Taupe Vs Beige: What are the Differences?

When it comes to home decor, choosing the right color combination can make or break the creation of a cohesive and calming space.

Taupe and Beige are two colors that are frequently used in home decor. They may appear similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, they have subtle differences that can affect a room’s overall look and feel.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you should know to make an informed decision, from the differences and similarities between these two colors, to the undertones and how you can be pair them with other colors.

Table of Contents

Taupe Vs Beige

Left- A Taupe Sample From Apartment Therapy Right- A Beige Sample From Magic Bricks

Taupe and beige are neutral colors in the color scheme, which means they are created by mixing two complementary hues in equal amounts.

Beige is made by mixing equal amounts of red, green, and blue (RGB), whereas taupe is created by combining equal portions gray and brown.

While Beige is a warm, creamy color, Taupe has a cooler undertone with hints of gray or purple, as seen in the photo above. Beige is usually associated with sand or desert tones, while taupe is associated with earthy or natural tones.

Regarding interior design, Beige is famous for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. At the same time, Taupe is often used to add sophistication and modernity to a space.

Understanding the subtle differences between Taupe and Beige can help you make better home decorating decisions.

What are the Similarities Between Taupe and Beige?

Taupe and Beige are often used interchangeably because they have much in common. They are also neutral colors commonly used in interior design, fashion, and other industries.

They are earthy tones that are soothing to look at. Because of these similarities, many people use taupe and beige interchangeably.

Quick Comparisons: Taupe Vs Beige

	Taupe	Beige
RGB	72,60,50	225, 218, 200
Hex Value	#483c32	#e1dac8
LRV	18-23	63-71
Undertones	Grey, Brown	Yellow

LRV of Taupe Vs Beige

Light Reflective Value is a numerical measurement that shows how much light a color reflects.

Taupe has a slightly lower LRV of 18-23, indicating that it absorbs slightly more light and appears darker. As a result, it can be a good choice for creating a cozy or inviting atmosphere in a space.

On the other hand, beige has a higher LRV of 63-71 and reflects more light, making it ideal for brightening up a room or creating a sense of space.

Taupe Vs Beige Undertones

Taupe and Beige have undertones that affect their appearance and can change depending on the lighting and other colors in the room.

In the picture above, Taupe has cool undertones with a hint of gray, which gives it a sophisticated and refined look. It is a versatile color that you can use in different design schemes, from modern to traditional.

Taupe’s gray undertones make it an excellent color for creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

However, Beige has warm undertones, ranging from yellow, pink, orange, or green, depending on the shade.

These undertones make it a versatile color that can adapt to different design styles, from classic to contemporary. In addition, the warmth of Beige makes it a welcoming and cozy color, perfect for creating a comfortable and inviting space.

Beige with pink undertones work well with muted blues and greens, while Beige with yellow undertones pairs well with earthy greens and browns.

Overall, understanding the undertones of each color can assist you in selecting the appropriate shade and pairing for your design scheme, resulting in a cohesive look.

Warm or Cool Color?

Depending on their undertones, Taupe and Beige can be considered warm or cool colors. Beige with yellow or orange undertones will be warm, while beige with pink or gray will be cool.

Taupe with brown or gray undertones can also be considered cool, while Taupe with purple or pink undertones is warm.

Taupe Vs Beige Complementary Colors

Taupe and Beige are neutral colors with a similar appearance. Conversely, Taupe has more gray undertones, and Beige has a more visible yellow undertone. These differences result in complementary colors that, when combined, create a cohesive color palette.

Complementary colors for Taupe and Beige are shades of blue and green. For example, a soft blue or seafoam green would complement Taupe, while a bolder navy blue or emerald green would complement Beige.

Other colors that work well with Taupe include lavender, lilac, and soft pink. For Beige, dusty rose, warm brown, and ivory would be complementary choices.

Choosing complementary colors to pair with Taupe and Beige depends on the overall mood and style you want to achieve. Neutral colors are versatile and can work with various accent colors. They are also enjoyable to experiment with and discover your ideal color combination.

Taupe Vs Beige Coordinating Colors

Because both Taupe and Beige are neutral colors, they work well with various coordinating colors. However, slight differences in the undertones of these colors can affect their coordinating options.

Taupe is a grayish-brown with a cool undertone. It goes well with green, blue, and even lavender. You can also combine taupe with black or deep red to create a more dramatic look.

Because of its cool, sophisticated tone, taupe is frequently used in modern or contemporary design schemes.

On the other hand, Beige is a warmer color that has a yellow or pink undertone. It goes well with earthy colors like olive green, rust, and mustard. It can also look good with blue shades, but choose a cooler color to avoid clashing with Beige’s warm undertone.

Beige is often associated with warmth, comfort, and coziness, making it a popular choice for traditional, rustic, or country-style interiors.

Tip: When coordinating Taupe or beige with other colors, try to balance the warmth or coolness of the two colors to create a cohesive look.

What Color Trim Complements the Taupe and Beige Walls?

Knowing which colors complement Taupe and Beige is important when designing a room or incorporating these neutral shades into your furniture.

A crisp white trim complements taupe and beige walls well. It adds a bright contrast while keeping the overall color palette neutral and sophisticated. A light tan or pale gray trim can also work well with Taupe and beige walls to achieve a more subtle look.

Deep greens, rich purples, and warm browns work well as trims for taupe. These colors provide a contrast that brings out the best in Taupe while keeping the overall look muted and sophisticated.

Conversely, beige pairs well with soft blues, light pinks, and muted greens trims. These colors add a feminine and light touch to Beige, making it ideal for a minimalist or bohemian-style room.

It’s also worth noting that taupe and beige pair well with metallic accents like gold or silver. These accents give these neutral shades a touch of glam and luxury, making them a popular choice for home decor.

Can You Use Taupe with Beige?

Yes, Taupe and Beige can be used together. Both colors are warm neutrals with a similar undertone, making them great for a cohesive and calming color scheme.

To create visual interest and contrast between the two colors, you can vary the shades by using lighter or darker hues of each color or by adding texture through fabrics or accessories.

Incorporating complementary colors, such as navy blue or soft pink, can also help improve the design’s overall aesthetic.

Taupe Vs Beige on Cabinets

Left- A Taupe Sample from Pinterest Right- A Beige Sample from Pinterest

Taupe and Beige are neutral colours often used in interior design. For cabinets, both colors can create a classic and timeless look, but there are some differences to note between both.

In the overall look of cabinets, Taupe is a grayish-brown color with a slight undertone of purple. It is a versatile color that complements a wide range of design styles. Taupe cabinets can add warmth and depth to a space while maintaining a neutral aesthetic.

Taupe cabinets can also provide a modern or contemporary look, depending on the style of the cabinet and the rest of the design elements in the room.

On the other hand, beige cabinets can provide a softer, lighter look to a space than Taupe cabinets while still providing warmth. Beige cabinets are frequently used in traditional designs and can add elegance and sophistication to a room.

It is critical to consider the overall style of your home and the color palette you are working with when deciding between taupe and beige cabinets. Taupe can be bold and add more character to a room, while Beige can be more subtle and classic.

Furthermore, the undertones in each color can affect how they appear when paired with other colors, so when choosing, it is essential to consider the other design elements in the room.

Taupe Vs Beige for Exteriors

Left- A Taupe Sample From @Houzz Right- A Beige Sample From @123rf

Choosing the right color for the exterior of your home can be challenging. It is important to select a color that enhances your home’s beauty and reflects your personality.

Taupe and Beige are two popular neutral colors for exterior home design. While they may appear very similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals significant differences in their exteriors.

Taupe, a warm grayish-brown color, is considered luxurious and sophisticated, with a modern feel.

Taupe appears lighter outside due to its gray undertones, which reflect light more effectively, as shown in the photo above. In direct sunlight, however, Taupe may appear darker or cooler.

On the other hand, beige is a classic neutral used in home exteriors for decades. It’s a light or dark yellowish-tan color with a warm undertone.

Beige appears lighter than Taupe in indoor or artificial lighting. However, because of its yellow or pink undertones, which may absorb some light, it may appear darker outside.

When deciding between Taupe and Beige for an exterior color scheme, keep the following factors in mind:

Location

If you live in an area with much sunlight, taupe may be a better choice because its gray undertones will keep it from looking washed out in direct sunlight.

Style of Home

Taupe is a great color for modern and contemporary homes, while beige works well in traditional and rustic settings.

Trims and Accents

Consider the other colors used on the exterior of your home, such as accents and trim. For example, Beige may be a complementary choice if you have white trim, while a darker trim color may work better with Taupe.

Personal preference

Consider which color makes you feel more comfortable and which will complement the style and location of your home.

When to Choose Taupe or Beige

We have thoroughly examined both choices to help you make a well-informed decision between Taupe and Beige. In addition, we have compiled a list of features to consider before making your final decision;

While Taupe and Beige are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two shades.
Taupe has a lower LRV that ranges from 18 to 23 depending on the amount of light compared to Beige, which has an LRV that ranges from 63 to 71.
Taupe is grayish-brown with hints of mauve, purple, or pink undertones.
On the other hand, Beige is a light, sandy brown color with warm yellowish or reddish undertones.
Taupe with pink undertones can give a more feminine and gentle feel. In contrast, Taupe with gray undertones can be more masculine and sophisticated.
Taupe with pink undertones can give a more feminine and gentle feel. In contrast, Taupe with gray undertones can be more masculine and sophisticated.
Beige with yellow undertones can be cheerful and bright, while red undertones can be rich and elegant.

Final Words

While Taupe and Beige appear similar at first glance, there are subtle differences between the two that can significantly impact your design choices.

When choosing between Taupe and Beige, it is essential to consider the mood you want to convey and the other colors you intend to use in your design.

We hope our comparison of Taupe and Beige has helped determine the best timeless neutral shade for your home. We wish you luck as you make your decision. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section, and we will gladly respond.