Beige is a neutral color that can take on warm or cool undertones depending on the exact shade. When deciding if a particular beige is warm or cool, there are a few key factors to consider:
The color wheel
On the color wheel, beige sits between the warm earth tones (browns, tans, yellows, oranges) and the cool pastels (light blues, grays, pinks). This means that beige has characteristics of both warm and cool colors. The exact undertone depends on how close the beige shade is to warm browns/tans or cool grays/pinks.
Warm vs cool undertones
Beige colors that lean towards yellow, peach, or orange hues have a warm undertone. These beiges coordinate well with other warm colors like reds, yellows, browns, and metallics like gold. Cool-toned beiges have hints of blue, gray, or pink. They look nice with other cool colors such as blues, greens, purples, and silver.
Comparing shades
An easy way to tell if a beige is warm or cool is to compare it side-by-side with obvious warm and cool shades:
- If it looks more like a tan or brown, it’s warm
- If it looks more like a gray or pale pink, it’s cool
You can also compare the beige to your skin’s undertones. Warmer skin tones look best with warm beiges, while cooler skin tones are complemented by cool beiges.
Light vs dark beige
In general, lighter beiges tend to be cool-toned while darker beiges are usually warm. This is because light beiges reveal more of their subtle cool undertones, while deeper beiges take on the warmer look of tanned leather or wood. However, this rule isn’t absolute – it’s still possible to have a warm pale beige or a cool taupe beige.
How color temperature affects perception
The perceived warmth or coolness of a beige color can also be influenced by the temperature of the light source. Beige will appear slightly warmer under incandescent light bulbs and cooler under LED lights. Daylight tends to be a neutral light source, revealing the beige’s true undertones.
Examples of warm beige colors
Here are some examples of beige shades that have a distinctly warm, golden tone:
- Buff
- Khaki
- Champagne
- Camel
- Tan
- Fawn
- Taupe with yellow undertones
- Biscotti
Examples of cool beige colors
These beige shades have subtle cool undertones:
- Oatmeal
- Mushroom
- Greige (gray/beige)
- Stone
- Taupe with gray undertones
- Latte
- Parchment
- Shale
Using beige in home decor
When using beige paint colors or beige fabrics in your home, pay attention to the undertones so they coordinate well with other furnishings. Here are some tips:
- Warm beiges complement wood tones, leather, natural textiles, terra cotta, and brass/gold accents.
- Cool beiges look elegant with marble, stone, glass, metal, gray wood, and chrome/silver accents.
- Mixing warm and cool beiges can look disjointed unless you’re careful. Stick to one undertone in a particular room.
- In transitional spaces like hallways, neutral beiges work well since they don’t have strong clashes with adjoining rooms.
Beige fashion and makeup
The principles for coordinating warm and cool beiges apply to fashion and makeup too. When wearing beige clothing:
- Choose warm beige clothing and accessories if you have warm yellow, olive, or brown skin tones.
- Cool pink or rosy skin looks best with cool beige clothing.
- For neutral skin, pair with neutral beige clothing.
With beige makeup, again match the undertone to your skin:
- Warm skin: coral, honey, or gold beige blush
- Cool skin: beiges with pink or gray undertones
- Neutral skin: mixture of warm and cool beige makeup
The overall effect should be natural and harmonious.
Beige color combinations
Both warm and cool beiges make versatile neutral backdrops that pair beautifully with other colors.
Here are some attractive beige color schemes:
| Warm beige combinations | Cool beige combinations |
|---|---|
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Conclusion
Beige is a chameleon color that can take on warm golden tones or subtle cool undertones depending on the specific shade. When using beige in any context, pay attention to the color temperature and coordinate with other warm or cool colors appropriately. Both warm and cool beiges make timeless, versatile neutral backdrops for any design scheme or fashion look.
