Choosing the right colour scheme for a dark brown living room can seem daunting, but with some planning it can be an exciting process. The dark brown walls provide a warm, cosy feel that can be complemented with colours that are vibrant yet sophisticated. In this article, we’ll explore the best colour combinations to go with dark brown walls and help you create a stylish living room.
Quick Answer
The best colours that go with dark brown living room walls are:
– Neutrals like beige, taupe, cream
– Earth tones like green, burnt orange, mustard yellow
– Metallics like gold, silver, copper
– Soft blues and teals
These colours create harmonious, sophisticated schemes that enhance the dark walls. Avoid bright primary colours as they clash. Focus on soft, warm secondary hues. Metallics and neutral tones make the space feel airy and spacious.
Complementary Colours
Complementary colour schemes are made up of colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, which create striking visual contrast. For dark brown walls, stick to analogous colours instead of direct complements. Some ideas:
| Dark Brown Colour | Complementary Colours |
| Deep Chocolate Brown | Mustard Yellow, Burnt Orange |
| Mocha Brown | Seafoam Green, Soft Blue |
| Espresso Brown | Terracotta, Salmon Pink |
These analogous colours have enough contrast to make the brown walls pop while still feeling cohesive. The earthy tones of mustard, burnt orange and terracotta add vibrance. Cool tones like seafoam green, soft blue and salmon provide balance.
Monochromatic Colours
A monochromatic scheme uses different tones, saturations and shades of one base colour. For dark brown walls, incorporate lighter and darker browns along with neutral tones.
| Dark Brown Walls | Monochromatic Colours |
| Mocha | Cream, Beige, Espresso |
| Dark Chocolate | Tan, Taupe, Black |
| Chestnut | Ivory, Camel, Coffee |
Lighter browns like beige, ivory and tan keep the scheme warm and subdued. Darker shades like espresso, coffee and black inject drama. Neutrals like cream, taupe and camel add subtle interest. This is an easy, fuss-free approach to complementing dark brown walls.
Earth Tone Colours
Natural, earthy hues blend seamlessly with dark brown to create an organic look. Greens, burnt oranges, terracottas and mustard yellows work particularly well.
| Dark Brown Wall | Earth Tone Colours |
| Walnut Brown | Olive Green, Terracotta |
| Mocha | Sage Green, Burnt Orange |
| Espresso | Avocado Green, Rust |
These nature-inspired colours add vibrance and texture. Olive greens, sage greens and avocado greens provide a tree-like ambience. Burnt orange, terracotta and rust look like clay pots and natural materials. The earthy tones prevent the room from feeling too dark.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents and furniture instantly liven up a dark brown space. Gold, silver, copper and bronze create glamorous contrasts.
| Dark Brown Wall Colour | Metallic Accents |
| Mocha | Rose Gold, Nickel |
| Espresso | Antique Gold, Pewter |
| Chocolate | Polished Silver, Bronze |
Warm gold tones pair attractively with chocolate and mocha browns. Silvery metallics like nickel, pewter and polished silver pop against espresso walls. Scatter cushions, wall art and lamps in these metallics prevent the room from feeling too heavy.
Soft Blue & Teal Accents
Though highly contrasting, soft blues and teals create a relaxing atmosphere next to dark brown walls. The cool tones provide soothing balance.
| Dark Brown | Blue & Teal Tones |
| Walnut | Baby Blue, Seafoam Green |
| Chestnut | Powder Blue, Aqua |
| Espresso | Robin’s Egg Blue, Teal |
Pale, powdery blues like baby blue, powder blue and robin’s egg blue offset the dark walls. Green-tinged teals and aquas give the room a modern, relaxing ambience. Avoid navy or royal blues, which may look too harsh.
Neutrals
Neutrals like cream, beige and taupe make a dark brown living room feel light and airy. They create a soothing, blended background.
| Dark Brown | Neutral Accents |
| Mocha | Cream, Khaki Beige |
| Walnut | Eggshell, Taupe |
| Chocolate | Vanilla, Dove Grey |
Softer neutrals like eggshell, cream and vanilla keep the scheme light. Beiges, khakis and taupe add subtle contrast. Pair with off-white, dove grey or stone for flexibility. Use neutrals in furniture, rugs, curtains and accessories.
Conclusion
The right colour palette can turn a dark brown living room from gloomy cave to stylish sanctuary. Stick to complementary earth tones, metallic accents, soft blues and neutral hues. Avoid bright primary colours and harsh contrasts. Focus on creating a welcoming, cosy atmosphere with sophisticated style. With the colours suggested, your dark brown living room will feel warm, elegant and enveloping.