Choosing paint colors to coordinate with brown tile can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! With some simple guidelines, you can easily find paint colors that will look beautiful with brown tile floors or backsplashes in any room of your home.
Go for Neutral, Earthy Paint Colors
Sticking with neutral, earthy paint colors is a safe bet for complementing brown tile. Light tans, creams, grays, and soft greens are great go-to options that won’t clash with the brown tones. These natural, muted shades will allow your brown tilework to stand out while still providing a subtle, cohesive color scheme.
Some specific paint colors that look fantastic with brown tile are:
- Benjamin Moore Linen White
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
- Behr Swiss Coffee
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
- Behr Silver Drop
- Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments
- Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt
- Behr Jojoba
These shades complement brown tile beautifully without competing with it. They let the gorgeous tilework shine while providing a subdued, soothing backdrop.
Use Brown Tones in the Paint Color
Another approach is choosing paint colors that incorporate brown undertones. Since brown tile contains shades of brown, taupe, and beige, paint colors with similar earthy pigments will blend seamlessly.
Some brown-toned paint colors that pair wonderfully with brown tile are:
- Benjamin Moore Newcastle Brown
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
- Behr Coffee Brown
- Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
- Behr Dark Chestnut
The brown hints in these paint colors connect them to the tones in the tile. This creates a cohesive, integrated look. Just take care not to choose paint that is too close in shade to your actual tile, or the two elements may end up looking repetitive.
Use Complementary Hues
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. So they inherently create a vibrant, eye-catching contrast. You can take advantage of this by choosing paint colors that are complements to the tones in your brown tile.
Good complementary color options for brown tile include:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – a deep navy blue
- Sherwin-Williams Passionate Purple – a jewel-toned purple
- Behr Blueprint – a vivid cobalt blue
- Benjamin Moore Lemon Sorbet – a bright, lemon yellow
- Sherwin-Williams Roycroft Suede – an earthy, terra cotta orange
- Behr Daisy – a sunny, buttery yellow
These paint colors will really make your brown tile pop. Just be sure not to choose a complement that is too overpowering. You want the colors to complement each other, not compete.
Consider Tone and Shade
When selecting a paint color for brown tile, pay attention to tone and shade, not just the actual color. A glossy, light brown tile will look best with much different paint colors than a matte, dark brown tile.
For example, a glossy milk chocolate brown tile could pair well with a bright white, dark charcoal gray, or even a contrasting robin’s egg blue. A matte, deep coffee brown tile, on the other hand, demands softer, more subtle paint colors like beige, light gray, or sage green.
So notice the specific shade of your brown tile, along with the glossiness or matte finish. Then choose paint colors that coordinate appropriately.
Test Different Paint Colors
It’s always smart to test out paint colors before committing. Purchase several paint color samples or small sample-size cans. Paint swatches of the colors on your walls near the brown tilework. Evaluate them at different times of day in both natural and artificial light.
Moving the samples around to walls with different light exposures can also help you get a better sense of the colors. This allows you to see how the paints interact with your existing brown tile before you finalize your selection.
Make Brown Tile the Star
Brown tile can make a gorgeous style statement in your home. Often, the best paint colors for showcasing tilework are neutral shades like cream, beige, gray, and white. This lets the tile take center stage while the paint recedes into the background.
However, don’t be afraid to get creative with bold, complementary hues either. Contrasting paint can heighten the drama and visual impact of stunning brown tilework. Just aim for colors that work together, not compete.
With some consideration of tone, shade, and interplay of colors, you can easily find the perfect paint for pairing with any shade of brown tile.
Paint Colors That Go Well With Brown Tile
| Paint Color | Paint Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Linen White | Benjamin Moore | Neutral off-white beige |
| Accessible Beige | Sherwin-Williams | Light brown-toned beige |
| Swiss Coffee | Behr | Soft tan beige |
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore | Warm gray with brown undertones |
| Repose Gray | Sherwin-Williams | Light brownish-gray |
| Silver Drop | Behr | Silvery sage green |
| Quiet Moments | Benjamin Moore | Muted blue-green |
| Sea Salt | Sherwin-Williams | Soft gray-green |
| Jojoba | Behr | Earthy yellow-green |
Avoid Paint Colors that Clash with Brown Tile
Some paint colors can clash or feel mismatched with brown tile. Stay away from choices like:
- Bright whites – can look harsh next to rich brown tones
- Blacks or dark charcoals – may be too high-contrast and stark
- Browns that match the tile too closely – can look monotonous
- Vibrant primary colors – red, blue, yellow can overwhelm the earthy brown aesthetic
Cool undertones like those in most blues and greens don’t always complement the warmth of brown shades either. And bright, saturated colors compete with the versatility of neutral brown tones.
Consider the Room Function
The functional purpose of the room can provide direction when choosing paint colors for brown tile. Soft beiges and whites help create a relaxing oasis in a bedroom. While crisp whites promote an efficient, tidy look in bathrooms.
Bold navy or sage green may suit a brown-tiled dining space. And energizing orange can liven up a brown tile backsplash in a kitchen. Think about the room’s purpose along with the style you want to achieve.
Create a Color Scheme
For a coordinated look, repeat your wall paint color in other elements of the room. Brown floor tile paired with green walls looks pulled together if you echo the walls in a green rug, throw pillows, and accessories.
This creates a complete color scheme that highlights the brown tile. However, don’t go overboard mixing many colors with brown tile. Simple and subdued is best for allowing the tile to take center stage.
Conclusion
Brown tile offers versatility to match all different paint colors. But choosing the right shade and tone is key in making the colors complement each other beautifully. Stick with neutral earth tones, brown-hued shades, or complementary colors to allow brown tilework to shine.
Test out paint samples and consider the lighting. Make sure the paint doesn’t fade into the background or compete too boldly. When chosen thoughtfully, your paint color can highlight the depth and visual intrigue of brown tilework.
