Taupe is a neutral color that can be difficult to describe. It falls somewhere between brown and gray, creating a versatile shade that works well in many design schemes. Taupe takes its name from the French word for mole, as its muted color resembles the fur of this animal. Understanding the characteristics and uses of taupe can help you determine if it’s the right neutral tone for your needs.
Defining Taupe
Taupe is not a single color but rather a range of colors between brown and gray. It sits midway between the two on the color wheel, making it a neutral tone. Within the taupe family, there is some variation in undertone and saturation:
| Type of Taupe | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Warm taupe | Subtle brown undertones, may also have hints of red or yellow |
| Cool taupe | Subtle gray or blue undertones |
| Light taupe | Very pale, diluted color |
| Dark taupe | Deeper, more saturated shade |
The warmth or coolness of a taupe hue can impact how it coordinates with other colors. Warmer shades pair well with reds, yellows, and browns, while cooler taupe works nicely with grays, blues, greens.
Characteristics of Taupe
Some key characteristics that define the taupe color family include:
– Neutrality – Taupe is considered a neutral because it falls in the middle of the color wheel. This makes it versatile to pair with many colors.
– Mutedness – Taupe is a muted, dusty shade that is not overly saturated. This softened quality creates a more subtle effect.
– Earthiness – With undertones of brown and gray, taupe has an organic, earthy feel reminiscent of rocks, soil, and moss.
– Sophistication – The neutrality of taupe gives it an elegant, refined look in design and fashion. It appears richer than basic brown or gray.
– Versatility – With its neutral status and range of undertones, taupe can work in many environments and coordinate with many color palettes.
– Calmness – As a muted, mid-tone neutral, taupe has a soothing, tranquil effect that creates comfortable spaces.
The blend of these qualities makes taupe a versatile neutral that suits many purposes in design and decor. It provides a sophisticated foundation that allows for added pops of color.
Different Types of Taupe
There are a few key varieties within the taupe color family:
Grey taupe – This is the coolest-toned type of taupe, with strong gray undertones. It may also have hints of blue. Grey taupe pairs nicely with cool colors like blues, greens, lavenders.
Mushroom taupe – Mushroom taupe is on the warmer end of the taupe spectrum. It has brown undertones sometimes mixed with red or yellow. This variety coordinates well with warm hues like peach, yellow and terra cotta.
Mink taupe – Mink taupe falls in the middle, with hints of both gray and brown. This provides a harmonious neutral shade. Mink taupe suits transitional spaces.
Rose taupe – As the name suggests, this taupe has subtle undertones of pink or rose. The redness gives it a warmer, more feminine effect than basic taupe.
Greige – Greige is a blend of gray and beige. This places it solidly within taupe territory on the color wheel. It’s a flexible neutral.
There are other specialty taus such as granite, desert sand and timberwolf taupe. Most taupe shades reside somewhere along the spectrum from gray to brown. Finding the right undertone helps coordinate the taupe with other colors.
How is Taupe Made?
Taupe gets its signature neutral character by blending complementary colors together. Most taupe hues contain a mix of the following pigments:
– Brown – Varying amounts of brown are essential to give taupe its characteristic earthiness. Raw umber and raw sienna are common brown pigments.
– Black – Adding black deepens and darkens the color into a true taupe shade. It also makes the color more neutral.
– White – White pigment dilutes the saturation of taupe, making lighter toned versions.
– Red & yellow – Small amounts of reds and yellows can create subtle warmth and undertones. Red oxide and yellow ochre provide undertone.
– Blue or green – Cool taupe contains traces of blue and sometimes green pigments. These play down the brown and give it a grayer look.
Professional artists mix these pigments using trained eyes to achieve the desired taupe variation. For DIYers, combining artist-quality burnt sienna and black or ultramarine blue makes a homemade taupe paint.
How Does Taupe Differ from Other Neutrals?
Taupe is certainly not the only neutral paint color. It sits among a family of versatile neutrals. Here’s how taupe compares to some others:
Taupe vs. Gray
– Taupe has brown undertones, gray does not
– Taupe feels warmer, organic and earthy; gray is cooler
– Gray reads as more neutral
Taupe vs. Greige
– Greige contains more beige, taupe skews brown
– Greige is softer, taupe is more rugged
– Greige pairs well with pinks and corals, taupe goes with deep reds
Taupe vs. Khaki
– Khaki is yellow-based, taupe is brown/gray-based
– Khaki feels brighter, taupe is more muted
– Khaki fits casual aesthetics, taupe is sophisticated
Taupe vs. Beige
– Beige is a creamy off-white, taupe is gray-brown
– Beige has only a hint of brown, taupe is strongly brownish
– Beige brightens spaces, taupe feels cozier
So while taupe is neutral like these other colors, its specific brown-grey undertone gives it a distinct look and feel.
What Colors Go with Taupe?
A benefit of taupe is that it complements a wide range of colors since it sits neutrally on the color wheel. Here are some great color schemes with taupe:
Taupe and Pink – Taupe’s earthiness tones down bright pink. Sophisticated and feminine.
Taupe and Red – From burgundy to terra cotta, the warmth of red pops against taupe.
Taupe and Yellow – Pale buttery yellows contrast nicely with taupe’s mutedness.
Taupe and Blue – From navy to sky blue, the two colors balance each other.
Taupe and Green – Earthy olive green and sage green partner well with taupe.
Taupe and Purple – Deep plums and lavenders interplay with taupe’s grayness.
Taupe, Black and White – Classic and elegant, the trio provides ultimate neutrality.
You can also coordinate different taupe shades together, such as a deeper taupe on walls and lighter taupe on furniture.
Uses of Taupe
Thanks to its versatile neutrality, taupe fits into designs of all styles. Here are some of its best uses:
Interiors – As a wall color, taupe creates a cozy, welcoming backdrop. It’s relaxing in bedrooms, focused in offices, and stylish in living areas.
Furniture – The organic sensibility of taupe suits wood furniture. It also complements colored upholstery.
Clothing – In fashion, taupe flatters most complexions. It’s a staple neutral in shoes, handbags and coats.
Decor Items – Taupe makes an excellent color choice for rugs, pillows, throws and other accent pieces.
Makeup – As an eyeshadow or lipstick, taupe’s mutedness suits daytime wear. Nails also look great in taupe polishes.
Roofs – The natural, mellow look of taupe roofing fits well on many home styles, from rustic to modern.
Whatever the application, taupe brings subtle sophistication as a versatile neutral. It provides a harmonious backdrop for brighter accents.
Light vs. Dark Taupe
Taupe offers flexibility between lighter, subtle versions and deeper, bolder shades.
Light taupe – The lightest taupe shades have more beige or gray and less brown pigment. Think mushroom, greige, stone. Light taupe reads almost like an off-white. It has a very neutral, delicate effect that opens up spaces visually.
Medium taupe – Mid-range taupe shades achieve more tonal balance between the brown, gray and beige mix. This provides a versatile neutral that isn’t too stark or murky.
Dark taupe – Deep taupe shades have a higher proportion of black or brown pigment. The color becomes distinctly brownish but maintains its neutral character. Dark taupe can feel rich and moody.
The choice between light vs. dark taupe depends on the desired mood and contrast level. Lighter shades integrate more easily in rooms and palettes, while darker taupe makes a bold statement.
Warm vs. Cool Taupe Undertones
Taupe can take on subtle warm or cool undertones through the addition of different pigments.
Warm taupe – Contains hints of red and yellow alongside the brown and gray base. This gives taupe earthy vibes. Warm taupe coordinates with terra cotta, peach, mustard and sage green.
Cool taupe – Mixing blue and green pigments into taupe creates a cooler, grayer effect. Cool undertones in taupe fit with colors like sky blue, turquoise and lavender.
Neutral taupe – Well-balanced taupe shades without a strong undertone have more flexibility. Neutral taupe works across the color spectrum.
Consider what colors will be used alongside the taupe to determine if a warm or cool undertone is best. Neutral taupe provides the most versatility.
Conclusion
Taupe is a versatile neutral color with characteristic earthiness. It bridges the gap between brown and gray for a sophisticated, harmonious effect. Choosing the right shade of taupe comes down to the desired undertone, depth and application. From walls to clothing to nail polish, taupe’s muted naturalness suits many purposes. Use taupe as a foundation for accent colors to create cohesive, inviting palettes. This organic neutral provides the perfect basics to build any color scheme.
