I’ve got to tell you about the time I tried to pick out carpet to go with the taupe walls in my living room.
I thought I could just walk into the carpet store, grab something in the brown family, and call it a day.
Boy was I wrong!
I must have tried 50 different samples before I finally found something that went.
Let’s just say there’s a science behind matching carpet and wall colors.
After that experience, I studied up to learn the method to the madness.
Now I’m sharing my hard-earned expertise with you so you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
Here are the top 15+ carpet colors that go great with taupe walls, along with tips for choosing the perfect shade to complement your space:
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Pale Gold
Warm up cool taupe walls with the subtle glow of pale gold carpeting.
Barely-there gold tones like candlelight, sunlight, and champagne will bring out the richness of taupe in an elegant way.
The pale gold warmth contrasts the cooler taupe while tying into its tawny base tones.
Pair pale gold carpet with taupe walls and oak accents for a stunning study or library.
Or use in a master suite for a glamorous dose of old Hollywood charm.
Either way, this color pairing looks far more luxurious than the subtle hint of gold would suggest.
The pale metallic sheen makes taupe walls shine.
Blush Pink
While bright pink may seem like an unusual choice with taupe walls, soft blush pinks actually pair beautifully.
Blush pinks like ballet slipper, petal blossom, and rose cloud add just a touch of feminine color to taupe backdrops.
The effect is soft, romantic, and elegant.
Ballet slipper is a pale neutral pink that reads almost as a warm beige, but with extra softness.
Petal blossom has more vibrancy, like a peach pink rose.
And rose cloud is an airy pink-beige that pairs effortlessly with taupe.
No matter which blush tone you choose, the carpet will lend subtle warmth while allowing the taupe walls to shine.
I’d highly recommend a blush pink rug in a bedroom with taupe walls and white trim for a gorgeous glamorous feel.
The colors complement each other perfectly while making the space dreamy and chic.
Lavender Gray
Similarly, lavender gray carpet contains hints of pale purple that bring out the lovely undertones in taupe walls.
Depending on the lighting, the lavender gray can read either gray or pale purple, lending an almost iridescent quality.
Shades like pink quartz, faded lilac, or French lavender inject a playful dose of color into neutral taupe spaces.
It’s an unexpected color pairing that really works!
I fell in love with a pink quartz wool area rug and found it paired so sweetly with the taupe living room.
The carpeting almost seems to change colors throughout the day as the light shifts.
Pale Sage Green
Green may not be the first color that comes to mind when choosing carpet for taupe walls.
But pale, dusty shades like sage green can actually be quite pretty with taupe.
Soft sage ties into the subtle green-gray aspects of many taupe paint colors.
Look for airy green-grays such as sea glass, cucumber water, or marshmallow mint.
Used in moderation, these bring out hazier green undertones in the taupe in a very pleasing way.
I added a small area cucumber water rug in my predominantly taupe kitchen and it really pulled the whole room together.
Just keep the shade very light for the most appealing look.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Dusty Blue
Similarly, dusty shades of blue also coordinate surprisingly well with taupe walls.
Picture a hazy periwinkle or weathered chambray.
Muted blue hues like stoned washed denim, lightly weathered slate, or faded periwinkle work beautifully with taupe backdrops.
Dusty blues have just a touch of gray that allows them to work in harmony with the taupe.
The effect is soothing, refined, and full of visual interest.
I incorporated lightly weathered slate carpeting in my home office with taupe walls and white built-ins.
The muted blue adds a pop of color without overwhelming the neutral taupe foundation.
My workdays feel more inspired yet relaxed.
Beige
Beige is a natural go-to when looking for a carpet color to pair with taupe walls.
It’s in the same color family but just a shade lighter, creating a cohesive feel.
Opt for a warm, inviting beige with yellow undertones rather than anything too cool or mushroom-y.
Specifically, look for hues like sand beige, camel beige, or golden beige.
I highly recommend bringing home a few samples in different beige shades to compare.
You’ll be amazed how much variation there is within a single color family.
The right warm, sunny beige will add a welcoming glow and expand the space visually by reflecting light.
This is my top pick for smaller rooms with limited natural light.
Light Brown
Similar to beige, light brown carpeting also complements taupe walls nicely.
Again, ensure the brown has a warm, golden undertone rather than skewing too cool or gray.
Think milk chocolate rather than dark chocolate.
Shades like almond, hazelnut and cappuccino are perfect pairings for taupe.
The almond and hazelnut hues have red-brown depth while maintaining a friendly lightness ideal for open floor plans.
Cappuccino brown has more gray tones for a sleeker contemporary vibe.
And best of all, the lightness will keep things airy and open while the brown tone ties everything together in harmony.
I used a light brown carpet in my formal living room with taupe walls and sage accents, and the rich yet understated color scheme never gets old.
Cream
Cream carpeting is another excellent choice with taupe walls.
It’s a few shades lighter than beige, adding even more brightness and visually expanding smaller spaces.
I’m talking true cream like the color of French vanilla ice cream, not anything peachy or yellow.
Soft creamy hues open up the room while allowing the taupe walls to anchor the space.
To keep a cream carpet looking pristine, avoid high traffic areas and consider professional cleaning every year or so.
But it’s worth the maintenance because this color combo instantly lightens and brightens any room.
I used an organic cream colored wool rug in my home office with taupe walls and it makes the small room feel so fresh and soothing.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Khaki
The natural khaki tone contains hints of gray, brown, and tan that complement taupe walls flawlessly.
I’m a huge fan of khaki because it’s so versatile – it goes from formal living rooms to casual family rooms seamlessly.
Look for hues like stone khaki which has gray undertones, sandy khaki with warm beige notes, or cinnamon khaki with deep red-brown tones.
Any of these will lend a relaxed, casual vibe to your space when paired with taupe walls.
I recently used stone khaki in a nursery makeover with taupe walls and couldn’t be happier with the calming effect.
Wheat
Think golden sunrise colors when considering a wheat carpet with taupe walls.
The warm, toasted undertones of wheat will bring out the subtle golden flecks in the taupe beautifully.
Light wheat evokes Sicilian summer sunshine – elegant yet earthy.
Or for more versatility, medium wheat warms up taupe without competing.
Just avoid going too dark with wheat shades, which can end up looking dingy or muddy when paired with taupe walls.
I tried to save a few bucks with a bargain darker wheat carpet in my basement and sincerely regretted it!
The taupe walls turned the whole space into a drab cave.
Stick to lighter wheat hues for the most appealing rustic ambiance.
Biscuit
Similar to wheat and khaki, biscuit carpeting shares an earthy tan-meets-brown color profile.
The natural undertones blend seamlessly with taupe walls in an understated, organic way.
Biscuit can be adapted to many decorating aesthetics too.
For traditional, try buttery lemon biscuit with yellow warmth.
French biscuit injects gray beige elegance for transitional spaces.
And for contemporary, nothing beats oatmeal biscuit with its edgy yet neutral vibe.
I recently used buttery lemon biscuit carpet in a farmhouse living area with taupe walls and adore how it turned out.
The colors enhance the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Beach Sand
The name says it all – beach sand carpeting evokes sun-bleached tones that coordinate effortlessly with taupe walls.
It’s lighter and brighter than traditional sand colors and contains faint gray undertones.
Think the sandy beige hue of seashells, weathered driftwood, and dune fencing.
Beach sand partnered with taupe walls instantly creates a breezy, coastal atmosphere.
Add mirrors, whitewashed woods, and nautical accents to complete the Cape Cod ambiance.
I tried this color scheme in a lake cottage mudroom makeover and everyone who visits asks for the paint and carpet details to recreate the relaxing vibe at home.
It’s the perfect casual pairing.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Mushroom
Don’t let the name fool you – today’s mushroom colored carpets are nothing like the murky, drab mushrooms of the past.
Modern versions feature refined, clay-like tones that marry beautifully with taupe walls.
In fact, many taupe paint colors even have hints of mushroom in them, so this combo creates amazing harmony.
Go for soft mushrooms like antique silk with beige-gray hues, or bisque mushrooms with earthy red-brown notes.
Either option will cultivate an organic symmetry in spaces with taupe walls.
I recently used antique silk mushroom carpeting in a spa-style master bath makeover with taupe marble tile and bronze fixtures.
The effect was so beautifully balanced and tranquil.
Dove Gray
Gray is enjoying major popularity right now, and for good reason – it goes with everything!
Dove gray carpeting is a fantastic match for taupe walls, thanks to shared cool undertones.
Think smooth ashy grays with blue notes, like mindful gray or atmospheric gray.
These harmonize flawlessly with the cool taupe backdrop to create a refined modern aesthetic.
Dove gray instantly modernizes and lends a sophisticated feel, while still keeping things subdued and neutral.
I used atmospheric gray carpeting on a taupe staircase as a pop of contrast, and it turned an era into a focal point while tying in the wall color.
Gray + taupe is a match made in heaven.
Silver Gray
For a slightly brighter yet still refined look, consider silver gray carpets with your taupe walls.
The subtle metallic sheen of silver gray adds a touch of modern glam.
Colors like lunar silver, galactic gray, and mirrored gray inject shine and sophistication to taupe backdrops.
Combine silver gray carpet with taupe walls and champagne accents for a stylish, upscale living room or bedroom.
The soft sparkle massively elevates the space.
I splurged on a lunar silver wool rug for my taupe living room and get compliments on it constantly.
It makes the whole area feel chic but livable.
Soft Blue
Here’s a carpet color you may not have considered with taupe walls, but it’s a beautiful combination!
Opt for a pale powder blue or ever-so-slightly grayish robin’s egg blue.
Think breezy spa-like shades such as placid blue, peaceful blue, or restful blue.
The blue picks up on the subtle cool undertones of taupe while still reading as a neutral.
It’s an unexpected yet inviting color pairing that cultivates major relaxation vibes.
I tried this in a master bedroom with taupe walls and a blue Persian rug, and could not love it more.
The blue carpet strikingly complements the taupe while lending the space a dreamy, romantic quality.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Light Gray Green
In the same vein as pale sage, a light gray green can also complement taupe walls gracefully.
The gray-green sits right between the taupe and green color families, serving as a beautiful bridge.
Mixing green and gray results in shades like frosted pine or weathered jade that work so well with taupe backdrops.
This combo lends a unique yet still neutral visual effect.
I used frosted pine carpeting in a recent nursery remodel with taupe walls and couldn’t get over how stunning yet soothing it looked.
The colors are contrasting but complementary.
Heather Gray
For taupe walls with purple undertones, try heather gray carpeting.
Heather gray mixes soothing dove gray with a subtle touch of lilac or lavender.
The result is a perfectly coordinated cool-toned color pairing that adds depth through its slightly unexpected gray-purple tone.
Some lovely options include wisteria sprig, iris petal, or crystal orchid.
Use these to really accentuate the luxe purple notes in ruddier taupe wall colors.
I went with iris petal carpeting in my guest bedroom with mauve-hued taupe walls and get so many compliments on the elegant color combination.
Fawn Beige
Lastly, if your taupe walls contain pronounced pink or red undertones, consider a fawn beige carpet.
Fawn beiges incorporate pinkish-brown tones that complement ruddy taupe walls beautifully.
Think blushing sands, dune roses, or desert willow to pick up on the richness of red taupe walls.
The overall look is warm, welcoming, and full of depth.
I used dune roses carpeting in a downstairs rec room with red-leaning taupe walls and dark wood accents.
The fawn beige carpet grounded the space and enhanced the enveloping feel tenfold.
Buttercream
How delicious does buttercream carpet sound?
This creamy off-white shade adds lovely brightness to taupe spaces.
Buttercream contains subtle yellow undertones that pick up on the warmth of taupe in an understated way.
Depending on the light, it can read as an almost white cream or a soft banana cream.
Either way, it provides vital contrast from taupe walls while remaining in the same color family.
I’d use buttercream carpeting in a formal living space with taupe walls and dark wood accents.
Its soft neutrality would allow the architectural details to shine while providing visual breathing room from the deeper taupe.
The pleasing color balance creates an inviting, polished look.
Bleached Linen
For taupe walls with gray undertones, try bleached linen carpeting.
True to its name, bleached linen evokes weathered, sun-dried fabric with hints of gray blue.
It’s brighter than true gray but still cool toned, making it an ideal counterpart to gray leaning taupes.
Bleached linen adds luminosity to a space while contrasting beautifully with the taupe backdrop.
Especially paired with wood furniture, bleached linen lends a coastal cottage vibe that feels laidback but put-together.
I’d love to use this color scheme for a breakfast nook or sunroom with skylights.
The cyan-gray carpet would complement the taupe while bouncing light around the space and enhancing the breezy charm.
Bisque
Finally, try sophisticated bisque carpeting with taupe walls.
Bisque mixes warm beige and gray brown for a soft, elegant effect.
It’s a bit deeper than cream but lighter than fawn.
Different lights bring out the brown, gray, or pinkish undertones in lovely ways.
Paired with taupe walls, bisque carpeting reads as neutral while adding subtle dimension.
I’d recommend French bisque with pink-beige tones or terra-cotta bisque with earthy red-browns.
The natural color variation of bisque makes for an endless combination of looks with taupe.
Use this pairing for formal living rooms or bedrooms and get ready to soak up the compliments!
Top 10+ Carpet Colors for Your Taupe Walls
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Beige | Complements taupe walls, adds warmth to the space, versatile color that works with many different styles | Can be considered boring or uninspired, can make a small room feel even smaller if too light in color |
| Gray | Creates a sophisticated and modern look, complements taupe walls, hides dirt and stains well | Can make a room feel too cold or sterile if the wrong shade is chosen, may clash with warm-toned furniture or accents |
| Blue | Creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere, adds a pop of color to a neutral room, complements cool-toned accents or furniture | Can clash with warm-toned furniture or accents, may not work well in a room that already has a lot of blue elements |
| Green | Creates a natural and refreshing atmosphere, complements taupe walls, works well with both warm and cool-toned furniture and accents | May not be the best choice for a room that already has a lot of green elements, may clash with certain accent colors |
| Purple | Adds a touch of elegance and luxury to a room, complements cool-toned accents or furniture, works well with metallic accents | Can be difficult to find the right shade that complements taupe walls, may not work well with warm-toned furniture or accents |
| Brown | Creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, complements warm-toned furniture and accents, versatile color that works with many different styles | May not work well in a room with a lot of dark wood elements, can make a small room feel even smaller if too dark in color |
| Black | Creates a dramatic and modern look, hides dirt and stains well, complements cool-toned accents or furniture | Can be difficult to maintain and keep clean, may make a room feel too dark or uninviting if the wrong shade is chosen |
| White | Creates a bright and airy atmosphere, makes a room feel larger and more open, versatile color that works with many different styles | Can be difficult to maintain and keep clean, may make a room feel too sterile or cold if the wrong shade is chosen |
| Red | Adds a bold and vibrant pop of color to a neutral room, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complements warm-toned furniture and accents | Can be overwhelming if too much red is used , may clash with cool-toned furniture or accents, may not be the best choice for a room that needs to feel calm or peaceful |
| Yellow | Adds a cheerful and sunny vibe to a room, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complements warm-toned furniture and accents | Can be overwhelming if too much yellow is used, may clash with cool-toned furniture or accents, may not be the best choice for a room that needs to feel calm or peaceful |
| Orange | Adds a bold and energetic pop of color to a neutral room, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complements warm-toned furniture and accents | Can be overwhelming if too much orange is used, may clash with cool-toned furniture or accents, may not be the best choice for a room that needs to feel calm or peaceful |
| Pink | Adds a playful and romantic touch to a room, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complements warm-toned furniture and accents | Can be overwhelming if too much pink is used, may clash with cool-toned furniture or accents, may not be the best choice for a room that needs to feel calm or peaceful |
| Patterned | Creates visual interest and adds texture to a room, can tie together different colors and styles, hides dirt and stains well | May be too busy or distracting if the pattern is too bold or colorful, can make a room feel too busy or cluttered if other patterns or textures are also used |
FAQs
What other colors go well with taupe walls?
In addition to neutral colors, other colors that go well with taupe walls include muted shades of blue, green, and purple.
Should I choose a carpet color based on my furniture?
It’s not necessary to choose a carpet color that matches your furniture, but it’s important to choose a color that complements it.
Consider the colors in your furniture and choose a carpet color that will tie everything together.
What if I have different colored walls in the same room?
If you have different colored walls in the same room, consider choosing a carpet color that complements both colors.
Neutral colors are often a safe bet in this situation.
What texture should I choose for my carpet?
The texture of your carpet will depend on your personal preference and the function of the room.
For example, a plush carpet may be better suited for a bedroom, while a low-pile carpet may be better for a high-traffic area like a living room.
Should I consider the size of the room when choosing a carpet color?
Yes, the size of the room should be taken into consideration when choosing a carpet color.
A darker carpet color can make a small room feel even smaller, while a lighter carpet color can help to open up the space.
