Dark brown is a versatile and popular paint color that can create a cozy, warm atmosphere in any room. While true brown paint is available, many dark brown wall colors are created by mixing two complementary colors. The most common color combinations for achieving a dark brown paint are complementary versions of red and green or blue and orange. By adjusting the ratios and shades, it’s easy to mix custom dark brown tones.
Mixing Red and Green for Dark Brown
One of the most popular ways to make a custom dark brown color is by mixing red and green paint. Red and green are complements on the color wheel, which means they create a harmonious, neutral brown when blended.
Here are some specific red and green shades that make an appealing deep brown:
| Oxblood Red + Dark Olive Green |
| Burgundy + Hunter Green |
| Maroon + Forest Green |
Oxblood red has purple undertones while burgundy is a warmer, traditional red. Dark olive green leans towards yellow-green while hunter green is a cooler, blue-based green. By playing with the undertones, you can create different hues of dark brown.
For example, mixing an earthy maroon and rich forest green will result in a brown with warm red-orange undertones. Burgundy and hunter green make a more neutral dark brown. Experiment with combining a few red and green paint samples on a sheet of paper to get your perfect customized shade.
The general rule of thumb when mixing paint is to use more of the darker color. For a deep brown, add slightly more green than red since green is usually darker than true reds. Slowly tweak the ratio until you achieve your desired dark brown tone.
Using Blue and Orange for Dark Brown
Another complementary color pairing that makes a beautiful deep brown is blue and orange. Rich shades of navy, cobalt, or ultramarine blue mixed with burnt orange, terra cotta, or ochre create lush browns.
Some specific blue and orange combinations to try are:
| Navy Blue + Burnt Orange |
| Prussian Blue + Rust |
| Midnight Blue + Terra Cotta |
Navy blue is a very dark classic blue that can have faint purple hints. Prussian blue is also extremely dark but has a greenish tint. Midnight blue is slightly lighter and more pure.
Pairing these dark blues with the fire of burnt orange, rusty red-orange, or terra cotta will quickly produce an elegant dark brown. The orange cuts the coolness of the blue for a more neutral, earthy brown.
Once again, you can control the undertones and depth of the brown by adjusting how much of each paint you mix. If the resulting color is too bright, add more blue for a deeper, darker brown. If it looks dull, incorporate more orange.
Using Brown Paints
For the simplest option, you can start with pure browns as your base. Some single brown paint colors that are already quite dark include:
| Espresso |
| Chocolate |
| Coffee |
| Ebony |
| Mocha |
These ready-made browns are very deep and saturated. You can use them as-is for an instant dark brown wall color. However, adding a secondary color is an easy way to enhance the vibrancy or alter the tone.
Some examples of darkening existing brown paints are:
| Espresso + Navy Blue |
| Chocolate + Maroon |
| Coffee + Hunter Green |
| Ebony + Burnt Orange |
The navy blue will give espresso a cooler, slightly more modern vibe. Maroon warms up chocolate for a redder dark brown. Hunter green infuses coffee with an earthy feel. Burnt orange can brighten up already deep ebony.
Don’t be afraid to test out eclectic color pairings like purple-brown or blue-brown. Adjusting brown with another bold shade leads to dynamic, one-of-a-kind dark brown hues.
Achieving the Perfect Dark Brown Tone
Recreating a specific dark brown color you have in mind may take some trial and error. Don’t be discouraged if your first few mixes are a bit off. Custom mixing paint is part science and part art.
Here are some tips to get your dream dark brown:
– Use more of the darker color as your base. For a rich chocolate brown, start with a chocolate or coffee brown rather than adding white to black.
– Add small amounts of the secondary color slowly. You can always add more if needed.
– Use opaque paints rather than translucent ones, which dilute the color.
– Stir thoroughly each time you add a drop of the secondary color.
– Test on a sheet of white paper before painting a wall to perfect the tone.
– Artificial lighting can distort the color so check the mixed shade in natural light.
Take your time playing with different brown combinations until you land on “the one” – the perfect deep, dark brown hue for your space.
Choosing Your Finish
Besides picking the ideal color tint, consider the finish of your dark brown paint. Different sheens create unique aesthetic effects.
Here are some popular paint finishes for dark walls and their characteristics:
| Finish | Description |
| Matte | Virtually no shine; velvety flat appearance |
| Eggshell | Soft, subtle sheen; resists scuffs |
| Satin | Low-luster satiny finish; luminous |
| Semi-Gloss | Slightly glossy; reflective |
Matte or flat paint has no sheen at all for a classic, muted look. It’s excellent at hiding imperfections but challenging to clean.
Eggshell is ideal for walls, providing just enough luster for depth without being overly shiny. Satin offers a bit more glow while still diffusing light well.
Semi-gloss has an attractive sleek shine but will emphasize flaws. Its reflective surface also makes dark colors feel more intense.
On trim and cabinets, higher sheens like satin and semi-gloss are recommended for durability and washability. Use your finish to tailor both the look and functionality of your deep brown paint.
Where to Use Dark Brown Paint
Ready to incorporate the sophistication and coziness of deep brown paint into your home? Here are some favorite spaces to highlight with moody dark brown colors:
Living Room
Dark brown living rooms feel intimate yet stylish. Use brown on the main walls or as an accent wall to balance lighter furnishings. Dark wood flooring and trim tie the scheme together.
Bedroom
From modern to rustic, brown paint creates a relaxing bedroom retreat. Pair soothing browns with crisp white trim, bedding, and linens.
Dining Room
Painting the dining room walls brown sets the stage for entertaining. Complement with metallic or wood accents and sconces for an elegant vibe.
Study or Office
In a home office or library, rich chocolate browns inspire focus and concentration. Dark brown also contrasts nicely with colorful book spines.
Entryway
Use chocolate brown front doors or foyers to make a dramatic first impression. Brown entryways exude timeless sophistication.
Bathroom
Deep brown vanities, walls, and tiles lend a luxurious spa ambiance to bathrooms. Naturally, brown also conceals water splashes and wear effectively.
Kitchen
For a cozy bistro style, paint kitchen cabinetry in a deep brown like espresso. Complete the look with pendant lighting and a brick or tile backsplash in earth tones.
Furniture
Transmute old furniture by painting pieces brown. Funky retro side tables, consoles, and dressers feel fresh with an updated dark brown patina.
Complementary Colors for Brown
Shades that pair attractively with rich chocolate browns include:
| Cream | Gold | Pink |
| Ivory | Brass | Raspberry |
| Oatmeal | Honey | Blush |
| Almond | Amber | Coral |
| Khaki | Copper | Scarlet |
| Tan | Bronze | Magenta |
| Beige | Rust | Wine |
| Taupe | Terracotta | Purple |
| Sage | Moss | Teal |
| Olive | Celadon | Turquoise |
Off-whites, neutrals like khaki and tan, metallics, jewel-brights, and greens complement brown walls and furnishings. These secondary hues enrich and enliven deep chocolate browns.
Brown Paint Color Schemes
With countless shades of browns and limitless complementary colors, the painting combinations are endless. Here are a few classic brown color schemes to inspire your own unique look:
Brown and Blue – Prussian blue walls make mocha brown woodwork and leather furniture pop. Add a quick spray of green plants for freshness.
Brown and Pink – Cocoa brown walls warm up modern spaces. Pair with blush pink chairs and vases of peonies for contrast.
Brown and Gold – Dark espresso built-ins ground an airy room. Metallic gold accents and mirrors illuminate the sumptuous browns.
Brown and White – For cottage charm, frame dark chocolate walls with crisp white moldings. Display white dishes on open espresso shelving.
Brown and Green – Deep hunter greens bring out the red undertones in mahogany furniture. Green foliage emphasizes the earthiness.
Brown and Black – Striking ebony trim electrifies medium brown walls. Repeat black accents in lamps, floors, and artwork for drama.
Dark Brown Paint Ideas
Here are some inspiring ways to decorate with rich chocolate brown paint hues:
– Use brown to create focal points like accent walls, doors, and built-ins.
– Make crown molding, ceiling beams, and wainscoting stand out with espresso brown.
– Paint bedroom walls mocha brown, then layer in comforting textures like faux fur and linen.
– Give dated kitchen cabinets a modern makeover with dark coffee or walnut stains.
– Use chocolate brown Buffalo plaid fabric to upholster a sofa or chair.
– Paint a matte brown geometric mural in a nursery or playroom.
– Stencil Moroccan-inspired patterns on brown walls.
– Hang bold brown abstract canvases to contrast neutral walls.
– Use deep brown as the background color in a gallery wall display.
– Coat outdoor furniture like Adirondack chairs in a glossy brown.
Conclusion
Dark brown paint may seem intimidating to use at first. But as a blend of complements like red-green and blue-orange, rich chocolate brown works with both warm and cool palettes. Matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss sheens also enable you to control the mood from retro to refined.
Custom mixing your own signature brown unlocks a world of potential colors. Just remember to start with darker base colors and add sparing amounts of the accent shade. Test batches first before painting walls, trim, furniture, or cabinets. Soon you will discover your perfect duo for decorating with this eternally versatile hue.
