Choosing the right colors to pair with a brown couch can definitely be tricky. Brown is a neutral color that can work with a variety of color schemes, so there are lots of potential options. When selecting colors, it’s important to consider the undertones of the brown couch as well as the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. This article will explore some of the best color combinations to complement a brown couch.
Consider the undertones
Not all brown couches are created equal. The specific shade and undertones of the brown will impact which colors coordinate well with it. Here are some of the most common undertones for brown couches:
- Warm browns with yellow, orange or red undertones – These brown shades pair best with other warm colors like reds, oranges, yellows, and neutrals like tans and creams.
- Cool browns with blue or grey undertones – These brown hues look best with other cool colors like blues, greens, greys, and soft neutrals like light taupes.
- True brown or chocolate brown – The most versatile shade of brown that can work well with both warm and cool colors.
Look closely at your brown couch to determine if it leans warm, cool or neutral. This will help guide your color palette.
Aim for balance
Whatever colors you choose, you’ll want to aim for a balanced, coordinated look. Follow these tips:
- Use the 60-30-10 rule – 60% brown couch, 30% secondary color, 10% accent colors
- Incorporate neutrals like white, tan, grey or black to anchor the space
- Repeat colors throughout the room for cohesion – pillows, throws, rugs, decor
- Layer in textures like wood, leather, velvet to add visual interest
Keeping these principles in mind will help pull your whole room together.
Warm Color Palettes for Brown Couches
If your brown couch has warm undertones, you’ll want to stick with complementary warm hues. Here are some attractive options:
Brown Couch with Reds and Oranges
A brown couch paired with pops of red or burnt orange can create a fun, lively vibe. These colors are bold and full of energy. To keep it balanced, incorporate creams and lighter wood tones. You can also add metallics like copper or brass for sheen.
Brown Couch with Sage Greens
For a more natural feel, sage greens complement warm brown tones nicely. Pull in other earthy elements like jute rugs, rattan furniture and potted plants. Creamy whites and light wood finishes keep the palette serene.
Brown Couch with Yellows
Cheerful yellow accent pieces like pillows, poufs and artwork enliven a brown couch with warm undertones. Stick to muted golden yellows rather than bright citrus shades for a cohesive look. Incorporate white, reclaimed wood and black metals for contrast.
Cool Color Palettes for Brown Couches
Does your brown couch lean more to the cool side? Go for cool-toned hues like these:
Brown Couch with Blues
From navy to sky blue, rich shades of blue complement cooler brown couches beautifully. Grey-browns work especially well with light and mid-tone blues. Add in white, grey and wood accents for depth and visual interest.
Brown Couch with Greens
Earthy, olive and sage greens pair excellently with brown couches that have blue undertones. Incorporate cream, beige and wood elements to warm up the cool palette. Touches of black and grey also help ground the look.
Brown Couch with Greys
For a sleek, modern atmosphere, team a cool-toned brown couch with an array of grey highlights. Charcoal throws and silver-grey pillows add compelling contrast. Crisp whites and natural wood finishes keep the grays from feeling too cold.
Neutral Color Palettes for Brown Couches
A true neutral brown couch has the advantage of matching both warm and cool palettes. Here are some versatile combinations:
Brown Couch with Cream and White
You really can’t go wrong pairing a brown couch with cream, beige or crisp white accents. The light neutrals offset the brown beautifully, creating a light and airy feel. Incorporate blue-greys or warm metallics as accent colors.
Brown Couch with Black and Grey
For a cozy, moody atmosphere, team rich chocolate browns with charcoal greys and black accents. Add in wood furnishings and cream upholstery to keep the palette from feeling too dark. A neutral patterned rug pulls it all together.
Brown Couch with Jewel Tones
Make a neutral brown couch pop by accenting it with a mix of jewel-toned pillows and throws in colors like emerald, sapphire and amethyst. Keep the rest of the furnishings light to prevent overwhelming the space.
Tips for Accessorizing a Brown Couch
Accessories like throw pillows, area rugs and wall art are the perfect way to incorporate pops of color into a brown couch space. Here are some top tips for accessorizing:
- Solid pillows in accent colors help anchor the palette.
- Patterned pillows and rugs complement solid furniture and add visual flair.
- Don’t over-accessorize. Limit accent pillows to no more than 6 per couch.
- Repeat colors from pillows in artwork for a pulled together look.
- Layer in lighting like floor lamps and sconces to create a warm glow.
Example Color Palettes for a Brown Couch
To summarize, here are three example color palettes that would work well with a brown couch:
| Brown Couch Color Palette #1 | Brown Couch Color Palette #2 | Brown Couch Color Palette #3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Conclusion
Brown couches are extremely versatile and can work in many stylish, put-together color palettes. Pay attention to the undertones of your brown couch, balance the colors appropriately, and accessorize to tie everything together. With the right combination of hues, textures and patterns, your brown couch can anchor a stunning, welcoming room.
