Beige is a neutral, warm and cozy color that pairs well with many other colors and patterns. It works as a versatile backdrop that allows other colors in a space to really pop. When decorating with beige, it’s important to choose colors and patterns that complement it rather than compete with it. Here are some of the best color combinations and patterns to go with beige.
Earthy tones
Some of the most popular and classic color combinations with beige involve other natural, earthy tones. Colors like brown, tan, cream, taupe and khaki work seamlessly with beige, creating a calming, grounded look and feel. Variations in tone and shade add visual interest and depth. For example, pairing a dark brown with a lighter beige makes for a sophisticated look. Natural wood accents also complement beige beautifully. Overall, sticking with a neutral earth tone palette is a foolproof way to decorate with beige.
Greens
Greens pair beautifully with beige. The colors complement each other in both warm and cool tones. Olive green, moss green, sage green, mint green and forest green all work well with beige walls, furniture and decor. Darker greens come across as bold and lush against a beige backdrop, while lighter greens lend a fresh, relaxing feel. Greens and beiges are colors found commonly in nature, so they have an organic look when combined. Try green and beige together in an eco-chic or boho styled space.
Blues
From navy to sky blue, an array of blue tones pair nicely with beige. Light blue adds a breezy, coastal feel against beige. Use it in beach-themed rooms. Royal blue pops dramatically against beige walls or furniture. Paler shades like powder blue work well in shabby chic spaces with distressed wood and white trims. Turquoise looks vibrant and energetic with beige. Overall, blue’s soothing qualities balance beautifully with beige’s neutrality.
Grays
Cool-toned grays create a chic modern look with beige. Try pairing a light beige with a charcoal gray, or a warm beige with a blue-gray. The contrast of light and dark shades adds visual interest. Different textures like beige linen and gray velvet also help the colors stand out while complementing each other. For contemporary spaces with clean lines, beige and gray furnishing create a sleek, understated look.
Yellows
Yellow brings light and brightness when combined with beige. Soft buttery yellows, mustard yellows, sunflower yellows and goldenrod yellows all make cheery partners for beige. The colors evoke sunshine and optimism. Use yellow accent pieces like throw pillows, area rugs and artwork to add pops of color to beige rooms. Pale lemon and cream pair for a lovely vintage cottage look. Bright yellow flowers and fabric patterns give beige a fresh, springtime feeling.
Reds
Reds infuse energy into beige with their passion and vibrancy. Brick reds, crimson reds, burgundy reds and rusty oranges make striking partners for beige. Red is bold enough on its own, so use it sparingly with beige as an accent color. Try a red area rug, decorative accessories or flowers. Red also contrasts beautifully with beige in floral patterns. For tropical flair, partner beige with bright, exotic hibiscus red.
Purples
Purples complement beige in both light and dark shades. Soft lilac purple has a romantic, feminine flair against beige walls or furniture. Deep eggplant purple makes beige feel richer and more luxe. Lavender flowers and fabric patterns with beige evoke thoughts of spring gardens. Try combining beige with purple shades found in nature like hydrangea, orchid and iris. The colors work well in cottage, shabby chic, French country and romantic spaces.
Neutrals
Beige works effortlessly with other neutrals like white, cream, taupe and tan. Mixing neutral shades in different textures, like beige linen and white cotton, adds cohesion and flow. Pair a lighter beige with darker browns and tans for contrast. Neutrals also lend themselves beautifully to layering rugs, pillows, throws and drapes. Overall, you can’t go wrong combining beige with other soft, subtle neutrals. The look is timeless yet still interesting due to variations in shade and texture.
Metallics
Metallic accents add a glamorous touch to beige. Polished gold and silver lend elegance and sophistication. Try metallic finishes on lamps, frames, vases and decorative accessories against beige walls or furniture. Aged metal finishes like bronze, pewter and copper have an earthier feel that works with beige’s natural vibe. Incorporate metallics through accent pillows with gold embroidery, a copper pendant light, silver flower vase, and artwork in layered metallic frames.
Pink
Pink and beige work together to create a soft, feminine charm. Blush pink lightens up beige in a casual, relaxed way, perfect for bedrooms and sitting areas. Hot pink makes beige feel fun and playful. Try bright pink artwork, pillows or flowers. Pale pink roses pair beautifully with beige in floral arrangements and fabric prints. Overall, pink infuses beige decor with a youthful, romantic spirit.
Black and White
A black and white color scheme with beige provides the perfect balance of neutral. The classic black and white combination becomes softer and lighter with the addition of beige. Try beige walls with black and white patterned pillows and prints. Use black as an accent in frames, vases, lamps and ironwork to sharply contrast with beige walls and furniture. Crisp white trims, curtains and seating stand out against beige. Use black and white home accessories to add striking pops of contrast.
Geometric and Graphic Patterns
Beige’s mild persona allows bolder geometric and graphic prints to take center stage. Modern graphic pillows, rugs and wallpaper in black and white or bright colors create visual excitement against beige backgrounds. Try a beige sofa paired with throw pillows in geo patterns. Bold chevron or diamond prints make beige feel current and fresh. Contemporary graffiti-inspired art and supergraphic wall murals pair well with beige walls and furnishing.
Floral Patterns
Floral patterns with beige convey a soft, feminine charm. Small-scale floral pillows, upholstery and wallpaper look dainty against beige. Try mixing in pinks, blues and greens for a romantic cottage look. Larger-scale bohemian floral prints create a bold, free-spirited feel. Florals with warm hues like crimson, mustard and olive green complement beige’s earthiness. Mix and match floral prints in complimentary palettes for an eclectic style.
Plaids and Stripes
Crisp stripes and classic plaids pair well with beige’s softer look. Black and white buffalo check prints make beige feel homey and rustic. Colorful plaid pillows and throws stand out nicely against beige sofas or chairs. Thin pinstripes in accent chairs or drapes contrast with beige walls. Classic navy and white stripes feel fresh and preppy. Try weaving multiple plaids together in accent pieces for an eclectic look. Plaids and stripes with beige strike the perfect balance of cozy and playful.
Textured Patterns
Tactile patterns and textiles add visual richness to beige. Cottons, linens, wovens, kilims and jute pair well with beige’s down-to-earth nature. Try natural sisal or seagrass rugs with beige walls and sofas. Macrame wall hangings and pillows complement beige with their organic texture. Knits and crochets in throw blankets bring cozy texture. Mixing patterns like stripes, florals and plaids in textured fabrics avoids an overly matchy look.
Distressed and Worn Finishes
Beige readily embraces distressed, weathered and worn finishes. The soft patina of aged beige walls, woods, leathers and metals has an immediate welcome-home feel. Try pairing beige with naturally weathered barn wood accents or concrete. Use furniture and decor in timeworn, sun-bleached beige hues. Mix in slightly mismatched fabrics and objects for a collected over time look. Beige’s versatility allows it to work with refined antiques as well as casual distressed pieces.
Global Patterns
From exotic ikats to intricate mosaics, global patterned rugs, pillows and artwork enliven beige spaces. Turkish, Moroccan and Indian motifs add flair to beige with vibrant colors and ornate designs. Kilims, suzanis, batiks and saris interject multi-cultural beauty. Try colorful tile patterns in kitchens and baths with beige cabinetry or walls. Spanish, Tuscan and Mediterranean ornamentation also harmonize with beige’s warmth.
Wood Tones
Wood furnishings and architectural accents pair seamlessly with beige’s natural look. Oak, maple, birch, pine, teak and other wood finishes complement beige walls, floors and fabrics. Try medium wood furnishings against soft beige walls or off-white trimwork. The combinations exude casual elegance and everyday comfort. Use woods in a mix of tones from light, medium and darker stains. Natural wood wall paneling, beams and built-ins provide beautiful contrast with beige.
Conclusion
Beige offers a warm, welcoming backdrop for an array of colors and prints that bring life to interior spaces. Keep combinations cohesive by sticking with colors in the same tonal family, like earth tones, pastels or jewel tones. Mix patterns in coordinated palettes to avoid a busy look. Most importantly, have fun playing with beige to create rooms full of visual interest that still feel restful and uncomplicated. Pair beige with colors and patterns you love to design a personalized space you enjoy spending time in.
