Choosing the right wall paint color to go with brown furniture can be a tricky endeavor. The color palette that pairs well with brown furniture is often warm, earthy, and neutral. However, the specific shades that look best will depend on the existing decor and the particular tones of brown furniture in the space. In this article, we will explore how to select wall paint colors that complement brown furniture, provide color pairing recommendations, and offer tips for creating a cohesive look. Having the right knowledge on hand will ensure you make the best paint decisions for a pulled-together, stylish interior.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a wall color for spaces with brown furniture, keep the following factors in mind:
- The exact shade of brown – Is it reddish-brown, dark chocolate, espresso, tan, beige? The undertones of the brown will impact the coordinating shades.
- The style of the furniture – Traditional oak pieces versus mid-century modern teak necessitate different color pairings.
- The amount of brown furniture – Rooms with just brown accents need less coordination versus spaces dominated by brown.
- The size of the space – Bolder, darker hues work better in large rooms, while small spaces need lighter colors.
- The existing decor – Look at colors already in rugs, pillows, art to pull the full space together.
- Personal color preferences – Do you want a warm, cozy palette or modern, sleek look?
Knowing the undertones of the brown, having swatch samples on hand, and taking stock of the rest of the decor will all help narrow down the best options.
Top Paint Colors for Brown Furniture
Here are some of the most recommended wall colors for coordinating with brown furniture:
Warm Neutrals
Earthy, warm-based neutrals are classic pairings with brown. Try:
- Beige
- Tan
- Mushroom
- Oatmeal
- Khaki
- Brown
- Gray-brown
- Greige (gray-beige)
These muted, natural hues blend seamlessly with brown furniture, creating a relaxed, organic look. Lighter creams and deeper sand colors are equally versatile.
Golds
From deep umbers to light creams, gold tones complement and accent brown furniture beautifully. Consider:
- Mustard
- Amber
- Goldenrod
- Gold
- Straw
- Cream
Gold colors make small spaces feel warm and welcoming. In larger rooms, they add a rich sophistication.
Reds
Red paint brings energy and vibrancy to spaces with brown decor. Brick reds, terra cotta, clay, and other earthy shades of red pair well. Also consider:
- Rust
- Burgundy
- Wine
- Berry
These deep reds complement brown’s depth for an elegant, traditional look. Softer reds like melon and salmon pink are also great counterparts to brown’s neutrality.
Blues
While brown and blue may seem an unexpected pairing, the right blue tones create sophisticated, inviting spaces with brown furniture. Opt for:
- Steel blue
- Denim
- Navy
These deeper blue hues have some warmth to align with brown. Dusty blues, periwinkle, and soft sky blue are further blue options to try.
Greens
Earthy greens are another fitting match for brown furniture. Ideal green wall colors include:
- Avocado
- Green tea
- Clover
- Forest
- Citron
- Chartreuse
- Lime
- Sage
Green’s natural look complements wood furniture beautifully. Olive green and mossy greens are also great brown color partners.
Paint Colors to Avoid with Brown Furniture
Some paint colors clash with brown furniture or create a look that’s too matchy-matchy. Colors to steer clear of include:
- Black – Too harsh and Gothic with brown.
- Browns – Matching wood furniture and walls looks monotonous.
- Pastels – Soft pinks, purples, etc. are jarring with brown.
- Vibrant primary colors – Bright red, yellow and blue fight with brown.
Stick to coordinating hues rather than clashing or overly matchy shades. For accent walls, black, patterned wallpaper or a vivid color like purple can work with brown when used sparingly.
Ideal Paint Finishes
The right paint finish plays a role in seamlessly tying brown furniture into your color scheme. Consider:
- Eggshell: Mid-sheen and subtly reflective, this is a failsafe finish for most rooms.
- Satin: With a soft glow, satin pairs well with both formal and casual spaces.
- Flat/Matte: The no-sheen finish can highlight brown’s natural texture.
- Semi-Gloss: Its subtle shine works for kitchens, baths, and accent walls.
Match finish sheen to the furniture – higher sheens like semi-gloss with traditional polished pieces, and flat finishes with rustic distressed wood.
Creative Color Pairing Ideas
Get inspired by these creative, foolproof color combinations for spaces with brown furniture:
| Mushroom + Amber | Warm tan and mustard yellow for a cozy living room. |
| Chocolate + Sky Blue | Deep brown dining set pops against a light sky blue dining room. |
| Chestnut + Sage Green | Lush green bedroom walls complement reddish-brown bedroom set. |
| Espresso + Cream | Creamy white provides contrast to dark coffee-colored furniture. |
| Clove + Robin’s Egg Blue | Spice-colored family room furniture aligned with cheerful light blue. |
| Taupe + Lilac | Soft brown sofa and chairs made vibrant against purple-y gray walls. |
Tips for Pulling it All Together
A few extra tips for creating a cohesive, flowing look:
- Repeat paint colors in artwork, pillows, rug accents.
- Echo brown wood tones in table lamps, candle holders, greenery.
- Use brown and wall color in striped curtains or geometric patterned fabrics.
- Paint the ceilings a few shades lighter than walls.
- Add warm metal accents like brass lamps, nickel hardware.
- Layer on metallics and textures through mirrors, quilts, shams.
Repeating and reflecting the wall color alongside brown elements creates harmonious style.
Do a Test Swatch
Never decide on a paint color without first testing it out. Paint large 2×2 swatches directly on the wall and view at different times of day before fully committing. The swatch test is the best way to judge a color’s undertones and interplay with the existing room.
Consult with Pros
If struggling to decide on paint shades, consult with an interior designer or the paint store experts. They can provide guidance on the best coordinating colors for the specific brown furniture pieces in your space. Their professional eye for color and lighting will prove invaluable.
Conclusion
Finding wall colors to complement brown furniture comes down to choosing warm, harmonious tones that align with the brown’s undertones. Rely on earthy neutrals, golden hues, rich reds, deep blues and greens to create a pulled-together look. Always paint large swatches first, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from the pros. With the right complementary color scheme, brown furniture will feel elegantly showcased against your new walls.
