Coral Is Back – and This Is How Designers Are Decorating With It

an English country living room with a woven rug, two neutral couches, patterned pillows, patterned otoman and a pattern armchair — (Image credit: Olivine Design / Styling Hannah Deacon / Photography Simon Bevan)

A striking pink meets orange; coral is a shade we haven't seen too much of in recent years, with plaster pinks being the go-to safe choice for a warm paint color. Yet in 2026, we are slowly seeing this bolder hue making a resurgence as terracotta takes over from pinks and coral becomes a chicly daring trend to try – and designers agree it brings with it a deeply sophisticated, deeply timeless edge.

While vibrant shades like coral may once have been dubbed garish, this year's color trends embrace more striking hues packed with personality. Surprisingly classic if used well, the pinky orange hue brings a cheerful edge to interiors. From lavish home bars to beautiful bed nooks, it's proving to be a versatile color this summer and beyond.

Bed nook with coral grasscloth walls, a floral red pelmet curtain, a matching upholstered headboard, white linen bedding with a striped green bolster cushion, and a glass lantern hanging above. — Coral is the color of choice in this charming bed nook, from the grasscloth walls to the painted door.

'I wanted the bedroom to feel enveloping, uplifting and full of personality,' explains designer Harriette Cayzer, co-founder of Taylor & Turner, who designed the whimsical coral-drenched bed nook pictured above. 'Bedrooms are often decorated in very muted palettes, but if you have a small space, with an unusual layout, especially a spare bedroom, you can really embrace color because they're such personal, restorative rooms.'

'Coral just has a wonderful warmth to it,' continues Harriette. 'It sits somewhere between pink, terracotta and peach – so it creates a cocooning atmosphere without ever feeling heavy. In this room, the coral also beautifully enhances the natural light, creating a soft, flattering glow throughout the day and making the space feel warm and welcoming.'

'My advice would be not to think of coral as a statement color, but as a warm neutral. The exact tone is everything – a softer, more muted coral is incredibly versatile and much easier to live with than something overly bright. Layer it with plenty of texture through natural linens, bouclé, timber and woven materials to create depth, and balance it with softer shades like warm whites, oatmeals or stone. If you're hesitant, start with textiles or painted joinery before committing to all four walls. Once you see how beautifully coral changes throughout the day with the light, it's often far less daunting than people expect.'

Home bar with coral walls, bamboo paneling, built-in bookshelves, a shell chandelier, an orange daybed with coral cushions and two upholstered chairs, and a shell mirror above. — Interior designer Cindy Rinfret selected a high-gloss coral paint to crown the home bar in Tommy Hilfiger's Palm Beach house.

Interior designer Cindy Rinfret went bolder for her use of coral, leaning toward a more orangey-toned hue. Cindy opted for a high-gloss coral paint to adorn the walls of this artful home bar that sits in Tommy Hilfiger's Palm Beach home. The color might be bold, but it feels entirely appropriate in a room designed for entertainment. 'Coral is so making a comeback,' states Cindy. 'Everyone looks beautiful in a coral room, and it instantly creates an upscale “Hermès” vibe. It is so flattering and creates a festive party ambiance,' she adds.

While it can be tempting to drench snugs or more intimate spaces in moody colors, vibrant hues are a clever, refreshing way to infuse life into these spaces. 'It’s a great accent color in a stuffy library or feature color in a bar,' as seen here, adds Cindy.

When styling the bold hue, Cindy suggests pairing it with natural materials for a laid-back, coastal New England feel. 'I love it mixed with bamboo, sisal, tan, and green.'

Laundry room with mahogany wood built-in drawers, cabinets, and a built-in bench, Mughal-inspired mural wallpapered walls, a coral ceiling and coral painted window trim, and a chevron tiled floor — The coral paint pairs beautifully with the Mughal-inspired wallpaper in this beautiful laundry room.

'I chose coral because it brings warmth, happiness, and personality to a space that's often overlooked,' says interior designer Heather Ware on the room pictured above. 'Laundry rooms are some of the hardest-working rooms in a home, so I love making them feel just as thoughtfully designed as the kitchen or living room. Coral transforms an everyday chore into something a little more joyful, especially when it's layered with natural wood tones, and timeless details that give the space character.'

'I think color is making a comeback, and coral is one beautiful expression of that,' continues Heather. 'After years of playing it safe with all-white and gray interiors, homeowners are becoming more confident in creating homes that reflect their personalities. People are craving spaces that feel warm, joyful, and lived in, and color has the power to do that. Coral, in particular, brings an optimistic energy while remaining surprisingly sophisticated. Whether it's used boldly or in small doses, it's a color that can feel both timeless and fresh.'

'Start with a single piece of furniture, artwork, pillows, or wallpaper, and layer it with natural materials like wood, linen, cane, and brass,' she adds. 'Coral also pairs beautifully with greens, blues, and creams, making it easier to live with than many people expect. The key is balance. Let coral bring the warmth while the surrounding materials provide a sense of calm and timelessness.'

The Coral Edit

Coral's (welcome) return suggests we are all embracing more characterful, eclectic choices, in terms of color and beyond. 'For a number of years we've seen lots of earthy neutrals, greens and rich browns dominate interiors, but people are now becoming more confident with color again,' says Harriette. 'Coral feels like a natural progression because it offers warmth and optimism without being overpowering. I think people are increasingly looking for homes that feel joyful and individual rather than simply following trends, and bolder colors, when used well, can lend themselves perfectly to that.'

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