Taupe is an interesting colour that can take on different hues depending on the specific shade. Medium taupe sits somewhere between light taupe and dark taupe on the colour spectrum. It’s a versatile neutral that can work with a variety of decor styles from modern to traditional. Understanding the origins and undertones of medium taupe can help us determine what colour it really is.
The Origins of Taupe
The word “taupe” comes from the French term for mole. Moles are small mammals with velvety, brownish-grey fur. The earliest uses of taupe referred to this greyish shade seen on moles.
Taupe became more widely used as a colour term in the 19th century. French impressionist painters began incorporating shades of taupe into their artworks. The neutral tone allowed them to create shadows and depth in their paintings.
The Undertones of Medium Taupe
Medium taupe contains subtle undertones that shift its appearance under different lighting. Here is a breakdown of the colour influences in medium taupe:
– Grey – Medium taupe leans towards a greyish tone. The grey reduces intensity and brightness.
– Brown – There are subtle brown undertones in medium taupe with hints of muted earthiness.
– Beige – While greys and browns are the main influences, medium taupe usually has a subtle beige tone as well. The beige adds some warmth.
– Green – Some variations of medium taupe have subtle green-grey undertones. This gives a cooler, more modern look.
How Lighting Affects Medium Taupe
The way medium taupe appears can vary under cool, warm, and natural lighting. Here are the effects:
Cool lighting: Emphasizes greys and greens, making medium taupe look cooler and more subdued.
Warm lighting: Brings out browns and beiges, giving medium taupe a warmer, more earthy appearance.
Natural lighting: Allows both cool and warm undertones to show through for a balanced, versatile shade.
| Lighting | Effect on Medium Taupe |
|---|---|
| Cool lighting | Emphasizes greys and greens, cooler look |
| Warm lighting | Emphasizes browns and beiges, warmer look |
| Natural lighting | Balanced cool and warm undertones |
How Medum Taupe Compares to Other Taupe Shades
Medium taupe sits in the middle between light taupe and dark taupe in terms of depth of colour. Here’s how it compares:
Light Taupe: Has more grey and beige undertones. Lighter and brighter than medium taupe.
Medium Taupe: A balanced neutral with subtle cool and warm undertones. More versatile shade.
Dark Taupe: Contains more brown and green-grey tones. Deeper shade than medium taupe.
| Taupe Shade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Light Taupe | More grey and beige tones, lighter and brighter |
| Medium Taupe | Balanced subtle cool and warm undertones, versatile neutral shade |
| Dark Taupe | More brown and green-grey tones, deeper shade |
How Medium Taupe Differs from Greige
Medium taupe is sometimes confused with greige. While they are both versatile neutrals, there are some key differences:
Medium Taupe: Subtle cool and warm tones, emphasis on grey-brown. More muted and earthy.
Greige: Mix of grey and beige, lighter and more brightly balanced. Slightly warmer than medium taupe.
| Neutral Colour | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Medium Taupe | Grey-brown emphasis, more muted and earthy |
| Greige | Grey and beige balance, lighter and brighter |
Decor Styles for Medium Taupe
The versatility of medium taupe allows it to work well in many decor contexts. Here are some styles where medium taupe shines:
Traditional: Provides an earthy, muted look alongside antiques and darker woods.
Modern: Cool undertones give a sophisticated, contemporary vibe.
Cottage: Warmer versions blend with pastels in a cozy cottage setting.
Coastal: Green-grey tones complement seaside colour schemes.
Farmhouse: Brownish medium taupe evokes a rustic, countryside feel.
Eclectic: Works with varied styles from vintage to mid-century.
| Style | How Medium Taupe Complements |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Earthy and muted alongside antiques and dark woods |
| Modern | Cool undertones give contemporary vibe |
| Cottage | Warmer versions with pastels in cozy setting |
| Coastal | Green-grey tones complement seaside colours |
| Farmhouse | Brownish tones evoke rustic countryside feel |
| Eclectic | Works with varied vintage to mid-century styles |
Using Medium Taupe in Your Home
Medium taupe is a versatile neutral that can be incorporated throughout the home:
Walls: Provides a muted, cozy backdrop for rooms. Slightly warmer than basic grey.
Furniture: A medium taupe couch or chair adds subtle contrast without overpowering.
Decor: Use in pillows, throws, drapes to tie a space together. Works with most colour schemes.
Kitchen cabinets: Instead of stark white, try medium taupe for a soft but neutral look.
Bathrooms: A soothing earthy tone on walls that complements tile and fixtures.
Bedrooms: Peaceful and relaxed for spaces meant for recharging and resting.
| Room/Use | How to Incorporate Medium Taupe |
|---|---|
| Walls | Muted, cozy backdrop slightly warmer than basic grey |
| Furniture | Subtle contrast from medium taupe couch or chair |
| Decor | Use in pillows, throws, drapes to tie space together |
| Kitchen Cabinets | Soft but neutral look instead of stark white |
| Bathrooms | Soothing earthy tone that complements tile and fixtures |
| Bedrooms | Peaceful and relaxed tone for restful sleep |
Paint Colours Similar to Medium Taupe
If you are looking to incorporate medium taupe through paint, here are some specific shades across brands that come close to medium taupe tones:
Benjamin Moore: Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
Sherwin Williams: Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Behr: Mystic Taupe (760F-3)
Valspar: Documentary (5007-3A)
PPG Paints: Ponder (LRV 35)
| Paint Brand | Medium Taupe Colour |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Chelsea Gray (HC-168) |
| Sherwin Williams | Accessible Beige (SW 7036) |
| Behr | Mystic Taupe (760F-3) |
| Valspar | Documentary (5007-3A) |
| PPG Paints | Ponder (LRV 35) |
Conclusion
In summary, medium taupe is a versatile neutral shade with subtle cool and warm grey, brown, and beige undertones. It shifts appearance under different lighting conditions. Medium taupe sits between light and dark taupe in terms of depth of colour. It works well in both modern and traditional decor contexts to provide a muted, earthy backdrop. Incorporating medium taupe through wall paint, furniture, decor items, and more can create a soothing yet sophisticated space.