Dark brown is a rich, deep shade that can add warmth and sophistication to any space. While true brown contains no traces of other colours, creating a dark brown typically requires combining brown with other pigments. The specific combination needed depends on the exact hue of brown desired.
Combining Brown with Black
One of the simplest ways to darken brown is by adding black. Black contains no hue, so it darkens brown without altering the basic colour. The more black added, the darker the brown becomes.
To achieve a deep, rich shade of dark brown, start with a brown paint or dye and add black a little at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition of black to fully incorporate it. Continue adding black until the desired darkness of brown is reached. Too much black may result in a muddy, flat colour rather than a bright, rich brown.
Combining Brown with Other Dark Colours
In addition to black, brown can be combined with other deep, dark hues to create luscious dark browns. Colours like navy blue, forest green, burgundy and deep purple let you darken brown while adding extra dimension.
When mixing brown with another dark colour, start with approximately equal parts brown and the other hue. Mix thoroughly. Check the colour and continue adding more of the dark accent colour until you achieve the brown shade you want.
These combinations result in deep browns with a subtle tint of the added colour. A touch of navy makes a brown with a slightly cool undertone, while forest green creates an earthy vibe. Burgundy-brown has a warm, reddish cast while purple-brown is sophisticated and slightly exotic.
Using Tinted Black vs. Pure Black
Both tinted black and pure black darken brown, but they produce slightly different results:
- Pure black delivers a clean, neutral dark brown.
- Tinted blacks like charcoal and dark grey create rich, nuanced dark browns by introducing a subtle undertone.
Charcoal black has a bluish cast while dark grey black leans slightly toward greenish-grey. The undertones are faint, but they give dimension to the finished dark brown.
Best Colours for Warm, Rich Dark Browns
Some of the best colours to mix with brown to create gorgeous, warm, rich dark browns include:
- Burgundy
- Deep orange
- Dark golden yellow
- Chocolate brown
- Mahogany
- Espresso
These warm, earthy colours infuse brown with vibrancy and depth. Mixing just a small amount with any brown hue results in a dark, inviting brown that seems to glow from within.
Best Colours for Cool, Sophisticated Dark Browns
To make fashionable, elegant dark browns with cool undertones, try combining brown with hues like:
- Navy
- Dark purple
- Dark teal
- Charcoal grey
- Black with a purple, blue or green tint
These cooler colours contrast with brown’s warmth, making for nuanced, stylish browns. Just a touch of navy, teal or violet can transform a standard brown into a sophisticated neutral.
Ideal Combinations for Dark Brown
Here are some gorgeous combinations for making exquisite dark browns:
| Medium brown + Dark purple | Rich, regal brown with a subtle purple undertone |
| Mocha + Charcoal | Deep, slightly grayish brown |
| Milk chocolate + Dark teal | Stylish, cosmopolitan dark brown |
| Walnut brown + Black | Classic, beautiful deep brown |
| Russet + Burgundy | Deep brown with warm red-orange glow |
Mix the colours slowly and test the results until you get the perfect intensity and undertone.
How to Make Custom Dark Browns
Follow these tips when creating custom dark brown colours:
- Start with a mid-tone brown. Going too light or dark makes mixing tricky.
- Add the darkening colour slowly and mix thoroughly.
- Test on a swatch before applying to the full project.
- Add tinted black for subtle undertones or pure black for clean dark brown.
- Combine with a deep, dark hue to add richness and dimension.
- Add warm colours like deep reds, oranges or yellows for earthy, inviting browns.
- Incorporate cool colours like dark blues, greens or purples for chic, sophisticated browns.
Keep the proportions more brown than accent colour for the richest, deepest browns. Continue tweaking the formula until you love the finished result!
How Dark Brown Is Made Professionally
For commercial uses, dark brown is mass produced by:
- Pigment mixing – Combining brown pigment with black, purple, orange and other pigments
- Dye blending – Mixing different brown and black dyes
- Additive mixing – Combining brown and black paints or printing inks
Professionals use precise formulas to create consistent colours every time. Computerised colour matching systems analyse the right pigment or dye proportions to replicate any brown hue.
Different Ways to Apply Dark Brown
Once you’ve created the perfect dark brown, there are endless ways to use it, including:
- Wall paint
- Furniture stain
- Leather dye
- Cosmetics like eye shadow and lipstick
- Hair dye
- Clothing dye
- Carpets and rugs
- Automotive paint
- Printing ink
Test your custom brown on a hidden spot first when applying to furnishings, cars, etc. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.
Choosing Your Dark Brown Shade
With so many possibilities, how do you choose the perfect dark brown? Consider:
- Warm or cool – Warm browns have red, orange or yellow tones; cool browns lean grey, blue or green
- Richness – How deep and vivid or how muted and earthy?
- Undertones – Do you want subtle colour tints?
- Application – Some colours work better on certain surfaces
- Personal taste – Choose what you find most pleasing and on-trend
View colour swatches in the lighting where you’ll use it. You can get inspiration from interior design magazines and websites too. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you love your custom dark brown!
Conclusion
Dark brown is a versatile, stylish neutral that adds sophistication to any space or material. By mixing standard brown with black, purple, navy and other deep hues, you can create custom dark browns in any hue, intensity and undertone. Follow colour theory basics, test your creations, and tweak the formula until you achieve your perfect dark brown.
