Shades of Brown – Exploring the 124 Most Important Tones

While brown may not be the most exciting color on the visible light spectrum, it is one of the most versatile and important shades that you can have in your arsenal. There are countless shades of brown, ranging from deep and dark burnt sienna to light beige hues. In this article, we provide you with an extensive list of the 124 most popular shades of brown, with their Hex numbers, RGB, and CMYK codes. Take a look and see what your favorite shade of brown is!

Different Brown Shades

The many types of brown color can be broadly divided into three categories. The first is dark brown shades, the second is light brown colors, and the third is shades of beige. Within each of these categories, there are varied types of brown color. Some shades lean closer to red, while others are more earthy with a green base. For each of the brown shades below, we provide the brown color code, brown hex code, and the brown color names. You can refer to this list any time you need to create beautiful works with varied types of brown color.

Bistre Brown

Of all the dark brown shades, bistre brown is up there as one of the darkest. The temperature of this dark brown color is very cool, and it shares similar hues with dark brown and Tuscan brown. Bistre brown is darker than many of the other shades of brown on our list.

Taupe Brown

Taupe brown is one of the darkest brown colors and also one of the coolest. You can see that there is a significant gray undertone to this dark brown shade, and it is a perfect shade to have as part of a brown color palette.

Café Noir Brown

Café noir is one of the darkest and coolest shades of brown available. The tone of this brown color is similar to dark brown and Tuscan brown, but it is slightly cooler in tone.

Deep Coffee Brown

If you are looking for a deep and cool shade of dark brown with a purple-red undertone, then deep coffee is the perfect shade. This color is slightly warmer and darker than Tuscan brown, but it is cooler than dark brown.

Dark Brown

Now, it is time to introduce the OG dark brown color. This color is reminiscent of coffee or chocolate in its deep rich shade. The prototypical shade of dark brown is a versatile and beautiful rich brown color.

Tuscan Brown

Our next shade of brown is Tuscan brown, which is a cooler shade that is on the border of light and dark brown. Tuscan brown contains small hints of gray and would be the perfect shade for coloring the bark of an aged tree.

Bole Brown

Bole brown is on the border of dark and medium brown shades, with a very cool and slightly purple undertone. This shade is a slightly more muted and browner hue of burgundy brown. Bole brown is a great color to have as part of a brown color palette, as it is very versatile and beautiful.

Sepia Brown

All of us at one time or another have layered a photograph with a sepia tone filter to give it that “old-timey” feel. You will instantly recognize the slightly yellow tone of this lovely dark brown shade from these filters. The sepia brown color gets its name from the type of ink used in the earliest printing of photographs. This brown color is slightly warmer than plain dark brown, and it is lovely and rich like polished wooden furniture.

Russet Brown

Russet brown is a slightly darker version of the sienna brown shade. It is, however, slightly cooler than sienna brown and has a red undertone. This brown shade is lovely and deep, perfect for coloring antique wooden furniture, for example.

Saddle Brown

In many ways, saddle brown is similar to russet. It is also a warm shade of dark brown, but saddle brown is slightly lighter and also slightly warmer than russet brown. Saddle brown is a lovely brown color with a touch of orange undertone.

Sienna Brown

Sienna Brown is another one of the slightly red-brown shades. This brown color shares qualities with other shades of dark brown like mahogany and russet brown. While there is a brown color called chestnut, sienna brown is closer to the color of chestnuts.

Rust Brown

Rust brown is another brown color that many may argue is actually orange, rather than brown. This warm, medium shade of brown strongly mirrors the color of rusted metal, hence the name! In some ways, rust-brown is similar to the color of bronze metal, but it is a little redder and slightly richer.

Mahogany Brown

Mahogany brown is another lovely warm and rich shade of dark brown. The undertones are rich and reddish, and many compare this shade to a darker and warmer cinnamon color. Mahogany brown is named after the color of the wood, often used to craft expensive furniture pieces.

Burnt Umber

If you have worked with paints for a long time, you are sure to have come across and used burnt umber extensively. This is one of the most popular browns, which has rich and dark red undertones. Burnt umber is a very warm and deep shade of brown, which has many uses in color mixing and painting.

Rufous Brown

If you are looking for a dark shade of red-brown, then rufous may be the perfect shade for you. Rufous is similar to the auburn brown color, but unlike auburn, it does not have a purple undertone. Instead, this dark brown color has more of an orange undertone, making it the perfect shade for glowing embers.

Auburn Brown

Auburn brown is the last shade on our list of dark brown colors. This beautiful and rich shade of reddish-brown shares similar traits with burnt umber and burgundy. Auburn brown is slightly more brown than burgundy, although it does still lean strongly towards the family of red shades. Auburn is also redder than the shade of burnt umber, making it a perfect middle shade.

Dirt Brown

The name of this shade does not quite live up to the beauty of the light brown color. Dirt brown is a light and cool shade of brown that is on the border between light brown and beige. You can compare this brown color to a slightly darker tan shade with a more gray tone.

Chamoisee Brown

Many describe Chamoisee brown as a slightly warmer taupe shade, and it shares similarities in tone with beaver brown. This light brown color is warm, light, and lovely, making it a great addition to a brown color palette.

Coconut Brown

Named for the color of coconut shells, this is a lovely cool light brown color. A medium shade of brown, coconut brown is slightly lighter and cooler than the actual color of a coconut shell, and although slightly warmer, it shares similarities in hue to chamois brown.

Chestnut Brown

Named after the fruit of the chestnut tree, chestnut brown is a slightly pink light brown color. Although named after the chestnut fruit, this shade is slightly paler and redder than the fruit appears to us.

Windsor Tan Brown

Windsor tan brown is one of the darker light brown colors on this list. This brown color is very warm and is a slightly richer and darker shade than the traditional light brown shade.

Golden Brown

Compared to ginger brown, golden brown is slightly darker and slightly cooler in tone. This rich golden brown color makes a wonderful and necessary addition to any brown color palette.

Ginger Brown

This light brown color is the shade of gingerbread men. Named after the ginger spice, this is a warm and rich golden brown tone that makes us think of delicious and warm baked goods.

Light Brown

As the flagship color of this category of brown shades, light brown has warm undertones and a delicate softness that makes it stand out from the crowd. Many compare light brown to ochre brown, with it being ever-so-slightly darker in tone.

Cinnamon Brown

Cinnamon Brown is a beautiful, rich, and warm light brown color. With hints of orange and yellow, this brown color is versatile and welcoming. Although named after the cinnamon spice, this color is slightly warmer and lighter than the coloring of the spice.

Copper Brown

The first of our trio of metal-derived brown colors, copper brown is another light and warm shade of brown. Once again, although named after copper, this shade is slightly more muted and warmer than the metal. The soft hints of orange make this a very attractive and popular shade of brown.

Ochre Brown

Another one of the most popular shades of light brown, ochre is a very soft and welcoming shade of light brown. Ochre is similar in tone to bronze brown, but it has a slightly more orange undertone.

Bronze Brown

Taking its name from the metal with this coloring, bronze brown is a warm shade of brown with a slight orange tone. This lovely light brown color has a warmer tone than copper.

Peru Brown

Of all the light brown colors we have covered so far, Peru brown is the closest to beige. This beautiful warm and light brown color lies on the border between the light brown and beige categories. Peru brown is a lighter and less orange alternative to cinnamon brown.

Brass Brown

Brass brown is a very yellow-based light brown color that has subtle hints of green hues. Brass brown gets its name from the metal that shares the same color, and it is a wonderfully versatile light brown color. Whether you are drawing autumn leaves or a field of flowers, this shade is an essential part of a brown color palette.

Ecru Brown

Ecru brown is a lovely light brown color with a slightly yellow undertone. It is possible to compare this shade to sand brown, although it is slightly warmer and darker.

Khaki Brown

The color of khaki fabric, this light brown color is quite a cool and dark shade of beige. Khaki brown has a slightly gray undertone, making it a fantastic neutral shade to have as part of a brown color palette.

Dark Vanilla Brown

Dark vanilla is one of the darker and cooler shades of beige on this list. You can compare this shade to sand and taupe brown, but it has a slightly more gray undertone.

Tan Brown

Tan brown is one of the most easily identifiable shades of beige. This light brown color is a little warmer than traditional beige and slightly cooler than sand. It is also one of the darker beige shades.

Wood Brown

The name of this color stems from its similarity to the color of light hardwood flooring. Wood brown is a slightly cooler shade of fawn beige, and it is quite a light brown color.

Deer Brown

The tone of deer brown is very similar to tan brown, but it is slightly warmer and a little darker. This beautiful light brown color is a warm beige that is slightly darker and warmer than fawn brown.

Café au Lait Brown

Translated, the name of this beige brown shade is coffee with milk. The name perfectly describes the warm and milky tones of this color.

Beaver Brown

Beaver brown, possibly named after the little critters with big teeth, is a light grayish brown color. The undertone of this light brown color is very cool, and it is a slightly cooler version of taupe brown.

Antique Brass Brown

A light and soft brown color, antique brass is a slightly peachy beige shade. This beautiful color is slightly cooler than brass brown, and it is a little darker than bisque brown.

Tumbleweed Brown

Tumbleweed brown is a very light and pinkish shade of brown. If we compare tumbleweed brown to some of the other beige shades on this list, it is slightly cooler than tan brown with a more orange undertone.

Fawn Brown

If you want a very warm light brown color, then fawn brown is the perfect option. This light brown color is slightly peachy, with a warm orange undertone. Fawn is the lighter and brighter version of deer brown.

Burlywood Brown

This beautiful beige shade is very pale and shares similar tones with desert sand and bisque brown. Some artists also compare this shade to tan, but it is slightly more peachy and warm.

Sand Brown

If you are looking for a light and friendly beige shade, then you do not need to look any further than sand brown. This cool and light brown color is named after the color of beach sand, and it is often compared to bisque brown.

Wheat Brown

Wheat brown is a very light and yellow-brown color. Some artists classify wheat brown as a shade of white rather than brown, but for us, this color clearly belongs in the beige category of brown shades. Although named after the wheat plant, this shade is slightly more peachy than the grain kernels.

Champagne Brown

Champagne brown is another light beige shade that is often classified as a white hue. The tone of this beautiful color is, however, warmer and more saturated than traditional beige.

Bisque Brown

Bisque brown is named after a creamy type of soup, and it mirrors the pale and creamy shade of this delicacy. This light brown color is pale and cream-colored, with a slight peach undertone.

Almond Brown

This light brown color is yet another shade that sits on the border of brown, white, and gray. The light brown color has a slightly gray undertone, but it remains warmer than some of the other beige shades in this list.

Bone Brown

You could just as easily name this shade ivory, as it is a very light and slightly gray shade of beige. Bone brown is a very pale and slightly yellow shade of beige.

Beige Brown

Beige brown is a very pale and yellow-toned shade of light brown. Very often, this light shade is classified as a shade of white because it is so pale. Beige is a beautiful brown shade and is an essential part of any brown color palette.

Acorn

A robust, earthy color reminiscent of the hard, protective shell of an acorn, evoking strength and reliability.

Ash Brown

A balanced mix of brown and gray, resembling the cool, muted hues of ash wood, versatile for a calm ambiance.

Ash Gray

A cool, neutral gray with a subtle hint of warmth, mirroring the color of fire ash, suitable for serene settings.

Ash White

A pale, soft gray with a whisper of white, like ash dusted on a surface, providing a light and airy feel.

Baked Bread

A warm, comforting hue similar to freshly baked bread, invoking feelings of warmth and homeliness.

Baked Potato

A hearty, earthy brown akin to the skin of a baked potato, symbolizing rustic simplicity and nourishment.

Bamboo

A light, natural green-yellow, reflective of bamboo stalks, symbolizing growth and flexibility.

Bark

A deep, textured brown like tree bark, rich in natural patterns, embodying strength and stability.

Beeswax

A warm, golden yellow reminiscent of natural beeswax, evoking organic warmth and soft light.

Beige Linen

A light, neutral beige similar to linen fabric, versatile and classic, offering a sense of understated elegance.

Bitter Chocolate

A deep, dark brown with a luxurious depth, like rich, dark chocolate, sophisticated and intense.

Brown Bear

A dense, dark brown reminiscent of a brown bear’s fur, symbolizing ruggedness and natural strength.

Brown Beige

A blend of brown and beige, creating a warm, neutral hue that’s both earthy and comforting.

Brown Coffee

A rich, dark brown akin to freshly ground coffee beans, evoking warmth and energizing comfort.

Brown Gray

A muted blend of brown and gray, offering a sophisticated, urban feel that’s both modern and timeless.

Brown Metal

A unique brown with a metallic sheen, suggesting industrial strength and contemporary style.

Brown Red

A warm, deep red-brown, reminiscent of autumn leaves or aged wood, rich and enveloping.

Brown Stone

A solid, stable brown like that of natural stone, suggesting durability and timelessness.

Brown Sugar

A sweet, light brown like crystalline brown sugar, evoking warmth and a touch of sweetness.

Brownie

A delicious, deep chocolate brown, reminiscent of freshly baked brownies, rich and indulgent.

Brownish Gray

A subtle mix of brown and gray, offering a neutral, earthy tone that’s both grounding and versatile.

Brownish Red

A deep, warm red infused with brown, suggesting earthiness with a vibrant twist.

Burnt Almond

A toasted, nutty brown like that of burnt almonds, combining warmth with a hint of intensity.

Burnt Henna

A deep, vibrant reddish-brown, like the rich color of henna, exuding warmth and exoticism.

Butter Toast

A light, golden brown similar to buttered toast, evoking comfort and simplicity.

Buttercream

A soft, creamy yellow, reminiscent of rich buttercream frosting, sweet and inviting.

Buttery Brown

A smooth, creamy brown, like melted butter, offering a rich and comforting presence.

Camel

A sandy, light brown, akin to camel fur, embodying warmth and resilience in harsh conditions.

Canadian Maple

A rich, golden-red like maple leaves, symbolizing the vibrant, natural beauty of Canadian autumns.

Canvas Brown

A neutral, muted brown, like a blank canvas, offering a versatile base for creativity.

Caramel

A sweet, medium brown, like melted caramel, warm and inviting with a hint of luxury.

Caramel Apple

A playful mix of green and brown, resembling a caramel-dipped apple, symbolizing indulgence and freshness.

Carnal Brown

A deep, earthy brown with a sensual depth, evoking richness and natural beauty.

Cashmere

A soft, luxurious light brown, akin to cashmere wool, representing comfort and elegance.

Chai

A warm, spicy brown, like a comforting cup of chai tea, evoking coziness and aromatic warmth.

Chamomile

A soft, calming yellow, reminiscent of chamomile flowers, conveying tranquility and gentle warmth.

Chicory

A rich, earthy blue with hints of gray, like the chicory plant, suggesting depth and natural sophistication.

Chocolate

A deep, rich brown, evocative of luxurious chocolate, symbolizing indulgence and comfort.

Cinnamon Toast

A warm, spicy brown, akin to cinnamon-dusted toast, combining sweetness with a hint of spice.

Citrus Brown

A zesty, light brown with hints of orange, reminiscent of the peel of citrus fruits, vibrant and fresh.

Coffee

A dark, robust brown, like a strong cup of coffee, embodying richness and energy.

Cotton

A clean, pure white, reminiscent of soft cotton, symbolizing simplicity and comfort.

Croissant

A light, buttery brown, like a freshly baked croissant, evoking warmth and flakiness.

Dark Beige

A deep, muted beige, offering a sophisticated and understated elegance, versatile in design.

Dark Chestnut

A rich, dark brown with reddish undertones, like polished chestnut wood, conveying warmth and luxury.

Dark Khaki

A muted, greenish-brown, similar to military khaki, embodying practicality and ruggedness.

Dark Sand

A deep, sandy brown, reminiscent of wet sand on a beach, evoking stability and earthiness.

Deep Brown

A profound, intense brown, suggesting depth and richness, perfect for creating a strong presence.

Deep Taupe

A dark, grayish-brown, sophisticated and versatile, blending cool and warm tones seamlessly.

Desert Gray

A pale, dusty gray, like the sands of a desert, capturing the essence of vast, open spaces.

Dried Moss

A muted, greenish-brown, like moss that has dried, symbolizing resilience and quiet growth.

Dull Brown

A subdued, understated brown, offering a sense of groundedness and subtle strength.

Feather Brown

A light, soft brown, akin to the color of bird feathers, embodying lightness and natural elegance.

Firewood

A warm, rich brown, like the hues of firewood, evoking coziness and the essence of hearth and home.

Fortune Cookie

A light, golden brown, reminiscent of the color of fortune cookies, symbolizing luck and sweetness.

French Beige

A sophisticated, light beige with a hint of gray, reminiscent of chic French interiors, elegant and timeless.

Ginger Ale

A bubbly, light brown with golden highlights, similar to the color of ginger ale, effervescent and refreshing.

Golden Fog

A muted gold, blending the warmth of gold with the softness of fog, ideal for creating a subtle, luxurious feel.

Gray Brown

A balanced mix of gray and brown, offering a contemporary, sophisticated hue that’s both earthy and modern.

Grayish Brown

A subdued brown with a hint of gray, versatile and understated, perfect for a neutral, calming palette.

Hardwood

A classic, rich brown reminiscent of polished hardwood floors, symbolizing durability and natural beauty.

Hawaiian Brown

A vibrant, tropical brown, like the rich soils of Hawaii, full of life and natural energy.

Heavy Brown

A dense, substantial brown, conveying a sense of weight and seriousness, ideal for a commanding presence.

Honey Brown

A sweet, warm brown like natural honey, radiating warmth and a comforting, inviting quality.

Iced Coffee

A light, muted brown, akin to iced coffee, offering a refreshing and contemporary twist on classic brown.

Kobicha

A deep, earthy brown, traditionally used in Japanese art, representing stability and an organic aesthetic.

Lace

A delicate, light cream color, like fine lace, embodying elegance and intricate beauty.

Latte

A creamy, milky brown, similar to a well-blended latte, combining comfort with a hint of sophistication.

Light Taupe

A soft, grayish-brown, versatile and modern, perfect for creating a subtle, elegant backdrop.

Maple Sugar

A light, reddish-brown, like the crystalline grains of maple sugar, warm and naturally sweet.

Maple Syrup

A rich, amber brown, reminiscent of pure maple syrup, evoking warmth and natural sweetness.

Mars Brown

A strong, reddish-brown, like the Martian surface, bold and otherworldly, yet familiar and warm.

Medium Brown

A classic brown, balanced and versatile, perfect for a range of applications, from fashion to interior design.

Mojave Desert

A warm, earthy beige, like the vast sands of the Mojave Desert, embodying openness and serene beauty.

Rufous

A reddish-brown hue, named after the rufous color found in bird feathers, vibrant and full of life.

A Little Bit of Brown Background

Brown is one of the easiest colors to mix with paint because it is a composite color made by combining all three primary shades in various ways. Lighter browns are often tinted with white, while darker browns incorporate some black shading. To our eyes, a wide variety of colors appear brown, including shades that are closer to orange, yellow, green, and black.

Brown is a very natural and earthy color, and our perceptions of these hues are influenced by features of the natural world like sand, wood, and earth.

While shades of brown may never be the shining star of your painting or design, you will struggle to create a complete piece without them. Brown is often viewed as a stable, dependable, conservative, and traditional shade to work with. Let us take a closer look at some of the different emotions held in brown shades.

Brown Shades in Interior Design

In interior design, brown shades serve as a versatile and warm base that can create a range of ambiances, from rustic coziness to modern elegance. As a grounding earth tone, brown harmonizes with a multitude of colors, providing a sense of stability and comfort to any living space. Here are six tasteful color combinations that pair well with brown in interior design:

• Brown and beige for a neutral, calming environment that’s timeless and inviting.
• Brown and duck egg blue for a serene and classic contrast with a hint of freshness.
• Brown and sage green for an organic, nature-inspired palette that’s soothing and balanced.
• Brown and soft pink for a subtle, romantic touch that adds a gentle warmth.
• Brown and sunny yellow for a cheerful, energizing space full of optimism.
• Brown and charcoal gray for a sophisticated, contemporary look with depth and texture.

Find out more in our in-depth article about what colors go with brown.

Brown Shades in Fashion

Shades of brown bring a natural, earthy foundation to fashion, offering a spectrum from light, sandy tones to deep, rich chocolate hues. This versatile color can anchor an ensemble with its neutral warmth and provide a canvas for a range of stylistic expressions. Here are six fashion-forward color combinations that make the most of brown’s adaptable nature:

• Brown and cream for a soft, neutral look that’s both sophisticated and soothing.
• Brown and burnt orange for a cozy, autumnal palette that captures the essence of fall.
• Brown and powder blue for a gentle contrast with a touch of vintage charm.
• Brown and olive green for a military-inspired, utilitarian aesthetic.
• Brown and mustard yellow for a retro vibe with a modern twist.
• Brown and deep burgundy for a rich, luxurious pairing that exudes depth and elegance.

Brown Shades and Their Color Meanings

Brown is often viewed as a dependable and reliable color. It is likely that this impression stems from its association with earth and being grounded and solid. Brown is not a fanciful color, it does not have any frills or flourishes, but it is sturdy and down-to-earth. While some colors, like yellow or blue, tend to stimulate the imagination, brown grounds us in the present moment.

Of all the colors in the rainbow, brown provides a sense of security and protection. This security is not obvious or in the spotlight, but takes place in the shadows. Brown is an essential color that sets the tone of the painting and supports all of your design elements. There are so many varied and beautiful brown shades, which you can use for a wide range of different effects.

We have come to the end of our list of different types of brown colors. We hope that you have found this article to be informative and that you will begin to incorporate many of these beautiful and varied brown shades in your future paintings or designs. There is much more to brown than initially meets the eye, and this color deserves to sing!

Take a look at our brown color webstory here!

Charlene Lewis( Content Creator and Creativity Writer )

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team.