What Color Walls Go with Brown Furniture
When it comes to interior design, one crucial element that often presents a challenge is picking the perfect wall color to accompany brown furniture.
Brown, as an earthy and warm hue, lends itself well to various color palettes. But how do interior designers approach this task? Let’s explore their perspective and unveil some suggestions from authoritative sources.
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Color Psychology and Brown Furniture
In the world of interior design, color psychology plays a crucial role in determining the ambiance and mood of a space. Brown furniture is versatile, and knowing which wall colors can complement it will ensure the right atmosphere for your room.
Warm and Earthy Appeal
Brown furniture often signifies a warm and earthy appeal. To accentuate this characteristic, consider pairing it with earth tones like olive green, beige, and terracotta. These colors not only complement the natural appeal of brown furniture but also promote relaxation and serenity.
Famous interior designer, Joanna Gaines, suggests incorporating muted, earthy shades to enhance the warmth of a space with brown furniture. Additionally, paint brand Benjamin Moore recommends using colors like warm taupe and sage green, which work well with brown pieces.
Considering Mood and Ambiance
When selecting a wall color to go with brown furniture, it is crucial to consider the desired mood and ambiance of the room. Here are some suggestions for various atmospheres:
| Desired Mood | Wall Color |
|---|---|
| Inviting and Cozy | Cream or soft yellow |
| Bright and Airy | Light gray or pale blue |
| Modern and Sophisticated | Charcoal gray or navy blue |
| Rustic and Warm | Beige or terracotta |
Noted designer Kelly Wearstler suggests using wall colors that contrast with brown furniture for a modern, sophisticated look. On the other hand, Farrow & Ball, a popular paint brand, advises opting for similar tones, like muted beiges and warm grays, to create a harmonious and calming environment.
Matching Colors With Brown Furniture
Brown furniture is a classic choice for many homes because of its versatility and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere. Choosing the right wall color to complement your brown furniture can enhance the overall aesthetics of your space. Here are a few expert tips from interior designers to help you select the perfect wall colors for your room with brown furniture.
Neutral Colors for a Balanced Look
Neutral colors are always a popular choice among interior designers because they provide a balanced and harmonious look. These colors are often recommended for rooms with brown furniture as they create a soothing atmosphere and let the furniture take center stage. Some popular neutral color options suggested by professional designers include:
- Beige
- Off-white
- Greige (a mix of gray and beige)
- Light gray
For example, renowned interior designer Candice Olson suggests using warm shades of beige, greige, or taupe to complement and accentuate the richness of brown furniture.
Bold Colors for a Dramatic Effect
If you prefer a more striking and attention-grabbing look, incorporating bold colors can make a powerful statement in your space. Bold colors create a strong contrast with brown furniture, breathing life into your room. Some vibrant options recommended by designers include:
- Teal
- Mustard yellow
- Burnt orange
- Deep red
For instance, interior design expert Kelly Wearstler is known for her bold, high-contrast color schemes. She often recommends using shades like teal or mustard yellow when working with brown furniture to create an elegant and vivid space. Remember to use these bold colors in moderation to avoid overwhelming your room.
10 Perfect Wall Colors to Enhance Your Brown Furniture
When choosing wall colors to compRenowned designer Candice Olson suggests paying close attention to undertones, as they can make or break the overall look of a room. For instance, if the furniture has a reddish undertone, a wall color with cool tones, such as muted blues or greens, would create a harmonious atmosphere.
Furthermore, some interior decorators, like Nate Berkus, emphasize the importance of balance and contrast for a lively and visually appealing space. Pairing light-colored walls—such as soft grays or creamy whites—with dark brown furniture can create that sought-after sense of depth and dimension in a room. Alternatively, incorporating wall colors that fall within the same warm and cozy spectrum as the furniture, like rich burgundy or burnt orange, can result in a truly cohesive design.
Here are 10 perfect wall colors, recommended by interior designers, that can enhance the look and feel of any room with brown furniture:
1. Soft Beige: A classic choice, soft beige creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, bringing out the richness in brown furniture. Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige HC-83 is a versatile option to consider.
2. Pale Blue: A gentle and calming color, pale blue pairs well with dark brown furniture, offering a refreshing contrast. Sherwin-Williams’ Rainwashed SW6211 is a popular pale blue shade for this purpose.
3. Gray: Gray is a modern and sophisticated color that works well with a variety of brown furniture styles. Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray No. 242 provides an elegant and understated backdrop.
4. Deep Green: For a more dramatic and nature-inspired look, opt for a deep green color like Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog SW9130 to accentuate the earthy tones in brown furniture.
5. White: A crisp, clean white can make brown furniture stand out, creating a timeless and elegant look. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White OC-117 is a favorite among designers.
6. Soft Pink: A subtle and romantic choice, soft pink adds a touch of sophistication and complements brown furniture beautifully. Try Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground No. 202 for a delicate hue.
7. Navy Blue: Anchoring a room with brown furniture, navy blue adds depth and pairs well with both light and dark wood finishes. Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy HC-154 is an excellent option for this style.
8. Warm Orange: Adding a touch of warmth and energy, warm orange colors create a cozy ambiance when paired with brown furniture. Sherwin-Williams’ Cut the Mustard SW6383 offers the right balance of warmth and elegance.
9. Pale Yellow: For a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, consider pale yellow to brighten up a room with brown furniture. Farrow & Ball’s Dayroom Yellow No. 233 is a soft, uplifting shade.
10. Terracotta: Perfect for evoking a warm and earthy vibe, terracotta colors complement brown furniture beautifully. Consider Benjamin Moore’s Copper Mountain 089 for a rich and inviting effect.
Remember, when selecting a wall color to complement your brown furniture, the key is to consider the room’s overall atmosphere, lighting, and personal preferences. By choosing one of these expert-recommended colors, you can create a balanced and welcoming space that showcases your brown furniture to its full potential.
Textures and Patterns
When it comes to pairing brown furniture with wall colors, textures and patterns play a significant role in achieving the ideal balance.
Incorporating Wallpaper
Wallpapers can provide an additional layer of depth and interest when used with brown furniture. If you want a bold look, consider a wallpaper with contrasting colors or patterns that will create a strong visual impact. For example, interior designer Kelly Wearstler suggests pairing brown furniture with a geometric-patterned wallpaper for a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and warm atmosphere, consider choosing a wallpaper with earthy tones, such as beige or soft green. Top wallpaper brands like Cole & Son and Farrow & Ball offer wallpaper designs with these colors, which will create a harmonious and inviting living space.
Playing with Textiles
In addition to wall color and wallpaper, textiles can bring out the best in brown furniture by adding texture and pattern. Incorporating accents like throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs with complementary colors or patterns will help balance the room and enhance the brown furniture.
For example, interior designer Nate Berkus recommends mixing brown furniture with cream-colored textiles, while designer Bunny Williams suggests using blue-and-white patterned textiles to accent the space. These contrasting color combinations will create visual interest without overpowering the room.
As a rule of thumb, it’s essential to limit the number of different patterns in a room; many experts recommend sticking to just two or three patterns. By spreading them across various textiles and maintaining a consistent color palette, you can achieve a cohesive and balanced look that complements your brown furniture.
Final Tips and Considerations
The process of choosing the right wall colors to complement brown furniture should be carefully considered. There are a few important tips and considerations that can help you make an informed decision.
Lighting and Its Impact
Proper lighting plays a significant role in how wall colors and furniture appear in a room. The lighting conditions in your space can dramatically affect the appearance of both wall colors and brown furniture. For example, rooms with a lot of natural light tend to make colors appear more vibrant, whereas spaces with artificial light may cause colors to look more subdued.
When selecting a wall color, consider the sources of light in your room and even test out paint samples under different lighting conditions. Interior designers, like Joanna Gaines, recommend trying out paint samples on the wall itself and observing how the color appears at different times of the day, as lighting conditions change.
Personal Style and Preferences
Everyone’s personal style and preferences are unique, and ultimately, the decision on which wall color to choose should align with your aesthetic preferences. To find inspiration, browse popular home design magazines or websites, such as Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, or Houzz, which often feature interviews and suggestions from renowned interior designers.
Furthermore, don’t forget to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your room. For instance, if you have modern or minimalistic design preferences, opt for a color palette with cool or neutral tones. On the other hand, if you are inclined towards a more traditional or cozy aesthetic, warmth in your color selections may be more desirable.
Remember that wall colors can be easily changed if you find that your initial selection doesn’t match your vision over time. The key is to create balance and harmony in your space so that your brown furniture and the chosen wall colors complement each other perfectly.