When choosing a grey paint color, it’s important to consider the undertones. Grey can take on different hues depending on the undertones present. Greys with brown undertones tend to be warmer and more natural looking. They work well for creating cozy and inviting spaces.
Taupe Greys
One of the most popular greys with brown undertones is taupe. Taupe greys mix grey with muddy brown tones. This results in a muted, earthy grey that feels organic and grounded. Taupe grey paint colors work well in living spaces, bedrooms, and nature-inspired rooms. Here are some popular taupe grey paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Behr Taupe Grey
- Valspar Rock Dust
These taupe greys have a brownish-grey appearance. They are darker and richer than cool-toned greys. Taupe grey paint provides a cozy, relaxed feeling. It’s often used in place of beige or brown paint colors.
Greige Paint Colors
Another type of grey with brown undertones is greige. Greige refers to colors that mix grey and beige. The result is a warm, inviting grey that takes on the rich undertones of brown beige. Here are some popular greige paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Behr Gray Clouds
- Valspar Perfect Greige
These greige paint colors have subtle brown undertones from the beige influence. They read as neutral but are much warmer than stark greys. Greige paint works well in nearly any room of the home. It creates a cozy backdrop without feeling too brown.
Mushroom and Dove Greys
Mushroom and dove greys are soft, gentle neutral colors with brown undertones. They are light greys that take on a subtle mushroom or dove-like appearance. Here are some examples:
- Benjamin Moore Mushroom
- Sherwin Williams Dovetail
- Behr Cushing Green
- Valspar Lexington Grey
These paint colors work well in bedrooms, living spaces, and bathrooms. They read as grey but have an approachable, natural feel from their brown undertones. Mushroom and dove greys are peaceful and elegant.
Clay Based Greys
Greys with clay undertones are moody and earthy. The clay influence adds texture and depth. Here are some clay-based greys:
- Benjamin Moore Clay Knob
- Sherwin Williams Dorian Grey
- Behr Rustic Grey
- Valspar Clay Pot
These rich, brooding greys work well as accent colors. Their brownish-grey appearance provides contrast against brighter whites and neutrals. Clay based greys bring drama and sophistication.
Comparing Brown Grey Paint Colors
When evaluating grey paint colors with brown undertones, it helps to compare them side-by-side. Here is a comparison of 5 popular brown grey paint colors:
| Paint Color | Brand | Brown Undertones |
|---|---|---|
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore | Greige – subtle brown beige |
| Dovetail | Sherwin Williams | Mushroom grey – soft, gentle |
| Taupe Grey | Behr | Taupe – muddy, earthy |
| Dorian Grey | Benjamin Moore | Clay – rich, brooding |
| Lexington Grey | Valspar | Dove grey – subtle, elegant |
As you can see, the specific shade of grey and intensity of the brown undertones varies. Greige paint colors like Revere Pewter have subtle brown influences, while taupe grey paints like Behr’s Taupe Grey feature stronger, muddier brown undertones. The intensity of the brown tones will impact the overall look and feel of the grey paint color.
Choosing the Best Brown Grey Paint
So how do you choose the perfect grey paint color with brown undertones for your space? Here are some tips:
- Consider the look you want to achieve – cozy and relaxing, sophisticated, or moody and dramatic?
- Think about the room function – bedrooms and living rooms often benefit from warmer, cozier greys.
- Look at undertone intensity – do you want subtle brown hints or stronger taupe tones?
- View grey paint swatches in the space and at different times of day to judge the undertones.
- Opt for greige or mushroom greys for a gentle, inviting warmth.
- Choose taupe greys for an organic, earthy coziness.
- Go for clay-based greys if you want a sophisticated, dramatic flair.
Trust your instincts when evaluating grey paint colors. The right brown-toned grey will simply feel right for your needs and aesthetics. Pair your grey paint color with natural wood tones and tactile fabrics to allow the subtle brown undertones to shine.
Achieving the Perfect Brown Grey
While choosing the perfect pre-mixed brown grey paint color is easiest, you can also deliberately create your own custom brown grey tone. Here are some tips for achieving a customized brown grey paint:
- Start with a base grey paint in a lighter tint that you can build on.
- Add small amounts of brown paint – try a sepia brown or greige/brown mix.
- Add brown in increments until you achieve your ideal tone.
- Sample your mixed paint on boards first to perfect the tone.
- Avoid over-tinting into a strongly brown paint color.
- Increase depth gradually – you can always add more brown if needed.
- Test your custom mixed paint in the actual space/lighting.
With the right approach, you can easily mix and customize the perfect brown-influenced grey. Take your time finding the ideal subtle brown tone that suits your space.
Complementary Colors for Brown Greys
Once you’ve selected the perfect brown-toned grey paint, consider these complementary color schemes:
- Warm metallics: Brass, copper, bronze
- Rich wood tones: Walnut, mahogany, teak
- Earthen accents: Terracotta, sandstone, timber
- Natural fabrics: Cotton, wool, linen
- Organic patterns: Leaves, branches, vines
- Earthy colors: Moss green, ochre, umber
These colors and materials will accentuate the subtle warmth and organic nature of your brown-toned grey. Avoid pairing brown greys with cool colors like blues and purples, which can create a disconnect. Instead, opt for harmonious warm accents.
Consider Lighting
Lighting plays a key role in how grey paint colors are perceived. Here are some lighting tips to showcase brown undertones:
- Use warm light bulbs in table and floor lamps
- Incorporate natural light when possible
- Layer ambient and task lighting
- Include lighting on dimmers to adjust intensity
- Position lighting to avoid grey taking on a cool cast
- Use illumination to create a relaxed, inviting look
The right lighting plan can let the subtle warmth and richness of your brown-toned grey paint shine. Test grey paint samples at various times of day to judge the color accurately.
Contemporary and Traditional Looks
Grey paint colors with brown undertones work well in both contemporary and traditional home decors. Here are some tips for integrating brown greys:
Contemporary Spaces
- Use muted clay greys in sleek minimalist rooms
- Opt for greige on accent walls in modern living rooms
- Pair taupe greys with concrete floors and metal finishes
- Choose mushroom grey for a relaxed contemporary bedroom
Traditional Rooms
- Select greige paint for cozy cottage-style spaces
- Use dove grey in shabby chic bedroom designs
- Choose mushroom grey for craftsman or farmhouse living rooms
- Opt for taupe greys in traditional homes to avoid beige
Brown greys can be adapted to both modern and traditional spaces. Just tailor your finishings and accents to the overall decor style.
Conclusion
Grey paint colors with brown undertones offer the best of both worlds – stylish neutral grey softened by natural, warm brown tones. Whether you opt for on-trend greige, cozy taupe, or sophisticated clay-based greys, these colors create relaxed and welcoming spaces. Just be sure to view paint swatches at all times of day to judge undertones accurately. Pair your brown grey paint with natural wood finishes and organic textiles to allow its subtle warmth to shine through. With the right brown-influenced grey, you can easily achieve an elegant, inviting room.
