Dark brown wood is a classic and timeless choice for bedroom furniture. The rich, warm tones provide a soothing and cozy ambiance to any bedroom. When selecting decor and accent colors to pair with dark brown wood furniture, you’ll want to choose hues that complement and enhance the beauty of the woodgrain.
Certain colors work especially well with dark brown wood furniture. Neutrals like cream, tan, beige and soft grays beautifully accent the wood tones. Earth tones in the orange, terra-cotta and brick red family also coordinate seamlessly with dark brown. For a pop of vibrancy, consider jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and amethyst. Always take into account the style of your furniture pieces when choosing accent colors. Here’s an in-depth look at the best color pairings for dark brown wood bedroom furniture.
Neutrals
Neutrals are versatile colors that act as a subtle backdrop, allowing the beauty of dark brown wood furniture to shine. Cream, tan, beige, light brown and soft gray are perfect neutral complements to darker brown wood pieces.
Cream
Cream has a soft, welcoming vibe that pairs nicely with dark wood. Use cream bedding, area rugs and window treatments to lighten up the look of brown furniture. Add metallic accents and natural elements like rattan, bamboo or woven fabrics for contrast.
Tan
From camel and khaki to fawn and sand, tan hues in all their variations coordinate seamlessly with dark brown wood. Tan walls serve as a warm neutral backdrop for brown furniture. Incorporate tan leather accents and luxurious textiles for a refined look.
Beige
Like tan, beige has earthy undertones that complement the richness of dark brown wood furniture. Try beige fleece blankets on the bed or sheer beige drapes at the windows. Painting the walls or ceiling a soft beige is another way to use this color.
Light Brown
Lighter brown hues blend effortlessly with dark brown wood furniture. Try decorating with a shade slightly lighter than your furniture for a coordinated monochromatic palette. Use light brown on feature walls or big statement pieces like a headboard.
Soft Gray
Soft, warm grays work well with the depth of dark brown wood. Incorporate gray linen bedding, wool rugs and weathered gray-painted accent pieces. Cool grays can feel stark, so stick to grays with beige, brown or taupe undertones.
Earth Tones
Earth tones derived from nature lend a subtle vibrancy while harmonizing flawlessly with dark wood furniture. Terracotta, brick red, ochre, olive green, amber and rust orange look right at home with brown wood.
Terracotta
The burnt orange hue of terracotta makes a bold, lively pairing with dark brown wood furniture. Use terracotta on accent walls or introduce it through pillows, throws and area rugs. A few pops of this earthy color can warm up a brown wood bedroom.
Brick Red
Brick red has an earthy quality that sits well alongside rich brown wood. Pair a brick red couch or chair with dark brown nightstands and headboard. Brick red also shines as an accent when used judiciously on pillows, mirrors and lampshades.
Ochre
Ochre is a mustard yellow earth tone that brings brightness and visual intrigue. Use ochre fabrics like linen, cotton and wool to liven up brown furniture. Paint ceiling beams, doors or trim ochre for an unexpected pop of color.
Olive Green
The natural green tone of olive makes it a foolproof pairing with dark wood furniture. Olive green bedding, furniture and decor injects a subtle vibrancy. Try deeper forest greens for a moodier, sophisticated look.
Amber
Amber is a rich orange-brown that harmonizes effortlessly with dark brown wood. Amber walls, lamps, pillows and carpets introduce warmth and complement brown wood furniture.
Rust Orange
Rust orange has an earthy, retro personality that jives with dark wood furniture. Use it in moderation on accent walls, artwork, blankets and decorative objects.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and amethyst lend a punch of color and visual dynamism when paired with dark brown wood furniture. These saturated gem-inspired hues work best as accents.
Emerald
The rich green jewel tone of emerald complements and intensifies the darkness of brown wood furniture. Emerald makes a dramatic statement on accent walls or through decor accessories like pillows, vases and lamps.
Sapphire
Bring a moodiness and sophistication to a dark wood bedroom with pops of deep blue sapphire. Use sapphire fabrics, wallpaper or painted trim to establish an intricate color story.
Amethyst
The regal purple shade of amethyst heightens the elegance of dark brown wood furniture. Introduce amethyst through bedroom linens, throw pillows, area rugs or artwork for a dash of vibrancy.
Tips for Decorating with Dark Brown Wood Furniture
When working with dark brown wood pieces, keep these decor tips in mind:
- Select colors within the same color family for visual harmony. Combining cool and warm tones can look disjointed.
- Neutrals open up small spaces and prevent colors from competing with the brown wood.
- Don’t overdo bright whites, which can look harsh next to dark brown wood. Opt for soft off-whites and creams instead.
- Metallic accents like bronze, copper and brass bring light and warmth to a brown wood palette.
- Incorporate natural textures like cotton, linen, wool and leather to complement the inherent texture of wood.
- Use color in moderation as accents against a neutral backdrop to keep the focus on the beautiful dark brown wood.
Color Scheme Examples
Here are some inspiring color schemes to try with dark brown wood bedroom furniture:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Cream, Tan & Terracotta | Warm neutrals like cream and tan paired with energetic terracotta accents |
| Beige, Light Gray & Sapphire | Cool, soothing combination of beige, gray and bold sapphire blue |
| Brick Red, Olive & Ochre | Earthy mix of brick red, olive green and bright ochre yellow |
| Soft Gray, Emerald & Bronze | Elegant blend of gray, jewel-toned emerald and metallic bronze |
| Light Brown, Amber & Rust Orange | Warm monochromatic scheme with brown, amber and rust orange |
| Beige, Amethyst & Copper | Subtle beige paired with regal amethyst and metallic copper accents |
Tips for Specific Furniture Pieces
Certain dark brown wood furniture pieces pair particularly well with specific colors:
Beds
For dark brown wood bed frames, use white, cream, beige or light blue bedding. Gray and tan work well too. Add pops of color with blankets and accent pillows.
Nightstands
Next to dark brown nightstands, try lamps in white, cream, light blue or brass. Use rugs and pillows to complement with accent colors.
Dressers
Neutral wall colors allow dark brown dressers to stand out. Soft grays, beiges, whites and light browns work well. Use jewelry trays or decorative boxes in metallic tones as accents.
Bookcases
Let bookcases take center stage against a neutral wall. For shelves, organize books by color for a coordinated look. Add accent pieces like vases, sculptures or plants.
Desks
Pair a dark brown desk with a light natural or gray wall. Coordinate desktop accessories like trays, organizers and table lamps in chrome, glass or soft-colored ceramics.
Nightstands
Next to dark brown nightstands, try lamps in white, cream, light blue or brass. Use rugs and pillows to complement with accent colors.
Conclusion
Dark brown wood furniture is a versatile, timeless choice that fits into many decor styles. Neutrals like cream, tan, beige and soft gray beautifully complement the rich wood tones. Earth tones in the terracotta, olive and brick red family also pair seamlessly. For a touch of vibrancy, bring in jewel tones like emerald or sapphire as accents. Focus on colors within the same family for harmony. The colors you choose alongside your dark brown wood furniture can enliven your space and enhance the beauty of the wood grain.
