What Colors Go With Brown? – 10 Stylish Color Combinations

Brown is almost always the neutral backdrop, and rarely the focal color. However, brown has endless tones, shades, and undertones. Because brown is the neutral backdrop that most use to design with, you might find yourself wondering what colors go with brown and what the best color combinations are for brown. Explore our comprehensive guide showcasing the most complementary colors for brown and learn how to seamlessly incorporate these stunning color combinations into your home décor.

Brown Color Combinations

When trying to find combinations for a particular color, it usually helps to look at the various combinations of that color, like the analogous colors, monochromatic colors, triad colors, complementary colors, and so forth. The approach differs slightly when trying to assess what colors go with brown, as brown is a mixture of so many different colors, and going into depth about the combinations for each tends to confuse most people. As such, learning how to create a brown color palette can be a little tricky. In this article, we are going to show you how to use different brown shades on their own or alongside a bright accent color to create an air of sophistication. 

Discovering colors that go with brown is much easier than you might think. Be sure to keep the following definitions in mind when evaluating the color combinations below:

What Colors Go With Brown?

Brown is such a vibrant color that ranges from rich and lively tones to very subtle and muted variations. Certain shades of brown even represent entirely different design styles by themselves: light, yellowy-brown wooden furniture is common in Scandinavian interiors, whereas rich, warm brown wood furniture pieces were very well known during the mid-century modern era.

Brown has always been evident in interior design, but it is rarely recognized as a favorite color, which renders it difficult to sell if not understood. What most seem to underestimate is the ability of brown to stand firm on its own, without the additional help of bright colors that most seem to gravitate towards. Brown has always been evident in interiors throughout the centuries, no matter the style of that time. In comparison to other neutrals such as gray or black, which were missing during certain periods, brown can be seen as a timeless color. 

Brown and Cream 

The combination of brown and cream creates a timeless and sophisticated palette. Cream softens the richness of brown, adding a touch of lightness and elegance. This pairing is ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, suitable for both traditional and contemporary interior designs.

Brown and Turquoise 

Brown and turquoise form a dynamic and visually striking combination. The earthiness of brown is beautifully contrasted by the vibrant and refreshing turquoise, creating a balanced and energetic ambiance. This pairing is perfect for spaces where you want to infuse a sense of liveliness and creativity.

Brown and Gold 

Combining brown and gold results in a luxurious and opulent color scheme. The warmth of brown enhances the regality of gold, making it an excellent choice for creating a lavish and sophisticated atmosphere. This combination works well in spaces where you want to evoke a sense of richness and grandeur.

Brown and Olive Green 

Brown and olive green create a harmonious and nature-inspired palette. The earthy tones of brown blend seamlessly with the muted, natural greens, bringing a sense of tranquility and balance to the space. This combination is well-suited for creating a serene and relaxing environment.

Brown and Teal

Brown and teal form a modern and stylish pairing. The deep richness of brown complements the bold and vibrant teal, resulting in a visually engaging and contemporary look. This combination is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated and on-trend interior design.

Brown and Gray 

Brown and gray together create a sophisticated and versatile color palette. The neutrality of gray complements the warmth of brown, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. This combination is perfect for achieving a modern and minimalist aesthetic with a touch of warmth.

Brown and Burgundy 

Brown and burgundy combine to create a sense of richness and warmth. The deep, wine-inspired tones of burgundy enhance the coziness of brown, making this pairing suitable for creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. It adds a touch of elegance to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Brown and Soft Pink 

Brown and soft pink create a charming and delicate color combination. The softness of pink balances the warmth of brown, resulting in a sweet and calming ambiance. This pairing is perfect for spaces where you want to introduce a touch of romance and femininity.

Brown and Lavender 

Brown and lavender form a unique and soothing color combination. The warmth of brown grounds the softness of lavender, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. This pairing is well-suited for creating tranquil and elegant spaces.

Brown and Navy Blue

Brown and navy blue create a classic and timeless color scheme. The deep, rich tones of navy complement the warmth of brown, offering a balanced and versatile palette. This combination is well-suited for achieving a sophisticated and traditional look, as well as a more modern and eclectic style.

The Temperature of Different Browns

The task of selecting colors that go with brown is much easier when the brown in question is identified as one of the following: beige, tan, chestnut, espresso, and mocha. These categories are distinguished through the undertone of different browns. Some browns have warm undertones of red and orange, while others have clear cool tones of blue and purple. Other browns have a green undertone and can be seen as neutral brown. If the undertone is very difficult to distinguish, it is most likely also a neutral brown. It is important to note that there are plenty of variations of browns within these hues, but for the sake of clarity, the following will be used throughout:

Beige Combined With Soft Sage Green 

This combination exudes a tranquil and serene ambiance. Beige, with its neutrality, provides a calming backdrop, while soft sage green adds a touch of nature, making it suitable for spaces where a sense of relaxation and connection with the outdoors is desired, such as bedrooms or living rooms.

Tan Combined With Navy Blue 

Tan and navy blue create a sophisticated and timeless pairing. The warm and earthy tones of tan harmonize with the deep richness of navy blue, making this combination ideal for creating a refined and elegant atmosphere in spaces like offices or formal dining rooms.

Chestnut Combined With Gold 

The richness of chestnut combined with the opulence of gold evokes a sense of luxury and warmth. This pairing is well-suited for creating a sumptuous and inviting atmosphere in spaces such as a home office or a formal sitting room, where an air of sophistication is desired.

Espresso Combined With Burnt Orange 

Espresso and burnt orange bring together a combination of depth and vibrancy. The dark, coffee-inspired tones of espresso provide a grounding effect, while burnt orange adds a pop of energy. This pairing is great for spaces where a bold and dynamic aesthetic is desired, such as a modern kitchen or a creative studio.

Mocha Combined With Teal 

Mocha and teal create a stylish and contemporary color scheme. The warm undertones of mocha complement the cool and vibrant teal, resulting in a balanced and visually appealing combination. This pairing is well-suited for modern living spaces, adding a touch of sophistication and freshness.

How to Make Brown Clothing Work for You

We have now gone through some of the best brown color palettes that can bring an air of sophistication to your interior design. Brown is not only a color reserved for home decor, however, and has been a staple of “the outfit” for many years. Fortunately, the rules underlying which colors go with brown in interior design carry to fashion styling. If you want to make your brown item the center of attention, whether it be blazers, pants, jackets, or skirts, then it is best to pair it with an item of less vibrant color. The best complementary colors to make brown clothing pop are peach, blush pink, or dark green.

It is, however, important to keep your own personal style in mind when putting together an outfit using brown shades. Mustard yellow and olive green both go well with a brown sofa, but it takes a very confident person to pull this combination off in an outfit. 

A Bonus Interior Design Tip

Metals should also be considered when deciding what colors go with brown. People tend to struggle with pairing different metals with brown. The reason for this is that the tone of brown is not taken into consideration when choosing metal fixtures throughout. The rule of thumb is to pair warm metals like copper and bronze with warm brown, and cold metals like chrome should be paired with cool browns. If, for example, you have wooden floors throughout your house that have a very warm, orange undertone, copper fittings, and fixtures are a great option.

Brown is a great color to use when you are aiming for a calm and natural environment. It serves great as a neutral backdrop to pops of color and can also stand firm on its own. More colors go with brown than colors that don’t. The most important factor to consider when choosing what colors go with brown, is whether the specific brown has a warm, cold or neutral undertone and take it from there. Also, keep in mind that colors that show up in nature are bound to match well with brown because of their sense of familiarity.

Take a look at our “what colors go with brown?” webstory here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Colors Look Best With Brown?

Most colors look great with brown, in moderation, but always consider earthy, natural colors when making your brown color combination choice. Natural greens, ocean blues, and so forth. These colors look very natural next to brown, as we often see them in nature. Brown complementary colors like orange for a cool blue, works well when used in moderation.

Can You Mix Brown With Bold Colors?

Brown can be effectively paired with bold colors to create a dynamic contrast. Consider combining brown with vibrant tones like teal, mustard, or deep red for a visually striking and energetic color scheme. Just ensure a harmonious balance to prevent the colors from overwhelming the overall design.

How Can You Create a Warm Color Scheme With Brown?

To create a warm color scheme with brown, incorporate hues like orange, terracotta, or gold. These warm tones complement brown, adding a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your space

Kylie Deyzel( Interior Designer )

Kylie Deyzel is an interior designer and sustainability enthusiast from Cape Town, South Africa. She has a passion for writing and educating others on various interior design topics. Her favorite interior design topics include interior design theory, interior design history, and most of all: sustainable interior design.

She received her B-tech degree in interior design from the University of Johannesburg in 2018 and has worked at various interior design firms since and had a few of her own freelance interior design clients under her company name binnekant.

Learn more about the Art in Context Team.