What Colors Go With Brown? – Best Tertiary Color Harmonies

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Ahh, the rich and earthy hue of brown – a color that has stood the test of time and has remained a steadfast staple in the world of art and design. From warm caramel tones to deeper chocolate shades, brown is a versatile and inviting color that can evoke feelings of comfort, stability, and sophistication. But, as with any color, finding the perfect complementary shades to pair with brown can be a challenge. Fear not, dear reader, for in this discourse, we shall be exploring the world of color theory and discover the captivating combinations that are able to make brown stand out and shine. So, come along on this journey, and let us unravel the mystery of what colors go with brown.

What Color Is Brown?

Brown, the color of the earth beneath us and the bark of the trees that grow above us, is a warm and inviting hue that simply exudes a sense of natural beauty and stability. This is a color that can range from light and sandy to deep and enriching, as well as everything in between.

At its core, however, brown is created by simply mixing together equal parts of red, yellow, and blue, creating a neutral color that can easily be paired with a wide variety of other shades and hues. Brown is a versatile color that can evoke feelings of warmth, security, and comfort, and can be found throughout nature, whether in the fur of animals, or even in the delicious food we consume.

As you may be able to tell from the table above, the many shades of brown add together to create a spectrum of warm and earthy hues that can range from the lightest sandy beige to the richest chocolate brown. Each shade of brown is able to hold its own unique beauty and character, evoking different emotions and moods.

On the lighter end of the spectrum, we have hues such as beige, taupe, and tan. These shades are often associated with natural fibers such as linen and cotton, and can create a sense of calm and tranquility in any space. As we move toward the middle of the spectrum, we encounter shades such as caramel and chestnut, which exude warmth and richness, adding depth and dimension to any design.

Towards the darker end, however, we have shades such as chocolate, espresso, and mahogany. These deep, rich browns are often associated with luxury and sophistication, evoking a sense of opulence and elegance.

No matter the shade, brown remains a color that can be paired with other colors with ease, and be used to create a variety of design styles, ranging from cozy and rustic to sleek and modern. So, whether you are personally drawn to the lighter, more subtle shades, or the deeper and more dramatic tones, there is bound to be a shade of brown that is sure to capture your heart and enhance your space!

Colors That Go With Brown

When it comes to design, finding the perfect complementary colors can be a challenge. But fear no more, as brown is a versatile and inviting color that can easily be paired with a variety of hues to create stunning and harmonious color schemes. By understanding the principles of color theory and exploring the different shades and tones of brown, we can discover the many different complementary colors that go with brown. So, whether you are seeking to create a cozy and inviting space, or a sleek and modern aesthetic, let us explore the world of brown complementary colors and unlock the secrets of harmonious designs.

Brown Complementary Color

Found on the opposite side of the color wheel, we have the lively and verdant shade of jungle green, a stunning complement to the rich and earthy hue of brown. With its deep yet saturated tone, jungle green is able to add a pop of vibrant color to any space or design, while still creating a sense of balance and harmony with brown’s warmer tone.

When paired with brown, jungle green can create a natural and organic aesthetic, evoking feelings of both tranquility and peace. Imagine a cozy living room, adorned with plush brown leather sofas that are accentuated by jungle green throw pillows and lush plants. The combination of jungle green as a brown contrast color creates a greater sense of groundedness and vitality, making the space feel both inviting and refreshing.

Brown Split Complementary Colors

Another way to find colors that go with brown is to look at its split complementary counterparts, which make up a stunning display of color harmony. Here, the deep and regal lapis lazuli and the fresh and vibrant eucalyptus come together to create a visual feast for the eyes.

With its rich blue hue, lapis lazuli is a color that has been prized for its beauty and rarity throughout history. It exudes a sense of depth and mystery, like the endless depths of the ocean or the vast expanse of the night sky, its regal presence makes it a color that demands attention and respect. In contrast, eucalyptus is able to radiate freshness and vitality, as its soft green tones evoke a sense of renewal and growth, much like the first buds of spring emerging from the ground.

In union, lapis lazuli and eucalyptus create a unique balance of richness and freshness, depth and vibrancy. These are colors that go well with brown in a way that is both unexpected and harmonious, with the warmth of brown tying them together. It is a color combination that is both timeless and modern, captivating and serene. Brown’s split complementary colors scheme is a true masterpiece of color harmony, and lapis lazuli and eucalyptus are the perfect embodiment of its beauty.

Brown Triadic Colors

Other ways to find colors that go with brown would be to look at its triadic colors. Brown’s triadic color scheme is a magnificent display of color harmony, where the deep and luxurious Persian blue and the lush and verdant forest green come together to create a visual symphony that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

With its rich and luxurious hue, Persian blue has been prized for centuries for its opulence and beauty. It exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication, much like the intricate patterns of Persian carpets or the majestic domes of ancient architecture. Its deep, almost velvety texture makes it a color that demands attention and admiration.

Contrasting this, forest green embodies the essence of nature and the great outdoors. Its verdant tones evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility, like the rustling of leaves in the forest or the gentle trickling of a stream. It brings a sense of harmony and balance to any palette, a reminder of the natural world that surrounds us.

When used together, these colors are able to complement one another in a manner that is harmonious and exciting, with the natural warmth of brown grounding our blue and green hues in a sense of earthiness. This color combination is both contemporary yet timeless, and captivating yet soothing.

Brown Monochromatic Colors

Stepping away from any brown contrast color, here we have a stunning display of color harmony in the form of a brown monochromatic color scheme. This is a color palette that is both elegant and sophisticated, where varying shades of brown come together to create a visual feast that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

At its heart, brown is a color that is rooted in the earth, and its warm and earthy tones evoke a sense of comfort and stability. The range of shades and textures within the brown color family is cast, from a deep, rich plum to a soft, moderate red shade. Each shade has its own unique character and personality, creating a palette that is both diverse and cohesive.

The beauty of a monochromatic color scheme lies in the subtle variations in tone and texture that come together to create a sense of depth and complexity. The use of different shades of brown in a single design can create a sense of richness and sophistication, as the eye is drawn to the subtle nuances of color and texture.

Brown Analogous Colors

In order to find colors that go well with brown while still remaining on the same side of the color wheel, you need look no further than this hue’s analogous colors. Found on either side of brown, we have Rouge and Mai Tai, providing us with a cohesive color palette that exudes a sense of groundedness and warm connection, while still introducing a subtle pop of color.

Rouge, a deep and rich red tone, is a shade that drips with passion and intensity, evoking the heat of the sun setting over a desert landscape, or the romantic glow of a candlelit dinner on a winter’s night. Its bold and dramatic presence makes it a color that demands attention and admiration. Contrasting this, we have mai tai, a color that holds a little bit more energy and liveliness. This burnt orange tone evokes a sense of warm enthusiasm, like the first rays of sunshine on an autumn morning, bringing a sense of playfulness and joy to any color palette.

Together, these colors blend to create a unique balance of energetic warmth and playful passion, complementing each other in a way that is both exciting and cohesive. All the while brown is still able to ground these colors thanks to its sense of comfort and groundedness. In collaboration, brown’s analogous color scheme is a true masterpiece of color harmony, where rouge and mai tai both act as the perfect embodiment of its beauty.

Other Colors That Go Well With Brown

Despite the many colors that have been listed in the above-mentioned examples, there are still countless different options to choose from when looking to incorporate brown into your wardrobe, design, or artwork. After all, brown’s versatility makes it the perfect canvas for pairing with a range of other shades and hues.

For starters, one such pairing would include the use of soft, delicate pastel hues, such as blush pink or pale mint green. These gentle shades bring a sense of tranquility and serenity to a palette that is grounded in the earthiness of brown. The result is a pairing that is both calming and sophisticated, creating a sense of elegance and refinement.

Another striking combination would incorporate the use of jewel tones, such as sapphire blue or emerald green. These rich, luxurious shades add a sense of drama and opulence to the warmth of brown, creating a palette that is both bold and sophisticated. The deep, vibrant tones of these jewel tones enhance the depth and richness of the brown, creating a sense of richness and sophistication.

However, if you are looking to achieve a more vibrant and joyful aesthetic within your designs, mustard yellow may work surprisingly well. This is a shade that adds a sense of energy to any color palette, evoking a sense of happiness and optimism, much like the sweet scent of a blooming flower. When paired with brown, mustard yellow creates a color scheme that is both playful and comforting, incorporating some much-needed joy and vitality.

Whether used in fashion, home decor, or even graphic design, the pairing of brown with practically any of the shades mentioned throughout this article creates a palette that is both captivating and harmonious. Each shade works flawlessly to bring out its own unique charm and personality, creating a sense of depth and complexity that is as intriguing as it is satisfying to the eye. Brown is a versatile color that can be paired with a wide range of other shades, and when done well, it creates a palette that remains truly inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Colors Go With Brown?

Despite brown’s connection to soil, this is a shade that pairs surprisingly well with an expansive range of colors, including white, cream, beige, black, green, blue, and burgundy. However, the specific shades that pair well with brown depend on the desired effect and the overall color palette in question, so be sure to choose your colors wisely.

What Is the Psychology Behind the Color Brown?

The psychology behind the color brown is often complex and varied, but it is often associated with stability, simplicity, and comfort. Brown is also sometimes associated with tradition and conservatism, as well as with nature and the great outdoors.

Is Brown a Popular Color?

Brown is a timeless and versatile color that has remained popular over the years. It is often used in fashion, home decor, and graphic design, and is a popular choice for its warmth, simplicity, and versatility.

Duncan van der Merwe( Color Theory Expert, Video Editor )

Duncan graduated with a diploma in Film and TV production from CityVarsity in 2018, after which he continued pursuing film while taking on a keen interest in writing along the way. Since having graduated, he began working as a freelance videographer, filming a variety of music videos, fashion and short films, adverts, weddings and more. Throughout this, he’s won a number of awards from various film festivals that are both locally and internationally recognized. However, Duncan still enjoys writing articles in between his filming ventures, appreciating the peace and clarity that comes with it.

His articles focus primarily around helping up-and-coming artists explore the basics of certain colors, how these colors can be paired with other shades, as well as what colors are created when you mix one with another. All while relating these shades to historically significant paintings that have incorporated them into their color palette. As a lover of the arts himself, he takes great interest in the Renaissance era of paintings, an era that has directly inspired many of his favorite films.

Learn more about Duncan van der Merwe and about us.