Mixing the colors blue and brown together results in a darker, earthy tone that brings a subtle richness. The specific resulting color depends on the exact shades of blue and brown used and the proportions they are combined.
Quick Overview
In general, mixing a dark blue and dark brown will make a very dark, muted bluish-brown. Using a light blue and light brown will create more of a grayish tone. Equal parts blue and brown tend towards a balanced neutral. More blue makes it a bluer brown, while more brown gives a browner blue.
The Color Wheel
Looking at a color wheel helps explain how blue and brown mix. Blue is a primary color, while brown is a tertiary color made by mixing the primary colors red and green.
When looking at the color wheel, blue is located opposite orange. Brown is found between red and green. Combining colors opposite each other on the color wheel results in browns, grays, and earth tones.
For example, blue mixed with orange makes a brown. Mixing blue and brown is similar – the warm, earthy brown tones down the cooler blue, resulting in a muted neutral tone.
Shades of Blue and Brown
The specific shades of blue and brown used will affect the end result. Darker shades will create a nearly black tone, while lighter shades mix to a grayish tan.
Deep navy blue mixed with a dark chocolate brown will produce an extremely dark, rich neutral that appears black in some lighting. Mixing a sky blue and beige creates more of a gray taupe.
Some combinations to try:
- Navy blue + dark brown = very dark blue-brown
- Royal blue + walnut brown = deep neutral brown
- Baby blue + light tan = soft grayish tone
Proportions
The proportions of blue and brown used also affect the final mixed color. Using more blue will result in a blue-leaning brown, while extra brown gives a more brownish blue.
If mixing equal parts blue and brown, the combination will be a balanced, muted neutral halfway between the two colors. Adjusting the amounts shifts the tone on the spectrum between blue and brown.
| Blue | Brown | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 75% | 25% | Blue-leaning brown |
| 50% | 50% | Balanced neutral brown |
| 25% | 75% | Brownish blue |
Mixing Tips
Here are some tips when mixing blue and brown paints, dyes, or other pigments:
- Start with small amounts and adjust as needed. Adding white will lighten the tone.
- Mixing complementary blues and browns (like navy and chocolate) creates richer neutrals.
- Avoid mixing bold primary blues with warm earth browns as this can create an unappealing greenish mud.
- Soft blue-grays combine better with light tans or cream browns.
- Adjust proportions to control the undertone, from cool blue to warm brown.
Examples and Uses
Knowing how to mix blue and brown allows creating a wide range of beautiful, sophisticated neutral tones. Here are some ways to use blue-browns:
- Painting – Layer blue and brown glazes to make shadow colors with subtle depth.
- Fashion/decor – Use blue-tinged browns in accessories against warm neutrals for an earthy-cool accent.
- Graphic design – Employ blue-brown as a sophisticated neutral to complement bright accents.
- Special effects – Mix blue and brown face paints to create creature skin tones and shadowing.
Blue-browns work especially well for creating weathered, vintage looks in projects. The colors give a nostalgic aged feel.
Conclusion
Mixing blue and brown produces a versatile range of subtler neutral tones. The specific resulting color depends on the shades and proportions used. But in general, combining blue and brown results in muted, earthy colors that add sophisticated naturalness.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with blending blue and brown. The understated combo may become a new go-to in your color palette.
