Choosing an accent color to go with tan and brown can be tricky. An accent color is meant to complement the main colors in a design scheme without matching them exactly. The right accent provides visual interest and brings the whole look together. When working with earthy neutrals like tan and brown, the accent color you choose can really make or break the aesthetic.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes for a good accent color with tan and brown, factors to consider when selecting an accent, and some specific accent colors that work well with these earthy neutrals. Whether you’re decorating your home, choosing an outfit, or creating any kind of color palette with tan and brown, this guide will help you pick the perfect accent hue.
What Makes a Good Accent Color?
There are a few key criteria that make for a successful accent color:
| Contrast | The accent should contrast enough with the main colors to stand out, without clashing. |
| Harmonious | It should also create visual harmony and complement the overall color scheme. |
| Balanced | The amount of accent color should be balanced against the main colors. |
When balancing tan, brown, and an accent color, you generally want the accent to take up less visual space than the neutrals. The earthy main colors should dominate, with splashes of accent for punctuation.
Factors to Consider
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when selecting an accent color for tan and brown:
Undertones
Look at the undertones of your main colors when choosing an accent. Tan and brown can pull warm or cool. Warm-toned tans and browns pair best with accent colors that have warm undertones. Cool-toned tans and browns look better with cool accent hues. Accenting warm colors with cool shades (or vice versa) tends to create a clashing, disconnected look.
Context
Consider the context where you’ll be using the color palette. Certain accent colors work better in specific settings. For example, bright, saturated accent colors are great for lively spaces like kids’ rooms. More muted, subtle accents are preferable for elegant formal spaces.
Personal Preferences
Don’t overlook personal preferences when selecting an accent color. If you love how a particular accent hue looks with your tan and brown, don’t second guess yourself. Choosing a color you genuinely like will make you happiest in the long run.
Accent Color Ideas for Tan and Brown
Here are some specific accent colors that pair beautifully with tan and brown.
Earthy Accent Colors
Sticking to earthy accent hues is a foolproof way to create natural-looking color harmony. Try rich terra cotta, olive green, clay red, or slate blue with tan and brown. Soothing sage green also accentuates the earthiness.
Warm Accent Colors
Warm accents like peach, buttery yellow, brick red, and burnt orange interplay nicely with the warmth of tan and brown. These colors combine to create a cozy, welcoming look.
Cool Accent Colors
Cooler accents can work with tan and brown if the brown leans cooler in tone. Try pale blue, soft lavender, airy pink, or even vibrant teal to liven up a more neutral tan and brown color scheme.
Metallic Accent Colors
For a touch of shine and glamour, metallics make excellent accents. Bronze, copper, pewter, silver, and gold all pop against matte tan and brown backdrops. Just take care not to overdo it with the metallic accents.
Black and White
Classic black and white offer timeless contrast against tan and brown. Use black in moderation, as it can feel too harsh. Creamy white makes a lovely accent, creating a clean yet cozy feel.
Examples of Tan, Brown, and Accent Color Palettes
Here are some examples of full color schemes built from different tan and brown combinations and accent colors:
| Warm tan, milk chocolate brown, peach accent | A vibrant yet soothing palette, great for living spaces |
| Khaki tan, walnut brown, sage green accent | An earthy, natural-looking combination |
| Mushroom brown, chestnut brown, sky blue accent | A palette with vintage character |
| Golden tan, cocoa brown, terracotta accent | Rich and inviting |
Play around with different tan and brown hues and test out accent colors until you find a combination that suits your space and style.
Using Accents in Different Ways
Now that you’ve selected the perfect accent hue, how do you incorporate it? Here are some creative ways to work your accent color into a tan and brown scheme:
- Paint an accent wall in your accent color
- Use accented throw pillows, blankets, and other home décor
- Choose an area rug with a splash of accent color
- Display fresh flowers in accent shades
- Paint an accent stripe on walls or furniture
- Select an accent color for lamp bases or other metal fixtures
- Mix accent color into neutral patterns on fabric
By strategically using your accent in small doses around your space, you can make it go a long way. The brown and tan will still dominate, while your eye-catching accent provides visual flair.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect accent color to pair with tan and brown comes down to finding a hue that contrasts and complements the earthy neutrals. Opt for accent colors with similar undertones and consider the overall context for the palette. From rich terra cotta to airy sky blue, accent colors can make ordinary tan and brown schemes truly special. Use your chosen accent creatively throughout a space for a put-together, polished look. With the right accent brown and tan combo, you can easily achieve both stylish and soothing spaces.
