Choosing colors that complement brown wood tones can be tricky. The shade of the wood plays a big role in determining which colors will look best. Light brown woods pair well with lighter, brighter colors while deeper, richer browns look better with darker, more saturated colors. Understanding the undertones in the brown wood is key – does it lean red, orange, yellow or grey? Matching or contrasting undertones is an important factor when selecting coordinating colors. With so many shades of brown wood, there’s a wide range of colors that can work beautifully. Here’s an overview of the top color options for common brown wood tones and styles.
Colors That Go With Light Brown Wood
Light brown woods like maple, birch, and ash have a blonde, yellowish undertone. Lighter woods with these warm golden undertones look great with other pale tones like off-white, cream, and light grey. Soft muted colors like sage green, light blue, and pale yellow also complement light brown wood. White trim really makes lighter browns pop. Here are some top color pairings:
– Off-white or cream walls and trim
– Soft blue-grey on walls
– Pale sage green or robin’s egg blue accents
– Crisp white trim with pale walls
– Warm metallics like champagne or brass
Overall, the best colors to pair with light brown wood are lighter versions of colors that coordinate with brown. Stick with soft, muted tones rather than bright saturates hues for a relaxed look. Monochromatic schemes also work well, using different shades of brown on walls, furniture and accessories.
Colors That Go With Medium Brown Wood
Medium brown wood tones like chestnut and oak have more reddish-orange undertones. With the warmer mid-range brown woods, you have more flexibility when selecting colors. Both light and dark colors work well, along with slightly bolder accent colors. Here are some ideal color combinations:
– Soft greys or warm greige on walls
– Crisp white trim and ceilings
– Robin’s egg or sky blue accents
– Brick red or burnt orange tones
– Emerald and olive greens
– Yellows like mustard or ochre
– Navy blue and charcoal grey
Medium brown woods are very versatile, so have fun mixing and matching colors. Contrast the warmth of the wood with cool colors like blue, green or grey. Or opt for a harmonious look by pairing the brown wood with analogous colors on the color wheel like red, orange or yellow.
Colors That Go With Dark Brown Wood
Rich dark brown woods like mahogany, walnut and espresso have a sophisticated look. Deep brown woods work best with bold, saturated colors that contrast the dark tones. Light neutrals can also create balance against the darkness. Here are some of the top color combinations:
– Pure white walls and trim
– Charcoal grey walls or accents
– Navy blue accessories or furniture
– Black accents in matte finishes
– Deep red tones like burgundy or maroon
– Chocolate brown walls or throw pillows
– Metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or gold
Dark brown wood has a commanding presence, so colors need some punch to stand out. Contrast is key – light colors pop against the dark background while deep shades complement it. Don’t be afraid to use strong colors with confidence.
Factors That Impact Color Pairings
There are a few additional factors that impact which colors coordinate best with different shades of brown wood:
– Wood finish – Matte finishes make wood appear lighter. The same brown wood with a glossy finish looks richer and darker.
– Room lighting – Rooms with abundant natural light can handle deeper, saturated colors. Dimmer spaces call for paler neutral shades.
– Personal color preference – Coordinate colors based on colors you are naturally drawn to for a space you’ll love.
– Existing furniture and fabrics – Pull one or two accent colors from pieces you want to keep in the space.
While these general guidelines provide a starting point, you’ll always want to consider the specific shade of your brown wood. Test out color swatches and look at all the elements in the space to find the perfect color combinations.
Color Schemes With Brown Wood
When putting together a full color scheme featuring brown wood, you’ll want to think about how all the colors will work together across the various surfaces and fabrics in a room. Here are some cohesive color palette ideas to inspire you:
| Color Scheme | Primary Colors |
|---|---|
| Warm neutrals | Cream, light brown, tan, warm white |
| Earth tones | Burnt orange, olive green, cream, brown |
| Modern farmhouse | White, light blue, wood tones |
| Coastal | Light blue, sand, white, brown |
| Midcentury modern | Brown, blue-grey, yellow, white |
| Rustic | Brown, red, dark green, off-white |
| Contemporary | Charcoal, cream, espresso brown |
Look for colors within the same family that share undertones and complement each other. Analogous color schemes made up of neighboring hues also create harmony.
Best Paint Colors for Brown Wood Trim and Furniture
Painting walls, ceilings, and trim to match with brown wood elements can tie a whole room together. Here are some of the most popular paint colors that look fabulous with brown wood trim, floors and furniture:
– Extra White by Behr – Crisp, bright white pops against brown
– Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore – Classic warm greige
– Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore – Soft gray with brown undertones
– Silver Drop by Behr – Light color with hints of brown and grey
– Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore – Deep, dramatic blue
– Lancaster Whitewash by Behr – White with brown undertones
– Balboa Mist by Behr – Warm greige that complements brown
Stick with lighter neutrals if your wood tones are also light. For medium to dark brown wood, choose paint colors with more saturation. Consider sheen too – glossy paint reflects more light. Matte or eggshell finishes are better for creating cohesion.
Conclusion
Brown wood comes in so many gorgeous shades, which gives you lots of options when selecting coordinating colors. Lighter wood looks best with soft neutrals and muted tones. The warmer orange undertones of mid-range browns allow for more flexible color pairings. And deeply saturated, bold colors stand up well against dark brown wood. Consider the exact shade, room lighting and your personal taste when putting together colors. With the right combinations, brown wood can be paired beautifully with colors ranging from light, airy neutrals to dramatic, vibrant hues.
