Taupe is a neutral color that falls somewhere between brown and gray. It shares some similarities with brown, but also has distinct differences. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the color taupe and how it compares to brown.
Defining Taupe
The name “taupe” comes from the French word for mole, referencing the color of a mole’s fur. Taupe is a dark tan or brownish-gray color that can range from a dark brown to a light tan or stone color. Some common shades of taupe include mushroom, greige (a mix of gray and beige), and sand.
Taupe is considered a neutral color, meaning it goes well with many other colors from both the warm and cool color spectrums. It’s an incredibly versatile shade that works in nearly any room of the house, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and bathrooms.
Defining Brown
Brown is a darker tone of the color orange. It’s a warm, earthy color that varies in shade from a light beige or tan to a nearly black. Some common shades of brown include chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, russet, hazelnut, walnut, and espresso.
Like taupe, brown is considered a neutral color that can work in any room. However, it’s generally seen as a warmer shade than taupe due to its orange undertones. Brown tends to create cozy, inviting spaces with a hint of retro or vintage charm.
Comparing Taupe and Brown
Now that we’ve defined taupe and brown separately, let’s directly compare the two colors:
| Taupe | Brown |
|---|---|
| Neutral shade between brown and gray | Warm, earthy shade of orange |
| Tends to be cooler in tone | Tends to be warmer in tone |
| Can range from dark brown to light tan | Can range from light beige to nearly black |
| Often has subtle gray undertones | Often has subtle orange/red undertones |
| Creates a soothing, relaxed ambiance | Creates a cozy, welcoming ambiance |
| Works well with bright, bold accent colors | Works well with earthy, muted accent colors |
| Goes great with cool metals like silver & stainless steel | Goes great with warm metals like bronze & copper |
As you can see, taupe and brown share some similarities but also have distinct differences when it comes to undertones and color combinations.
Taupe vs. Dark Brown
If we narrow the comparison down to taupe and dark shades of brown, the differences become even more apparent. Here’s an overview:
- Taupe maintains its subtle gray undertone even in darker shades.
- Dark brown loses the warmth of lighter browns and takes on more neutral, nearly black undertones.
- Dark taupe reads as more modern and elegant.
- Dark brown feels more rustic and traditional.
- Dark taupe works well in contemporary, minimalist spaces.
- Dark brown suits farmhouse, cottage, or craftsman style homes.
So while taupe and dark brown may seem similar at first glance, dark taupe will provide a cooler, more refined look compared to the earthy richness of dark brown.
Taupe vs. Light Brown
On the other end of the spectrum, taupe and light brown can seem even more alike. Light shades of taupe and brown like greige, tan, beige, and khaki all sit in a similar color range. So what sets them apart?
- Light taupe maintains a subtle coolness while light brown feels warm and creamy.
- Taupe grays down brown’s orange undertones.
- Light brown feels cheerful and bright while light taupe is more subdued.
- Taupe complements both warm and cool accent colors. Light brown looks best with other warm tones.
While the differences are more subtle with lighter shades, taupe will always have a bit more gray to it versus the peachiness of light brown.
Best Uses for Taupe vs. Brown
Now that we understand how taupe and brown are similar and different, let’s look at their best uses:
Taupe Works Best:
- As a neutral backdrop in modern, contemporary spaces
- In combination with cool colors like blue, green, and lavender
- On walls, large furniture, and accent pieces
- In living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- In upholstery, rugs, pillows, and throws
- When paired with metals like silver, pewter, and stainless steel
Brown Works Best:
- As a warm, welcoming neutral in traditional spaces
- In combination with earthy hues like peach, yellow, and terracotta
- On cabinets, trim, and wood furniture
- In dining rooms, offices, and Entryways
- In leather furniture and dark wood accents
- When paired with metals like bronze, brass, copper, and gold
Conclusion
While taupe and brown are similar in some ways, they have several key differences that impact their look, feel, and pairing capabilities. Taupe is the cooler, more elegant neutral that works well in contemporary spaces. Brown is warmer and more rustic, suiting traditional and farmhouse interiors. Both are versatile neutrals, but taupe has more flexibility to swing from modern to traditional looks.
So in summary:
- Taupe has subtle gray undertones, brown leans orange.
- Taupe feels cooler and more refined, brown is warmer and earthier.
- Taupe suits modern aesthetics, brown fits traditional aesthetics.
- Taupe works with both cool and warm accent colors. Brown pairs best with other warm earth tones.
- Taupe complements sleek metals, brown matches oxidized metals.
There are certainly similarities between taupe and brown as versatile neutral shades. But taupe’s inherent coolness gives it an edge when it comes to versatility across design styles and color combinations.
