Choosing the right paint color to go with brown can be tricky. Brown is a neutral color that can work with a wide range of paint colors, so the possibilities are endless! The key is to consider the undertones of the brown and the mood you want to create in your space. Warm browns with red or orange undertones pair well with analogous earthy colors like terra cotta, mustard, and olive green. Cool browns with blue or grey undertones complement lighter neutrals like greige, taupe, and cream. For a bold and dramatic look, go for high contrast with black, white, or even bright and vibrant hues. With so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a guide to picking the best paint colors to go with different shades of brown.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a paint color to coordinate with brown, here are some key factors to take into account:
Undertones – Determine whether your brown has warm red/orange undertones or cool blue/grey undertones. This will help narrow down your color pairings.
Lighting – The amount and type of natural and artificial light in a space impacts how colors are perceived. Make sure to test swatches at different times of day.
Purpose of Space – Consider the room’s size and how it will be used. Dark moody hues can feel cozy in a small room, while lighter colors keep an open airy feel.
Personal Preference – There are no wrong choices! Selecting a color you love is the most important guideline. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Best Paint Colors for Warm Brown Tones
Warm shades of brown contain hints of red, orange, yellow, or gold. They make a space feel welcoming and cozy. Here are some of the best paint color pairings:
Terracotta – A vibrant reddish-orange that adds energy. Works well in dining rooms.
Mustard – This golden yellow ties in nicely with warm wood tones. Perfect for living rooms.
Sage Green – An earthy green that brings the colors of nature indoors. Ideal for bedrooms.
Beige – A light neutral that makes warm browns feel softer and more subtle. Great for bathrooms.
Mocha – A creamy, warm tan that coordinates perfectly with brown. Use in any room.
| Paint Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Terracotta | #E2725B |
| Mustard | #D7C377 |
| Sage Green | #9EA770 |
| Beige | #D0C8B8 |
| Mocha | #7F5539 |
Best Paint Colors for Cool Brown Tones
Cool browns have blue, gray, or green undertones and create a sleek, sophisticated look. Ideal color pairings include:
Light Blue – A crisp sky blue that offers striking contrast. Perfect for laundry rooms.
Gray – From light silvery grays to charcoal, gray beautifully accentuates the blue tones in cool browns. Great for home offices.
Navy Blue – Sophisticated and stylish, navy makes a dramatic impact alongside brown. Use in formal living spaces.
Tan – For a subtly coordinated look, earthy tan works with both warm and cool browns. Ideal for bedrooms.
Lilac – With a touch of purple, lilac can make brown feel fresher. Lovely in bathrooms.
| Paint Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Light Blue | #ADD8E6 |
| Gray | #C0C0C0 |
| Navy Blue | #000080 |
| Tan | #D2B48C |
| Lilac | #C8A2C8 |
Complementary Contrasting Color Schemes
Sometimes you want to make brown the star and let it pop against bold, contrasting wall colors. Here are some eye-catching combinations:
Black – Sleek and sophisticated, black creates high drama against rich brown woods and leathers. Stunning in home theaters.
White – Crisp and bright white highlights and emphasizes the depth of brown hues. Use in kitchens or bathrooms.
Red – Vibrant true reds energize and accentuate brown tones. Makes a bold statement in dining rooms.
Yellow – Cheerful, sunny yellows bring out the warmth in brown. Uplifting in living spaces.
Turquoise – A splash of this vibrant, tropical blue makes brown colors pop. Fun in kids’ rooms.
| Paint Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Black | #000000 |
| White | #FFFFFF |
| Red | #FF0000 |
| Yellow | #FFFF00 |
| Turquoise | #40E0D0 |
Neutrals for a Subtle Look
For a more soothing, subtle approach, stick with neutral paint shades that quietly coordinate with the brown tones in a space:
Greige – A sophisticated blend of gray and beige that elegantly complements brown. Works in any room.
Mushroom – Earthy, organic mushroom inspires tranquility. Lovely with wood brown hues.
Oatmeal – This warm, creamy neutral accentuates the glow of brown tones. Inviting in bedrooms.
Khaki – With hints of green and brown, khaki is a versatile subtle match for brown. Use in offices or kitchens.
Cream – Soft and luminous, cream highlights brown’s natural elegance. Brightens living spaces.
| Paint Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Greige | #C2BDB6 |
| Mushroom | #B9ABA0 |
| Oatmeal | #E4D5C3 |
| Khaki | #C3B091 |
| Cream | #FFFDD0 |
Tips for Painting with Brown
Here are some final tips for effectively using brown paint colors:
– Don’t be afraid to use brown on main walls. It makes a sophisticated, cozy statement.
– Add visual interest by pairing brown with texture like grasscloth wallpaper.
– Make brown walls feel fresh and light by opting for a brown with warm yellow undertones.
– Ground a brown scheme with wood furniture and natural fiber rugs.
– Accent with metals like brushed bronze, copper, or nickel for an elegant finish.
– Layer on shades of brown in artwork, pillows, throws and accessories for depth.
Conclusion
Brown is an endlessly versatile neutral to decorate with. From rich warm chocolate browns to cool slate greys, it pairs beautifully with earth tones, bright colors, high contrast shades and other neutrals like cream and taupe. Consider the undertones and mood you want to create, and don’t be afraid to get creative with energizing hues or muted neutrals to make brown walls stand out. With the right accent colors, brown paint can look stylish, sophisticated and welcoming in any space.