Beige is a neutral, soft color that can fit into a variety of color palettes and design schemes. When deciding what palette beige belongs to, there are a few key factors to consider.
The Color Theory Behind Beige
In color theory, beige is considered a tint of brown, as it is created by adding white to brown. Brown itself is a tertiary color, made by combining the primary colors red, yellow, and blue.
Beige sits between white and brown on the color spectrum. It has warm undertones from its brown base, but the added white softens and lightens the color considerably. This makes beige highly versatile – it can work as a neutral background color or as a subtle accent.
Some key characteristics of beige include:
- Soft, muted tone
- Warm, earthy undertones
- Lack of saturation
- Neutral background color
- Calming effect
When using the color beige, it’s important to pay attention to its undertones. Beige can pull slightly yellow, pink, orange, or brown depending on how much white or brown it contains. The undertone will impact what other colors pair well with it.
Beige in Neutral Palettes
One of the most common color palettes beige is part of is a neutral scheme. This includes colors like white, black, gray, tan, and brown. Neutral palettes create a calming, subtle look.
In a neutral palette, beige works excellently as a background color. Its soft, muted nature prevents other tans, browns, and grays from looking drab or dull. Beige brings warmth and dimension to otherwise plain neutral schemes.
Here’s an example neutral living room using beige:
| Color | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Beige | Main wall color |
| Cream | Trim, ceilings, furniture |
| Gray | Textiles, pillows, rug |
| Espresso | Wood furniture, shelves |
The beige walls keep this space looking warm, welcoming, and subtle. Layers of cream, gray, and brown create dimension while remaining soft and neutral.
Beige in Earth Tone Palettes
Another palette beige commonly belongs to is earth tones. Earth tone schemes use colors inspired by nature like sand, moss, bark, stone, and clay.
Beige has strong connections to earth tones through its brown undertones. It evokes images of natural clay, weathered wood, and desert sand. When used with other earthy neutrals like olive green, terra cotta, and rust orange, beige has an organic, grounded feel.
Here is an example earth tone bedroom scheme using beige:
| Color | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Beige | Walls |
| Olive green | Headboard, bench |
| Terracotta | Vases, pillows |
| Rust | Rug, blankets |
The beige walls keep this earthy palette grounded and unified. Accents of olive, terracotta, and rust add natural vibrancy while maintaining a soothing, relaxed vibe.
Beige in Warm-Toned Palettes
Beige also commonly fits into warm-toned palettes due to its warm brown undertones. Warm color schemes use hues like red, orange, yellow, and shades with golden or peach undertones.
When decorating with a warm palette, beige acts as a nice bridge between the vibrant main colors and neutral accessories. It helps soften bright warm hues and keeps them from becoming overbearing.
Here is an example warm contemporary living room with beige:
| Color | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Red | Accent chair |
| Orange | Pillows |
| Yellow | Armchair |
| Beige | Sofa, walls |
| White | Rug, shelving |
| Espresso | Coffee table, media console |
The vibrant red, orange, and yellow are unified by the beige sofa and walls, while white and brown furniture and shelving keep the space balanced.
Beige with Blue and Green Palettes
While beige works best with warm palettes, it can also coordinate nicely with cool-toned blues and greens depending on its undertones.
Beiges with yellow, peach or pink undertones complement bright blues and emerald greens. The beige softens the cool tones and injects a little warmth.
Beiges with stronger brown undertones suit more muted blues and sage greens. These pairings create a relaxing earthy look.
Here is an example tranquil bedroom with blue, green and beige:
| Color | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Beige | Walls, bedding |
| Sage green | Bench, pillows |
| Duck egg blue | Headboard, artwork |
The warm beige complements the green and blue tones, keeping the cool scheme grounded and serene.
Beige in Monochromatic Palettes
Beige can also work on its own in a monochromatic palette. Monochromatic color schemes use a single base color and vary only in shade and tone.
A beige monochromatic palette might include:
- Light beige
- Main beige
- Dark beige
- Brown beige
- Cream beige
- Beige gray
When working with different shades of beige, pay attention to undertones. Mixing beiges with strongly different undertones can look disjointed. Keep undertones similar for a sophisticated, elegant look.
Here is an example beige monochromatic bathroom:
| Beige Shade | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Light beige | Walls |
| Main beige | Vanity, mirrors |
| Dark beige | Trim, shower tile |
| Cream beige | Towels, bath mat |
Varying the beige shades adds subtle interest while keeping the overall look classic, elegant, and soothing.
Beige Paint Selection
When selecting a beige paint color, it’s important to consider undertones as they can impact the whole room. Here are some popular beige paint shades and their undertones:
| Paint Color | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Almond Wisp | Slightly yellow, warm |
| Honey Wheat | Golden yellow, warm |
| Natural Linen | Yellow-brown, warm |
| Carefree Peach | Peach, warm |
| Edgecomb Gray | Slightly violet-gray, neutral |
Lighter beiges like Almond Wisp and Honey Wheat suit warm palettes with colors like peach, yellow, and red. More saturated beiges like Natural Linen and Carefree Peach also work well bringing warmth to cool blues and greens.
Muted beiges like Edgecomb Gray are quite neutral and can be paired with almost any color scheme.
Using Beige in Interior Design
Now that we’ve covered beige color pairings, here are some tips for effectively using beige in interior spaces:
- Living rooms: Beige sofas, walls and rug act as a subtle, neutral backdrop. Add pops of color with pillows, throws, plants and art.
- Bedrooms: Beige walls and bedding create a peaceful sanctuary. Layer on textures and patterns for interest.
- Bathrooms: Beige tile, cabinets and towels provide a clean, spa-like feel. Add greenery for freshness.
- Kitchens: Beige cabinets or backsplash paired with wood or marble counters balance warmth and coolness.
- Home office: Beige walls help concentration. Coordinate with woods, metals and colorful stationery.
When using beige, consider finishes and textures. Glossy beige looks more modern and vibrant while matte or flat beige appears softer and more subtle. Use a mix of shiny metals, smooth woods, and textured fabrics to give beige depth.
Conclusion
With its adaptable nature and warm undertones, beige is a versatile neutral that fits nicely into many color schemes. It particularly suits neutral, earth tone, and warm palettes due to its brown base. But beige can also complement cool blues, greens, and modern schemes when used thoughtfully. Consider the beige undertones and surround colors to make sure they work together harmoniously.
Use layers of texture and natural materials with beige to add visual interest to spaces. And don’t be afraid to pair beige with bold pops of color and patterns to keep things from becoming too bland.
So whether you’re looking to create a soothing oasis or chic contemporary space, this flexible soft neutral has a place. Beige brings warmth and harmony wherever it goes.