20 Best Complimentary Paint Colors for Brown

Brown is a grounding, earthy color that’s a favorite in home interiors for its warmth and versatility. Whether it’s in furniture, floors, or walls, brown creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

However, pairing it with the right colors is key to ensuring your space doesn’t feel too heavy or one-dimensional.

Complimentary colors bring balance, highlight features, and add personality to your home.

Let me share 20 of the best complimentary paint colors, with 10 from Sherwin-Williams and 10 from Benjamin Moore, along with ideas on how to use them in your spaces.

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Sherwin-Williams Complimentary Paint Colors for Brown

1. Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)

Agreeable Gray is a soft, neutral gray with warm undertones. It has a subtle beige tint that makes it adaptable, balancing the earthy tones of brown without overpowering it. This color is popular for its ability to harmonize with various styles, from traditional to modern.

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Best Places to Use:
Perfect for living rooms or open-plan areas where you want a light and inviting atmosphere. It works especially well with light brown furniture or trim, creating a timeless look that feels fresh and airy.

2. Sea Salt (SW 6204)

Sea Salt is a gentle, muted green with a hint of gray. It’s refreshing yet soft, evoking the calmness of nature. The understated green pairs beautifully with brown, softening its depth while adding a touch of vibrancy.

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Best Places to Use:
Use this in bathrooms or bedrooms to create a serene and rejuvenating retreat. It’s an excellent choice for accent walls paired with brown wood furniture or flooring.

3. Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

This is a warm, light beige that has a hint of gray, making it incredibly versatile. It complements brown tones by adding warmth without competing for attention, creating a harmonious look.

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Best Places to Use:
Accessible Beige is ideal for large living areas or dining rooms. Pair it with darker brown cabinetry or trim to achieve a cozy yet sophisticated style.

4. Alabaster (SW 7008)

Alabaster is a creamy, off-white with soft yellow undertones. It provides just enough warmth to complement brown without feeling stark. This shade brightens a room while keeping it warm and inviting.

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Best Places to Use:
Great for kitchens or entryways where you want a clean yet welcoming look. It’s perfect for pairing with brown wooden beams, cabinets, or furniture.

5. Moody Blue (SW 6221)

Moody Blue is a medium blue with gray undertones, giving it a slightly muted and sophisticated feel. It contrasts beautifully with brown, creating a balanced yet bold look.

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Best Places to Use:
This shade works well in home offices or reading nooks. Pair it with dark brown furniture or accents for a classic, tailored appearance.

6. Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

A rich, deep bronze with gray undertones, Urbane Bronze is a bold choice that enhances brown’s earthy character. It’s a dramatic color that exudes elegance.

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Best Places to Use:
Use it as an accent wall in living rooms or bedrooms to create depth. It pairs wonderfully with medium brown tones and gold or brass accents.

7. Navajo White (SW 6126)

Navajo White is a creamy, soft beige with yellow undertones. It adds warmth and brightness to spaces, complementing brown tones without overwhelming them.

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Best Places to Use:
It’s perfect for hallways or family rooms where you want a light, cozy feel. Combine it with dark brown furniture for a welcoming and timeless appeal.

8. Rainwashed (SW 6211)

Rainwashed is a pale green-blue with a hint of gray, creating a soothing and fresh atmosphere. It pairs seamlessly with brown to evoke feelings of natural harmony.

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Best Places to Use:
Use this color in bedrooms or bathrooms for a light, refreshing vibe. It’s especially striking with warm brown flooring or trim.

9. Taupe Tone (SW 7633)

Taupe Tone is a medium taupe with gray undertones, striking a balance between light and dark. It enhances brown tones without blending in too much, creating subtle contrast.

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Best Places to Use:
Ideal for dining rooms or home libraries, this color pairs well with dark brown furniture for a sophisticated and cohesive look.

10. Anew Gray (SW 7030)

Anew Gray is a warm gray with a slight beige tint, offering versatility and elegance. It complements brown tones by providing a soft contrast that feels modern and clean.

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Best Places to Use:

This color shines in bedrooms or living areas. Pair it with medium brown furniture or flooring for a chic and balanced space.

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Benjamin Moore Complimentary Paint Colors for Brown

11. Revere Pewter (HC-172)

Revere Pewter is a warm, gray-beige that’s considered a classic neutral. It’s versatile and works beautifully with both warm and cool brown tones. The subtle warmth in this shade ensures it doesn’t feel stark, even in rooms with ample natural light.

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Best Places to Use:
This color is ideal for kitchens, hallways, or family rooms. It pairs perfectly with dark brown cabinetry, creating a balanced and timeless appeal that enhances the coziness of the space.

12. Hale Navy (HC-154)

Hale Navy is a deep, rich navy blue with gray undertones. It creates a dramatic yet sophisticated contrast with brown, adding depth and character to a room.

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Best Places to Use:
Use this shade in dining rooms or as an accent wall in bedrooms for a bold statement. It works wonderfully with medium or light brown furniture, highlighting the warmth in wood tones.

13. Pale Oak (OC-20)

Pale Oak is a soft, muted taupe with subtle pink undertones. It complements brown by introducing a gentle contrast that feels warm and inviting without overwhelming the space.

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Best Places to Use:
Ideal for living rooms or bedrooms, this shade works well with dark brown furniture or light brown floors. It creates a serene environment perfect for relaxation.

14. Simply White (OC-117)

Simply White is a bright, crisp white with a hint of warmth. It’s a versatile choice that adds brightness to any room and enhances the natural richness of brown tones.

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Best Places to Use:
This shade is perfect for trim, ceilings, or walls in spaces with brown wood accents. It’s particularly striking in kitchens with brown cabinets or countertops.

15. Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)

Kendall Charcoal is a dark, moody gray with green undertones. It pairs beautifully with brown, especially in spaces where you want a grounded, sophisticated look.

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Best Places to Use:
Use this color in home offices or living rooms. It’s stunning when paired with light or medium brown furniture and can also work as a bold accent wall.

16. Gray Owl (OC-52)

Gray Owl is a light gray with subtle green undertones. It’s a fresh, airy color that complements both warm and cool shades of brown, creating a balanced and neutral look.

Best Places to Use:
This shade is excellent for bathrooms, bedrooms, or open spaces. It pairs beautifully with brown wood floors or dark brown furniture for a calming and cohesive aesthetic.

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17. Balboa Mist (OC-27)

Balboa Mist is a light gray with a slight beige undertone. It offers a soft and modern contrast to brown tones, making spaces feel light and open without losing warmth.

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Best Places to Use:
Great for dining rooms or entryways, this color pairs effortlessly with dark brown trim or furniture, adding a subtle elegance to the space.

18. Soft Fern (2144-40)

Soft Fern is a delicate green with a hint of yellow. It brings a touch of nature indoors, complementing brown’s earthy tones while adding a bit of color and life.

Best Places to Use:
Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or sunrooms, this shade pairs well with light brown floors or accents. It creates a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere.

19. White Dove (OC-17)

White Dove is a creamy white with a slight gray undertone. It’s a warm and inviting white that softens the intensity of brown, creating a harmonious and cohesive look.

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Best Places to Use:
This color is perfect for trim, cabinetry, or walls in spaces with brown furniture. It’s especially beautiful in kitchens or living rooms, where it adds brightness without feeling stark.

20. Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)

Edgecomb Gray is a light beige-gray with warm undertones. It’s a calming, versatile neutral that pairs beautifully with both light and dark brown tones.

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Best Places to Use:
Use this in bedrooms or family rooms for a cozy yet sophisticated look. It complements medium brown furniture and works well in spaces with ample natural light.

Choosing the right complimentary paint color for brown can completely transform the mood and functionality of a space.

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These shades from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer a variety of options, from soft neutrals to bold statements, that work beautifully with brown tones.

Whether you want a fresh and airy feel or a dramatic and grounded look, there’s a color on this list that will bring your vision to life.

Remember to test samples in your home’s lighting before making a final decision—you’ll be amazed at how these colors bring out the best in your brown accents.

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