When choosing an accent wall color to go with beige walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The beige wall color can range from very light tan to more saturated medium beige tones. The undertones of the beige paint are also important, as beige can have yellow, pink, gray or brown undertones. Taking all this into account will help determine which accent wall colors will look most attractive with your particular shade of beige.
Consider Contrast and Complementary Colors
In general, choosing an accent wall color that contrasts well with beige walls will make it stand out. Colors across from each other on the color wheel are considered complementary colors and will create a bold, vibrant look. For beige walls with yellow undertones, cool accent colors like blue, green or purple would contrast nicely. For beige walls with pink undertones, green or blue accent walls would look great.
You can also choose an accent color in a similar hue as the beige walls but in a much darker, deeper shade. For example, a rich chocolate brown, deep taupe, charcoal gray or navy blue accent wall would strongly contrast with light beige walls but still coordinate. This helps the accent wall define an area while not clashing with the main beige wall color.
Match Accent Color to Room Use
Consider what room your accent wall will be in and how it will be used when selecting a color. Bold, dramatic colors like red, purple or orange are great for creating an energized accent wall in a space like a home office, gym, kitchen or dining area. Cool, relaxing colors like blue, green or gray work well for bedrooms, living rooms or bathrooms. A neutral tan, taupe or brown accent color can nicely define a space without overwhelming.
Factor in Lighting
The lighting in the room will impact how the accent wall color looks against your beige walls. North facing rooms with cool, natural light may make warm accent colors pop more. South facing rooms awash in sunlight may cause paler accent colors to get washed out. Check the accent color at different times of day to make sure it has the desired effect.
Sample Accent Colors for Beige Walls
Here is a table with some recommended accent wall color options that pair well with different shades of beige:
| Beige Wall Color | Recommended Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Pale sandy beige | Sage green, light blue, lavender, taupe |
| Warm tan beige | Royal blue, teal, navy, olive green |
| Pink/salmon beige | Charcoal, deep green, burnt orange, plum |
| Golden wheat beige | Violet, dark red, chocolate brown |
| Gray beige | Coral, yellow, turquoise, terracotta |
This table shows some accent wall colors that tend to complement common shades of beige nicely. The contrast levels range from soft accent colors close to beige on the color wheel to bold complementary colors opposite the beige walls.
Define Architectural Details
Accent walls are a great way to highlight architectural details in a room. Use a dramatic dark color on a wall with windows, mirrors, built-in shelving or a fireplace to make these elements pop. Or paint vertical stripes, geometric patterns or a mural using contrasting colors on one wall to create interest and texture.
In smaller rooms, an accent wall behind the bed or couch can make the furnishings really stand out without overwhelming the space. In open concept rooms, an accent wall behind the dining table can visually separate it from the living room while still allowing an open feel.
Creative Accent Wall Ideas
If you want something more unusual than just a colored accent wall, get creative with finishes and textures:
- Metallic wallpaper or paint for a glam look
- Shiplap wood planks to add dimension
- Faux exposed brick or stone for an industrial vibe
- Stenciled patterns and shapes using multiple colors
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash tiles as an accent
- Faux grasscloth or modern geometric wallpaper
Having different paint finishes like matte, eggshell or semi-gloss on your accent wall than the main walls can also make it stand apart stylishly.
Conclusion
Choosing accent wall colors to go with beige walls while keeping the rest of the room harmonious comes down to using colors that complement or contrast the undertones of your beige. Cooler accent colors tend to work best with warm, yellow-based beiges, while warmer accents pair well with pink or gray beiges. The accent wall color value should be noticeably darker or lighter than the main wall color. Consider the room use and lighting when finalizing an accent color. With the right accent wall color, you can stylishly define any space.