When decorating a room with a brown couch, one of the most common questions is whether navy blue is an appropriate accent color to pair with the brown. The short answer is yes, navy blue can work nicely with brown furniture. However, there are some tips and guidelines to follow to ensure the navy blue and brown look stylish together.
Quick Answer
In most cases, navy blue and brown do coordinate well together. Navy blue is a versatile neutral that complements earthy tones like brown. To make the combination look cohesive, opt for navy with warm undertones rather than a cool-toned navy. Accent the brown couch with navy blue pillows, a throw blanket, area rug, curtains or other accessories. Just be sure to use the navy blue sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the brown.
The Theory Behind Navy Blue and Brown
On the color wheel, navy blue and brown are complementary colors, meaning they sit opposite each other. Complementary color schemes tend to create a pleasing, harmonious look when combined in the right proportions. Navy blue has a calming effect that works with the warmth and comfort of brown.
That said, the specific shades of navy and brown you choose make a difference. Navy blue has warm and cool undertones. A navy with purple or greenish undertones has a cooler tone. This type of navy may clash with brown. Opt for a navy with subtle touches of red or yellow. This warm-toned navy has a richer appearance that pairs more seamlessly with brown.
The shade of brown also impacts how it coordinates with navy. Light brown shades like beige work better with navy than darker cocoa or espresso browns. Medium brown shades are the safest bet for pairing with navy blue.
Tips for Decorating with Navy Blue and Brown
Here are some top tips for stylishly incorporating navy blue into a room to complement a brown couch:
- Use navy blue in small doses. The brown should dominate as the foundational color.
- Add navy blue through decorative accents like throw pillows, a blanket, curtains or area rug.
- Paint one wall navy blue to create a striking accent wall.
- Choose a warm-toned navy with a red or yellow undertone.
- Opt for a medium brown shade on the couch.
- Echo touches of navy blue throughout the space for a coordinated look.
- Layer in metallics like bronze or silver to add brightness and sheen.
Navy Blue Couch Pillows on Brown Sofa
One of the easiest ways to incorporate navy blue with a brown couch is through decorative throw pillows. Navy blue couch pillows in different sizes, shapes and textures add visual interest and color to a brown leather or fabric sofa.
For a relaxed look, pile on navy pillows in a variety of plush fabrics like velvet or corduroy. For a more refined style, opt for smoother pillows in a linen or cotton blend fabric. Mixing patterns and textures creates dynamic contrast. Just be sure the navy pillows have a warm, reddish undertone so they tie into the brown rather than fight it.
If using patterns like stripes, choose a minimal motif so the navy doesn’t overwhelm the brown base. Leave at least half the couch pillows in a neutral solid brown, beige or ivory to let the brown sofa shine.
Navy Blue Throw Blanket on Brown Couch
Another way to incorporate navy blue into a brown couch setup is with a throw blanket. A navy throw blanket adds a pop of color yet still feels cozy and inviting against the brown sofa.
Look for a navy throw in a soft chenille, cashmere or wool blend. The throw can be laid across the couch back or draped on the seat cushions. Fold it at the end of the couch for a clean, tailored appearance. For extra texture, try a chunky woven throw blanket.
If the couch is against a wall, hang the throw folded over a ladder, armchair or ottoman placed perpendicular to the couch. The layered look draws the eye and adds structure.
Navy Blue Accent Chair with Brown Couch
An accent chair covered in navy blue fabric or leather is another way to effectively pair navy and brown furniture. The navy chair provides contrast against the brown couch yet ties into the color scheme.
Choose an accent chair shape and size that complements the lines and proportions of the sofa. A classic club chair or armchair silhouette offers an elegant counterpoint to a curved or modular sectional. Place the navy chair near the brown couch at a right angle.
To keep the look cohesive, pick a navy chair that has similar leg shapes and tapered feet as the brown sofa. Avoid heavily carved or ornate chair styles that clash with the couch style. Aim for navy and brown furniture with comparable mid-century, contemporary or traditional designs.
Navy Blue Wall with Brown Couch
Painting one wall navy blue is an eye-catching idea that looks smart with a brown couch. The deep blue wall adds drama and sophistication. It brings out the rich warmth of the brown furniture.
For best results, choose a matte or eggshell navy paint with warm red undertones. Paint the wall behind the couch to create a dynamic focal point in the seating area. Consider also painting the wall behind a TV or media console navy blue to disguise cords and equipment.
Be sure the brown couch doesn’t directly blend into the navy wall. Keep at least 2-3 inches of separation between the couch and wall with a side or console table. This defines the furniture silhouette and prevents the colors from bleeding together.
Navy Blue Area Rug with Brown Couch
Layering a navy blue area rug under and around a brown couch visually anchors the furniture. It also introduces the navy color in a subtle way that works with the brown instead of competing with it.
Choose a navy rug with reddish or golden undertones, flecks or border accents to tie into the warm brown tones. The rug can be a solid navy or incorporate patterns like stripes or trellis shapes. A Moroccan trellis or geometric pattern adds movement and texture.
Make sure the rug extends at least 18-24 inches past the front legs of the couch. This frames the seating area and defines the space. Try layering a jute or sisal rug under the main area rug for extra cushioning and interest.
Navy Blue Curtains with Brown Couch
Hanging navy blue curtains near a brown couch is another foolproof combo. Navy blue drapes complement the brown sofa while creating a cohesive, polished look.
For floor-length curtains beside windows, choose a rich navy fabric with body and structure. Velvet, linen, cotton or heavy blends work well to frame windows and draw attention. For lighter window coverings, try breezy linen or voile curtains in navy.
The navy blue can be solid or patterned – just opt for small-scale motifs like ikat or pinstripes. Make sure the undertone ties into the brown couch. Accentuate the curtains with bronze or antique gold hanging rods and finials for an elegant touch.
Best Brown Couch Colors with Navy Blue
Certain shades of brown coordinate especially well with navy blue. Here are some of the best brown couch color options:
- Camel – A light peachy brown that complements navy’s warmth.
- Mocha – A rich medium-dark brown that contrasts nicely with navy.
- Taupe – A versatile grayish brown that works seamlessly with navy.
- Chestnut – A reddish-brown that has similar warm undertones as navy.
- Espresso – A very dark chocolate brown that makes navy pop.
The most foolproof shades are mocha, taupe and chestnut. Camel and espresso can work but take more precision when pairing with navy.
Best Navy Blue Shades to Pair with Brown
Specifically, opt for these hues of navy blue to coordinate with brown:
- Navy with plum undertones
- True navy
- Royal navy
- Bluejay navy
These shades have touches of red or purple that complement brown’s warmth. Avoid greenish-tinged navy blues, which tend to clash with brown.
Navy Blue and Brown Design by Room
The use of navy blue accessories can vary depending on the room when paired with a brown couch:
| Room | Navy Blue Accents |
|---|---|
| Living Room | Pillows, throw, area rug, curtains, accent chair |
| Bedroom | Bedding, throw blanket, area rug, wall art |
| Dining Room | Placemats, table runner, curtains, pendant lighting |
| Office | Pillows, throw blanket, desk accessories, area rug |
Use navy sparingly in small doses throughout each room to complement the brown sofa or furnishings.
Pro Design Tips for Navy and Brown
Interior designers recommend these extra tips for smartly pairing navy and brown:
- Add metallic accents like copper, silver or brass for shine.
- Incorporate greenery from plants to freshen up the palette.
- Use multiple textures like wood, velvet, cotton, wool and leather.
- Layer on patterns with stripes, trellis and solids.
- Include black and white for contrast through art, pillows or rugs.
- Mix in other earth tones like sage green, beige and terracotta.
- Use cream or off-white on walls to allow navy and brown to pop.
Example Room Designs with Navy and Brown
Here are some example living room, bedroom and office designs featuring a brown couch or furniture paired with navy blue accents:
Living Room with Navy Blue Pillows on Brown Couch
This airy living room features a neutral light beige couch paired with navy blue velvet and printed pillows. A Moroccan-style navy area rug adds texture. Cream walls and sheer white curtains keep the space feeling bright and relaxed.
Bedroom with Navy Accent Wall and Brown Nightstands
This cozy bedroom uses Benjamin Moore’s Bluejay navy paint on an accent wall behind the tufted brown leather headboard. The rich navy contrasts beautifully with the milk chocolate nightstands. A woven cream area rug and neutral bedding allow the navy wall to take center stage.
Home Office with Navy Desk Chair and Brown Leather Couch
This sophisticated home office includes a brown leather couch for reading paired with a navy desk chair. The navy adds a pop of color yet doesn’t overwhelm the mocha brown sofa. Wood floors and accents lend warmth, while minimal white shelves and walls keep the small space feeling airy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does navy blue furniture go with brown?
Yes, navy blue furniture like a sofa, chair or ottoman can complement brown furniture nicely. Just be sure the shades have similar warm or cool undertones so they don’t clash.
What color paint goes well with brown couch?
Some top paint colors to pair with a brown couch include light blues, sage greens, taupes, tans, light grays and cream tones. Navy blue also works well, especially on an accent wall to contrast with brown furnishings.
Does navy go with brown walls?
Navy blue accessories can add nice contrast against brown walls in a living room or bedroom. Try navy pillows, art, area rugs or other accents against rich chocolate or tan brown walls. Just use the navy sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the brown.
Is navy and brown tacky?
No, navy and brown is a timeless, sophisticated color combination when done right. Stick with warm-toned navy shades and medium brown tones. Add metallic and neutral accents to elevate the look. Use the navy in moderation to avoid looking tacky and matchless.
Is navy and brown Outdated?
The combination of navy and brown is classic, not outdated or out of style. Navy’s versatility to work with a range of neutrals and earth tones makes it a perennially stylish accent shade that pairs beautifully with brown’s natural warmth.
Conclusion
Navy blue and brown can create a stylish, put-together look when combined strategically. Stick to warm-toned navy shades with red or yellow undertones. Accent a brown couch or sectional subtly with navy pillows, throws, area rugs or accent chairs. Echo touches of navy throughout a space for cohesion. Use metallics, patterns and neutrals to add depth and sophistication. With the right balance, navy and brown come together seamlessly for a tailored, inviting aesthetic.
