Red and brown are both warm, earthy colors that can look great together if paired correctly. But matching these shades can also go horribly wrong if the undertones clash or the hues are too similar. So how do you match these rich neutrals in a way that is stylish and sophisticated?
Understanding Red Undertones
The first step is to recognize that not all reds are created equal. Red has a range of undertones from orangey-reds to blue-based reds:
| Orange-Red | Blue-Red |
| Coral | Burgundy |
| Fire engine red | Maroon |
| Tomato red | Oxblood |
Orangey reds with warm undertones tend to have more energy and brightness. Blue-reds have a darker, moodier look. Understanding where on the red spectrum your particular shade falls will help you match it with the right brown tones.
Brown Undertones Matter Too
Browns can also veer warm or cool. While brown is fundamentally an earthy, natural color, the undertone makes a difference. Warm brown shades include:
| Cinnamon | Russet |
| Mocha | Hazelnut |
| Chestnut | Camel |
These shades have yellow, orange or red undertones. Cool browns skew toward grey, black or blue undertones. Examples include:
| Taupe | Mushroom |
| Pewter | Charcoal |
| Chocolate | Coffee |
So clearly brown is not just brown! Recognizing the subtle nuances helps coordinate shades in a sophisticated way.
Matching Red and Brown
Warm reds work seamlessly with warm browns. Blue reds pair better with cool browns. Some winning combinations include:
– Fire engine red and camel brown
– Tomato red and chestnut brown
– Coral and mocha brown
– Burgundy and mushroom brown
– Maroon and charcoal brown
– Oxblood and chocolate brown
When matching reds and browns, stay within the same tone family. Don’t mix an orangey-red with a cool taupe for example. This can look disjointed.
You can also match different shades of red and brown together. Just be sure to balance the depth of color. For example, pair a burnt orange red with a mid-tone camel brown. Or go bold with oxblood and dark chocolate.
When pairing different shades, keep in mind general color theory guidance:
– Deeper colors look richer together
– Lighter tones feel more energetic
– Contrasting shades grab attention
– Highly saturated colors make a statement
– Soft, muted shades are soothing
Tips for Combining Red and Brown
Here are some useful tips for effectively coordinating red and brown:
– Anchor one as the main color and use the other as an accent. For example, for red to stand out, use it on larger furniture pieces like sofas, throw pillows or area rugs. Use brown as an accent on drapes, blankets or wall art.
– Think about context. Red and brown work beautifully in rustic, earthy, traditional and Southwestern style homes. They can also create a bold, modern look in sleek, contemporary spaces.
– Add a splash of green or blue. Small touches of emerald or navy can really make red and brown pop.
– Use sheens and textures. Matte reds with glossy browns, or sleek reds with nubby browns can add visual interest.
– Add warm metallics like copper or bronze. Metallic throws, pillows or lamps nicely bridge red and brown.
– Consider floral or geometric patterns that incorporate both colors. This allows you to evenly blend the colors.
– Proportion the colors appropriately. Don’t do a 50/50 split or the look can be overwhelming. Start with about 75% brown and 25% red for a balanced look.
Red and Brown Color Schemes
Specifically, some stunning red and brown color schemes include:
Rustic Sunset
– Terracotta red
– Saddle brown
– Natural linen
– Rustic wood tones
Southwest Chic
– Chili red
– Tan brown
– Turquoise blue accents
– Natural textures like jute or leather
Modern Marrakesh
– Poppy red
– Chocolate brown
– Pewter grey
– Black accents
Cozy Cabin
– Burnt orange
– Cinnamon brown
– Forest green
– Creamy whites
Urban Loft
– Cherry red
– Espresso brown
– Charcoal grey
– Concrete and steel
Hollywood Regency
– Ruby red
– Chocolate brown
– Metallic gold
– Luxe velvets
Incorporating Red and Brown in Fashion
Red and brown is a chic color combination in fashion as well. Some tips for wearing these colors:
– Pair a red top with brown bottoms or vice versa. A red skirt or dress looks fabulous with brown knee-high boots.
– Mix red and brown prints and textures like a brown tweed blazer with a red floral dress.
– Add red heels, bag or scarf as a pop of contrast to a brown outfit.
– For men, khaki pants with a maroon shirt or jacket looks sharp.
– Use red stripes and piping as an accent on brown handbags or shoes.
– Go monochromatic with an all over red and brown print like buffalo check.
– Cinch a brown belt around a red dress for definition.
– Layer a red turtleneck under a brown sweater in fall/winter.
Conclusion
Pairing red and brown may seem tricky, but by understanding undertones and using shades strategically you can create a stylish, pulled-together look. Keep red as the accent color against warm or neutral browns for a sophisticated earthy palette. Add other natural tones like cream, slate blue or emerald green to give it a finished feel. With the right balance of shades, red and brown can be rich, welcoming and full of depth.