30 Decorating with Brown Ideas for Every Room

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDEN | Published March 18, 2024 |

Decorating with Brown: Warm, earthy browns are staging a comeback, and with good reason. Brown is a remarkably versatile color that infuses a space with sophistication and a sense of comfort while adding approachable elegance and a timeless appeal to any room. With its understated grace, top interior designers often use brown as a foundational shade, as it can complement a wide range of styles. 

In this article, I will share ways to include gorgeous shades of earthy browns, from decadent dark chocolate hues to shades of espresso and light caramels to warm honey accents, making your home look like a sun-drenched autumn forest. Brown can be used to color drench a room, as a feature wall, in fabrics and decorative objects, or incorporated through wood tones in ceiling beams, furniture, and flooring.

“Our lives are woven with a vivid tapestry of colors that shape our days, memories, and unique preferences. Amidst this vibrant palette, a hue patiently awaits its turn to take the spotlight and captivate with its quiet charm and timeless elegance: brown. This earthy shade holds a profound significance—from nature to design, its hues embody a sense of grounding, connecting us to the organic world and creating an inviting sense of warmth.” – Shea Mcgee of McGee & Co Design. 

Feature image courtesy of Amber Interiors

Here are a few design ideas and tips on how to infuse brown into your home:

Decorating with Shades of Brown in the Living Room
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design

1. Choose a Harmonious Color Palette 

When decorating with brown, it is important to create a harmonious color scheme. Brown is a versatile base color that can be paired with a wide range of other hues to create different moods and aesthetics. 

Brown pairs well with other earthy tones such as olive and sage green, cumin, terracotta, creamy whites, warming oranges, and deep reddish browns. These colors are inspired by nature and enrich the design with contrast and character.

Decorating with Brown
Image courtesy of Katie Hodges Design

2. Using Different Brown Tones

The color brown, often associated with nature and earth, is a versatile color that can add depth and warmth to any space. It comes in a wide range of shades, from deep chocolate to caramel, umber, espresso, bronze, almond, and tan, allowing for endless possibilities in decor. When used correctly, brown can create a sense of coziness and elegance in your home.

When selecting different tones of brown for your decor, consider the mood you want to create. Deep browns, such as espresso or mahogany, can add a sense of richness and sophistication to a room. Light browns like beige or taupe create a softer and more relaxed feel to the space. 

Different Shades of Brown
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design

3. Pair Warm Browns with Orange and Cream Hues

Using browns, creams, and oranges in a space creates a warm and inviting living area that celebrates the beautiful hues of Autumn all year long. Orange accents uplift a brown living room with warmth and energy.

Pair with layered textures such as brown velvet upholstery, an earth-tone area rug, oak accent furniture, chunky cable knit throws in creamy whites, rustic pottery, tree branches, and floral arrangements that embrace this stunning palette. 

Pairing Brown with Other Earth Tone Colors
Image courtesy of Amber Lewis Design

4. Decorating with Brown Tones in the Kitchen

This incredibly versatile color adds a rich, earthy elegance to a kitchen, saturating the space with timeless appeal. Brown kitchen cabinets create a dramatic look and pair beautifully with white marble countertops and backsplash. Consider adding natural wood flooring, warm metals, and a stone accent wall in light sandy-brown hues to add a rustic and organic feel to your kitchen. 

Using Brown Tones in the Kitchen
Image courtesy of Amber Interiors

5. Include a Brown Accent Wall as a Focal Point

This past decade has focused on using cool shades of gray in interiors. Recently, trends have shifted, with warm beige and brown tones again becoming popular. Including a light or dark brown accent wall in your space can add a dramatic focal point while infusing it with warmth. 

Depending on the shade of brown you choose, it can create a sense of richness and add visual interest and texture. With an organic, easygoing elegance, brown paint can elevate any room in your home with a back-to-nature vibe. 

When choosing a brown tone to paint your accent wall, take inspiration from natural wood tones throughout your home and choose a lighter shade. Opt for dark browns ranging from chocolate to mahogany for a more dramatic look. These darker, saturated hues make a bold and stylish statement, adding depth and drama. 

Painting a Feature Wall Brown
Image courtesy of McGee & Co.

6. Brown Window Treatments

Brown curtains can add warmth, depth, and sophistication to a room. Depending on the shade of brown you choose, the curtains can complement a wide range of styles, from modern to traditional design. Lighter brown curtains, such as taupe or beige, can create a soft and soothing ambiance, while deeper brown hues, such as chocolate or espresso, add richness and drama. 

Brown curtains also pair well with other earthy tones, such as olive green or terracotta, creating a harmonious color palette. Additionally, brown curtains can provide a neutral backdrop for other decorative elements in the room, allowing them to stand out and make a statement.

Dining Room with Brown Window Treatments
Image courtesy of Katie Hodges Design

7. Consider Brown Custom Cabinetry 

Brown built-in cabinets with open shelving add drama, depth, and dimension to a space, making it feel substantial and inviting. Pair brown cabinetry with warm metallics such as copper, bronze, or gold to add a touch of glamour and elegance to earthy brown tones. 

In addition, you can incorporate warm metallics through decorative objects such as vases or lamps, which can add a touch of shimmer and shine to a room. Consider using metallic picture frames, wall art, mirrors, or candle holders to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to brown walls. 

Brown Built-In Cabinets with Open Shelving
Image courtesy of West of Main Design

8. Pair Brown with Natural Elements

To truly embrace the concept of earthy elegance, it is important to incorporate natural elements into your brown design scheme. Achieve this by using materials such as wood, stone, and natural fibers. Include large-scale trees, organic sculptures, camel-colored curtains, rustic pottery, and bowls. These materials add texture and visual interest to your space and create a connection to the natural world.

When selecting furniture and accessories, opt for pieces made from natural materials. Look for wooden tables, chairs, and shelves that showcase the beauty of the grain. Consider adding stone accents, such as a marble countertop or a slate fireplace, to create a sense of timeless elegance.

Combining Brown Tones with Organic & Natural Elements
Image courtesy of Jake Arnold Design

9. Consider Brown Velvet

With its astonishingly soft fibers, velvet is a universal and sumptuous textile that brings luxury and style and can transform even the simplest sofa or accent chair into a beautiful statement piece. A single velvet piece of furniture or accent, such as a throw pillow, provides a plush and upscale feel. 

Brown Velvet Furniture & Throw Pillows
Image courtesy of Amber Lewis Interiors

10. Incorporate a Brown Sofa

Brown furniture is a classic choice that never goes out of style. It adds warmth, depth, and sophistication to any space, making it a popular choice among interior designers. Brown furniture comes in various shades and styles, from light oak to dark mahogany, and can be incorporated into any design aesthetic.

Consider incorporating different textures and patterns into the space to create a cohesive look. For example, pair a brown leather sofa with a plush area rug and patterned throw pillows. Or, mix and match different shades of brown furniture, such as a dark wood coffee table with a light oak bookcase.

Textured Fabric Sectional or Brown Leather Sectional
Image courtesy of Amber Interiors

11. Pair with a Neutral Wall Color

Consider layering a neutral color palette with warm brown accents. Pair brown with whites, creams, or grays to create a timeless and sophisticated look. This allows the brown tones to take center stage while creating a calming and inviting space. 

Use warm neutrals for walls, curtains, or accessories to complement brown furniture or accents. Create elements of contrast and depth through varying tactile textures and materials, from wood to stone and wool.

Pairing Brown Elements with a Neutral Wall Color
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design

12. Choose a Tone on Tone Design

One approach to creating a harmonious color palette is to use a monochromatic scheme. This involves using shades of brown, ranging from light to dark, to create a layered and cohesive look. To create visual interest, add plenty of texture and color through accessories such as pillows, window treatments, area rugs, or artwork.

Tone on Tone | Layering Shades of Brown
Image courtesy of Sean Anderson Interior Design

13. Add a Brown Area Rug to Ground the Space

Area rugs add warmth and comfort to the space while also providing the opportunity to bring in color, texture, and pattern. They are a powerful tool to ground the space and tie together all the elements in the room. A good area rug should provide more than a decorative element in any room; it should also help create a focal point. 

Incorporating a Brown Area Rug
Image courtesy of Katie Hodges Design

14. Incorporate Brown Into a Home Office Design

Bold and stylish, brown is an excellent choice for an elegant home office that is equal parts scholarly and stunning. When decorating a home office with brown, consider using it as a foundational shade. 

For example, you could paint the walls a warm, earthy brown and then use other colors and textures to add interest and contrast. You could also incorporate brown through wood tones in your desk, bookcases, or shelving units.

Home Office in Warm Brown Towns
Image courtesy of McGee & Co.

15. Layer Browns in a Bedroom

Neutral paint colors are a popular choice for bedroom design, and shades of brown offer a unique, stylish option. Layer in different hues of brown, from soft and light shades to richer dark tones. Include brown tones in artwork, furniture, bedding textiles, area rugs, and window treatments for a relaxing and inviting bedroom oasis. 

Layering Shades of Brown in the Bedroom
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design

16. Using Brown in a Living Room 

In a living room, brown can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while adding a touch of elegance. Depending on what it is paired with, a room anchored by brown upholstery, throw pillows, area rugs, and decorative accents can be earthy and natural, elegant and sophisticated, or full-on glam.

Layering Soft Shades of Brown in the Living Room
Image courtesy of Lifestyled Co.

17. Mix Earth Tone and Brown Pillows

Mixing and matching shades of brown with earth tones in a pillow arrangement is a great way to add depth and dimension to a living room. Be sure to include a variety of textures, patterns, and tones to add visual interest and create a cozy seating area with a designer touch. 

Mixing Earth Tone and Brown Pillows
Image courtesy of Nicole Green Design

18. Using Brown in the Entryway

Using brown in the entryway can create a warm and inviting welcome for your guests as soon as they enter your home. Brown is a versatile color that can be used in various ways to enhance the ambiance of the entryway. 

For instance, you could paint the walls warm brown and pair it with a light-colored rug and dark wood furniture to create a cozy and welcoming space. Alternatively, you could pair a dark brown accent wall with light-colored furniture and accessories to create a striking contrast that makes a bold statement. 

Brown Hues in an Entryway
Image courtesy of West of Main Design

19. Brown in the Kitchen

Bring this gorgeous color to your kitchen design through warm wood cabinets, flooring, and furniture. Use open shelving to display earth-tone accent pieces, pottery in brown hues, and stone cookware. Brown is a timeless color that never goes out of style, so you can be sure that your kitchen will look just as beautiful and elegant years from now as it does today.

Incorporating Brown in the Kitchen with Wood Cabinets & Flooring
Image courtesy of Amber Lewis Design

20. Brown in the Dining Room

Showcasing brown hues throughout the dining room will create a wonderfully organic and warm design. Consider adding a gallery wall with stunning artwork displaying warm shades of earthy browns and greens to add depth and dimension. Alternative ways to add brown to a dining room are through brown dining chairs, lighting fixtures, and rustic pottery.

Dining Room with Brown Chairs, Lighting, Artwork & Decor
Image courtesy of JDP Design

21. Brown in Country Cottage Homes

Brown is a popular color in country cottage design, adding warmth and coziness to the space. In this style, brown is often used in wood furniture, such as a rustic wooden dining table or a distressed wood bookshelf. 

Brown can also be used in fabrics and textiles, such as plaid, floral, or houndstooth upholstery on chairs or a brown and cream-striped rug. When decorating a country cottage with brown, it is important to choose warm and earthy shades, such as caramel, chestnut, or umber. 

In a country cottage kitchen, brown can be used in cabinetry, like taupe kitchen cabinets or those with a distressed brown finish. Brown can also be used in the backsplash, such as a mosaic tile with brown and cream tones. When paired with other natural materials like wood and stone, brown can create a rustic and charming look.

Country Cottage Kitchen with Warm Shades of Brown
Image courtesy of Jake Arnold Design

22. Use Brown Wallpaper for a Warm Touch

Brown wallpaper can be a great choice for adding depth, warmth, and sophistication to a room, especially a country-style living room. Depending on the shade and pattern, brown wallpaper can create a variety of moods and aesthetics, from cozy and rustic to sleek and modern. 

Incorporating Brown Wallpaper
Image courtesy of Amber Lewis Design

23. Introduce Brown Through Patterns

Introduce patterns through upholstery fabrics, throw pillows or area rugs. Patterns like stripes, plaids, or geometric designs can complement brown decor while adding visual interest.

Decorating with Brown
Image courtesy of Lucas Interior

24. Use Branches for an Earthy Look

Incorporate green as an accent color through plants, tree branches, and floral arrangements. Green works beautifully as an accent color for brown, as both tones are reminiscent of nature. When colors occur naturally together in the environment, they are inevitably going to complement each other.

Decorating with Brown & Using Branches
Image courtesy of Light and Dwell

25. Brown in Modern Farmhouse Design

Brown is a key element of modern farmhouse design and can add warmth and coziness to any space. Consider adding brown-textured details such as a woven rug, a leather armchair, or a chunky knit throw.

Pairing brown with white is a classic modern farmhouse combination. Consider using white walls and brown furniture or accessories to create a fresh and contemporary look.

Modern Farmhouse Living Room With Brown Accent Pillows
Image courtesy of JFY Designs

26. Go Bold with Rich Brown Tones

If you want to make a bold statement with your home decor, consider using rich and bold brown tones. From deep chocolate to mahogany, these warm and earthy hues can add depth and sophistication to any room.

Decorating in Rich Shades of Brown
Image courtesy of Elle Decor

27. Brown in Rustic Interior Design

Rustic design is all about bringing the outdoors inside, and brown is a color that is often found in nature. It is a versatile color that can be used to create various looks, from light and airy to dark and moody. 

In rustic design, brown is often combined with other earthy colors like green, beige, and gray. Natural materials like wood, stone, and leather are also frequently used in rustic design, and brown complements these materials beautifully. 

Decorating with Brown in Rustic Homes
Image courtesy of JDP Interiors

28. Using Brown in a Breakfast Nook

Using brown in a breakfast nook is a great way to add warmth and comfort to your space. Consider incorporating brown through your seating, such as with brown leather dining chairs or upholstered bench seating. 

You can also add brown to your tableware, such as with brown stoneware plates and mugs. Consider pairing brown with neutral colors like white or cream or earthy tones like green or terracotta. 

Brown Accent Wall in a Breakfast Nook
Image courtesy of Amber Lewis Interiors

29. Brown in an Outdoor Living Space

Whether you are decorating a patio, garden, or backyard, incorporating this warm color can add a sense of grounding and earthiness to your outdoor space. Consider using natural wood with a beautiful grain pattern, or choose a dark brown stain for a dramatic effect.

Brown in Outdoor Spaces
Image courtesy of Lauren Kreiss Design

30. Pair Brown with Warm Grays

Rich chocolate brown pairs beautifully with warm gray hues. The key is to choose a warm gray that has brown undertones, as this will complement the brown tones in the room. For example, a warm gray with a taupe or beige undertone will pair beautifully with rich espresso, chocolate, or mocha brown walls. 

Brown Walls and Cabinetry with Warm Gray Tiles
Image courtesy of Elle Decor | Thom Filicia Design

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