Earthy tones are neutral colors that are inspired by the natural colors found in soil, wood, rocks, and vegetation. They create a grounded, natural feel and work well in interior design to promote feelings of stability, comfort and relaxation. Earth tones include various shades of brown, tan, cream, grey, olive green and terracotta red. Knowing the specific names of different earthy tones can be helpful when trying to achieve a certain aesthetic in home decor or fashion.
Brown Earth Tones
Brown is the quintessential earth tone, taking its cue directly from rich soil, tree bark and other organic elements of nature. There are many shades of brown within the earth tone family:
Taupe – A soft greyish shade of brown that adds subtle warmth.
Khaki – A dusty tan brown inspired by the color of Khaki fabric.
Umber – A darker, yellowish-brown reminiscent of umber pigment made from clay.
Sepia – A greyish reddish brown named after the sepia pigment from cuttlefish ink.
Russet – A reddish shade of brown, similar to the russet potato.
Chestnut – A medium reddish brown evoking the chestnut tree nut.
Coffee – A dark brown associated with coffee beans.
Chocolate – A rich reddish dark brown like the hue of chocolate.
Cinnamon – A warm medium reddish brown reminiscent of cinnamon spice.
Hazelnut – A light brown with grey undertone, named after the hazelnut.
Almond – A soft light brown inspired by the almond nut.
Toffee – A light caramel-like shade of brown.
Mocha – A dark brown with a hint of red, named after the mocha coffee drink.
Chestnut – A medium reddish brown evoking the chestnut tree nut.
Beige and Cream Tones
Lighter brown earth tones verge into beige and cream territory. These provide understated neutral backgrounds or accents.
Beige – A pale sandy shade of brown.
Bisque – A warm soft brown with a slight pinkish hue.
Buff – A pale yellowish brown, sometimes with a greyish tint.
Cream – An off-white with subtle warm yellowish tone.
Eggshell – A pale creamy off-white, inspired by eggshell color.
Oatmeal – A soft greyish-yellow tone, like the color of oatmeal.
Wheat – A light warm brown reminiscent of wheat.
Tan – A light brown with orange undertones, evoking tanned skin.
Fawn – A light grayish brown, similar to fawn animal fur.
Driftwood – A weathered grey with brown undertone like aged driftwood.
Greige Tones
Greige tones combine gray and beige to create sophisticated, versatile neutrals. They work especially well in modern, minimalist spaces.
Mushroom – A soft warm grey-brown reminiscent of mushroom coloring.
Taupe – A greyish shade of brown (can also be considered a brown tone).
Ash – A cool, hazy gray-brown like the color of ash.
Silver Fox – A light grey-brown associated with silver fox fur.
Desert Sand – A warm light brown with a hint of gray, evoking the look of desert sand.
Stone – A medium grey-brown that resembles natural stone.
Silt – A gray-brown inspired by the alluvial soil deposits known as silt.
Grey Earthy Tones
Grey is an inherently neutral color but various shades take on an earthy quality when mixed with touches of brown, tan or other earth tones.
Taupe – A soft grayish-brown that can also fall under greige tones.
Ash – A hazy, cool grey-brown like the color of ash.
Smoke – A medium charcoal grey with earthy brown undertones.
Stone – A grey-brown resembling natural stone coloring.
Granite – A medium gray with speckles reminiscent of granite rock.
Shale – A slightly greenish gray named after shale rock.
Flint – A blueish-grey inspired by flint stone.
Slate – A dark bluish gray evocative of slate rock.
Charcoal – A very dark grey with black undertones, like charcoal.
Ash – A hazy, cool grey-brown like the color of ash.
Green and Olive Earth Tones
Natural greens that derive from vegetation, moss and lichen bring an organic, woodsy feel. Olive tones are also very characteristic earth tones.
Moss green – A muted bluish-green, like moss.
Forest green – A medium-dark green, reminiscent of lush forests.
Artichoke – A dull grayish green named for the artichoke vegetable.
Asparagus – A light green with yellow/brown undertones, like asparagus.
Avocado – A yellowish-green, as seen on the inside of avocados.
Cactus – A grayish green, similar to many cactus plants.
Chartreuse – A grayish yellow-green, named after French liqueur.
Celadon – A pale grayish green, inspired by celadon wares.
Jade – A medium green with blue undertones, named after the jade gemstone.
Malachite – A rich green with dark & light banding, after the malachite stone.
Moss green – A muted bluish-green, like moss.
Olive – A drab greenish-brown, like unripe olives.
Sage – A grayish green reminiscent of the sage herb.
Terracotta and Brick Red Earth Tones
Reddish earth tones draw from the rich colors of clay soil and brick. Terracotta pots and tiles are iconic examples that give this category its name.
Terracotta – An orangey red earth tone, as seen on terracotta pottery.
Adobe – A light orangey brown, like the adobe clay used in desert architecture.
Rust – A reddish-orange reminiscent of rusty iron.
Firebrick – A medium reddish brown, like bricks formerly used in fireplaces.
Sienna – An
