The 10 Best Brown Paint Colors for Khaki, Taupe, and More

Brown is the new 'it' neutral that can be surprisingly sophisticated. These are our favorite paint colors for all shades of brown.

Brown is an underrated neutral color that can look incredibly sophisticated when used right. Following the longtime popularity of cool gray hues, warm tones are once again having a design moment. Brown paint colors range from light and creamy shades that exude a calm and luxurious feel, to deep, rich tones perfect for making a dramatic statement.

Pair brown with natural woods, cozy leather, and textured jute for a layered aesthetic, or go with an elegant tonal color palette and complement the color with other neutrals. Whether you're looking for a sandy hue to give your bedroom a beach-inspired makeover, or you want to elevate a suave home office space with a moody chocolate tone, take inspiration from these expert-loved shades.

Here are the best paint colors for all shades of brown, recommended by industry pros.

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Woven Wicker by Sherwin-Williams

Add a splash of Woven Wicker by Sherwin-Williams for instant warmth and character. "It's an earthy neutral that subtly complements mid-tone greens or blues like Evergreen Fog," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Create a charming cottage-inspired room with beadboard and trim painted in this cozy shade and accented with a patterned wallpaper above the paneling. "When sharing a palette with warm whites and earthy shades, Woven Wicker creates a harmonious and elevated space," Wadden says.

Safari Beige by Valspar

Safari Beige by Valspar is a mid-tone brown that makes for a sophisticated wall color in a gathering space such as a living room or dining room. "It envelops any space in warmth and comfort, its familiar natural tone creating a soothing and grounded environment," says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. It works well as an all-over or accent wall color and if you're layering in accents, Kim recommends introducing light greige shades such as Clay Angel and Swiss Coffee to help bring harmony and balance to a space.

Related: Designers' Favorite Paint Color Pairings for Every Style

Brown Clay by Glidden

"Glidden's Brown Clay is reminiscent of your favorite pumpkin spice-something or natural clay or terracotta, and it complements a variety of design styles from rustic to modern," says Ashley McCollum, Glidden Paint by PPG color expert. The rich, sophisticated, yet down-to-earth shade pairs well with gold, brass, and earth tones such as rusty reds and sage greens. "It exudes a sense of coziness and warmth, making it an excellent choice for creating a welcoming atmosphere in rooms where people gather, such as a living room, dining room, kitchen, or media room," McCollum says.

Related: 16 Fall Paint Colors That Capture the Beauty of Autumn

Chocolate Mousse by Benjamin Moore

If you're on the hunt for the perfect light brown, look no further than Benjamin Moore's Chocolate Mousse. "This mushroom paint color is a soft, warm neutral with a cozy taupe undertone and an easygoing, laidback quality to it," says Arianna Barone, the paint brand's color marketing manager. The taupe notes prevent the shade from looking too gray or too beige and given its warm and welcoming feel, it's a great choice for living room walls, especially when paired with crisp white trim and ceilings. To complete the look, "Layer in other warm neutrals with pops of deep brown and navy accents," Barone says.

Related: The Best Taupe Paint Colors for Timeless Elegance

Nutshell by Behr

Inject instant warmth with a coat of Nutshell by Behr, which is a familiar and easy-to-use neutral paint color. This soft brown paint color is inspired by lightly roasted walnuts. "This shade is warm, but also inviting and restful, and creates a homey feeling and promotes a cozy and comforting environment," says Cara Newhart, interior designer and Behr ambassador.

Sealskin by Sherwin-Williams

Sealskin by Sherwin-Williams is a dramatically bold brown paint color. "It's a daring and rich deep dark, perfect for creating a restful retreat or an atmosphere of mystery," Wadden says. The luxurious brown shade is surprisingly versatile and a great choice for a home office, bedroom, or a well-lit living room. "It adds powerful contrast to a space and pairs beautifully with gilded metallic accents or colored light," Wadden says.

Related: These Moody Paint Colors Could Increase Your Home’s Value by as Much as $2,500

Bittersweet Chocolate by Benjamin Moore

For a dark and moody brown paint color, opt for Bittersweet Chocolate by Benjamin Moore. Barone describes it as a velvety, deep espresso hue with a touch of violet that brings additional depth and elegance. "It is a softer, warmer alternative to a black paint color but can bring just as much drama and sophistication," she says. Barone suggests using it in quieter areas of the home such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and even home offices. "Paint it on the walls, trim, and ceiling to create an enveloping and handsome space," she says.

Related: Chocolate Brown Is the Fashion World’s Favorite Color Right Now—Here’s How to Bring It Home

Tavern Taupe by Behr

For a cooler-leaning brown paint color, an elegant taupe shade such as Behr's Tavern Taupe fits the bill. "It's a beautifully balanced chic shade of brown that can make your space look timeless and effortless, and that provides the perfect neutral backdrop to highlight other features in the room," Newhart says.

Related: What Color Is Taupe? How to Decorate with This Classic Neutral

Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore

"Manchester Tan is not only a popular Benjamin Moore beige, but it is also a popular Benjamin Moore paint color overall," Barone says. She describes it as an adaptable and versatile hue that has a fresh and sophisticated touch. "It fits any type of space; I love to see it in kitchens and living rooms, since these spaces often connect multiple areas in a home and Manchester Tan is a great connector color," she says.

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Happy Trails by Glidden

For the perfect all-over wall cover for an open floor plan, use Happy Trails, one of Glidden's most popular neutral paint colors. "It is a stunning complement to other warm tones and honey or deep-toned woods and is a great choice for spaces where you want to create a serene and harmonious ambiance, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices," McCollum says. Additionally, Happy Trails is a beautiful body color for warm, neutral exterior color schemes that create a welcoming effect.

Related: 9 Exterior Paint Color Trends You'll Be Seeing in 2024

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