11 Beautiful Brown Paint Colors for Every Room, According to Designers

Hidden Valley by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, mid-tone brown has subtle taupe undertones that instantly infuse warmth without feeling heavy. “Hidden Valley has this wonderful way of shifting throughout the day, appearing more gray in morning light and warming up beautifully in afternoon sun,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla. “The depth is absolutely perfect for creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.” She recommends it for living rooms and home offices, and suggests pairing it with crisp white accents, jewel-tone textiles, and gold hardware. 

Wild Mustang by Dunn Edwards

This brown paint is as creamy as a piece of milk chocolate. “The way to make Wild Mustang a galloping success is to pair it with taupe or khaki and cut it with a snappy highlight color, like an ochre or orange, to give it some excitement,”  says interior designer Tracy Metro. “It’s gorgeous on a small section of wall, so as to not overpower a room.” 

Tanner’s Brown by Farrow & Ball

If you like the idea of a brown paint color but don’t want a shade that’s too literal, Tanner’s Brown by Farrow & Ball is a discrete shade. “From afar, it reads like a warm black, but the depth of the brown is very grounding,” says interior designer Casey Shroyer. “The color works great in rooms where you want a touch of masculinity without being too harsh. It pairs nicely with softer textiles and wallpapers, adding a slight feminine touch.” 

Poised Taupe by Sherwin-Williams

While many brown paint colors have a natural warmth to them thanks to golden undertones, Sherwin-Williams’ Poised Taupe goes the other direction. “The purple undertones give this color a rich depth and sophisticated luxury,” says interior designer Shauna Jones. “A plaster fireplace in this color would be stunning. We also love it mixed with jewel tones like berry, emerald, sapphire, and gold.”

Wenge by Benjamin Moore

At first glance, this brown may seem more purple, but linger longer and you’ll come to appreciate its rich and chocolate-y depth. “Wenge has dark undertones and is the perfect name for this paint since wenge wood—which is from Africa—has black undertones,” Metro explains. “This color looks so beautiful when paired with a crisp white. It’s great on a piece of furniture in super high gloss and offset by brushed brass hardware.” 

Middlebury Brown by Benjamin Moore

Middlebury Brown is a velvety brown with russet undertones that lends richness to any room. “I absolutely love doing this color in a powder bathroom or on moody cabinets," says interior designer Victoria Holly. "I love to pair it with gem tones in fabric, too.” 

Dauphin by Farrow & Ball

The word “dauphin” has royal roots, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this sophisticated chocolate from Farrow & Ball. “It has these beautiful cool undertones that keep it from feeling too traditional,” Tatsioni says. “The depth of pigments that Farrow & Ball is known for really shows in this color, creating subtle dimension that makes spaces feel incredibly rich and considered.”

This color works magic in spaces with lots of natural light, like libraries or studies with large windows. You can also try it in powder rooms and pair with antique brass fixtures and marble countertops for a jewel box effect. “For larger spaces, balance it with lighter upholstery and natural textures like sisal rugs or linen curtains," says Tatsioni. "This will keep the room from feeling too heavy."

Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball

Don’t let its name mislead you—Salon Drab is anything but boring. “It’s such a unique color in that it’s a chameleon,” Metro says. “It can easily be influenced by its surroundings. And with the right accompaniment, it can almost feel like it’s eggplant and not brown.” 

Chocolate Mousse by Benjamin Moore

For another latte-esque color that doubles as a neutral, opt for Benjamin Moore's Chocolate Mousse. “This color is both warm and calming—like a mocha latte," says Jones. "We can see it in a bedroom paired with deep green and smoky blue.” 

Mole’s Breath by Farrow & Ball

Can’t decide between gray or brown? Consider Mole’s Breath, which is a light to medium-toned brown with a hint of gray. “It creates a timeless feel that adapts to different lighting throughout the day,” says Metro. “It’s perfect because you don’t have to fully commit to brown, but it’s also not too gray.” She adds that this color is a real stunner on any cabinetry, and suggests pairing it with a rich grasscloth wallpaper.

Brown 02 Matt by Lick

Brown 02 is an earthy, cinnamon-dusted paint color that exudes a natural warmth, making it perfect for spaces where you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. “It feels timeless and versatile, making it a great backdrop for both contemporary and classic styles,” says Ross. “This shade works beautifully in living rooms or bedrooms, where you want a sense of comfort. Pair it with soft creams and natural textures like wood or linen to create a harmonious look.”