What color matches with coffee color?
Coffee is a beloved beverage for many people across the world. The rich, earthy brown color of coffee can make for a soothing and comforting drink. However, the distinctive coffee-brown hue can also be challenging to pair with other colors for home decor or fashion. Choosing colors that complement and enhance coffee’s natural tones requires some thoughtfulness. In this article, we’ll explore what color matches best with coffee color and provide plenty of ideas to inspire your own stylish coffee-colored combinations.
The Color Theory Behind Coffee
In color theory, brown is considered a neutral and earthy tone. It’s related to the color orange, which sits opposite blue on the traditional color wheel. Brown also draws from red and yellow undertones. Coffee-brown specifically evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and coziness. The muted yet rich shade provides a stable and subtle base for pairing with brighter, bolder hues.
Coffee color works well with “analogous” color schemes, meaning colors that sit directly beside each other on the color wheel. Adjacent colors provide a harmonious and complementary look. For coffee shades, ideal color partners include:
– Warm neutrals like cream, tan, taupe, beige
– Earth tones like olive green, rust, and terra cotta
– Spicy accent shades like burnt orange, plum, and maroon
Coffee brown also pairs nicely with “split complementary” or “triadic” colors across from each other on the color wheel. These contrasting color combos create visual interest through vibrant pops of color against the neutral coffee background. Dynamic pairings include:
– Vibrant greens like emerald, chartreuse, and lime
– Pinks like fuchsia, coral, and melon
– Blues like teal, cobalt, and sapphire
Let’s explore some stylish ways to incorporate coffee’s natural color tones into home decor, fashion, and more.
Home Decor Combinations
For home interiors, coffee brown delivers a cozy and inviting aesthetic. Layer coffee-colored furniture, rugs, and accessories with complementary textiles and decor pieces.
Coffee Color | Complementary Colors |
Coffee table | Terra cotta vase, olive throw pillow |
Winged armchair | Plum accent wall, burnt orange rug |
Leather sofa | Teal curtains, navy throw blanket |
Here are some more coffee and color pairings for stylish home decor:
– A mocha leather sectional balanced with robin’s egg blue accent chairs or lime green decor pillows
– Rich espresso cabinetry with a backsplash in glossy plum or deep aqua subway tiles
– Coffee-stained wood furnishings accompanied by walls painted in warm beige, mustard, or peach
– A coffee-colored sisal area rug underneath a glass-topped table decorated with pink peonies in a clear vase
– Chocolate leather bar stools situated at a rustic wood kitchen island painted creamy white or sage
Coffee brown also pairs nicely with metallics like bronze, brass, copper, and gold. The sheen of metallic finishes adds depth and dimension that enhances coffee tones in lighting, hardware, and accessories.
Fashion and Beauty Combos
For clothing and style, rich coffee-inspired hues complement a wide range of complexions. Pair your coffee-colored garments with accessories and beauty looks in analogous earth tones or vivid contrasting shades.
Coffee Outfit | Color Pairings |
Mocha sweater dress | Olive green belt, taupe booties |
Coffee trench coat | Scarf in rust, orange or maroon |
Espresso blazer with tan pants | Emerald or teal dress shirt |
Here are more style ideas that demonstrate coffee color’s versatility:
– A cocoa cashmere sweater with medium blue jeans and plum ankle boots
– An espresso leather tote bag paired with a cream pantsuit and bronze statement jewelry
– A coffee-colored wrap dress accented with lipstick and nails in spiced cherry or shimmery copper
– Mocha sunglasses and burnt orange striped scarf atop a cozy oatmeal cardigan sweater
– A chocolate brown leather moto jacket with an outfit in shades of navy, cobalt, and sapphire
Coffee-inspired makeup is also on trend, like mocha-toned eyeshadows, espresso eyeliners, and creamy nude lipsticks. Play up the coffee beauty aesthetic with emerald mascara, rosy blush, and peach lip gloss.
Paint Color Schemes
For home interiors, coffee makes for a cozy and versatile paint color. Imagine rich mocha brown walls contrasted with bright white trim for crisp definition. Or, pair creamy beige coffee tones on the walls with espresso-stained woodwork and furniture.
Coffee Paint Color | Complementary Wall/Trim |
Mocha | Bright white, olive green |
Cocoa | Cream, navy blue |
Espresso | Eggshell, terracotta |
Coffee paint colors also inspire stunning color schemes for entire rooms:
– Mocha walls with trim and ceiling in soft buttercream
– Cocoa brown walls and olive green bookshelves, with cream furniture
– Espresso cabinets and rustic wood floors with sky blue subway tile backsplash
– Creamy latte walls with robin’s egg blue accent wall and bright white trim
Paint manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr offer extensive collections of coffee-inspired brown paint colors. Names evoke the perfect cup of joe, like:
– Benjamin Moore Coffee Bean Brown
– Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige
– Behr Cappuccino Foam
– Valspar Mocha Java
– Dulux Espresso Martini
Explore paint swatches in everything from light tan to dark chocolate shades. Test coffee colors in different lighting and next to potential accent colors. The undertones will impact the look from warm, reddish brown to neutral taupe.
Coffee and Wood Tones
The rich, saturated color of coffee looks superb when paired with wood furnishings and architectural details. Wood’s natural grains and textures beautifully complement coffee brown’s earthy qualities. Echo coffee paint colors by selecting wooden furniture, floors, beams, and details in harmonizing brown wood tones.
Coffee Paint Color | Matching Wood Tones |
Mocha | Cherry, mahogany |
Dark chocolate | Walnut, espresso |
Hazelnut | Acacia, pecan |
Further accentuate the wood and coffee color pairings with rugs, pillows, and accessories in analogous earth tones:
– Chocolate-stained shelving with olive green and terracotta ceramics
– Mocha kitchen cabinets with taupe marble counters and stainless steel
– Dark walnut flooring with burnt orange area rugs and cream upholstered furniture
– Espresso wood ceiling beams paired with rustic barn wood walls
The natural affinity between coffee and wood creates an inviting and serene atmosphere.
Coffee Table Decor
As the centerpiece of many living spaces, a coffee table offers a fun opportunity to showcase coffee colors. Try a literally coffee-colored table in shades of mocha, espresso, or cappuccino. Or opt for a light wood coffee table paired with coffee-toned decor.
Here are stylish ways to decorate a coffee table while playing with coffee-inspired colors:
– Espresso stained coffee table with antique books and a peach ceramic vase
– Rustic oak coffee table displaying terracotta pots with succulents
– Concrete coffee table topped with olive green and navy throw pillows
– Whitewashed wood table holding a marble and metal tray with coffee and cocoa candy
– Glass-topped walnut coffee table with orchids in a hammered copper planter
– Mahogany coffee table styled with chocolate leather coasters and caramel candles
Experiment with different textures like wood, leather, ceramics, metals, and glass for an eclectic coffee table display.
Kitchen Color Combinations
Coffee brown brings a warm, welcoming ambiance into kitchen design. The dark, saturated shade contrasts beautifully with light countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Integrate mocha or espresso cabinets with accents in spicy oranges and sunny yellows.
Coffee Cabinet Color | Contrasting Colors |
Mocha | Buttery yellow, sky blue |
Cocoa | Crisp white, mint green |
Espresso | Pearlescent marble, bronze |
Some stunning kitchen color schemes with coffee cabinets include:
– Mocha cabinets with emerald green penny tile backsplash and stainless appliances
– Cocoa cabinets with cream marble counters, subway tile, and brass fixtures
– Espresso cabinets with sky blue walls and metallic copper sink and lights
– Dark walnut cabinets with limestone counters, peach mosaic backsplash, and black hardware
– Hazelnut cabinets with retro mint green counters and checkerboard vinyl floor
Remember to echo the cabinets with mocha and espresso kitchen accessories like appliances, canisters, dishes, and linens for bold coffee flavor.
Bathroom Color Palettes
From freestanding tubs to custom vanities, rich coffee brown makes a dramatic impact in bathroom design. Pair your mocha and espresso bathroom furniture with cool, serene color accents. Crisp white subway tiles, cotton-colored linens, and aqua glass accessories keep the space feeling light and soothing.
Coffee Bathroom Feature | Color Complements |
Espresso vanity | Crisp white quartz, chrome fixtures |
Mocha tile tub surround | Sage green towels, silver mirror |
Cocoa wall paneling | Eggshell porcelain, teal bath mat |
Some chic coffee-centric bathroom color schemes include:
– Espresso vanity and shelves with porcelain vessel sinks and brass taps set against white subway tile
– A freestanding mahogany soaking tub surrounded by mocha marble tile and navy blue walls
– Dark chocolate floating shelves holding rolled snowy white towels beside a sleek glass shower
– Cocoa stained wainscoting and bathroom furniture paired with powder blue walls and matte black fixtures
Keep bathroom textiles in light ivory, seafoam, and sky blue to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Metallic accents in silver, gold, and copper also brighten up moody coffee shades.
Office Color Combinations
Incorporate coffee into your home office or workspace for productivity and focus. Chocolate browns have a stabilizing effect perfect for intense concentration and creativity. Invigorate coffee-colored desks and bookshelves with bold accent walls or accessories.
Coffee Office Furniture | Color Accents |
Espresso wood desk | Robin’s egg blue rolling chair |
Mocha filing cabinet | Chartreuse pencil cup |
Cocoa bookshelves | Terra cotta vase, rust pillow |
Some energizing home office color schemes featuring coffee include:
– An espresso wooden desk and mocha leather desk chair against a vibrant lime green accent wall
– Cocoa-stained built-in bookshelves and cabinetry paired with walls in cream and peach
– A modular walnut desk with a fuchsia desk pad and accessories in shades of turquoise and cobalt
– Dark chocolate shelving units displayed against a light sage green wall with marble and brass desk accessories
– Mahogany office furniture with aqua upholstered desk chair and burnt orange patterned pillows
With the right color pairings, coffee-colored offices feel inspiring versus somber.
Outdoor Color Combinations
Take coffee color outside by incorporating it into patio, porch, and outdoor living spaces. Mocha and espresso look gorgeously natural when paired with lush greens, clear blues, and warm terra cotta.
Coffee Patio Furniture | Color Complements |
Wicker sofa | Robin’s egg pillows |
Teak dining set | Terracotta planters |
Eucalyptus Adirondack chairs | Azure cushions |
Some stylish ways to use coffee colors outdoors include:
– A mocha wicker patio sofa dressed in plum and lime green striped cushions
– Espresso stained teak outdoor dining table surrounded by egg chairs in sunny yellow
– Deep walnut finished cedar adirondack chairs sitting on a bluestone patio
– Cocoa-colored outdoor curtains framing a view of the emerald lawn and sapphire pool
– Mahogany porch swing suspended from the eaves wrapping around the misty gray farmhouse
Pair your outdoor coffee color furniture with brightly hued flowers and plants. Citrus trees, tomato vines, pink roses, and purple succulents make perfect landscaping matches.
Dining Room Color Schemes
Coffee brown delivers a refined yet warm ambiance in the dining room. Contrast mocha wood tables and buffets with chairs upholstered in sunny accents. Paint or paper the walls in sophisticated grays, seafoam, and eggshell to let the coffee tones shine.
Coffee Dining Furniture | Color Complements |
Espresso dining table | Robin’s egg blue chairs |
Walnut buffet | Peach patterned wallpaper |
Mocha cabinet | Terra cotta serving pieces |
Some refined dining room color schemes featuring coffee include:
– An espresso dining table surrounded by chartreuse leather parson chairs on a light gray woven rug
– A long walnut farmhouse table paired with sunny yellow wooden chairs and eggshell wainscoting
– Round cocoa-stained table illuminated by a chrome orb chandelier over robin’s egg blue chairs
– Circular mocha pedestal table displayed on a brick terracotta floor with burnt orange upholstered seats
– Rectangular chocolate dining table bordered by a bench in sky blue velvet beside peach patterned walls
For bold contrast, opt for crisp white dishes layered atop coffee-colored placemats and table runners.
Bedroom Color Ideas
In the restful bedroom, deeper coffee shades can feel indulgent and cozy. Accent mocha and espresso furnishings with breezy linens and sunny yellow textures. Paint the walls in relaxing hues like powder blue, sage green, or lavender.
Coffee Bedroom Furniture | Color Accents |
Mocha wood headboard | Powder blue sheets |
Espresso nightstands | Chartreuse lamps |
Cocoa upholstered bench | Peach pillows |
Some restful bedroom color combinations featuring coffee tones include:
– A mocha leather headboard and nightstands paired with linens in misty seafoam
– Espresso stained bed frame and dresser complemented by plum, peach and sage decor
– A tufted cocoa upholstered bench at the foot of the bed atop a burnt