Determining the exact name of a color can be tricky, especially when dealing with subtle shades like greyish tans. Tan itself is a pale brown color, while greys range from light silvery hues to darker charcoal tones. Combining these together results in a soft, neutral color that can have warm or cool undertones depending on the specific ratio of tan to grey. This article will explore the various greige tan shades and provide some common color names used to describe these in-between tones.
The Color Spectrum of Greige Tans
Greige tans span a range on the color spectrum, from lighter beige-greys to deeper taupe shades. Here are some of the most common varieties:
| Mushroom | A pale, soft beige-grey with warm undertones |
| Linen | A light tan-grey with subtle yellow/beige tones |
| Desert Sand | A medium-light peachy-grey shade |
| Stone | A light-medium grey-brown with cool undertones |
| Khaki Grey | A medium tan-grey with greenish-brown hues |
| Dusty Clay | A medium reddish-grey with earthy tones |
| Ash Brown | A medium-dark brownish-grey color |
| Charcoal | A darker grey-brown shade |
As you can see, greige tans cover a wide range. Lighter shades have more beige and grey mixing, while darker options feature more brown. The undertones also progress from warm to cool as the colors deepen.
Greige vs. Taupe
Greige tans are often confused with taupe colors. While similar, there are some key differences:
– Greiges skew more grey, while taupe contains more brown.
– Taupe has purple or mauve undertones. Greige leans yellow/beige or greenish.
– Lighter greiges are more neutral grey in tone. Taupe maintains its brown character even when made pale.
– Greige evokes a more modern, sophisticated look. Taupe feels traditional, earthy and rustic.
So in summary, greige tans feature a more even grey/tan balance compared to taupe’s brown dominance. But there can be overlap between greige and taupe shades in the midtone range.
Using Greige Tans in Home Décor
Greige tans are extremely versatile for home decor. Here are some popular ways to utilize this color palette:
– **Neutral backdrops** – Lighter mushroomb or linen greiges work excellently as wall colors. Their soft, muted quality lets other furnishings pop while keeping a soothing ambiance.
– **Textured rugs** – Natural fiber rugs like jute, wool and sisal look beautiful in greige tan shades. The subtle color variations add depth and dimension.
– **Bedroom accents** – Try ash brown or stone greiges for bedding like duvets, shams and throw blankets. This creates a cozy, relaxing vibe.
– **Bathroom tiles** – For a modern spa aesthetic, use larger greige tiles on walls and floors. Pair with white grout for crisp contrast.
– **Kitchen cabinets** – The adaptable nature of greige tans suits both warm traditional and sleek contemporary kitchens.
– **Outdoor living** – Use khaki grey and dusty clay greiges for patios, sunrooms and other outdoor living spaces.
Pairing Greige Tans with Other Colors
One of the advantages of greige tans is their compatibility with a wide range of colors. Here are some foolproof pairings:
– Cream, off-white, ecru
– Navy, denim blue
– Pastels like mint, lavender, buttercream
– Black and white
– Natural wood tones
– Brass, bronze and other metallics
– Terracotta, brick red, cranberry
– Olive green, avocado, moss
– Charcoal, slate grey
Greige tans work as a neutral base that absorbs other colors beautifully. Lighter shades pair well with vivid brights, while deeper tones match moodier hues.
Benjamin Moore Greige Tan Paint Colors
Benjamin Moore is a top paint brand known for its elegant color collections. Here are some of their most popular greige tan paint shades:
| Abington Greige HC-108 | Soft warm beige-grey |
| Revere Pewter HC-172 | Light grey with brown undertones |
| Cliffside Gray HC-108 | Cool light-medium grey with hints of green |
| Chelsea Gray HC-168 | Medium-dark greige with brown base |
| Gray Owl OC-52 | Midtone taupe-greige |
| Timber Wolf OC-39 | Brownish-grey with warm red undertones |
Benjamin Moore offers greige tans ranging from nearly white to charcoal shades. Their Revere Pewter, Gray Owl and Chelsea Gray are particularly popular choices.
Sherwin Williams Greige Paint Colors
Sherwin Williams is another leading paint brand with many greige options. Some top shades include:
| Accessible Beige SW 7036 | Light, warm beige-grey |
| Repose Gray SW 7015 | Popular light-medium greige |
| Cityscape SW 7067 | Medium grey-brown |
| Grays Harbor SW 6258 | Green-greige with brown undertones |
| Kombu Green SW 6326 | Deep dusty clay greige |
Accessible Beige, Repose Gray and Cityscape are some of their most sought-after greige colors. Sherwin Williams tones tend to have brown bases versus Benjamin Moore’s grey bases.
Behr Greige Paint Selections
Behr offers many greige tan paints as well in various undertones and depths:
| Linen White PPU17-14 | Bright warm beige-grey |
| Gray Cashmere MQ5-14 | Light greige with lavender hint |
| Silver Drop PPU18-14 | Soft light-medium greige |
| Wood Chip M470-1 | Medium olive-brown greige |
| Peppercorn S470-4 | Blackened greige similar to charcoal |
Behr’s Silver Drop and Gray Cashmere are especially coveted greige shades with broad appeal. Their colors range from near white through charcoal tones.
Identifying Greige Tans in Other Brands
Beyond paint companies, many other brands offer products in shade names that indicate a greige tan color. Here’s what to look for on labels:
– Greige, gray-beige, grey-brown
– Mushroom, clay, sand, stone
– Ash, dirt, moss, sage
– Taupe, oatmeal, fawn, dove
– Shell, pecan, khaki, dust
If the product description includes these terms, you can expect the item to feature some variety of greige tan coloring. This is commonly seen with carpets, furniture, clothing, cosmetics and automotive paints.
Custom Mixing Your Own Perfect Greige
Can’t find your ideal greige tan in a pre-mixed product? Many paint stores offer custom color matching services. This allows you to blend a bespoke greige tone. Here are some tips for mixing greige tans:
– Start with a base of tan, grey and soft white or cream
– Add small amounts of other colors like brown, beige, sage to alter the tone
– Cool colors like blue, green and violet will desaturate warmth
– Warm shades like red, yellow, peach will counteract coolness
– Mix a few samples with different ratios to compare
– Test your custom greige on a small area before full commitment
With a bit of experimenting, you can craft a signature greige tan to perfectly suit your space and preferences. Custom mixing opens up unlimited nuanced shades.
Conclusion
Greige tans encompass a wide spectrum from pale beige-greys to deep charcoals. Their versatility and adaptability makes them a popular choice for modern, minimalist spaces. But greiges can also bring lightness and brightness to traditional rooms. With so many pre-mixed and custom options, you can easily find a greige tan paint or textile to complement your décor. Just look for product descriptions with terms like mushroom, linen, ash and taupe to identify this stylish in-between shade. Whether you prefer your greiges warm and cozy or sleek and sophisticated, embracing this elegantly neutral color is sure to create a beautiful, welcoming space.
References
Behr Paint Colors – https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/M470-1
Benjamin Moore Paint Colors – https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/chelsea-gray-hc-168
Sherwin Williams Paint Colors – https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/gray-paint-colors
Greige vs Taupe – https://www.thespruce.com/greige-versus-taupe-799281
Mixing Custom Paint Colors – https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-mix-custom-paint-colors/
