Brown is a versatile and popular color for interior design, fashion, and beauty. Unlike warm browns that pull from red and orange undertones, cool tone browns have blue, green, violet, and gray undertones that give them a more muted, softer look. Cool browns range from taupe to ash and create relaxing, sophisticated spaces when used well. Here’s what you need to know about this trendy neutral shade.
What are cool undertones?
In color theory, undertones refer to the subtle hues that are “underneath” the primary color and affect its temperature. Warm undertones include shades of red, orange, and yellow. They make colors appear brighter and bolder. Cool undertones include hints of blue, green, purple and gray. They mute and soften the vibrancy of a color.
Most browns derive from a warm, red-orange base. However, when green, blue, violet or gray get added during the coloring process, they neutralize the red tones and create browns with cool undertones instead. You can tell a brown has cool undertones if it seems more subdued and doesn’t pull red when placed near other colors.
Characteristics of cool tone browns
Here are some of the main qualities of browns with cool undertones:
- More subdued and soft than warm browns
- May appear slightly grayish or have a bluish-green tint
- Pair well with other cool-toned colors like blues, greens and grays
- Look sophisticated and elegant, but not bold or energetic
- Work well in both modern and traditional design schemes
- Evoke a calming, relaxed feeling in interior spaces
Cool browns are more neutral in appearance than warm, reddish browns. They have a lower chroma, or intensity, due to the softening effect of the cool undertones. This makes them quite versatile as neutral backdrops that allow bolder accent colors to pop.
Popular types of cool tone browns
Taupe
Taupe is a light brown with gray and rosy undertones. The name comes from the French word for mole due to its resemblance to the animal’s grayish-brown fur. Taupe is one of the most popular cool browns for interior design, especially in bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms. It creates a soothing, welcoming ambiance.
Mushroom
Slightly darker than taupe, mushroom brown has more gray undertones along with hints of violet and green. It’s an earthy neutral that works well in rustic, farmhouse, or modern interiors. Mushroom brown is also a trendy color in clothing and cosmetics.
Driftwood
This weathered brown has prominent gray undertones. It resembles fossilized wood bleached by the sun and waves. Driftwood brown adds cozy, beach house vibes to a room. Use it on walls or larger accents like furniture and rugs.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a pale, neutral brown with subtle green-gray undertones. True to its name, it mimics the natural color of sandstone rock. Sandstone brown has a soft, earthy quality perfect for creating a relaxed, spa-like retreat.
Slate
Slate brown is a cool, smoky charcoal brown inspired by slate rock. It’s bold while still remaining neutral enough to pair with many colors. Slate brown makes a dramatic accent wall color and also works well on furniture and stone surfaces.
Ash
Ash browns are light, silvery grays with only a hint of brown. They mimic the soft color of ash wood. Decorators often use ash brown as a substitute for plain gray to warm up a cool scheme. It creates a soothing, sophisticated look.
| Cool Tone Brown | Description |
|---|---|
| Taupe | Light brown with gray and rosy undertones |
| Mushroom | Slightly darker than taupe with more gray undertones |
| Driftwood | Weathered brown with prominent gray undertones |
| Sandstone | Pale brown with subtle green-gray undertones |
| Slate | Smoky charcoal brown |
| Ash | Light silvery gray with a hint of brown |
Using cool tone browns in interior design
Cool browns make excellent neutral backdrops in interior spaces. Here are some tips for decorating with these relaxing, subtle shades:
- Use taupe, mushroom or sandstone brown on walls for a soothing ambiance. They work well in bedrooms, living rooms, studies and spas.
- Paint built-ins, bookshelves, cabinets and other trim/millwork in a cool brown like ash or driftwood.
- Upholster furniture in linen or velvet in a tone like mushroom or taupe.
- Select driftwood, slate or ash brown wood furniture to warm up a cool scheme.
- Lay down area rugs in subtle check, herringbone or stripe patterns featuring cool browns.
- Use ash brown leather on stools, desk chairs or headboards to create an elegant touch.
Cool browns pair beautifully with other colors like light blue, sage green, cream, and gray. Metallic accents in silver, pewter and brushed gold also complement the understated elegance of these shades.
In terms of style, cool browns work well in both traditional and modern spaces. Use them in cozy cottage rooms and sleek contemporary lofts alike. Their versatility makes them ideal for creating a custom look.
Combining cool and warm browns
Interesting depth and dimension can be created by combining cool and warm browns in one space. Here are some examples:
- Use mushroom or taupe walls with terracotta floors
- Pair a slate brown sofa with caramel and cream accents
- Add cream and mauve pillows to a driftwood brown bed
- Mix ash and walnut wood tones in furniture, mirrors and decor
- Choose a sandstone fireplace mantel with red leather armchairs nearby
The contrast between the muted cool browns and bold, fiery warm browns adds visual intrigue. Keep the rest of the scheme neutral to let the brown tones stand out.
Cool tone brown palette ideas
Here are some inspiring color palettes featuring cool browns:
Mushroom and blue
| Mushroom Brown | Light Gray | Ice Blue | Pale Blue |
This soothing, modern palette pairs mushroom brown with two shades of blue and light gray.
Taupe and sage green
| Taupe | Cream | Sage Green | Mint Green |
Mix taupe brown with creamy off-whites and two shades of green for a relaxing, earthy look.
Slate and copper
| Slate Brown | Dark Green | Burnt Orange | Copper |
Charcoal slate brown and metallic copper create an edgy, modern pairing.
Using cool browns in fashion and beauty
Beyond interior design, cool brown shades also lend their refined, subtle beauty to clothing, makeup and hair color. Here are some ideas:
- A taupe trench coat or dress adds sleek sophistication to any outfit.
- Mushroom brown linen pants have a relaxed, casual vibe perfect for summer.
- Slate brown booties pair well with blue denim and flowy tops.
- Metallic ash brown eyeshadow creates a sultry, smoky eye.
- Driftwood brown hair color gives off beachy, sun-kissed vibes.
- Sandstone brown lipstick flatters fair and olive skin tones.
Cool browns complement both warm and cool skin tones. Their earthy elegance enhances natural beauty. Try incorporating this stylish neutral into your wardrobe and cosmetic routine.
Conclusion
With their subtle, muted undertones, cool tone browns offer endlessly versatile design possibilities. They create soothing, welcoming spaces, complement all styles, and pair beautifully with other colors. Both fashionable and classic, these refined neutrals suit any taste. Try taupe, driftwood, mushroom, sandstone, slate or ash brown for a look that’s relaxed, earthy and sophisticated.