Neutrals and earth tones are often used interchangeably when describing color palettes and design schemes. However, while they are closely related, there are some key differences between neutrals and earth tones that are important to understand. This article will examine what defines neutrals and earth tones, how they are similar, how they differ, and examples of each. Having a clear grasp of neutrals versus earth tones allows for more intention and refinement when curating color schemes for various projects and purposes.
What are Neutral Colors?
Neutrals are colors that are not overtly warm or cool. They are typically achieved by mixing a color with grey or brown to mute the original hue. Neutral colors include:
- White
- Black
- Gray
- Beige
- Tan
- Taupe
- Ivory
- Cream
The hallmark of neutral colors is their versatility. They act as a blank canvas and go with virtually any other colors. Neutrals are considered classic, calm, and timeless. They form an excellent base for layering other accent colors.
Interior designers often recommend neutral backdrops for walls, furniture, rugs, and accessories. The neutral foundation provides flexibility to switch out accent colors like pillows, art, and decorative objects to easily change up a room’s look.
Clothing and fashion also rely heavily on neutral basics like white tops, black pants, nude heels, and tan trench coats that effortlessly pair with bolder brights and patterns.
Makeup and hair color palettes also tend to be based in neutral browns, beiges, and tans to provide a natural, subtle enhancement.
Benefits of Neutrals
There are many benefits to using neutral colors including:
- Versatility – Mix and match with other colors easily
- Flexibility – Change accent colors to update look
- Timelessness – Won’t go out of style
- Calmness – Project a soothing relaxed vibe
In design and fashion, neutrals will always remain a staple foundational element.
What are Earth Tone Colors?
Earth tones take their inspiration directly from nature. They are comprised of the colors found naturally in dirt, moss, trees, rocks, and other earthy elements. Earth tones include:
- Rich browns
- Warm yellows and oranges
- Subdued greens
- Deep reds and burgundies
Some more specific earth tone colors are:
- Terracotta
- Ochre
- Russet
- Sienna
- Umber
- Olive
- Moss
- Cocoa
- Clay
- Tan
- Peat
Earth tones are warm, natural, and organic. They bring to mind the great outdoors, the seasons, and a sense of groundedness. Earth tones add a sense of harmony and welcoming hominess to designs. They work well in causal, rustic, farmhouse, cottage, and bohemian decor styles.
Earth tones are also prevalent in nature-inspired fashion. Think mineral makeup palettes, tan suede boots, olive parkas, and clay colored sweater dresses.
Benefits of Earth Tones
Some benefits of using earth tones include:
- Warmth – Suggest comfort and togetherness
- Natural – Connects to outdoors and land
- Soothing – Encourages relaxation
- Subtle – Soft and inviting
- Timeless – Traditional rural appeal
Earth tones have an enduring, elemental place in design and decor. Their natural quality provides a welcome sense of coziness.
Similarities Between Neutrals and Earth Tones
Now that we’ve defined each one, we can examine how neutrals and earth tones have some shared traits:
- Subtle – Both are soft, understated, and not bold colors
- Soothing – They have a calming, relaxing effect
- Versatile – Layer well with other colors
- Timeless – Have enduring appeal and usage
- Natural – Suggest organic and traditional motifs
The subtle, mellow quality of neutrals and earth tones make them ideal foundational backdrop colors. Their versatility also allows them to work in many styles and settings. Both also share classic, long-lasting popularity across eras. Their inherent natural look connects them to organic motifs and materials.
Differences Between Neutrals and Earth Tones
However, there are some distinct differences between neutrals and earth tones:
- Source of inspiration:
- Neutrals – Mixed with gray or brown
- Earth tones – Directly from soil, trees, rocks, etc.
- Shade range:
- Neutrals – Broader range from white to black
- Earth tones – Specifically warm, rich shades
- Effect:
- Neutrals – Simple, clean, and elegant
- Earth tones – Cozy, textural, and rustic
- Design styles:
- Neutrals – Contemporary, modern, minimalist
- Earth tones – Farmhouse, cottage, bohemian
While neutrals and earth tones both offer versatility and timelessness, earth tones specifically conjure natural warmth and rustic charm. Neutrals have wider range into cooler grays, blacks and crisp whites. This gives them more of a sleek, contemporary edge.
Examples of Neutrals vs. Earth Tones
Looking at some specific real world examples illuminates the distinction between neutral and earth tone shades:
Neutral Paint Colors
- Swiss Coffee by Behr
- Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
- Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
- Classic Gray by Valspar
- White Dove by Dutch Boy
Earth Tone Paint Colors
- Jute Brown by Behr
- Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams
- Red Barn by Valspar
- Organic Tan by Dutch Boy
- Mossy Oak by Benjamin Moore
You can see the neutral paint shades pull from grays, tans and off whites while the earth tones draw directly from rich auburns, clays, and umbers.
Neutral Fashion Colors
- Oatmeal
- Mushroom
- Dove gray
- Nude
- Sand
Earth Tone Fashion Colors
- Terracotta
- Moss green
- Burnt umber
- Rust
- Ochre
Neutrals in fashion favor softer grays and tans while earth tones take bolder rustic hues.
So while the palettes overlap in places, each has a distinct tone, texture, and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, neutrals and earth tones share some qualities but have key differences. While both offer subtle, flexible color options, neutrals derive from a mixture with gray and span a wider range. Earth tones specifically extract their hues from the natural world and landscapes. Their colors are rich and reminiscent of the great outdoors.
Neutrals are soft and elegant. Earth tones are warm, organic, and rustic. While they can complement each other well, they each create distinct ambiances. Understanding these nuances allows for more thoughtfulness in curating palettes and schemes.
The next time you use the terms earth tones and neutrals, remember they are close cousins but have some defining distinctions. Their shared neutrality and timelessness make them staples in design and decor. But the earthy warmth of true earth tones adds textural, nature-inspired charm.
