Beige is a popular neutral colour that pairs well with a wide range of colours, from warm earthy tones to cool blues and greens. However, one of the best pairings for beige is white, as it creates a fresh and airy feel in any space.
Warm colours that complement beige tones include burnt orange, terracotta, and mustard yellow, while cooler shades like navy blue, forest green, and charcoal grey create a more sophisticated and modern look.
Whether you're looking to create a cosy living room, a peaceful and serene bedroom, or a stylish kitchen, there is an almost endless list of colours that go well with beige.
Let's get right into it and explore some of the best colours that complement beige.
Understanding the Colour Beige
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As a neutral colour, beige is a very versatile shade that can be used in a variety of colour schemes and design styles. For this reason, it is a popular choice for interior designers and homeowners alike.
Beige is often described as a pale sandy fawn colour that can range widely in tone. One of the main benefits of using beige in any colour scheme is that it is a calming and soothing colour that helps to create a relaxing environment.
It is also a great choice for creating a sophisticated and elegant look, particularly when paired with metallic silver or gold accents.
When using beige in any colour scheme, it is important to consider the undertones in the shade you are choosing. Beige can have both warm undertones and cool undertones, which affect the way it looks when used against other colours.
For example, beige with yellow undertones can look great with warm colours such as red and orange, while pink undertones can look better with cool colours like blue and green.
Using Beige with Other Neutrals
As a neutral shade itself, beige pairs well with a range of other other warm neutrals. Here are some examples of the best neutral colours to use with a beige palette.
White and Beige
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White and beige is a classic combination that creates a clean and timeless look in any beige living room design. When pairing white and beige, it's important to choose the right shades to avoid a dull or washed-out effect.
Opt for warm beige walls with yellow or orange undertones, and pair it with a bright or crisp white. You can also experiment with different textures and patterns by adding beige accessories such as a linen sofa with white cotton cushions.
Grey and Beige
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Grey and beige, also known as "greige," is a popular combination that creates a sophisticated and modern look. When pairing grey elements and beige walls, be sure to choose the right shades to avoid a muddy effect.
Consider using a warm beige with yellow or orange undertones, and pair it with a cool or muted grey. You can again play with different textures and patterns to add depth, such as a beige wool rug with a grey leather armchair.
Cream and Beige
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Cream and beige are a soft and elegant pairing that offers a warm and inviting neutral space. If you are using cream and beige together, take your time to choose the right shade to avoid a flat or drab finish in your beige living room.
Go for a warm beige couch or wall with yellow or orange undertones, and pair it with a creamy or ivory shade. You can also add interest with a mixture of materials, such as a cool beige silk throw blanket or cream linen curtains.
Pairing Beige with Warm Colours
When pairing beige with warm colours, there are a few options that can work particularly well. In this section, Let's explore some of the most popular.
Red and Beige
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Red and beige are a great combination, as they complement each other well. The warm tones of bold red create a striking contrast against beige, while deeper shades of red offer a more subtle and refined look.
As an example, a beige sofa dressed with deep red cushions will add warmth and depth to the space. Or beige background walls will be the perfect setting for a rich red sofa.
Orange and Beige
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Orange is another warm colour that pairs well with beige. Burnt orange being is a popular choice, as it has a rich, earthy shade that works very well with the neutral beige. A beige and burnt orange colour scheme is great at creating a cosy and inviting ambience.
Yellow and Beige
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Yellow is a bright and cheerful colour that can add an important touch of colour to any beige colour scheme. Gold and caramel shades of yellow work particularly well, as they complement the neutral tones.
In the beige living room example shown above, the beige walls and mustard yellow sofa offer a fresh and uplifting aesthetic, especially when there is plenty of natural light present.
Combining Beige with Cool Colours
Combining beige with cool colours can produce a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Here are a few of my favourite possibilities:
Blue and Beige
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A blue and beige room is a match made in heaven. The coolness of blue perfectly complements the warmth of this medium beige wall, creating a balanced and serene look.
Light blue and beige work well together for a beachy, coastal vibe, whereas a combination of navy blue and beige creates a more dramatic and elegant look. For a modern twist, try pairing beige with a bold teal or a soft sage green.
Green and Beige
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Green and beige make for a fresh and natural combination. Olive green and beige for example offer a warm and earthy feel, while forest green and beige add depth and richness.
For a more feminine touch, consider pairing beige with a lavender accent wall and accessories for a softer and more calming atmosphere.
Purple and Beige
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Purple and beige may not seem like an obvious design pairing, but the blue undertones in the purple help it work surprisingly well against the soft neutrals of beige.
Lavender and beige create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, while deep purple and beige add a touch of drama and finesse. For a more playful look, try combining beige with a bright magenta or fuchsia.
Using Beige in Different Spaces
With beige being such a versatile colour it stands to reason that it can be used in various spaces in the home. Here are some tips on how to incorporate it into different rooms.
Beige in the Kitchen
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Beige is an excellent choice for kitchen walls, cabinets, and countertops. It pairs well with many other colours, including white, black, and grey.
Beige cabinets and countertops offer a warm and inviting atmosphere while using beige on the walls can make a small kitchen feel more spacious. To add some contrast to the kitchen space, consider pairing beige with darker shades of brown or green.
Beige in the Bedroom
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Due to beige walls having such a calming quality, it is an obvious choice in the bedroom for both relaxing and creating a soothing place in which to sleep. Beige pairs particularly well with light blue, grey, and white in this type of setting.
To add some texture, consider complimenting the beige bedroom interior with beige curtains or a chunky pile of beige or jute rug.
Beige in the Dining Room
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Beige is a popular choice for dining room walls and furniture. It pairs well with dark wood furniture and affords a warm and inviting environment.
To add an interesting contrast, black or dark blue accents are great paired with beige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which colours pair well with a beige sofa?
Beige sofas are a versatile furniture option and can be paired with a range of colours. One possibility is to pair it with shades of blue, such as navy, sky blue, or teal.
Another option is to pair it with warm colours like burnt orange, rust, or mustard yellow.
What are some colours that go well with beige and white?
Beige and white are a classic colour scheme and work very well in combination with a variety of other colours. For a fresh and modern look, team beige and white with mint green or pale blue.
For a more dramatic look, combine it with black or deep navy blue or for more neutrality, you can pair it with different shades of grey.
Do beige and blue match?
Yes, beige and blue can certainly match well together. When beige is paired with blue, it's important to consider the tone of each colour to ensure they work. To put it simply, lighter shades of blue pair well with lighter shades of beige, while darker shades of blue pair well with darker shades of beige. However, that isn't to say that you cannot mix things around.
Does grey complement beige well in a room?
Yes, grey is a great companion to beige and is another versatile colour that pairs well with a range of colours.
You can pair light grey with beige for a soft and subtle look, or dark grey with beige for a bolder, more dramatic look.
What are some colours that complement beige clothing?
When it comes to beige clothing, many colours complement it well. If you're looking for a bold and striking look, you can pair beige with red or orange.
For a more subdued and subtle look, you can opt for pastel shades like light pink, baby blue, or mint green. If you want to keep things neutral however, you can pair beige with white, black, or grey.
My Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding what colours go with beige, the possibilities are abundant. Beige serves as a versatile and neutral backdrop that can be effortlessly complemented by various shades and tones.
For a classic look that will stand the test of time, consider combining beige with soft pastels such as blush pink, mint green, or powder blue. Or to create a sophisticated and elegant ambience, go for rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep burgundy.
If you prefer a contemporary and modern aesthetic, experiment with bold and vibrant colour hues such as mustard yellow, terracotta, or teal.
Ultimately, in my opinion, the key is to strike a balance between contrast and cohesion, allowing beige to anchor the palette while adding flashes of colour that enhance its warm and cosy nature.
Author: Matthew Chiappini
