When it comes to fashion and interior design, color coordinating outfits or decor can be tricky. Some color combinations clearly work well together, like black and white. Other color pairings can be more challenging to pull off. Light blue and brown fall into this latter category. At first glance, these colors may seem mismatched. However, with the right shades and the right accents, brown and light blue can actually look quite sophisticated together.
The Color Theory Behind Brown and Light Blue
According to color theory, brown and light blue are considered discordant colors. This means they are opposite one another on the color wheel. Light blue is a cool, desaturated shade, while brown is a warm, earthy tone. In interior design, discordant color schemes create vibrant, striking rooms. However, the contrast needs to be balanced so the space doesn’t become overwhelming.
In fashion, combining discordant shades like brown and light blue can seem jarring. However, with careful styling, this color pairing can work for an edgy, unexpected look. The key is choosing the right undertones. Warm browns and dusty blues tend to coordinate better than cool browns and bright blues. Adding metallic accents or neutral pieces can also help bridge the gap between these disparate hues.
Tips for Styling Brown and Light Blue
Here are some tips for wearing and decorating with brown and light blue:
Choose the Right Shades
As mentioned above, warm browns and muted blues are easier to combine than other shades in these color families. For brown, go for camel, mocha, chestnut, taupe, or khaki rather than chocolate or coffee shades. For light blue, pick a blue-gray or powder blue over brighter robin’s egg and periwinkle hues. Soft, neutralized shades of these colors will be the most cohesive.
Use Accents Strategically
One way to bring brown and light blue together is by using one as the main color and the other as accents. For example, in a living room, you could upholster the sofa in light blue and add brown pillows, a rug, and wooden accent tables. In an outfit, you might wear a powder blue shirt with a brown belt and brown loafers. The accent color connects the look while keeping the bolder hues from clashing.
Add Neutral Layers
Layering creams, tans, whites, and other neutrals between the brown and light blue also helps create a cohesive palette. For instance, in a bedroom, you could paint the walls light blue, use a brown headboard, and incorporate bedding and accessories in ivory, beige, and taupe. In fashion, pair a brown skirt with a light blue blouse and neutral sandals and handbag. The neutral pieces act as bridges between the discordant shades.
Use Metallic Accents
Metallics like gold, silver, bronze, and copper beautifully complement both brown and light blue. Try metallic throw pillows on a blue couch, bronze lamps next to a brown armchair, or a copper backsplash in a kitchen with blue walls and brown cabinets. For outfit inspiration, add metallic shoes, jewelry, or a handbag to bring brown and light blue pieces together stylishly.
Repeat Colors Throughout the Space or Outfit
Ensuring the brown and light blue are distributed evenly helps them blend better. Scatter blue and brown decor throughout a room orrepeat shades of blue and brown in an outfit. For example, you might wear a brown skirt, light blue shirt, brown boots, and light blue earrings. The repetition creates visual consistency.
Examples of Brown and Light Blue Done Right
To give you some inspiration, here are examples of brown and light blue combinations done elegantly:
| Room | Color Scheme |
|---|---|
| Living room | Robin’s egg blue walls, camel leather sofa, bronze floor lamp, cream shag rug, chestnut wood coffee table |
| Bedroom | Powder blue headboard, khaki bedding, mocha nightstands, cream curtains, chestnut wood flooring |
| Kitchen | Blue-gray cabinets, butcher block counters, taupe subway tile backsplash, wrought iron light fixtures |
| Outfit | Color Scheme |
|---|---|
| Casual | Khaki pants, light blue button-down, brown belt, brown loafers |
| Formal | Powder blue dress, bronze heels, camel coat, copper statement necklace |
| Edgy | Chestnut brown leather skirt, robin’s egg blue blouse, brown boots, cream cardigan, blue earrings |
As you can see, the right brown and blue shades combined with neutral accents and metallics create very appealing, polished looks.
Brown and Light Blue in Different Rooms
Let’s explore how brown and light blue can be used effectively in various rooms throughout the home:
Living Room
In the living room, try light blue walls with brown accent furniture like shelving, end tables, and chairs. Incorporate cream, tan, or gold pillows and throws on any brown leather sofas or armchairs to tie the scheme together. Use area rugs and curtains in neutral hues to prevent overwhelming contrasts. Add metallics through lamps, candleholders, vases, or wall art.
Bedroom
In bedrooms, popular combinations include light blue walls with brown headboards and nightstands. Layer the bed with neutral linens and add metallics through lamps and mirrors. Use patterned area rugs and window treatments to soften the contrast. Paint or upholster a dresser brown and hang light blue artwork for a pulled together look.
Kitchen
The kitchen offers many opportunities to use brown and light blue. Try light blue cabinets with brown countertops and backsplash tile. Or vice versa – go for brown cabinets with light blue mosaic tile backsplash. Use chrome, nickel, or bronze for the faucet and lighting fixtures to add metallic sheen. Cream or beige walls help keep the look neutral.
Bathroom
In bathrooms, pair light blue walls with brown wainscoting or tile accents. Or use blue and brown tile together on the floors, walls, or shower enclosure. Metallic faucets and mirrors tie the look together. Cream or beige on accessories like towels, shower curtains, and wastebaskets creates needed balance.
Home Office
For home offices, paint the walls a muted blue and bring in a brown leather desk chair, wood desk, and shelving. Use cream lamps, file folders, bins, and desk accessories to soften the contrast. Add houseplants in ceramic brown planters for an earthy feel.
Outdoor Space
On patios, decks, and porches, combine light blue cushions and throw pillows with brown wicker or wood furniture. Use cream and tan striped cushions and throws to complement both colors. Paint an accent wall or front door light blue and use brown on planter boxes, shutters, or fences.
Conclusion
Although brown and light blue are very different colors, with careful styling, they can work surprisingly well together. The keys are choosing soft, muted shades of these colors and using plenty of neutral and metallic accents. Examples of brown and light blue in home decor and fashion show that this color pairing can look quite sophisticated. With the right combinations, brown and light blue complement each other beautifully. So don’t be afraid to experiment with this daring color scheme – when done thoughtfully, it can really pay off!