Taupe is a nuanced neutral, ranging from light to dark and combining the warmth of brown with the coolness of gray, and it makes for a sophisticated and timeless hue when used on the walls in interior schemes.
Once you understand what color taupe is – namely, that it combines both warm and cool tones – the next step is to choose the most flattering color combinations. Since some shades of taupe lean cooler with more gray, and others come across as warmer, there is much variety within this popular neutral, meaning that there are many color pairings to inspire.
Here, we explore five of the best color pairings for taupe, as explained by designers who have tried and tested these room color ideas. From colorful pairings that add warmth to this grounding shade to neutral pairings that offer timelessness, these ideas cater to many decorating styles.
1. Brown tones
While taupe makes a calming backdrop color for bolder hues, it works equally well alongside neutrals. To add depth to taupe walls, consider decorating with brown, which adds warmth and creates a monochromatic color scheme.
'We love leaning into a tonal look when it comes to taupe spaces and creating a truly enveloping surrounding,' say the interior designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co, who designed this neutral bedroom.
While chocolate brown will add more contrast to a taupe room, lighter brown tones, much like the nightstand in this bedroom, also work well if you prefer a lighter color scheme.
Add warming brown to a taupe scheme with this checked throw blanket.
This pillow cover would make a stylish addition to a taupe bedroom, adding extra warmth to cooler taupe walls.
Continue the neutral scheme underfoot with this striped brown rug.
2. Green
If you'd like to add a pop of color to your taupe scheme, consider decorating with green. Earthy greens in particular are a great way to make a taupe room feel more inviting and stop the space from feeling overly cool. 'A contrasted piece in a mucky green is the perfect way to bring an unexpected element to the space,' add Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co.
'I really love to pair taupe with shades of green, from forest to sage,' agrees interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'The gray notes in taupe pair with green hues in a really sophisticated way that keeps things in the cool color family without feeling heavy or gloomy.'
In a taupe bedroom, go for this forest green bedding to add more warmth and an earthy look.
In living rooms, this green and neutral pillow offers a classic look alongside taupe.
Ground your taupe scheme with this dark mossy green rug for a richer look.
3. Cream
To add lightness to a taupe room, consider decorating with cream or white. In this living room, the taupe walls, Rustica by Portola Paints, are balanced by the lighter cream sofa and ottoman.
'I love pairing taupe with a creamy, nuanced white because it elevates the whole palette and makes the room feel layered and intentional,' explains interior designer Caron Woolsey, founder and principal at CW Interiors. 'Creamy white balances taupe’s cozy warmth and brings in just the right touch of sophistication. Together, they feel collected, inviting, and quietly luxurious.'
This ivory pillow cover offers texture and a classic look in a taupe room.
Add sculptural interest to your scheme with this vase, perfect for an entryway or living room.
Create a lighter look with this cream table lamp alongside darker taupe walls.
4. Dark blue
To add more depth to a taupe scheme, decorating with blue is recommended by designers. While plenty of shades of blue work well alongside taupe, dark blues add richness and contrast, as seen in this bedroom through the soft furnishings.
'In this primary bedroom, I have paired taupes and creams with a deeply saturated blue on both the striated velvet shams and repeated on the alpaca throw to add that rich, deep color, grounding the soft neutrals and drawing your eye in,' explains the interior designer Marianne Jones of Marianne Jones Interior Design.
If you're decorating a taupe bedroom, add this blue velvet quilted sham for a pop of color.
Add navy blue to your taupe scheme with this rug to provide coolness and depth.
Create a classic look with this dark blue table lamp that would work well in a taupe living room.
5. Lavender
'One of my favorite pairings with taupe is a soft, dusty lavender,' shares interior designer Glenna Stone of Glenna Stone Interiors. 'Taupe is a beautiful neutral with warm undertones, and when combined with a muted lavender, the effect is serene, elevated, and unexpected. The taupe grounds the space while the lavender brings a touch of softness and sophistication.'
The pairing of taupe and lavender is also enjoyed by designer Lauren Czarniecki of Czar Interiors, who designed this relaxing bedroom. The lavender headboard adds a subtle hint of color to the taupe walls, while the overall feel remains understated and soft.
'I just love how taupe and mauve work together – they feel so effortlessly refined and luxe,' says Lauren. 'There’s this great balance of softness and contrast that keeps things from feeling flat. It’s warm, it’s layered, and it really lets texture shine, which adds so much depth and interest to a space. It’s one of those combos that always feels fresh but timeless.'
For a playful look, go for this lavender stool to add color to a calming taupe bedroom.
If your bedroom features taupe bedding, this mauve pillow color will add warmth.
Combine neutrals with soft shades of purple with the addition of this patterned rug, a great way to add interest to a room.
You can pair plenty of colors with taupe, from soft purples to richer neutrals. Since taupe can vary a lot, from light to dark and cool to warm, you may want to create balance with your pairings. For cooler shades of taupe, do so with warmer accent colors, but for warm taupes, consider going for cooler color pairings.
