Beige is a versatile neutral color that can work in many interior design schemes. However, sometimes beige can come across as flat or dull. If your beige walls, furniture, or accessories are not having the desired effect, there are ways to tweak them to get a warmer, richer beige tone.
Add Contrast
One way to make beige pop is by adding contrast with darker neutral accents. Deep brown wood furniture, charcoal grey pillows, or chocolate leather ottomans will make beige walls or upholstery look more dimensional and interesting. The dark colors create depth and highlight the subtle tones in beige. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much contrast will negate the calming effect of beige.
Layer Textures
Mixing textured materials is another trick for making beige more beige. Consider a nubby beige rug, cozy textured throw blankets, rattan and wood accessories, and velvet pillows. The interplay of matte, shiny, smooth, and nubby surfaces adds visual interest and makes the beige shades come alive. Stay within a beige color palette and vary textures for a sophisticated and serene look.
Add Warmth
Beige can sometimes skew cool, but adding warmth through materials, lighting, and accessories can give it a cozier feel. Natural wood furniture, cotton or linen textiles, and touches of brass or gold are great ways to warm up beige. Strategic lighting like lamps, sconces, and candles also introduce warmth. And fresh flowers and plants in natural wood planters can also make beige more welcoming.
Enrich with Metallics and Shimmer
For a glam effect, enhance beige with metallic and shimmery accents. Polished gold frames, silver candlesticks, mirrored furniture, and velvety pillows in champagne and bronze tones add glitz and reflect light. Use metallics and shimmer sparingly – just a few key pieces so they stand out against the quiet beige background. Keep the rest of the scheme neutral to let the metallic details pop.
Natural Lighting Is Key
Beige can look dull and flat in a dark room. Natural lighting is key for making beige walls come alive. Sunlight through windows, skylights, and glass doors illuminates the undertones in beige paint and materials. If your space lacks sufficient natural light, consider lighter window treatments and mirrors to maximize brightness. You can also supplement with table lamps, sconces, and recessed lighting to show off beige’s subtle complexity.
Create Cohesion
For beige to look pulled-together, you need cohesion. Use beige in considered doses throughout the space – on walls, larger furniture pieces, textiles, and artwork. The repetition of the color will give the room a purposeful, elegant look. Vary the tones and textures from element to element for visual interest. But limiting the color palette to beige with neutral accent colors will make the beige color shine.
Beige Color Combinations
Some effective color combinations that make beige pop:
| Color | How it Complements Beige |
|---|---|
| Cream | Warms up and softens beige |
| Light grey | Adds contrast and sophistication |
| Chocolate brown | Deepens and grounds beige |
| Sky blue | Creates a soothing, beachy vibe |
| Crisp white | Brightens up beige and adds freshness |
Decorating with different shades of beige layered together is also an easy way to add dimension to the color. Just be sure to vary textures and sheens to avoid monotony.
Update Beige Furniture
If you have existing beige upholstered furniture that looks dull or dated, there are quick updates that can give it new life:
- New throw pillows in complementary colors and interesting fabrics like velvet or linen
- Area rugs layered on top to anchor the furniture and tie the room together
- Fresh coats of paint on wooden furniture to warm up the beige
- Nubby textured blankets draped over sofas or chairs
- Cushions in colors like light blue, seafoam, or lavender for contrast
With just a few easy changes, tired beige furniture can look current and stylish again.
Use Beige Accessories
Beige accessories are an easy way to incorporate more beige without overhauling entire rooms. Some chic and modern beige home accents include:
- Throw pillows in nubby cotton, velvet, or textured fabrics
- Planters and vases for greenery
- Sculptural ceramics like bowls, pots, and trays
- Candles and lanterns
- Rugs, blankets, and throws
- Framed art and photography
Display beige accessories together to create an elegant neutral vignette or use them to complement existing colors in a room.
Beige Paint Colors
If you want to freshen up your walls with beige paint, consider these sophisticated options:
- Almond Wisp – soft, warm beige
- Edgecomb Gray – cooler tone with subtle blue undertones
- Accessible Beige – rich, warm, versatile neutral
- Sandstone Cove – light, airy beige with a mineral tone
- Brown Derby – a greige (beige-grey) that gives walls texture
- Khaki White – muted green-beige that calms and grounds
Most major paint brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr offer extensive collections of beige paint colors. Test swatches on your wall before committing to find the perfect warm, cool, light or deep beige shade.
Warm Up Floors and Furniture
Beige wood furniture and bamboo or light hardwood flooring can appear washed out. Here are tips for making beige floors and furniture feel more grounded and rich:
- Use water-based polyurethane floor finishes in satin or semi-gloss sheens to add shine and depth.
- Stain furniture a darker shade of beige for contrast.
- Select area rugs with warm tones like ivory, tan, and light brown to enrich beige wood floors.
- Add warmth with brass hardware and accents on furniture.
- Anchor furniture with textured throws and quilts in natural fibers.
Conclusion
With strategic pairings, lighting, furnishings, and finishes, it is possible to take beige to new depths and dimensions. The versatile neutral can be tailored to suit any design aesthetic – from cozy and rustic to sleek and contemporary. By thoughtfully enhancing beige through texture, sheen, contrast and accent colors you can achieve a customized look that feels fresh, current and interesting.
Beige gets a bad rap for being boring, but that notion can be completely reversed with creative decorating ideas. Embrace beige’s flexibility but add your own personal twist through contrast, metallic accents, warm woods, and varied beige shades and textures. With the right approach, beige can become the chic, understated backbone for any stylish interior.