When choosing a paint color for brown walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The undertones of the existing brown color will impact what shades complement it best. The amount of natural light in the room also affects color perception. Finally, the overall style and color palette of the space should guide paint choices. Addressing these considerations helps select an ideal new brown wall color.
What undertones does the existing brown have?
Brown paint colors contain undertones that range from warm to neutral to cool. Warm brown shades have yellow, orange or red undertones. Neutral browns have subtle beige or tan hints. Cool browns lean towards gray, blue or green tones. Examining the existing brown paint color and determining its undertone is the first step.
Hold different color swatches next to the current brown wall color. Compare warm reddish-browns, neutral tans and cool grayish-browns. See which swatches complement the existing paint rather than clashing with it. The undertone that matches best will give a sense of harmony. That general color family will work well for the new brown paint.
Natural lighting also affects undertone perception. View the wall in both daytime and evening light to get the most accurate sense of the underlying tone. Once the inherent undertone is identified, keep that same undertone for the new brown paint selection.
How much natural light is there?
The amount of natural light in a room impacts paint color perception. Lighter browns suit brightly lit rooms, while darker browns work better in dim environments. First, assess how much sunlight the room gets.
South-facing spaces tend to get copious direct sunlight, especially if there are large windows and light-colored walls or flooring. North-facing rooms, interior spaces, and areas with small windows see less natural light. For darker low-light rooms, consider a rich chocolate brown or deep chestnut paint color.
In lighter high-sun rooms, look at medium-toned or soft light brown hues. Brighter light reflects more off these shades to prevent an overwhelming dark look. Testing paint swatches on the wall itself at different times of day helps visualize the final effect.
What is the overall color scheme and style?
The overall decor and design of the room should guide the new brown wall color selection. Pull one or two main colors from furnishings, fabrics and accents as a starting point. Warm-toned spaces with reds, oranges and yellows need a brown with similar reddish or golden undertones. Cool blue, green and grey palettes require a brown with subtle cooler hints.
Formal traditional rooms tend to suit more neutral timeless browns like beige, tan and lighter mocha colors. Casual contemporary spaces can handle vivid exotic browns like cinnamon and coffee shades. Matching the brown’s mood with the overall style creates a cohesive look.
The intensity of the brown should also fit the room’s scheme. Dark bold browns work well in dramatic spaces, while soft muted browns suit relaxed environments. View fabric swatches alongside paint colors to coordinate so all elements tie together.
Should the paint have warm or cool undertones?
Choosing between warm and cool undertones for a brown paint color often comes down to personal preference. But there are a few general guidelines to consider as well.
Warm browns with hints of red, orange or yellow tend to feel cozy and inviting. They create a cheerful uplifting mood. Rooms with fireplaces or lots of wood furniture and finishes suit these spicy earthy tones.
Cool browns that contain subtle blue or gray hints feel more reserved and elegant. They can create a soothing Zen atmosphere. Cool browns pair nicely with marble, stone or tile elements. Using the undertone that fits the overall room character results in a harmonious effect.
How dark should the brown color be?
Brown paint colors come in a wide range of depth from light to dark. In general, larger spaces can handle deeper bolder browns while smaller rooms need lighter shades to prevent an overwhelming feeling.
Very light tans and beiges work well for opening up cramped spaces visually. However, all-over very dark browns in a small room tend to feel closed-in and heavy. Medium golden browns are a versatile choice for either large or compact rooms.
The room’s lighting levels also affect ideal brown depth as mentioned. Darker browns suit dim environments but can appear too intense in sun-drenched rooms. Testing various brown depths right on the wall itself at different times of day determines what works best in the space.
What are the most versatile brown paint colors?
Some versatile tried-and-true brown paint colors that suit a variety of rooms are:
- Fawn Brown – A warm light camel tone
- Almond Brown – A neutral tan
- Umber – A darker reddish-brown
- Khaki – A dusty grayish-brown
- Espresso – A deep chocolate brown
These flexible browns can work in formal or casual rooms. Depending on the exact shade, they span warm to neutral to cool undertones at both lighter and darker intensities. Keeping finishes matte avoids overly bold glare.
Should the trim be a contrasting color?
Painting the trim and moldings a different color than the brown walls can add appealing visual interest. Generally, lighter trims against darker browns and darker trims against lighter browns provide the most contrast.
Using complementary analogic colors that are adjacent on the color wheel for trim maintains a cohesive scheme. Good examples for warm brown walls include trims in olive green, sandy tan, mustard yellow or navy blue. Cool brown walls suit slate blue, taupe, gray or white trims.
Monochromatic schemes with brown trims a few shades lighter or darker than walls also give subtle sophisticated contrast. Just be sure the hue difference between walls and trim is significant enough for delineation.
What type of paint sheen should be used?
| Paint Sheen | Recommendation for Brown Paint |
|---|---|
| Flat | Best for ceilings to avoid glare |
| Matte | Works well for walls in any room |
| Eggshell | Adds subtle sheen for hallways, bedrooms, dining rooms |
| Satin | Recommended for living rooms, dens |
| Semi-Gloss | Shiny finish good for bathrooms, kitchens |
| Gloss | Very reflective, best for trim rather than walls |
In general, flatter matte or eggshell sheens work best for brown walls to avoid too much reflectivity. Glossy sheens should be reserved for moldings and trims if desired. Testing samples with different finishes confirms the ideal paint sheen.
Conclusion
Choosing a brown paint color ultimately depends on the existing shade, lighting, room style, color scheme and personal preference. Lighter tans suit bright airy rooms while deeper chocolate browns work in dim cozy spaces. Cool grays, blue or green undertones create a refined mood and warm red, orange or yellow undertones feel welcoming. Aim for a harmonious relationship between the new brown wall color and the overall room. Careful testing of paint samples makes the selection process easy.
