Decorating with Neon Colors: Hip or Cheesy?

Neon colors have been used in decorating for decades. Unfortunately, depending on how they are use, neon colors can sometimes appear cheesy or ill-considered. The following tips will help you decide when and how to decorate with neon colors.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Neon

Neon colors permit you to add pop to a room’s décor with few or smaller objects. Therefore, it is often cost-saving to use neon in your room. Additionally, because of their sheen, neon colors often withstand wear and tear better than neutral or matte wall colors or objects.

At the same time, neon colors are extremely eye catching and will reduce the intensity of other colors and objects. A neon picture frame, therefore, will become the focus over other wood or metal picture frames despite its size. Because of this, neon colors should be used sparingly and more often than not will not fit well with other decorations.

The Cheesy Side of Neon

Because of its prevalence during the 1980’s, neon colors are often thought of as cheesy, tacky or cheap. Properly using neon colors to overcome these ideas is therefore difficult, and should be thoroughly considered before purchasing or using a neon-colored item. Neon is considered cheesy because of its use during eras where home goods were made at faster rates with lower quality. While maybe not recognized for these qualities, in culture neon items carry these undercurrents of thought.

The Hip Side of Neon

At the same time, because of it being considered cheap and of less quality, using neon is a bold step that is not overlooked. Those who dare to use neon colored objects are considered bold and extremely well-versed in decorating their residence. So, while carrying tones of tackiness, neon also carries an extreme hipness. Should you like neon colors, be proud in their use, but follow the tips below to ensure you do not overdo it.

Incorporating Neon Colors

The key to properly incorporating neon colors into your decorating is to first place the other items within the room. Only when all furniture, rugs and electronics have been situated in their proper positions should you consider adding neon colors. After placing these items, however, you should next determine which shade of neon to use. Contrary to what you most likely think, if the room consists of shades of green, you should not use neon green in your accent pieces. Instead, consider using neon yellow. The yellow will enhance the shades of green already in the room and not seem unusual.

Additionally, thinking small when choosing to use neon. The smaller the object, the brighter colored it can be without appearing to jarring or out of place with your other décor. Knick-knacks or other small décor items are a great way to use bright colors in an otherwise neutral décor. Neon yellows, greens and reds in the form of a lamp, picture frame or in throw pillows will permit you to use these bright colors.

Regardless of whether neon is hip or cheesy, its use can still brighten a room and show your decorating tastes. Think small, thin and modern when choosing which objects to use in your room. And, as always, do not shy away from your choice: being proud of your neon will immediately erase any cheesiness!