Brown is a versatile neutral color that can work well with a wide range of shades. When trying to find colors that complement brown, it’s important to consider the undertones and shade of the particular brown you’re working with. Lighter tans pair beautifully with airy pastels, while deeper chocolate browns match richer jewel tones. With so many brown hues to choose from, the possibilities for color combinations are endless!
Matching Browns and Tans
Lighter browns and tans taken from nature – think sand, camel, khaki – have warm, golden undertones. These earthy neutrals pair well with other colors from the natural world that share the same undertones:
| Greens | Sage green, olive green, moss green |
| Blues | Seafoam, aqua, teal |
| Purples | Lavender, lilac |
Delicate neutral pastels also complement tan beautifully. Soft hues like blush pink, powder blue, and pale yellow bring out the warm glow of lighter browns. Crisp white looks fresh against tan and completes the natural color palette.
Matching Medium to Dark Browns
As brown deepens towards chocolate, chestnut and mahogany hues, it develops richer red and purple undertones. These deeper browns pair well with jewel tones that share the same intensity. Try matching with:
| Blues | Navy, cobalt |
| Greens | Emerald, forest green |
| Purples | Eggplant, plum |
Deep browns also stand up well to black and charcoal gray. For a retro ’70s vibe, mix chocolate brown with burnt orange. Warm metallics like copper and bronze bring out the reddish undertones of dark brown.
Matching Brown with Patterns and Prints
In addition to solid colors, brown also pairs beautifully with a range of prints and textures. Some patterns that complement earthy brown hues include:
– Plaids and checks in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green
– Organic prints like leaves, flowers, or wood grain
– Ethnic-inspired prints such as batik or Native American motifs
– Paisley in rich, jewel-toned hues
Heathered and marled fabrics in shades of gray, blue, purple and green also complement brown’s natural earthiness. Distressed leather or suede in tan or black makes an edgy texture pairing.
Brown Color Combinations for Fashion
Brown is an extremely versatile neutral in fashion that works year-round. Here are some stylish ways to wear different shades of brown:
Light Tans and Khakis
– Camel trench coat with navy dress and heels
– Tan sweater with lavender mini skirt and booties
– Khaki pants with white button-down and cognac loafers
Chocolates and Coffee Browns
– Espresso brown sweater dress with black tights and ankle boots
– Cocoa fitted blazer with emerald green shift dress
– Milk chocolate skirt suit with cream pussy-bow blouse
Deep Browns and Bronze
– Mahogany trousers with cobalt blue blouse and nude heels
– Shimmering bronze dress with black leather jacket
– Chestnut fitted turtleneck with gray plaid straight leg pants
Brown Color Combinations for Interiors
From furniture to walls to accessories, brown is extremely versatile in home decor. Here are some stylish ways to use different shades of brown:
Light Browns
– Khaki walls with white trim and sage green accents
– Camel Chesterfield sofa with navy and white pinstripe pillows
– Beige jute rug with lavender curtains
Mid-tone Browns
– Chocolate leather sofa with teal throw pillows
– Chestnut dining chairs with brass accents and creamy marble table
– Coffee-colored shag rug with chrome and glass coffee table
Dark Browns
– Mahogany console table with malachite accessories
– Espresso wood floors with ivory and navy geometric area rug
– Bronze lamp with black shade and emerald ceramic vase
Conclusion
With its versatility as a neutral, brown truly goes with everything. From pale pastels to rich jewel tones, natural prints to sleek solids, brown is a steady anchor that allows other colors to take center stage. Use brown’s different shades and undertones as a base, then layer on accents in colors from the same color family for a pulled-together, harmonious look. With endless options for stylish color combinations, brown can lend sophistication and depth to any wardrobe, interior or craft project.
