Brown has made a major comeback in home decor, with brown paint colors trending for living room makeovers. Rich chocolate browns to soft beiges are transforming living rooms into irresistibly cozy sanctuaries.
Beyond basic beige, brown paint unlocks a variety of sophisticated moods. It brings out the warmth of natural woods and gives any room an earthy, tranquil vibe. From rustic farmhouse to mid-century modern, brown paint colors enhance all decor aesthetics.
Ready to reimagine your living room with some fresh brown paint? Read on for the hottest brown color trends and expert tips to recreate this heartwarming look in your home.
Brown Paint Color Trends for 2023
Brown paint has made an undeniable comeback thanks to a few key color trends:
Comeback of Chocolate Browns
Rich, darker chocolate browns are gaining popularity after years of preference for lighter, muted tones. These moody shades add drama and make small living rooms feel cozier.
Deep coffee-inspired browns like Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, Benjamin Moore Cognac, or Behr Dark Chocolate evoke sophistication. They give off an elegant, luxurious vibe when used on accent walls or to paint fireplace mantels and built-in shelving.
Soft & Neutral Browns
On the lighter end of the brown family, creamy cappuccinos and cocoas are also trending. These flexible earth tones lend a subtle, soothing feel to any living room.
Try soft browns like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige, or Behr Caffeine Fix in small living rooms to open up the space. They provide a light, airy backdrop for bold accent colors and make renter-friendly paint choices.
Natural Wood Finishes
Natural wooden finishes like stains and paints that emulate raw wood grains are also increasing in popularity. These create a cozy but modern look.
Opt for woodsy browns like Sherwin Williams Roasted Chestnut, Behr Chestnut, or Benjamin Moore Buckhorn Brown. Paint built-ins, ceilings, or statement walls to harness that earthy, organic vibe perfect for craftsman or farmhouse decor.
Benefits of Brown Paint in Living Rooms
Beyond just being on-trend, brown paint colors offer many perks for living room spaces:
Creates a Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere
Brown paint envelops a living room in coziness. It brings out the warmth of wood furnishings and feels grounded, peaceful, and inviting.
In high-traffic family living rooms, brown walls or accents foster relaxation amid the daily chaos. Teens and kids alike will feel comfortable doing homework or playing games nestled within the earthy tranquility.
Adds Visual Interest and Depth
Strategically placed brown paint directs attention and becomes a striking focal point. Dark chocolate brown accent walls or architectural details like fireplace mantels stand out beautifully against lighter neutrals.
Varying shades of brown inject dimension into a space, making it feel richer and more interesting. Brown allows your decor details and textiles to pop while still feeling grounded.
Pairs Well with Other Colors
Brown complements and enhances a wide range of accent colors like blues, greens, purples, and warm metallics. It creates a soothing backdrop that subtly pulls an overall color scheme together.
Navy blue pillows and throws energize chocolate brown walls, while vibrant teal and emerald green decor keep beige-browns from feeling flat. Brown allows accent colors to shine while infusing them with a dose of cozy earthiness.
Suits Any Decor Style
From modern and industrial to traditional and eclectic, brown paint colors fit right in. The versatility of brown makes it well-suited to any living room aesthetic.
In industrial lofts, chocolate brown walls feel sleek, adding warmth. In farmhouse living rooms, soft tans keep things casual and rustic. From city apartments to country cottages, brown adapts with ease.
Choosing the Right Brown for Your Living Room
With so many gorgeous browns to pick from, it can be tricky to select the right shade for your space. Here are some helpful considerations as you evaluate brown paint colors:
Light vs. Dark Browns
Dark coffee browns make bold, moody statements, while lighter sand and beige browns keep things soft and subtle. Evaluate your room size and how much drama you want to create.
In a north-facing living room, darker browns can feel too somber, but pale browns may get washed out. Selecting the intensity of brown that fits the room and desired ambiance is key.
Undertones to Consider
Look closely at the undertones of any brown. Reds and oranges produce warmer cocoas and clays. Greys and blues result in cooler taupes.
Compare undertones to your existing furniture and accent pieces. Cool greige-browns pair well with black and white, while warm chocolate-browns enhance wood tones. Complementary undertones create a cohesive feel.
Test Paint Swatches
Don’t rely on small paint strips alone when selecting brown shades. Fully painted swatches on walls show how natural and artificial light affect the color throughout the day.
View dried swatches at different times and next to any furniture or decor stays. Only full swatches reveal colors’ true undertones and intensity.
Complementary Accent Colors
Determine which accent colors you’ll use before finalizing the brown. Warm oranges and reds boost lighter browns, while greens and blues balance darker shades.
Evaluate swatches alongside any existing colorful furniture or artwork you want to incorporate. Pick a flexible brown that complements key accent pieces.
Styling Tips for a Brown Living Room
Once you’ve selected the perfect brown paint, it’s time to curate a stylish living room that enhances it. Use these design ideas when furnishing and accessorizing your brown retreat:
Furniture That Complements Brown
Wood-toned coffee, console and side tables support brown walls, as do shelving units in espresso or walnut stains. Black and white patterned accent chairs add modern contrast.
Leather sofas in tan and cognac hues blend with brown backdrops. Navy or forest green velvet couches and lounge chairs balance earthy walls.
Decor Touches to Tie Together
Warm any brown with brass candle holders, table lamps with beige lampshades, and framed artwork boasting metallic gold accents.
Natural textures like faux sheepskin or cowhide rugs, woven throw blankets, and cozy knit pillows complement brown’s organic vibe. Greenery like succulents, snake plants, or potted palms add fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Use Brown
Take brown beyond walls with walnut bookshelves or dining benches. Paint built-in cabinetry, ceiling beams, or brick fireplace surrounds. Stain window sills and trim for an integrated look.
Use darker chocolate browns sparingly, like on an accent wall with wood-framed artwork atop it. Try soft beiges on the main living space to keep things airy.
Brown paint can transform tired living rooms into warm, welcoming spaces. From accent walls to full room makeovers, earthy browns create cozy backdrops for all decor styles.
In 2023, rich chocolate browns and creamy beiges lead the brown color trends. Strategically applied, brown paint and furniture enrich living rooms with natural texture and depth.
Trust brown to bring out the best in your living space. Reimagine your living room by embracing these current brown paint trends for a serene, stylish update.
