The Best Color Combinations for Fall, According to Designers

There are so many reasons to look forward to the start of fall, which is just days away, and perhaps one of our favorites is the abundance of fall colors to come. From the vibrant oranges of changing leaves to a general shift toward richer, darker tones, fall colors are a huge source of inspiration.

But when it comes to choosing fall colors for your home, it often takes a little thought to ensure that the rich, warm tones work well with your own decorating style. So, mastering color combinations is an important step in creating fall color schemes that are both livable and versatile.

So what are the best color combinations for fall? We turned to interior designers, who share their favorites below. From chocolate browns and neutrals to warm blues and mustards, these ideas are sure to resonate with you, depending on how far you want to go.

The Best Color Combinations for Fall

“As night falls, we tend to spend more time indoors, sharing moments of togetherness around the kitchen table or snuggling under blankets on a soft sofa watching our favourite films,” says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball brand ambassador. “So it’s important that the rooms we live in are calming and help us unwind from our day.”

Your room color ideas are one of the most important factors in determining the overall mood of a room, and as Patrick says, a cozy atmosphere is what we all want at this time of year. The following fall color combinations will soon help you achieve this, replacing the bright colors of summer with richer hues.

Rust and teal

traditional living room with neutral decor with dark orange and teal cushions on the sofas

(Photo credit: Caroline Gidiere Interiors, photography Laurey W. Glenn)

“A palette of orange, dark rust, and teal is my favorite combination for a fall vibe,” says Alabama-based interior designer Caroline Gidiere.

In this traditional living room, the room’s neutral color palette is enhanced by muted rust orange and teal sofa cushions. For those who favor timeless colors like light neutrals, this approach shows that you don’t have to reinvent the entire scheme with the seasons. Subtle accent colors can make a big difference without overpowering the main décor elements, and they can easily be swapped out throughout the year to accommodate changing seasons.

burnt orange square cushion

Gray-green and earthy red

traditional living room with gray-green walls, understated red sofa and upholstered ottoman

(Photo credit: Farrow & Ball, photography Boz Gagovski)

When it comes to choosing a color that creates a warm and relaxing environment, Patrick O’Donnell recommends green. “But not just any green,” he warns.

“Our controversially named Blue Grey is just what you need: it has just the right amount of colour to not overpower a space and layers beautifully with many other colours, from terracotta tones like Red Earth or steely blues like Inchyra Blue to elegant, old-world browns like Tanner’s Brown.”

Warm blues and mustard

living room with mustard armchairs, red ceiling, blue-gray walls and tiled walls

(Photo credit: Benjamin Moore)

Decorating in blue doesn’t have to be reserved for the summer months. Far from it, this calming hue can be an unexpected color choice for fall, but the trick is to choose warm-toned blues, like Benjamin Moore’s Salzburg Blue, which was used in this moody living room.

“To counteract the cool light of fall, opt for a selection of mustard, terracotta and rust, whose warm undertones add an instant sense of comfort,” says Helen Shaw, marketing director and color expert at Benjamin Moore. “An unexpected pop of warm blue at a project’s entry point enhances the effect, while metallic tile finishes help bounce light. Add tactile elements like velvet upholstery and warm throws for the ultimate retreat.”

Earthy neutrals and white

Lulu & Georgia Fall Bedroom Scheme with Textured Rug

(Photo credit: Lulu & Georgia)

If you prefer neutrals, there’s no need to venture far when fall arrives. Instead, swap out the light, airy neutrals of summer for richer, darker tones that will add depth and warmth to your space while maintaining a clean look.

“In the fall, I love decorating with earthy tones like brown, beige, and white,” says interior designer Soledad Alzaga. “I incorporate these colors into furniture, paint, and accessories, like a caramel brown cashmere throw and pillows. For me, fall is all about layering different shades of brown to create a warm, inviting space. This palette brings an organic, earthy feel that’s perfect for the cozy fall months.”

brown waffle blanket

Marinella Oversized Waffle Blanket

Aqua and orange

living room with light blue walls, blue sofa and discreet orange cushions

(Photo credit: Honey Collins Interiors, Micheal J Lee Photography)

Blue and orange are complementary colours, meaning they are opposite each other on the colour wheel, making it a naturally successful combination. For autumn, it’s worth opting for muted variations of these two vibrant hues to ensure a relaxing space.

“I love the combination of blue, green, and aqua with hints of orange when looking for unique fall color combinations,” says interior designer Honey Collins. “Not only does it bring a sense of cohesion and warmth to a space, but it also works wonders for creating a warm, balanced aura.”

“Aqua softens the intensity of orange, giving it a light and airy feel while still retaining its seasonal warmth. This palette offers a great way to modernize fall design by moving away from the traditional earthy tones we know and love and moving toward something new and blue.”

Chocolate brown and neutrals

(Photo credit: Marguerite Rodgers, photography Halkin Mason)

If you’re looking for a bold way to welcome the fall months, painting the walls in a deep, dark hue is sure to make a statement.

“As the seasons change, we tend to turn inward, adopting a more sheltered lifestyle. Lean into hibernation by transforming your walls with a deep chocolate hue,” suggests Philadelphia-based designer Marguerite Rodgers.

“For an extra touch of elegance, choose a glossy lacquer finish. Complement it with soft, neutral furniture and decor to create the perfect fall sanctuary.”

Camel tones and precious stones

(Image credit: Oxford Design, photography Regan Wood)

Decorating with gemstone tones is always a safe choice during the holiday season, filling our homes with warmth and opulence. However, due to their intensity, gemstone tones can quickly overwhelm rooms if used in excess, so why not pair them with neutrals to tone it down?

In this powder room, the pop of rich purple is anchored in the camel-colored wallpaper, ensuring a timeless look all year round.

“A classic camel paired with jewel tones is a fall combination we love,” say interior designers Jordan Winston and Tate Casper of Oxford Design. “It offers a rich, warm fall palette while keeping the vibe fresh and lively.”

Yellow and wood tones

(Photo credit: Nadia Watts Interior Design, photography Emily Minton-Redfield)

While you might naturally associate yellow bedroom ideas with the summer months, they can work just as well for fall as a transitional color, especially if you live somewhere where temperatures don’t drop until later.

“In autumn, I gravitate towards warm yellows and oranges,” says designer Nadia Watts. “It’s a transitional season and yellows and oranges help bridge the gap between the bright colours of summer and the cool tones of winter. Yellow is one of those colours that works with everything, pairing perfectly with rich wood tones and bringing a touch of whimsy and fun. The right pop of yellow can transform a room from drab to fabulous. Bring in your autumn hues with artwork, accessories, rugs or even furniture.”

Whether you want to stick to a classic fall color palette of browns and rich oranges or embrace slightly more unexpected ideas with blues and greens, these expert-approved pairings will ensure your home is just as cozy and stylish this fall.