Brown is a versatile neutral color that can create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your living room. When used correctly, brown can make a space feel cozy and sophisticated. However, decorating with brown can be tricky. Going overboard with the color can make a room feel dark and gloomy. The key is using brown in moderation and pairing it with lighter accents to keep things fresh and bright. This article will provide tips on how to use brown effectively in your living room decor.
Choosing Brown Tones and Textures
There are many shades of brown to choose from when decorating. Here are some of the most popular options for living rooms:
– Camel or khaki brown – These warm, sandy browns work well for boho or farmhouse decor. They are lighter browns that keep a room feeling open.
– Chocolate or coffee brown – Deeper, richer browns like these bring sophistication. They work best for traditional decor with leather furniture.
– Rust or burnt orange brown – These spicy browns inject energy. Use them in moderation in contemporary or modern spaces.
– Beige or tan brown – Soft, neutral browns are easy to decorate with. They work for any style from modern to traditional.
Along with shade, consider the texture of brown. Use pillows and throws in silk, velvet, or wool for texture contrast against leather sofas. Brushed cotton and burlap also complement smooth leather.
Where to Use Brown
Here are some key places to incorporate brown in a living room:
– Sofas or sectionals – A chocolate or beige brown leather sofa makes a gorgeous focal point. Or use brown upholstery on part of a sectional.
– Armchairs and ottomans – Bring in rust or camel brown with cozy lounge chairs and ottomans.
– Pillows and throws – Toss pillows and throws in chocolate, rust or khaki brown hues. Mix different shades.
– Area rugs – Layer deep chocolate, beige or camel brown rugs over hardwoods or carpeting.
– Accent walls – Use a rich chocolate or spicy burnt orange brown on one wall for drama.
– Shelves and cabinets – Stain built-ins and shelves in a coffee bean or camel brown.
– Window treatments – Hang drapes in tan, camel or olive brown to frame windows.
Complementary Colors
Brown can quickly feel heavy or dark if used alone. Lighten up the look with accents in these colors:
– Cream or off-white – These timeless neutrals work with any brown. Use them on walls, furniture, pillows, etc.
– Light blue – From sky blue to aqua, these cool tones contrast nicely with warm browns.
– Soft green – Mossy, sage or seafoam greens bring in natural vibes.
– Sand or beige – Lighter browns keep the scheme subtle. Use the same undertones.
– Rust orange – For contemporary spaces, add a pop of burnt orange.
– Terracotta – This clay-based red-orange enlivens boho or Tuscan rooms.
Furniture Styles
Here are some furnishing styles that complement brown decor:
– Modern – For a sleek modern look, pair brown leather furniture with chrome accents and contemporary art.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek and stylish | Can feel cold without warmth |
| Endless contemporary options | Not very cozy |
– Rustic – Use reclaimed wood, burlap and camel brown leather with a distressed finish for rustic charm.
| Pros | Cons |
| Warm and cozy ambiance | Can be cluttered if overdone |
| Natural, eco-friendly materials | Not for contemporary tastes |
– Eclectic – Mix modern, rustic and retro pieces for an eclectic vibe. Use metallics and camel brown leather.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique and full of personality | Can appear messy or “thrown together” |
| Allows you to showcase special pieces | Not a defined style rules |
– Industrial – Exposed brick, galvanized metal, dark wood and chocolate brown leather create an industrial feel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Urban chic aesthetic | Can come off as cold |
| Loft-like ambiance | Not for traditional tastes |
Accent Details
Use these accents and decor touches to complete your brown living room:
– Throw pillows – Add texture and pattern with wool, velvet or embroidered pillows.
– Area rugs – Layer in Moroccan, Southwest or animal print rugs.
– Poufs – Leather, wool or velvet poufs add seating and flair. Try camel or chocolate colors.
– Vases and plants – Cool green plants contrast nicely with warm browns. Use glazed ceramic or geometric vases.
– Wall art – Black and white photography, macrame wall hangings or abstract art work well.
– Throws & blankets – Toss organic knit or wool throws on chairs for coziness.
– Sconces and lamps – Metallic finishes, exposed bulbs or stained glass bases suit brown decor.
– Coffee tables – Opt for wood, metal or marble-topped tables for interest.
– Accessories – Incorporate carved wood boxes, ceramic pieces, woven baskets and more.
Tips for Decorating with Brown
Use these pro tips to master decorating with brown:
– Vary shades and textures of brown for depth – Mix camel leather with chocolate wood and bronze accents.
– Brighten with natural light – Draw back dark curtains and keep things ethereal and airy.
– Add metallic accents – Brass, gold and silver decor pops against brown.
– Incorporate wood tones – Stained oak and walnut wood finishes complement brown leather.
– Layer in artwork – Black and white photography and abstract prints offset brown furniture.
– Use green plants – Position leafy green plants like snake plants and ferns to freshen up brown decor.
– Limit large brown surfaces – Opt for a chocolate leather sofa, then use smaller brown accents like armchairs and pillows.
– Space things out – Avoid clutter by keeping ample space between furnishing to prevent a “heavy” look.
Avoiding Mistakes with Brown
Steer clear of these common brown decorating mistakes:
– Only using dark brown tones – Mix in lighter beiges, camel and khaki shades.
– Making everything brown – Incorporate accent colors like sky blue, olive green and rust orange.
– Going overboard with dark woods – Balance textures with painted white furnishings and metal accents.
– Using brown on all walls – Stick to one brown focal accent wall for drama without going overboard.
– Adding too many patterns – Stick to 1-2 prints like animal hide and kilim rugs. Keep other items solid.
– Using dull, flat browns – Look for browns with depth like coffee glaze finishes and camel leather.
– Not letting in light – Draw back drapes, keep walls light and add mirrors to prevent gloominess.
– Cluttering with accessories – Edit accessories and keep just key ceramic, woven and wood accents.
Example Room Schemes
Here are some inspiring brown living room color schemes to suit different styles:
Modern Glam
– Camel leather sectional
– Brass and glass coffee table
– Light gray linen curtains
– Wool cream shag rug
– Gold and black art
Rustic Farmhouse
– Chocolate leather sofa
– Reclaimed wood trunk
– Burlap pillows
– Wrought iron lamps
– Khaki club chairs
Boho Chic
– Woven pouf
– Distressed camel leather sofa
– Mandala tapestry
– Terracotta vase
– Chunky moss knit throw
Industrial Loft
– Chocolate leather Chesterfield sofa
– Exposed brick accent wall
– Black and white photography
– Iron and wood accent tables
– Cowhide print area rug
Conclusion
Brown is a versatile neutral that can create many different looks in your living room from modern to boho. Just be sure to vary up your brown tones and textures. Keep things fresh with lighter beiges paired with darker coffee and chocolate browns. Bring in accent colors like light blue, soft green and rust orange to brighten up the space. Use metallic and wood accents along with lively greenery to add visual interest. With the right balance, a brown living room can feel welcoming, cozy and full of character.
