Taupe is a neutral color that falls somewhere between brown and gray on the color wheel. It is considered a tertiary color, meaning it is created by mixing a primary and secondary shade. To understand where taupe sits on the color wheel, it helps to first look at how the color wheel is structured.
The Basics of the Color Wheel
The basic color wheel consists of 12 colors – 3 primary colors, 3 secondary colors and 6 tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These are known as the pure hues from which all other colors are derived. The secondary colors are created by mixing adjacent primary colors together. Red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue make green, and blue and red make violet. Finally, the tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color. For example, red (primary) and orange (secondary) make red-orange.
On the standard color wheel, complementary colors sit directly across from each other. These are color combinations like red and green or yellow and purple. Complementary pairs contrast strongly with one another. Analogous colors sit next to each other on the wheel, like yellow and yellow-green. These colors create harmony and gradation when used together. Finally, tertiary colors bridge the gap between the primary and secondary colors. They tend to be more muted, subtle shades.
Locating Taupe on the Color Wheel
With this basic color wheel layout in mind, we can now pinpoint taupe. Taupe sits between brown and gray. Brown is a tertiary color between orange and red-orange. Gray is a tertiary color between blue and violet. Therefore, taupe resides between brown and gray as a subtle, neutral tertiary shade.
Here is a 12-part color wheel showing the location of taupe:
| Red | Orange | Yellow | Green | Blue | Violet |
| Red | Red-Orange | Yellow-Orange | Yellow-Green | Blue-Green | Blue-Violet |
| Taupe | Gray | ||||
As you can see, taupe falls right between the tertiary colors red-orange and yellow-orange on one side, and blue-violet and blue-green on the other. This places it firmly in the neutral center of the color wheel.
The Characteristics of Taupe
Now that we know taupe is situated between brown and gray as a tertiary neutral color, what are some of its definitive characteristics?
- Taupe is a combination of darker brown and black mixed with white and gray. This gives it a muddy, earthy tone.
- It is considered a neutral backdrop color that pairs well with other shades.
- Taupe has an inherently subtle, sophisticated feel.
- It can take on warm reddish undertones or cool green/gray undertones depending on the specific shade.
- Taupe works well in interchangeable combinations with other neutrals like beige, tan, cream, brown and gray.
- It is a staple color for interior home spaces but also sees use in fashion.
- Taupe has become synonymous with modern, contemporary style.
So in summary, taupe is the bridge between warmer browns and cooler grays on the color wheel. It sits in a tertiary neutral position, providing a versatile, elegant and refined neutral backdrop. The exact shade can vary from a red-brown taupe to more of a green-gray taupe. This variability allows it to coordinate with a wide range of colors from the wheel relative to its position.
Light, Medium and Dark Taupe Variations
Like any color, taupe has lighter and darker variations. Lighter taupes have more of a beige or stone appearance, with increased amounts of white and cream mixed in. Medium taupes strike more of a balance between lighter and darker shades. The classic taupe sits in this middle ground. Meanwhile, dark taupes appear deeper and richer with more brown, black and charcoal gray pigments.
Here are some examples of popular taupe shades from light to dark:
- Mushroom taupe – Very light, warm, beige-yellow taupe.
- Desert taupe – Light peachy-brown taupe with yellow undertones.
- Biscotti taupe – Warm light brown taupe resembling the coffee colored biscuit.
- Classic taupe – The standard reddish-brown taupe shade people think of.
- Ash taupe – Cool-toned, muddy medium taupe with gray undertones.
- Charcoal taupe – Darker, deep gray-brown with more black pigment.
- Chocolate taupe – Rich reddish-brown dark taupe resembling chocolate.
- Stonewashed taupe – Darker taupe with more gray and charcoal tones.
The lighter taupe shades tend to have red or yellow undertones. They provide an airy open feel. The darker variations contain more gray and brown for a moodier, dramatic effect. Professional designers often recommend sticking with a true classic taupe as the most versatile neutral option for interior spaces.
Taupe Tones for Interior Design
Taupe has become a mainstay neutral color for interior design and decor. Its versatility allows it to fit right into both cool and warm color palettes. Here are some of the ways taupe is often incorporated into interior spaces:
- Walls – A taupe wall color provides a clean, neutral backdrop that lets other furnishings and fabrics pop. It can give a room a contemporary vibe.
- Furniture – Taupe upholstery on sofas, chairs and headboards serves as an adaptable neutral. It allows room accessories and artwork to stand out.
- Decor – Picture frames, pillows, lamps, flower vases and other decor items come in taupe colors to tie spaces together.
- Textiles – From taupe area rugs to curtains to blankets, soft taupe textiles complement hard surfaces.
- Kitchen cabinets/countertops – Taupe cabinetry or countertops offer a contemporary, organic feel for kitchens over typical white.
- Bathrooms – Taupe lends a relaxing, spa-like vibe to bath spaces through tiles, walls, sinks, etc.
Taupe creates harmony in these applications. It avoids standing out too boldly or fading into the background. The natural, downplayed elegance of taupe makes it work in formal and casual contexts alike. It pairs beautifully with accent colors like navy blue, emerald green, rich purple and muted metallics.
Using Taupe in Clothing and Fashion
Beyond interior design, taupe also sees frequent use in clothing and fashion accessories. Some key ways taupe gets incorporated into apparel include:
- Office wear – Pairs of taupe pants, blazers, blouses and dresses project professionalism and competence.
- Casual wear – Taupe shirts, shorts, skirts and shoes bridge dressy and laid-back sensibilities.
- Shoes – From heels to flats, taupe shoes pull together an outfit with a neutral foundation.
- Handbags – Many designer purses and totes come in taupe leathers and textiles.
- Scarves – Lightweight taupe scarves complement the necklines of tops and dresses.
- Hats and gloves – Taupe hats and gloves finish cold-weather ensembles in a tasteful tone.
- Jewelry – Taupe beads, pearls and metals bring subtle shine.
Taupe allows fashion pieces to coordinate without competing. It has an understated allure that lets bolder jewel tones and prints stand out. This makes a taupe handbag or pair of shoes versatile and timeless. Combining taupe with navy blue, black, white, pink and metallics can create fashion-forward looks.
Psychology of Taupe
In color psychology, taupe is associated with the following perceptions and emotional states:
- Neutrality – Taupe comes across as impartial, open-minded and composed.
- Balance – It strikes a harmonious balance between warm and cool undertones.
- Subtlety – Taupe has an understated, quiet personality.
- Sophistication – It represents refined, cultured taste.
- Modesty – Taupe is modest and humble, avoiding extremes.
- Peacefulness – Its mellow energy has a calming influence.
- Practicality – Taupe is pragmatic, realistic and adaptable.
These associations stem from taupe’s middle ground position on the color wheel. It blends the vitality of warmer shades with the tranquility of cooler hues. This makes taupe project a well-balanced, modest sensibility. It has just enough personality without dominating a space.
Taupe vs. Beige
Taupe is often compared to beige since they occupy similar neutral territory. But they have some distinct differences:
- Beige is lighter and has more white/cream added.
- Taupe is darker with more brown, black and charcoal mixed in.
- Beige has exclusively warm yellow undertones.
- Taupe shifts between warm red undertones to cool gray ones.
- Beige conveys more airiness and brightness.
- Taupe feels more earthy, organic and grounded.
In essence, beige is a warmer neutral while taupe covers cooler ground as well. Taupe derives more visual interest from its subtle color shifts. But beige offers an airier feel-good vibe. Both work well as flexible backdrop colors.
Conclusion
Taupe resides between brown and gray as a tertiary neutral on the color wheel. Its versatile positioning allows it to bridge warm and cool palettes. Variations in undertones and depth create lighter, classic and darker taupe shades. This versatile color brings out the best in surrounding hues. It creates harmonious, contemporary spaces with an understated elegance. Taupe’s neutrality reflects impartiality, practicality and balance. That makes it an endlessly adaptable color for design schemes and wardrobes alike.
