When selecting a paint color for your home or project, light brown is a versatile and neutral option that can work well in many spaces. But with so many paint brands and color options available, how do you know which specific paint colors will give you the perfect light brown shade you’re looking for?
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a paint that will deliver the right light brown tone. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of brown paints, how to select the right undertones, what finish to use, and review some of the most popular light brown paint colors from leading brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Valspar. Whether you’re painting walls, furniture, or craft projects, read on for tips to find the best paint to make light brown.
Types of Brown Paint
When browsing brown paint colors, you’ll find there are a few major categories of brown tones:
| Brown Paint Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Warm browns | Tones with hints of red, yellow, or orange; creates a cozy feel |
| Cool browns | Tones with hints of blue, green, or grey; feels more tranquil |
| Neutral browns | Balanced mix of warm and cool undertones for a natural look |
| Golden browns | Contain strong golden, yellow, or ochre undertones |
| Ash browns | Mix of brown, grey, and sometime green or blue |
When making a light brown, many paint brands opt for warm, golden brown tones. But you can also find more neutral light browns with subtle cool undertones. The undertone will have a significant effect on the look of the final color, so decide whether you want a cozy, welcoming brown or something more sleek and modern.
Choosing Undertones
As we touched on above, the specific undertones present in the brown paint color will impact the overall look, feel, and aesthetic of the space you’re painting. Here are some tips for selecting undertones:
– Warm, golden browns work well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where you want to cultivate a cozy, welcoming vibe. They pair nicely with woods like oak or walnut.
– Cooler ash or greige (grey+beige) browns are great for bathrooms, kitchens, and modern spaces where you want a more sophisticated look. They complement marble, tile, and stainless steel nicely.
– For a flexible neutral that works in nearly any room, look for a brown with a balanced mix of warm and cool tones. This creates a harmonious, pleasing hue.
– If your room has northern light exposure with a blue cast, consider a brown with warm red or orange undertones to offset the cool lighting. Southern rooms can handle cooler ash browns more easily.
– For north-facing rooms with low light, lean warm to add vibrancy. South-facing spaces can take lighter browns. Adjust tone based on your lighting.
Your personal color preferences and decor style should guide you as well. Make sure to sample paint swatches at home during different times of day before committing.
Paint Finish for Light Brown
Another important choice is the paint finish, as this affects sheen and texture. For light browns, here are some top finish options:
| Finish | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Eggshell | Soft velvety sheen, easy to clean, hides imperfections |
| Satin | Subtle luster, fairly durable, repels moisture |
| Flat/Matte | No sheen, excellent hiding power, needs retouching |
| Semi-gloss | Moderate shine, very wipeable, shows flaws |
Eggshell and satin finishes work well for most walls and ceilings. Semi-gloss adds durability for trim, doors, cabinets, and high-traffic areas. Flat hides defects but requires more frequent repainting. Combining paint finishes can add dimension.
Popular Light Brown Paint Colors
Now let’s explore some of the top tried-and-true light brown paint colors from leading brands:
Behr
| Paint Color Name | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Saddle Brown | Neutral warm brown |
| Khaki Tan | Golden yellow-brown |
| Toasted Almond | Neutral, greige brown |
| Gray Cashmere | Ash brown with grey |
Behr’s brown palette includes warm, golden browns like Saddle Brown, more grey-brown neutrals like Toasted Almond, and cool ash browns like Gray Cashmere. Their brown paints span from light to dark shades.
Benjamin Moore
| Paint Color Name | Undertones |
|---|---|
| White Dove | Warm beige-brown |
| Pale Oak | Golden yellow-brown |
| Cliffside Gray | Cool greige brown |
| Gray Cashmere | Ash brown with grey |
Benjamin Moore offers warm hues like White Dove, intense golden browns like Pale Oak, and versatile grays like Cliffside Gray in their Signature Colors line. Their brown shades work in any style home.
Sherwin Williams
| Paint Color Name | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Accessible Beige | Warm neutral beige-brown |
| Repose Gray | Cool greige brown |
| Evergreen Fog | Green-gray brown |
| Toasted Almond | Neutral warm brown |
Accessible Beige, Repose Gray, and Toasted Almond from Sherwin Williams are versatile enough for any room. Evergreen Fog has unique green-gray cool tones. Their browns work well with any style.
Valspar
| Paint Color Name | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Nomadic Desert | Golden brown |
| Mystic Pines | Green-gray brown |
| Spiced Cider | Warm red-brown |
| Grayt Expectations | Cool ash brown |
Valspar brown paints range from warm reddish Spiced Cider to cool ash Grayt Expectations. Mystic Pines is an intriguing green-gray brown. Their colors work for all interior spaces and styles.
Tips for Application
Here are some quick tips as you apply your light brown paint:
– For best results, properly prepare surfaces by cleaning, lightly sanding, and priming if needed. This helps the paint adhere and last.
– Test your colors in different lighting at various times of day. Browns can shift in tone based on the light exposure.
– For a cohesive look, opt for the same finish on trim, walls, and ceilings, such as satin throughout.
– Use two coats for full, even coverage and proper color rendition. Light browns often require an extra coat.
– Cut in edges neatly with a brush, then use a roller for faster coverage on large areas. Use an extension pole for high walls and ceilings.
– Maintain wet edge by painting sections in full before moving to avoid lap marks. Work from top to bottom for less drips.
With the right preparation, application tools, and techniques, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results with your light brown paint.
Conclusion
Light brown paint colors open up many decorating options from warm and rustic to modern and edgy. Choosing paints with the ideal undertones, sheen, and application technique will allow you to create the perfect light brown palette for your space. Whether you prefer golden beiges, greiges, or cool ash browns, brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Valspar offer a wide selection of shades to match any style and taste. Use the tips in this article to narrow down your options and pick the perfect light brown paint for your next project.
