large piece of art that our client cherished which inspired the color scheme,' says Erin. 'We lacquered the walls red making the space feel warm and enveloping as a family room for everyone to gather together and be cozy on the sofa. The chair features pink, and other warmer tones mixed with cooler colors like blues and greens take over the room. We tried to incorporate a mix of color in the space to provide a great backdrop for the beautiful piece of art.'

8. Gold

A kitchen drenched in pink and gold

(Image credit: Patricia Bustos)

Thank goodness we all seem to be getting over the rose gold phenomenon of the past few years, but what it's left behind, the popular pink and gold combination is an iconic duo that has much more longevity. 

The key is to pick the right tones of both, and the deeper the better. Avoid going for anything too light with anything too bright when choosing colors that go with gold – if you are drawn to lighter pinks, bring in a darker, aged brass tone whether it be in a piece of furniture or a metallic wallpaper. And likewise, if you do want to go bright and shiny with your gold, pair it with a more muted blush pink shade.

'Use unlacquered brass as an accent to a pink interior as it feels incredibly romantic, classically French, and just timeless,' says Lucie. 

9. Orange

A bright pink wall balanced against an orange cabinet

(Image credit: Yadnyesh Joshi. Design: Zero 9)

For a vibrant interior, choose colors that go with orange, such as pink, as the two tones work well together because they are located so close together on the color wheel. From hot pinks and vivid oranges to more muted tones of blush pink and terracotta, this is a fun pairing that adds warmth and playfulness. 

In this scheme, the designer has gone bold. 'We used salmon pink and juicy orange as the main story visible at the dining credenza,' says designer Prashant Chauhan, founder of Zero 9. 'Also the bright orange sofa recliner with the backdrop of pink and blue forms an interesting clash in colors.' 

Both colors are playful and beautiful, so they work fabulously in a social space such as a kitchen, living room, or dining room. The juxtaposition of hot orange and a cool-toned pale pink is simultaneously retro yet elegantly contemporary.

10. Gray 

A dining room with pink walls and grey cabinets

(Image credit: Henrik Nero. Studio credit Note Design)

Gray is one of the go-to colors that go with pink. Gray typically has a lot of coolness to it, so needs the warmth of pink to help the scheme feel friendly and hospitable. When it comes to how to create a color palette, balance is key. 

'When using pink with gray, consider a charming and eclectic approach,' says Meera Pyarelal, founder and interior designer at Temple Town. 'Opt for a warm-toned, medium gray as the base to infuse a cozy ambiance. Experiment with a bold and vibrant shade like coral or magenta for an unexpected twist. To add depth and visual interest, introduce patterns that blend gray and pink elements, such as geometric prints or watercolor designs. This creates a dynamic and lively atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a playful and trendy interior.'

'Grey is not a color to create a monochromatic environment with,' says Amy Krane, architectural color consultant and founder of Amy Krane Color. 'Adding other colors to a gray backdrop will always help enliven and elevate the space. Ochre or pink work well with any kind of gray.'

Whether you are using pink in a pale blush color or a bright pop of bold fuchsia, it can work beautifully with a grey tone. In this scheme, the pink almost works as a neutral when balanced against the grey, and helps to highlight the natural wood used in this kitchen.

What colors go with light pink?

Light pink can be a tricky shade to work with – get it right and you have an uplifting space that feels fun and fresh. Get it wrong and you risk falling into Pepto-Bismol, kid's bedroom territory. The key to finding colors that go with light pink is to pair these paler pink shades with the right colors. 'There’s no doubt about it; pink is a versatile color that enhances a feeling of warmth and calm, in turn making it an attractive color within interiors,' says Charlie. 'There is a vast range of hues to pick from – from pinks with deep earthy undertones to lighter brighter rosy pinks. It works well as both an accent color in a space, seen within soft furnishings, and as a subtle backdrop instead of a classic neutral. It has become much more than a tone associated with romance and femininity. In recent years paint companies and furniture brands have really broadened their horizons with their offering of pink paints and fabrics.'  

If you are after a less neutral, more colorful combination, navy blues look lovely with light pinks, and the deep jewel tone gives the pink a more grown-up, glamorous feel.

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Hebe Hatton

Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.

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