Ivory, a versatile off-white shade with subtle yellow undertones, offers warmth and sophistication in interior decor. This naturally welcoming hue harmonizes with various color schemes and effortlessly creates a stylish, inviting atmosphere in any living space.
In the following article, we explore diverse ways to incorporate ivory in your home. Be it a subtle accent, sophisticated trim, or a stunning neutral base, ivory beautifully complements a range of colors, elevating your interior to new heights.
Ivory as an Accent Color
While ivory is often seen as a neutral color, serving as a background, it can also shine as an accent color. In rooms with predominantly white décor, the subtle tonal change from white to ivory stands out. Think of an ivory cushion on white bedding or an ivory feathered light fitting against white walls.
Ivory also creates a striking contrast with dark, moody shades. For example:
- Pair a charcoal gray backdrop with ivory accessories, like an ivory throw on a dark gray sofa.
- Use an ivory picture frame on a slate gray wall to make it pop.
Ivory for Trim
Ivory is a versatile choice that complements various interior styles. To create a sophisticated look, use ivory trim and interior doors against any wall color. Ivory’s subtle appeal adds either a casual or formal ambiance, depending on your room’s styling.
Consider these two options for your ivory trim:
- Satin finish: For a classic style, a satin finish enhances the elegance of your space.
- Gloss finish: Ideal for traditional rooms, this finish adds a touch of refinement.
Ivory as a Neutral
Ivory is a popular choice for a neutral color due to its position between off-white and pale beige. This soothing and fresh hue is perfect for rooms where you desire a more subtle wall color. Because of its versatility, ivory can work seamlessly with any interior decor style and effortlessly complements other colors.
You can use ivory to balance bolder colors, preventing rooms from appearing overwhelming or oversaturated. In a color palette with three colors, two being bright shades, ivory serves as an ideal third color to harmonize the overall scheme.
Best Colors to Go with Ivory
White
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| White | #ffffff | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 0%) | rgb(255, 255, 255) |
Despite their similarities, ivory and white can work together for a stunning, sophisticated look. For a breezy, beachy style, use white as a background shade and ivory as an accent. Style your space with elegantly contrasting materials, such as suede or velvet for a formal look, or linen and cotton for a laidback vibe.
Reversing the color scheme with ivory as the backdrop is also effective. Consider painting walls in ivory with white bedsheets for a high-end hotel atmosphere.
In this kitchen, the ivory cabinetry brings a warm, creamy tone that is subtly complemented by the bright white of the appliances and the window treatments. This pairing of ivory with white creates a layered, inviting space that is both airy and cozy.
Black
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Black | #000000 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) | rgb(0, 0, 0) |
Pairing ivory with black results in a modern, refined contrast. Black walls in small rooms like bathrooms add depth and drama, while ivory accents contribute a natural touch.
Choose natural ivory stone vases with beige dried pampas grass on windowsills or plush ivory towels draped over black metal radiators. Alternatively, use an ivory backdrop with black accents, like large black picture frames or mid-century modern furniture.
In this space, the sleek black seating provides a strong visual anchor amidst the lighter ivory tones, offering a modern and sophisticated color pairing that is both striking and timeless.
Beige
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Beige | #dccdbc | cmyk(0%, 7%, 15%, 14%) | rgb(220, 205, 188) |
Using similar ivory and beige tones together creates a smart, graceful effect. Layer these shades for an elegant interior, with ivory walls, beige carpets, and cushions in various shades. Pay close attention to texture when coordinating these colors.
Navy Blue
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Navy | #21296e | cmyk(70%, 63%, 0%, 57%) | rgb(33, 41, 110) |
When designing a nautical or coastal-themed room, use ivory as a softer alternative to white, alongside navy blue elements. An ivory backdrop for navy sofas and accessories achieves a laid-back atmosphere, without too much contrast.
Navy blue, as seen in the textiles and furniture of this room, pairs beautifully with the light ivory walls, offering a classic and timeless color combination. The cool tones of the blue enrich the warmth of the ivory, creating a balanced and harmonious space.
Dark Brown
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Brown | #703a19 | cmyk(0%, 48%, 78%, 56%) | rgb(112, 58, 25) |
Ivory is a warm neutral color that works nicely with various shades of dark brown, which are also other warm neutrals.
Combining ivory with deep dark browns, such as chocolate, creates a cozy atmosphere. Opt for suede or corduroy sofas in dark brown, accompanied by ivory walls and cushions.
The rich brown of this sectional sofa warmly complements the ivory walls, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. This classic combination of brown and ivory lends a timeless and elegant feel to the room, with the deeper brown grounding the lighter tones.
Gray
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Gray | #726b68 | cmyk(0%, 6%, 9%, 55%) | rgb(114, 107, 104) |
If your ivory room feels dated or too traditional for your taste, then adding gray accents is an easy way to instantly transform the space into a more modern style.
This can be done on a budget, simply by adding gray cushions, gray frames, and gray plant pots to a predominantly ivory space. You can also use ivory as a warm neutral to contrast against a gray room.
This look will work best in a medium to dark gray room, where ivory will make for a soothing and comforting addition to a cool space.
Olive Green
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Olive Green | #988e61 | cmyk(0%, 7%, 36%, 40%) | rgb(152, 142, 97) |
Green is a predominantly cool color; however, olive green has hints of brown, which means that it hovers on the line between warm and cool.
Olive green is a natural shade that is associated with the outdoors, and as such, it works well with ivory which is also a color found in nature. These two colors can work really well together in a modern natural style room, for example, olive green walls with ivory sofas and ivory dried flowers displayed in a clay vase.
You could also use ivory as a base color with olive green and darker shades of mossy green or forest green as accent colors. Layering these colors will make for an earthy feel in a room, which can help for relaxation and de-stressing.
In this room, the olive green window treatments complement the ivory walls with a subtle, understated elegance. The combination of these colors invokes a sense of calm and tranquility, suitable for a space designed for rest and relaxation.
Burnt Orange
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Ivory | #f7f7e8 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 6%, 3%) | rgb(247, 247, 232) | |
| Burnt Orange | #d14b08 | cmyk(0%, 64%, 96%, 18%) | rgb(209, 75, 8) |
Ivory and burnt orange are both warm tones, but the richness and saturation of burnt orange contrast nicely against ivory. The deep energy of burnt orange is also balanced out by the calmer, more neutral tones found in ivory, so these colors make a good pair.
In interior decor, use ivory and burnt orange together with brown or green accents for an earthy vibe, or for a more glamorous take on these colors, add gold into the mix.
Glossy gold frames or gold metal table legs will bring a luxury and contemporary style to an ivory and orange room, elevating the style from comfortable and cozy to rich and sophisticated.
