When decorating a room, choosing colors that coordinate well is crucial for creating a cohesive and attractive space. Turquoise and brown are both popular colors that look great together in many styles. But does turquoise specifically pair well with brown furniture? The short answer is yes, turquoise and brown can make a stylish and eye-catching color combination when done right.
Complementary Colors
Turquoise and brown are considered complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other, creating a striking visual contrast. Complementary color schemes are very popular in interior design because the juxtaposition of opposite hues makes each one seem brighter and more vivid. The bold turquoise pops against the warm, earthy brown. This contrast adds energy and interest to a room.
Complementary colors also have the benefit of balancing each other out. Brown grounds the vibrant turquoise, keeping it from feeling overwhelming. Likewise, turquoise brightens up brown and gives it more personality. The end result is a look that feels cohesive instead of clashing.
Natural Color Scheme
Beyond just being complementary colors, turquoise and brown also work well together because they evoke nature. Turquoise calls to mind the sea, sky and semi-precious stones. Earthy brown is reminiscent of wood, leather, soil and autumn leaves. Pairing these elemental colors creates an organic, soothing and relaxed vibe.
For this reason, turquoise and brown work especially well in casual decor styles such as bohemian, cottage, farmhouse and rustic spaces. The colors give off the feeling of being grounded in nature without appearing fussy or formal. Accent colors like sage green, tan and terracotta can reinforce the natural look.
Southwestern Style
Turquoise and brown have a strong association with Native American patterns and Southwestern decor. This is because turquoise stones and clay earth tones feature heavily in Navajo, Anasazi and other southwestern tribal art. Using these signature colors together evokes the rugged yet spiritual ambiance of the American Southwest.
Southwestern furniture and accessories often combine dark wood tones with turquoise upholstery or painted accents. Natural textures like wool, leather and unfinished wood help enhance the organic vibe. Using native patterned rugs, blankets and art in earthy reds, oranges and purples can provide additional regional flair.
Beach House Style
Turquoise and brown may seem like an unexpected pairing for a beach house. But the colors can actually work harmoniously to create a casual, laidback coastal atmosphere. The turquoise represents the sea and sky, while the brown stands in for weathered driftwood, seashells and sand. Accent colors like white, navy blue and seafoam green enhance the oceanfront theme.
For beach-inspired brown furniture, look for pieces made from rattan, bamboo, jute or lightly stained wood. The brown should feel bleached and sun-faded. Pair with turquoise accents in the soft furnishings – pillows, throws, rugs etc. Neutral wooden floors and white walls keep the space feeling open and airy.
Eclectic Style
Turquoise and brown mingle effortlessly in eclectic rooms that mix and match colors, patterns and time periods. The bold turquoise acts as a bridge blending the earthy brown tones from different eras and origins. Mid-century modern teak furniture, antique leather trunks and carved tribal stools feel connected with pops of bright turquoise pillows.
This unexpected color pairing is what gives eclectic decor its unique liveliness and character. Try combining reclaimed wood benches, vintage Persian rugs and retro inspired turquoise lighting for lots of eclectic charm. Just be sure to keep the turquoise accents to an accessorizing role so they don’t overpower the brown wood elements.
Tips for Decorating with Turquoise and Brown
Certain guidelines can help you successfully decorate with turquoise and brown furniture:
- Use brown wood as your neutral base color for large pieces like sofas, beds and cabinets.
- Incorporate turquoise through smaller furnishings and accents like throw pillows, vases, art and decorative objects.
- Aim for a 70-30 ratio, with brown taking up more surface area and turquoise providing pops of color.
- Mix multiple shades of brown for depth, from dark walnut to medium oak to light tan.
- Try both vivid and muted turquoise hues to keep the color scheme visually intriguing.
- Add warmth with brown-based patterns like animal prints, batiks and plaids.
- Introduce natural textures like leather, linen, wool and unfinished wood.
What Kind of Brown Furniture Works Best?
Not all shades of brown work equally well with turquoise. Here are the best finishes and styles to look for:
- Mid-toned wood: Medium wood tones like chestnut, pecan and aged oak coordinates better with turquoise than very dark or very light brown.
- Distressed wood: Weathered, rustic finishes in driftwood, whitewashed and salvaged styles add visual interest.
- Wicker: Natural woven wicker in oak or tan bamboo creates an earthy, organic look.
- Leather: Distressed brown leather with visible grain nicely complements turquoise accents.
- Rattan: The porous texture of woven rattan makes an intriguing pairing with smooth turquoise.
Sleek contemporary styles in dark espresso may be too bold and clash with turquoise. Soft beiges can also pale against such a strong hue. But in general, brown offers enough variation to coordinate with any shade of turquoise.
What Colors Go Well with Turquoise and Brown?
Additional colors that complement a turquoise and brown color scheme include:
- Cream
- Ivory
- Sand
- Tan
- Taupe
- White
- Natural wood tones
- Terracotta
- Sage
- Coral
- Yellow
- Sky blue
- Navy
Soft neutrals like cream and ivory let the turquoise and brown really stand out without competing. Earth tones like sand, tan and taupe accent the brown while harmonizing with turquoise’s natural vibe. Pops of terracotta, yellow or coral add extra warmth.
How to Decorate a Turquoise and Brown Living Room
For a cozy living room with turquoise and brown furniture, try these decorating suggestions:
- Hang brown patterned drapes high to draw the eye up and make the room feel taller.
- Choose a large brown leather sofa as the main seating. Accent with turquoise throw pillows.
- Select a brown jute area rug with turquoise geometric patterns woven through.
- Display turquoise ceramic vases and trays on a brown wood coffee table.
- Group a brown leather armchair and turquoise linen side chair together to create an intimate seating nook.
- Layer a turquoise wool blanket over the sofa arm for a casual finishing touch.
- Hang a turquoise glass pendant light over the sitting area to illuminate the space.
This living room uses brown as the dominant furniture color, grounded in the sofa, rug and drapes. Pops of turquoise in the decorative accents and lighting keep the scheme feeling fresh and lively.
How to Decorate a Turquoise and Brown Bedroom
Make a relaxing oasis with these turquoise and brown bedroom ideas:
- Choose a brown wood headboard and nightstands to anchor the bed.
- Layer turquoise bed linens over the mattress, using different blue shades and patterns.
- Hang simple brown linen curtains for an unfussy, casual look.
- Use a large area rug in earthy stripes of brown, turquoise and ivory.
- Display a round turquoise mirror over the dresser to complement the brown wood.
- Add a bench upholstered in brown leather or woven rattan at the foot of the bed.
- Include natural textures with a jute area rug, linen bedding and woven nightstand baskets.
- Finish the style with turquoise ceramic lamps on the nightstands for soft evening light.
The brown wood furniture keeps this scheme grounded and neutral. Vibrant turquoise bedding, accents and lighting liven up the look.
How to Decorate a Turquoise and Brown Kitchen
Give your kitchen energy with these turquoise and brown decorating ideas:
- Paint upper cabinets a matte shade of turquoise to contrast glossy brown base cabinets.
- Choose brown quartz or granite countertops with dark wood-like veining.
- Display turquoise cookware and serving pieces for bold pops of color.
- Layer a turquoise and white patterned rug over dark brown wooden floors.
- Hang woven brown pendant lights over the kitchen island or dining table.
- Accent with turquoise bar stools, mixer and toaster for extra flair.
- Add green leafy plants and fresh flowers to bridge the two colors.
Using turquoise on upper cabinets keeps the scheme feeling light and cheerful. Darker brown on lower cabinets and flooring grounds the space.
Conclusion
Turquoise and brown can come together in many decorating styles to create a welcoming, earthy look. Brown wood furniture provides a neutral base while turquoise accents add striking pops of color. The natural color palette evokes relaxation. Just be sure to use brown as the dominant shade so the turquoise enhances rather than overwhelms. With the right balance, this complementary pairing brings out the best in both colors.
