The color that results from mixing dark brown and blue is a deep, rich shade that combines the depth of brown with the cool tones of blue. This blended color takes advantage of the best attributes of both parents colors, creating a versatile and complex hue. Understanding how the combination of dark brown and blue produces this nuanced color can help guide and inspire color choices in design, fashion, decor and beyond.
The Color Wheel
Looking at a color wheel is helpful for predicting what color will result when mixing two colors. The color wheel displays colors in a circle, with three primary colors – red, blue and yellow – forming the basic points of the wheel. Combining primary colors in pairs gives three secondary colors – orange, green and violet. Tertiary colors fill in the gaps between the primaries and secondaries.
On the color wheel, dark brown contains more red pigments, tending toward yellow. Blue, as a primary color, sits directly opposite orange on the wheel. When visually blending these two colors in paint, the resulting color ends up between blue and brown on the color wheel. This mixed tertiary color has the bluish depth of blue combined with earthy brown tones.
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Brown | Blue | Deep Blue-Brown |
Color Psychology
Understanding the psychological effects of colors can also lend insight into the fusion of dark brown and blue. Brown gives a feeling of stability, warmth and comfort. It evokes the earthiness of nature. Blue calls to mind openness, tranquility and calm. Bringing these two together retains the cozy reassurance of brown with the cool tranquility of blue.
Here is a summary of the major psychological attributes of brown and blue:
| Dark Brown | Blue |
|---|---|
| Warm, stable, comforting | Cool, tranquil, relaxed |
This combines into a rich, deep color that provides comforting stability with a tranquil feeling of openness and peace. The depth comes from the boldness of the dark brown earthiness, softened by blue’s soothing presence.
Mixing Paints
Mixing dark brown and blue paints on a palette is the most direct way to see the resulting color. Start with a deep blue color, such as ultramarine or prussian blue. Add just a small touch of a dark brown paint, such as burnt umber or raw umber. The brown shifts the clear blue into a subtle range of blues and browns.
Adjust the proportions of each color to achieve the desired balance of brown and blue. Use more brown for a deeper, almost blackish tone. Keep the brown minimal for a clearer blue tone. Combining professional artist acrylics or oils allows for rich blending. Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Dark Brown Paint | Blue Paint |
|---|---|
| Burnt Umber | Ultramarine Blue |
| Raw Umber | Prussian Blue |
Experiment with layering and blending the two colors directly on the canvas or palette. The resulting deep blue-brown comes to life.
Color Names
Several formal color names accurately capture the fusion of dark brown and blue. Identifying these color terms can provide helpful reference points:
- Dark slate blue
- Dark cerulean
- Phthalo blue brown
- Tuscan blue
Many of these color names reference blue pigments, like cerulean or phthalo blue, paired with “brown” or “slate” to indicate the brownish-gray tint. Tuscan blue refers to the bluish brown tones prominent in Tuscany, Italy. While varied in hue, these colors all embody a rich blue-brown essence.
Uses in Design
Incorporating the blend of dark brown and blue into design and decor provides an earthy yet relaxing vibe. Here are some potential uses:
- Wall paint: Dark slate blue walls evoke cozy sophistication in a living room or bedroom.
- Textiles: Deep blue-brown upholstery or rugs add warmth to a room.
- Logos: Earthy blue-browns convey an organic, grounded brand.
- Packaging: Dark cerulean boxes complement natural ingredients and products.
Much more versatile than basic brown, this fusion with blue creates an inviting color for designs where a subtle earthiness is desired. The natural undertones allow it to integrate smoothly with other colors as well.
Fashion and Beauty
In fashion, makeup and hair color, dark blue-brown offers a flattering, rich complement to most skin tones. Suggested uses include:
- Clothing: Deep slate blue dresses or shirts for an elegant evening look.
- Eyeshadow: Warm blue-brown eyeshadow to make eyes pop.
- Lipstick: Dark cerulean lipstick for an alternative to black.
- Nails: Soften black polish with blue-brown tones.
- Hair: Dark slate blue adds subtle color to black or brown hair.
From a pop of color on the eyes to an all-over hair tint, this versatile hue adds glamorous depth and intrigue.
Conclusion
Dark brown and blue seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance. Yet mixed together they produce a sophisticated blended hue full of complexity and depth. This rich, nuanced color brings out the best of brown’s groundedness and blue’s tranquility. Understanding the color wheel psychology, and real-world uses of this fusion provides helpful insight into working with and applying this beautiful tone.
So embrace the possibilities of deep blue-brown. Let it ground you with earthy comfort, yet open you to the peace and calm of blue skies and waters. This dynamic color reflects the convergence of stability and flow, earth and sky, boldness and tranquility.
