Beige is a neutral, pale tan color that can have warm, cool, or yellow undertones. It’s a versatile shade that works well for many design schemes and color palettes. If you’re looking for colors that are similar or “close” to beige, there are many options depending on the exact tone and shade of beige you want to complement or match.
Colors Next to Beige on the Color Wheel
On the color wheel, beige sits between the yellow, orange, brown, and tan color families. The colors that are most closely adjacent to beige are:
| Yellow-beige | More yellow than standard beige, with golden undertones |
| Orange-beige | Warmer and more saturated, with peach or coral undertones |
| Brown-beige | Darker and muddier, with brown undertones |
| Tan | Paler and less saturated than beige |
These colors blend fluidly into beige and can coordinate well in color schemes.
Warm Beige Color Matches
If you have a warmer, more yellow-toned beige, these colors will match or complement it nicely:
– Cream – A pale, warm off-white that partners well with beige.
– Ivory – A softer white with a warm, creamy yellow undertone. Ivory and beige are beautiful together.
– Champagne – A sparkling metallic shade with golden undertones. More saturated than beige.
– Camel – A light, warm brown that mixes well with beige in soft, natural color schemes.
– Khaki – A muted greenish-tan that complements warm beige tones.
– Sand – A pale, sandy neutral that blends seamlessly with warm light beige.
– Greige – A sophisticated blend of gray and beige that pairs nicely with warm beige for a modern look.
Cool Beige Color Matches
If you have a cool-toned, more grayish or taupe beige, these colors will coordinate best:
– Gray – A lighter gray with subtle cool blue undertones looks elegant with a cool-toned beige.
– Silver – Metallic silver greys enhance the sophisticated mood of a cool beige palette.
– Linen – A light, natural, stony neutral that softens and complements cool beige hues.
– Taupe – A dark grayish-brown that mixes seamlessly with cool beiges.
– Mushroom – An earthy, soft muted neutral that flatters cool beige tones.
– Oatmeal – A pale, subtly warm oatmeal hue that works as an accent with cool beige.
– Greige – A blend of gray and beige that matches well with cool-leaning beige shades.
Bright Color Accents for Beige
To add pops of contrast and vibrancy to a beige color scheme, these brighter accent colors work well:
– Yellow – A cheery sunny yellow looks fresh against beige backgrounds. Both bright and pastel yellows work nicely.
– Coral – Vivid coral adds energetic contrast and complements the peach undertones in warm beige.
– Mint green – Crisp and cool, mint green wakes up beige palettes with its verdant hue.
– Sky blue – A light but saturated blue that offers the perfect color pop with beige.
– Lilac – Soft, romantic lilac provides a sweet accent color for beige schemes.
– Salmon – For warm beiges, salmon supplies a punch of peachy-pink contrast.
– Seafoam – A soft blend of blue and green that brightens up cool toned beiges beautifully.
Rich Color Contrasts with Beige
To ground beige and add bold, dramatic contrast, these deeper shades pair strikingly:
– Navy – A classic nautical color that looks polished and smart next to beige.
– Forest green – Deep and woodsy, forest green makes beige feel fresh and natural.
– Burgundy – Sophisticated burgundy contrasts with beige in an elegant, upscale way.
– Charcoal – Dark charcoals and greys provide serious contrast and definition with beige.
– Chocolate – For warm beiges, rich chocolate browns complement beautifully.
– Plum – A jewel-toned purple that pops against beige backdrops.
– Brick red – Vibrant brick reds make beige feel warm, earthy and inviting.
Beige Color Scheme Ideas
Here are some inspiring color schemes featuring beige:
| Beige, cream, soft pink, sky blue | Feminine and romantic |
| Beige, tan, sand, navy | Coastal chic |
| Warm beige, camel, khaki, terracotta | Natural and earthy |
| Cool beige, light gray, charcoal, burgundy | Refined and elegant |
| Beige, greige, black, white | Classic and modern |
| Beige, salmon, seafoam, coral | Bright and cheerful |
Mixing different tones and shades of beige together also creates subtle, sophisticated palettes. Layering beige with neutral whites, blacks, and grays keeps the scheme refined and flexible.
Beige in Home Décor
In home interiors, beige works excellently as:
– A wall color – It provides a light, natural backdrop that’s versatile enough for any style of decor. Beige walls feel soothing and clean.
– An accent wall – Jazz up a neutral beige scheme with a striking beige focal wall in a textured finish like suede, grasscloth or tile.
– Furniture – Beige sofas, chairs, headboards and case goods bring lightness into a room. Both warm and cool beiges suit furniture.
– Window treatments – Sheer beige curtains filtered light beautifully. Solid beige drapes establish comfort.
– Pillows/throws/rugs – Beige makes natural accents to layer into spaces with texture and coziness.
– Accessories – Vases, baskets, trays and other accents in light beige tones complement the neutral scheme.
Beige Clothing and Fashion
For clothing and fashion, beige is a versatile neutral that flatters most skin tones. Key ways to wear beige shades include:
– Tops – Beige shirts, blouses, sweaters and tanks pair easily with bottoms in any color. A beige top creates a clean, crisp look.
– Bottoms – Beige pants, skirts and shorts can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Layer with almost any color top.
– Dresses – From casual sundresses to formal gowns, beige dresses work for many occasions and flatter most complexions.
– Jackets – A beige blazer or coat pulls together an outfit with polish. Tan trench coats create iconic style.
– Shoes – Beige heels, sandals and boots elongate the leg. The neutral hue matches most other accessories.
– Bags – From handbags to totes, beige leather or suede bags function as versatile wardrobe staples.
– Jewelry – Gold, silver, wood and natural stones complement beige outfits beautifully.
Conclusion
With its flexibility and soft, welcoming appeal, beige creates the ideal neutral foundation for all sorts of appealing color palettes. From warm neutrals like camel, sand and ivory to add elegance, to punchy brights like coral, yellow and mint green for vibrancy, to moodier contrasts with navy, charcoal and chocolate for drama – the options are endless for putting together creative color schemes with beige. In decor and fashion, this versatile pale neutral works in nearly any style or setting. So if you love beige, you can readily find many other gorgeous colors that harmonize perfectly with its adaptable, natural beauty.
