Colours that go beautifully with brown

Home Inspiration Colours that go beautifully with brown

Nestled between the earthy embrace of red and the coolness of blue, brown emerges as an essential anchor in any sophisticated interior palette.

Whether through bed frames, panelling and feature walls, furnishings, or bedroom accessories, brown adds depth to any bedroom design. In combination with other colours, it can create a visual balance, allowing brighter tones to pop while grounding the space.

From soft taupe to rich chocolate, the spectrum of brown is varied. Add contrast by pairing with rich tones like navy blue and mustard. Or, for a more subtle and nuanced space, embrace lighter pastels like cream and coral.

Top tip: When using brown as an anchor point, it’s crucial to consider how you bring light and colour into the space. But rest assured, when done well, brown can create a truly relaxing space with relaxing notes of the natural world.

Brown colour theory and pyschology

Brown carries a unique significance in colour theory and psychology. Comprising a mixture of red, yellow, and blue tones, it embodies a sense of stability, reliability, and ruggedness.

In colour psychology, it’s often associated with qualities like warmth, comfort, and a down-to-earth atmosphere. Deeply connected to the natural world, it’s reminiscent of forests and autumn leaves.

You’ll need to be wary of using too much brown, though. It can evoke connotations of emptiness and sadness when used without care, particularly in rooms without much natural light. To ensure balance, pair it with brighter colours or light neutrals, as suggested by Mydomaine.com.

[Brown] is great for rooms with a lot of natural light that won’t feel overly dark and dim. Pair with bold colors such as orange or green for a pop of color, or keep it neutral with light beige or off-white to let brown really take centerstage.

To help you find the perfect brown bedroom colour palette, we’ll identify our favourite pairings for an inspired bedroom design.

Our favourite colours to combine with brown

A black metal bed styled in a brown and cream room

Credit: @abs333

1. Brown and cream

A soft and warm blend that brings comfort and harmony to any space.

Balance the rich, chocolatey depths of brown against the elegance of cream for a truly serene retreat. As both of these are considered neutral colours, it’s worth layering in pops of brighter colours too. As in the image above, greens will work well, particularly in the form of bedroom plants and botanical artwork.

Note the abundance of light neutrals too. Layering in cream and white with bedding will help bring a sense of lightness ot the space. Cooling greys and light blue furniture pieces soften the earthiness of the brown, ensuring a considered and put-together decor style.

image of a bedroom showing half a bed with teal cushions and white bedding. There is light teal wall panelling behind and a brown bedside table.

Credit: @birdshome_

2. Brown and teal

Striking seascape interiors for coastal charm.

Embrace the simultaneously bold and tranquil pairing of brown with teal. This combination beautifully bridges earthiness and vibrancy, offering a sophisticated contrast that instantly draws attention.

Teal injects a refreshing dose of energy while brown grounds the space, creating a balanced composition. Consider layering different shades of teal too. Incorporate darker teal accents through decorative pillows and balance against lighter wall and rustic wooden furniture.

Dark wooden bedside table with gold metallic inlays, styled in a deep pink feminine bedroom.

3. Brown, golds, and coppers

Dial up that regal feeling of depth and grandeur in your home.

Channel opulence by combining brown with sumptuous gold and copper accents. The interplay between the deep warmth of brown and the shimmering elegance of gold infuses a sense of luxury into your interiors.

The reflective qualities of these metals help to bring light into the space. Whether through gilded photo frames, golden light fixtures, or chrome handles on furniture, this pairing helps ensure a lavish atmosphere in any room. Consider pairing these accents with a wooden bed frame to add a richness to the space.

dark brown cabinet with dark green leafy plant leading into a lighter green and white bedroom

Credit: @carolineandconnor

4. Brown and olive green

Natural vibes galore with this earthy, zen-like combination.

Bring the soothing embrace of nature indoors by teaming brown with calming olive green. This partnership encapsulates the tranquillity of a lush forest, evoking a serene and inviting atmosphere. When working with brown though, be aware of which greens work best. Color-meanings.net suggest hues with a deeper tonal range:

Brown and green are both calming colors in the environment, so they work well together. Dark greens like forest green go best with shades of brown. For example, a brown couch with forest green walls and green decorative pillows will give off a calming feel.

Whether you choose to use olive green as an accentuating or dominant shade, the result is a rich aesthetic that evokes a deep sense of relaxation. As in the image above, think about where you place this colour scheme. It may be wise to use this across a hallway in the run-up to a lighter, more airy bedroom of soft greens and whites.

Wooden parquet-inspired bed frame, styled against a deep green wall with floating shelves.

5. Brown and coral

Vibrant tones are grounded by brown, bringing brightness and serenity together.

Infuse your space with vivacious energy by combining the warmth of brown with the playful charm of coral. This unexpected pairing injects a pop of colour while maintaining a sense of cosiness. Coral accents, whether in the form of cushions, vases, or wall art, introduce a vibrant contrast that awakens the room.

As in the image above, this combination is great for maximalist designs where colour is king. If you are going for a bright, pop-art inspired design, we’d recommend light brown wooden furniture and flooring to help neutralise the more dominant colours.

A dark wooden ottoman bed frame with a slatted headboard, styled in a deep blue room with botanical accents.

6. Brown and navy blue

Naval colours, a joining of land and sea, are perfect for a coastal feel.

For a timeless bedroom design, opt for the dependable duo of brown and navy blue. Commonly paired throughout history in naval and maritime settings, this pairing effortlessly breathes sophistication into most spaces. The rich depth of brown harmonizes with the depth of navy blue, resulting in a visually appealing contrast that suits various design styles.

However, you’ll need to be wary of creating a room that’s too dark and serious. If you’re low on natural light, opt for white bedding and mirrors to help bounce light around the room.

7. Brown and light terracotta

Celebrate the beauty of earth tones by combining brown with terracotta.

This pairing exudes warmth and comfort, creating a space that feels grounded and inviting. Terracotta accents, through ceramics, textiles, or wall paint, infuse a rustic charm that complements the natural tones of brown.

Whether it’s in your living room with a sofa bed, or in your bedroom, this is a great option for the warmer vibes.

Credit: @fringedinteriors

8. Brown and mustard

With a rich and bold character, mustard adds vibrancy to the soothing backdrop of brown.

Add flavour to the earthiness of a brown decor scheme with mustard. As above, use a spectrum of brown hues within the space but direct attention towards the mustard tones. Note the light wooden bed and picture frames, with deep chocolate hues in the artwork and cushion. This creates a sense of balance, allowing the mustard cushion and paint to really pop. For a touch more vibrancy, opt for indoor plants and metallic accessories.

Top tip: Yellow, mustard’s dominant colour, helps to lift your mood and alleviate stress, making it an excellent choice for the bedroom. For a truly serotonin-boosting colour palette, check out our post on bedroom colours that make you happy.

Dark wooden bed frame with gold metallic inlays, styled in a deep pink feminine bedroom.

9. Brown and soft pink

Softness and elegance abound with this romantic pairing.

For a touch of romance and delicacy, pair brown with soft pink. This combination strikes a delicate balance between the warmth of brown and the gentle femininity of pink.

Copper accents will help introduce light to the space, while woven textures – think distressed rugs and wool blankets – provide visual interest and depth.

10. Light brown and grey

Subtle and inviting, this light palette is perfect for an inviting, scandi-inspired sanctuary.

Pair the soft neutrality of pastel grey with light brown for a light and airy space. For a small hint of contrast, bring in notes of white through shelving and bedside tables. Small metal details can help contrast the natural elements too. Consider copper vases and metal legs on 70s-inspired furniture pieces.

As shown above, teak tones and light botanics such as pampas grass lift the space from its neutral base and ensure your bedroom is the perfect place to unwind.