Deciding on a paint color for your room can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. Brown is a popular color choice for many reasons. Before painting your room brown, there are some key factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of a brown room, things to think about when choosing a brown paint shade, and tips for decorating and designing a brown room. Keep reading for the complete lowdown on brown room paint!
The Pros of a Brown Room
Here are some of the benefits of painting your room brown:
It’s Versatile
Brown is an extremely versatile color that can work with a wide range of decor styles. It pairs well with other neutrals like beige, white, black and gray. Brown also complements bolder accent colors like blue, green, orange and red. With so many shades of brown to choose from, it can be adapted to suit any style – from modern to traditional to rustic.
It’s Timeless
Unlike trendy colors that come and go, brown has enduring appeal. It’s a classic color that has been used in home decor for centuries. Brown evokes a traditional, earthy feel that never really goes out of style. Painting your room brown is a safe choice that will stand the test of time.
It’s Relaxing
Brown invokes feelings of stability, comfort and relaxation. As a neutral earth tone, it has a grounding, soothing effect on a room. Painting your walls brown can help create a cozy, peaceful retreat away from the stresses of everyday life. It’s an ideal color for bedrooms, living rooms, home offices and other spaces where you want to kick back and unwind.
It’s Sophisticated
Deeper, richer browns like chocolate, coffee and mahogany have an upscale, elegant look about them. Dark brown walls can add a touch of refinement and sophistication to a room. Lighter taupes and beiges also have an understated charm. Brown works well in formal spaces where you want an air of class and sophistication.
The Cons of a Brown Room
However, brown paint also has some potential drawbacks:
It Can Look Dated
Some shades of brown like mustard browns, golden browns and avocado browns can feel very retro and dated, stuck in the color trends of decades past. Stick to more classic, neutral brown hues to avoid a dated look.
It Can Look Drab
Brown can appear dreary and drab if not used carefully. Very dark browns can make a room feel cavelike and gloomy if not balanced with enough lighter tones and illumination. Proper lighting is key for a brown room to avoid a dismal effect.
It Can Look Boring
On its own in a large space, solid brown can seem bland and boring. Make sure to accent brown walls with contrasting colors and textures in your furniture, decor and accents to add visual interest. Varying shades and tones of brown also helps avoid monotony.
It Can Make a Room Feel Small
Darker brown hues can potentially make a room feel closed in and small. Painting a small space completely brown can make it feel cramped. Go for lighter beiges or taupes to open up the space visually.
How to Choose a Brown Paint Shade
Picking just the right shade of brown for your room is key. Here are some tips for choosing a brown wall color:
Light vs. Dark Brown
Lighter browns like beige, taupe and khaki tend to feel more open, casual and illuminating in a room. Darker browns like chocolate, coffee and mahogany create more drama and intimacy. Decide whether you want your brown room to feel light and airy or rich and moody.
Warm vs. Cool Brown
Warm browns have yellow or orange undertones like beiges, caramels and auburns. Cool browns have blue or gray undertones like taupes, charcoal and clay. Warm browns energize a space while cool browns have a more relaxing effect.
Monochromatic vs. Contrasting
For a pulled-together monochromatic look, use varying tones and shades of brown. For more contrast, pair brown walls with accent colors like blue, green or red. Neutrals like white, black and gray also complement brown.
Natural vs. Dyed Brown
Natural wood brown has a grained, textured appearance. Dyed browns are solid and smooth. Both are great options, just decide whether you want an organic natural look or consistent solid color.
Matte, Eggshell or Gloss Finish
Browns with a flat matte finish lend a subtle, earthy feel. Mid-sheen eggshell is versatile for most rooms. High-gloss brown makes a dramatic, stylish statement.
Tips for Decorating a Brown Room
Once you’ve selected the perfect brown paint color, it’s time to decorate! Here are some tips:
Add Texture
Use textiles like throws, pillows and rugs in natural materials like wool, cotton and leather to add cozy texture to a brown room. Try a chunky knit throw at the end of the bed or a plush shag rug on the floor.
Increase Lighting
Proper illumination is essential in a brown room to keep it from feeling too dark and gloomy. Use plenty of natural light during the day, and table lamps, sconces and recessed lighting at night.
Use Accent Colors
The key to avoiding a boring brown room is plenty of pops of accent colors in decor, art and accessories. Blue and green work particularly well with brown.
Display Greenery
Bringing in live plants like succulents, ferns and palms is an easy way to freshen up a brown space. Greenery and brown complement each other beautifully.
Add Metallics
The sheen of gold, silver, copper and brass decor livens up a brown room. Metallic accents on pillows, frames, vases and furniture catch the light beautifully.
Contrast with White
Crisp white trim, ceilings, furniture and bedding really make brown walls pop. White also makes rooms feel light and spacious.
Include Wood Furniture
Natural wood furnishings like beds, dressers, tables and bookshelves feel right at home against brown walls. Match similar wood tones or contrast light and dark woods.
Best Spaces for Brown Rooms
Now that you know how to use brown paint effectively, which rooms work best with brown walls? Here are some ideal spaces:
Bedrooms
Soothing, earthy brown makes an excellent backdrop for a restful bedroom retreat. Pair brown walls with white, blue or green bedding for a relaxing sleeping space.
Living Rooms
In a living room, brown walls help create an inviting, comfortable ambiance for lounging and entertaining. Accent with bright, bold furniture and decor.
Dining Rooms
Rich chocolate or coffee brown dining room walls provide an elegant, sophisticated setting for dinner parties and holiday meals.
Offices
Surrounding yourself with calming brown hues while you work helps boost concentration. Brown also looks stylish and professional in a home office.
Bathrooms
Earthy natural browns complement spa-like bathrooms beautifully. Pair brown walls with lighter beige tile and green accents for a nature-inspired space.
Basements
Warm up cool, cavernous basements with cozy brown paint on the walls. Brown makes basements feel more homey and inviting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about incorporating brown paint into your space? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Does brown make a room look smaller?
Dark browns can potentially make a room feel closed in and small if used on all four walls in a small space. Lighter tans, beiges and taupes tend to open up rooms. Strategically painting just one or two walls darker brown can add coziness without shrinking the space.
Is brown paint outdated?
Brown has been used in home decor for centuries and never truly goes out of style. However, some shades like avocado and mustard brown do feel stuck in the 1970-80s. Stick to more versatile, neutral browns and you can’t go wrong.
Is brown a good color for entertaining?
Absolutely! Sophisticated chocolate or coffee-colored walls provide an elegant, welcoming backdrop for hosting dinner parties and gatherings. Just be sure to decorate with colorful accents for visual interest.
Is brown paint depressing?
It certainly can be if used incorrectly. Very dark browns with no contrast or lightening accents can make a room feel dreary and dismal. The key is balancing rich browns with plenty of illumination, lighter accent colors and varied textures.
Does brown go with gray?
Brown and gray complement each other beautifully, either matching similar undertones or contrasting cool and warm shades. Try pairing chocolate brown walls with gray furniture or taupe brown with cool gray accents.
Conclusion
Brown walls can look stunning when done thoughtfully. With its cozy, versatile appeal, rich brown paint energizes and modernizes a room while still feeling classic and timeless. When selecting a brown hue, consider the room’s size, lighting and decor to find the most flattering shade. Accentuate brown walls with plenty of contrasting colors, patterns and textures in your furnishings and decor. Add mirrors and metallic accents to reflect light around the room. With the right accents and lighting, a brown room paint scheme can be warm, welcoming and stylish without ever appearing drab or dated. If you’ve been hesitant to take the plunge with brown, give it a chance while keeping these tips in mind – you may just fall in love with the dramatic, sophisticated vibe it brings to your space.
