Taupe and brown are both neutral earth tones that can work well together in interior design. However, there are some key differences between these two versatile colors. Understanding how taupe compares to brown in terms of lightness, undertones, and applications can help guide your color choices.
Defining Taupe
Taupe is a light grayish-brown or brownish-gray color. The name comes from the French word for mole, referencing the color of mole fur. Taupe sits somewhere between brown and gray on the color wheel, combining undertones from both. It’s a versatile neutral that works well with a variety of color schemes.
There are cool, warm, and neutral variations of taupe. Cool taupes have subtle blue or green undertones, warm taupes lean towards red or yellow, and neutral taupes don’t have a strong undertone. The most common taupe shades range from pale silvery grays to deeper, brownish taupes.
Defining Brown
Brown is a darker, warmer neutral. It’s a composite color made by combining red, yellow, and black pigments. Brown sits opposite blue on the color wheel and has strong orange, red, and yellow undertones.
There are three main categories of brown:
- Warm browns with red or orange undertones
- Cool browns with blue, green, or purple undertones
- Neutral browns without strong undertones
Brown color shades range from light tans to deep, almost black browns. The most common brown hues are reddish or golden browns.
Comparing Lightness
In general, taupe is lighter than brown. Taupe is classified as a light to medium neutral, while brown covers the medium to dark range.
Here’s how taupe and brown compare on a value scale from light to dark:
| Lightest | Light | Medium Light | Medium | Medium Dark | Dark | Darkest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off white | Taupe | Mocha | Tan | Brown | Chocolate | Black |
As shown, taupe falls into the light to medium light range, while brown covers medium to medium dark. Even lighter brown shades are still a step darker than most taupe colors.
Comparing Undertones
Taupe and brown also differ in their undertones. Taupe has subtle cool gray or warm beige undertones. Brown leans warm with strong orange, red, and yellow undertones.
Here’s how the common undertones compare:
| Taupe Undertones | Brown Undertones |
|---|---|
| – Cool gray | – Warm orange |
| – Warm beige | – Warm red |
| – Neutral | – Warm yellow |
Browns with cool blue, green, or gray undertones are less common. Most lean strongly warm instead. Taupe has more coolness from its gray tones compared to the warmth of brown.
Comparing Color Harmony
When used together, taupe and brown can create pleasant, harmonious color combinations. Here are some ways these earth tones complement each other:
- Taupe has enough warmth to coordinate with brown. The subtle warmth from taupe’s beige undertones complements the strong warmth of brown.
- Brown grounds lighter taupe shades with depth. Deep browns offset pale taupes nicely.
- Taupe mutes the intensity of brown. The grayness softens brown’s orange undertones.
- They share a subdued, natural look. As neutral earth tones, taupe and brown have an organic relationship.
Balancing taupe with rich browns results in cohesive, grounded color schemes. Taupe also harmonizes well with tans and other brown shades.
Comparing Uses
Taupe and brown lend themselves to similar interior design applications. Here are some common uses for each color:
| Taupe | Brown |
|---|---|
| – Walls | – Walls |
| – Furniture | – Furniture |
| – Textiles | – Textiles |
| – Accessories | – Accessories |
As versatile neutrals, both taupe and brown work well for major elements like walls and furniture. They’re also regularly used for accents like rugs, pillows, drapes, and decor items.
Some specific uses where taupe and brown shine:
- Taupe as a lightweight neutral for airy, relaxed spaces.
- Brown to create a sense of groundedness and tradition.
- Mixing taupe and brown tones to add visual interest.
- Using taupe to brighten up and soften dark brown palettes.
The two colors allow for similar decorating applications while giving different style effects. Taupe lightens up a space, while brown adds weight.
Choosing Between Taupe vs. Brown
When deciding between taupe and brown, consider these factors:
- Lighting – Taupe works better in well-lit rooms, while brown can handle dim lighting.
- Room size – Taupe suits airy, open spaces. Brown defines boundaries in large rooms.
- Style – Taupe has a relaxed sensibility. Brown feels more formal and traditional.
- Mood – Taupe sets a laidback tone. Brown creates a stable, anchored ambiance.
- Color scheme – Taupe fits cool palettes. Brown complements warm color schemes.
The main difference comes down to lightness. Prefer a lighter, subtler neutral? Go for taupe. Want more contrast and depth? Use rich browns.
Combining Taupe and Brown
Since taupe is lighter than brown, pairing the two neutrals together creates contrast and visual interest. Here are some tips for combining taupe and brown:
- Use taupe walls with brown trim and furniture for a grounded look.
- Choose a taupe area rug to lighten up brown hardwood floors.
- Mix taupe and brown textiles for layered warmth.
- Add taupe pillows to brown leather furniture to soften the look.
- Blend the colors in a single patterned fabric for subtle contrast.
Aim for a 60/40 or 70/30 split – the lighter taupe should cover more surface area than the brown for balance. Use brown strategically as an accent in primarily taupe rooms.
Conclusion
In summary, taupe is generally lighter than brown in terms of value and intensity. Taupe has subtle cool gray or warm beige undertones, while brown is unambiguously warm. Though they share some decorating applications, taupe creates a more relaxed effect compared to brown’s formal groundedness. Combining taupe and brown creates the perfect balance of subtle depth and contrast.
