Taupe is considered a neutral color that falls somewhere between brown and gray. When categorizing taupe, there are a few ways to classify it:
By Color Family
Based on its hue, taupe fits into the brown color family. The color brown encompasses earthy, natural shades that range from yellow-browns to gray-browns. Taupe leans more towards the gray end of the brown spectrum, but its subtle warmth still associates it with other light to mid-range browns.
By Color Temperature
Taupe is considered a cool-toned neutral. Neutral colors by definition don’t lean strongly towards warm or cool. However, taupe contains more blue undertones than yellow or red, giving it a slightly cooler temperature.
By Color Context
The perceptual color of taupe shifts depending on what other colors it is paired with. Against warm colors like reds, yellows, or other browns, taupe reads as distinctly cooler and grayer. Against cooler grays or blues, the subtle warmth in taupe becomes more apparent. This color relativity allows taupe to act as a versatile neutral.
By Technical Color Systems
In technical color classification systems, taupe fits into the following categories:
| Color System | Taupe Classification |
| RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) | Shade of Brown |
| CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) | Mixture of C, Y, K |
| RGB (Red, Green, Blue) | Low to moderate R, G, B |
| HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) | Low to mid hue, saturation, and brightness |
| Pantone | 12 different taupe swatches ranging from warm to cool |
| Hexadecimal Web Colors | #8B8589, #B9A99B, #998B87, etc. |
As a brown-gray, taupe spans several color models but is defined by its mutedness and neutrality compared to saturated primary colors.
By Intended Use
Taupe is widely recognized as a decor color meant for backgrounds like walls. Its versatility as a neutral makes it work in many interior design schemes to provide a subtle, earthy backdrop that lets bolder accents take center stage. Taupe’s sophistication as a decor color comes from its interesting complexity yet subtlety compared to a plain beige or gray.
Taupe vs. Similar Colors
It can be helpful to compare taupe to similar brown-gray shades:
| Color | Comparison to Taupe |
|---|---|
| Beige | Beige is lighter and warmer than taupe with more yellow-orange |
| Khaki | Khaki is more green-brown than taupe |
| Mocha | Mocha is darker and more reddish-brown than taupe |
| Greige | Greige is a true mid-point between gray and beige unlike taupe’s subtle warmth |
Distinguishing taupe from similar neutral browns and grays helps identify its unique nuanced color.
Conclusion
While difficult to pin down precisely, taupe can be categorized as a brown-family color with cool gray undertones. Its classification shifts depending on color context and intended use. Unlike a bold primary color, taupe derives its sophistication from subtlety and ambiguity. This nuanced neutrality allows taupe to span several color categories while maintaining its signature earthy-meets-chic character.
Additional Facts About Taupe
- The word “taupe” comes from the French term for mole (the animal).
- Taupe first gained popularity in the late 19th century as a fashionable color for women’s clothing like hats and gloves.
- Taupe became a popular neutral paint color starting in the 1930s.
- The first recorded use of “taupe” in English was in the early 1880s.
- Taupe is considered a color of dependability and resilience.
- Taupe is associated with autumn and transition.
- Taupe pair well with colors like cream, white, all shades of brown, plum, sage green, and blue.
- Taupe can skew slightly rosier (called “rose taupe”) or greener (“moss taupe”).
- The word “taupe” can also refer to certain breeds of dogs with brownish-gray fur.
- Taupe is a popular color for minimalist fashion and interior design schemes.
Selecting the Right Taupe
With taupe ranging from brownish-gray to grayish-brown, choosing the right shade takes some finesse:
- Look at undertones. Rose taupe has subtle red-violet. Moss taupe skews greenish.
- Consider the lighting. Taupe can read very different in cool daylight vs. warm incandescent light. Test swatches at the location.
- Factor in what colors will be around it. The relativity of taupe means nearby colors alter its perception.
- Decide on warmth level. Taupe comes in warmer brownish variations and cooler grayish variations. Determine which temperature fits your needs.
- Choose the depth. Lighter soft taupe vs. deeper, charcoal-y taupe creates very distinct moods.
- Pick a finish. Glossy taupe looks darker. Matte or flat taupe appears lighter.
With an attentive selection process, you can find your ideal taupe to complement any design or fashion needs.
Notable Uses of Taupe
- Fashion – Classic taupe coats, handbags, shoes, and men’s suits.
- Interior Design – Walls, upholstery, carpets, curtains, and accessories like pillows and throws.
- Makeup – Flattering eyeshadow, lipstick, and nail polish shade for many skin tones.
- Fine Art – Impressionist and modern paintings capturing the subtlety of taupe.
- Lovelorn Poems – A color ripe for extended metaphors and evocative descriptions.
- Product Packaging – Used on packaging for products aiming for natural, earthy, or mature qualities.
- Vehicles – Luxury and vintage cars, buses, aircraft, boats, and more available in rich taupes.
The versatility, historicity, and nuance of taupe make it a continued popular choice across many creative industries and applications.