The Best Neutral Paint Colors for an Earth-Tone Room

Brown

• Indulge in earth colors with the many shades of brown. Brown is everywhere in nature and it gives rooms a comfortable ambiance as well as a solid foundation. You can use brown everywhere, but avoid using too much dark brown in rooms with very little light. In well-lit rooms with light shades of furnishings, you can put dark taupe on the walls. Lighter shades of brown can contain more yellow or orange hues. Choose a shade that complements the colors in your décor.

Gold

• Gold shades are warm and bright. In an earth-tone room, they will add intensity. They don't always have to be shiny. In fact, gold comes in a variety of colors, ranging from mustard to pale yellow. Match the tones in your room for a balanced look. If you have dark shades of brown or green in your room, lighter shades of tan or pale yellow will give the room a lift.

White

• White will brighten rooms with earth tones, and it goes with everything. If you have a dark floor, you may want to brighten the mood of your room with white walls. White has different undertones, such as blue or yellow. White walls change with the amount of natural light in rooms and the time of day. Put color swatches on different walls to help you determine which shades of white look the best with the light sources in the room.

Black

• Black is daring but also remarkably neutral. It provides a solid foundation for earthy tones, which makes it an optimal choice for furnishings. You'll want to balance the heavy look and feel of black with lighter neutral colors for the best effect. Pair it with white and tan for a color combination that's sure to win.