Brown is a versatile color for living room or dining room furniture because it adapts to various styles. Paired well, brown can create a warm, earthy, sophisticated, or even glamorous vibe. Your first step in picking wall colors is to decide on the atmosphere you want to create. Here’s how to match colors to your unique style with brown furniture in mind.

If you love curling up with a book or relaxing by the fire, you might enjoy a space that feels warm and intimate. To create a cozy atmosphere with dark brown furniture, mid-tone wall colors work best. Consider warm yellows, soft blues, muted green-grays, creamy tans, or calming grays. Danielle, co-founder of The Inside, suggests exploring Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colors for inspiration. Keep the walls soft-toned to achieve a balanced, inviting look.

For medium brown furniture, try slightly deeper wall colors for a snug feel. Rich tones like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy or Knoxville Gray look beautiful next to walnut or camel-toned pieces. The goal is to keep the room gentle and warm, so avoid bright or stark colors that might clash.

If you feel more at home outdoors, you may want a nature-inspired space. Brown furniture works perfectly here, echoing the natural tones of soil and wood. Earthy colors create an inviting space: burnt umber, warm peach, terra cotta, mustard yellow, rich greens, and soft blues all reflect natural landscapes. For inspiration, consider the colors you see on a hike or outside your window.

In a nature-inspired room, texture is just as important as color. Grasscloth wallpaper or natural fiber rugs, like jute or seagrass, can enhance the organic feel. Layer textures with boucle pillows, stone-topped tables, clay pots, and a hide or woven rug to complete the earthy ambiance.

The renowned decorator Billy Baldwin famously used brown in elegant, chic rooms, showing that brown can be as refined as black and white when done well. For a sophisticated look, pair your brown furniture with ivory or cream walls to create a high-contrast, upscale feel. Accent colors like cornflower blue add a refined touch, while a palette of ivory, sand, camel, and cocoa creates a luxurious yet understated look.

Be careful with white; stark white walls can strip brown furniture of its warmth. Instead, choose softer shades like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee or Navajo White, which add a gentle contrast without overwhelming the room.

If you prefer bold, glamorous spaces, consider vibrant wall colors to set off your brown furniture. Iconic designer Hermes showed that deep brown and orange make a luxurious combination, with orange walls adding energy and style. For a retro glam look, add brass accents, an ivory rug, and a few pops of sparkle. You could also create an accent wall in orange for a touch of drama.

If orange isn’t your color but you still want a high-impact look, try a deep, glossy brown. Brown-on-brown can create a rich, immersive environment. Choose a high-gloss finish for a luxurious effect, and let light reflect off the walls. High gloss can add depth and elegance, but ensure the walls are well-prepped for a flawless finish.

To get the most out of your brown furniture, here are a few colors to consider carefully:

Red: Dark reds, like maroon, can bring out unwanted red undertones in brown, which can look muddied or dull.

Fuchsia: Brown and pink were trendy in the '90s, but the combination can quickly look outdated. If you want a pop of color, consider orange, lime green, or bright blue instead.

These tips apply just as well in a bedroom with brown furniture. While many people focus on decorating their living rooms, don’t forget to style your bedroom to create a welcoming space where you begin and end your day. Whether you have a modern brown wood bed frame or a plush upholstered headboard, these color guidelines will help you turn your brown bedroom furniture into a stylish, restful retreat.

By thoughtfully selecting wall colors, you can make brown furniture a stunning centerpiece in any room, achieving the ambiance that fits your taste perfectly.