3 ways to make coral cool

Sitting between red, pink and orange in the colour spectrum, coral has the impact of red and the freshness of orange. This energising and uplifting colour will bring a fresh, summery feel to any room - just pair it with the right shade to make it as bold as you want. Check out these perfect combos...

1. Soften it with pale grey
Cool down hits of bold coral in a bedroom by pairing it with a light grey backdrop. Add a striking focal point, such as a patterned headboard, then allow your imagination to run riot with fabrics and accessories in coral.

Get the look

Kyoto Mist carpet, £88 per sq m, Crucial Trading. French Grey Absolute Matt Emulsion, £37 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Chervil wallpaper in Watermelon, £38.50 per roll, Villa Nova.

2. Team it with sea blue

Create a soothing, breezy scheme by painting walls in fresh Pacific blue, then use fiery coral as an accent colour for cushions and throws. Pale wooden flooring and white furniture will balance the two bold shades.

Get the look

Milk Jug claypaint, £32 for 2.5ltr, Earthborn. Pacific Oak flooring, £29.49 per sq m, Largo collection, Quick-Step. Plains One fabric in Aqua, £27 per m, Scion.

3. Balance it with neutralsTame the intensity of vibrant coral with shades of oatmeal and cream. Choose a wallpaper with a striking pattern that features both colours, then paint furniture, doors and
skirting boards coral - try at least two shades with red and
orange tones to create depth. Mixing different textures for furniture and soft furnishings will add layers to your scheme.

Get the look

Jasmine carpet, £21 per sq m, Forest Hills collection, Cormar Carpets. Lavaliers wallpaper in Atomic, £57 per roll, Little Greene. Atomic Red Intelligent Eggshell, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

Liked this? Take a look at these schemes that prove yellow can be mellow.

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