I learned the hard way that not every furniture color goes well with espresso floors.
When I first moved into my place with those sexy dark espresso wood floors, I thought I could get away with bright whites and beiges.
Boy was I wrong!
Those lighter colors made my space feel cold and uninviting.
After some trial and error (and more than a few returns), I’ve narrowed down the best colors for furniture that won’t clash with espresso floors.
Now, I consider myself an expert on which hues complement and enhance the rich, dark espresso color.
From warm neutrals to bold accent colors, I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for my top tips and favorite color palette picks:
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Accent Colors
Feeling bold?
Punchy accent colors like emerald green, burnt orange, and even purple pair amazingly with espresso floors.
They make the floors pop!
Use them sparingly in key furniture pieces and accessories.
Here are some vibrant hues that complement espresso floors beautifully:
Forest Green
Deep forest green makes such an impressive contrast against the red undertones in espresso.
The combo feels rich and luxe.
Try forest green velvet dining chairs or bar stools.
A forest green sofa can look striking too.
Use it in moderation on drapes or accent walls to create drama and sophistication.
Mustard Yellow
I know, yellow furniture sounds crazy.
But hear me out – muted mustard yellows blend beautifully with espresso floors.
It creates the chicest retro 70’s vibe.
Mustard dining chairs inject cheeriness into a formal space.
Use mustard on a statement chair or funky accent table.
Try mustard walls or drapes in a mudroom or kitchen.
Eggplant Purple
Regal eggplant purple furniture brings unmatched drama against dark espresso floors.
It’s ideal for making a bold statement.
An eggplant velvet sofa or accent chair instantly becomes the focal point.
Use eggplant sparingly on walls or drapes to create a moody, glamorous look.
Eggplant rugs also pop against the floors.
Gold
Metallic gold pairs beautifully with espresso floors for a glamorous, luxe look.
Use gold judiciously, on key furniture pieces and accents.
Gold velvet dining chairs or a cocktail ottoman make a strong style statement.
Add gold throw pillows, lamps or coffee tables to dress up a living room.
Use gold accents and frames throughout a space to tie everything together.
Gold rugs and drapes work too for ultimate drama.
Reds
Certain shades of red work surprisingly well with espresso floors.
Opt for rich, earthy reds with brown undertones, like burgundy, rust, and terracotta.
Stay away from bright oranges and neons.
Here are some red furniture and decor ideas:
Burgundy
Deep burgundy makes such a sophisticated, moody contrast against espresso floors.
It has vintage appeal that feels luxe and elegant.
Try burgundy velvet upholstery on dining chairs or a lounge sofa.
Use burgundy on accent walls and drapes for drama.
Layer in burgundy throw pillows and area rugs to tie the space together.
Burgundy leather ottomans and stools also pop against the floors.
Terracotta
Earthy terracotta adds warmth and texture against rich espresso floors.
It feels natural and down-to-earth.
Terracotta dining chairs add casual elegance to a formal space.
Use terracotta slipper chairs or ottomans to create a lounge area.
Try terracotta vases, blankets, and pillows throughout for an organic vibe.
A terracotta area rug grounds and defines a living room.
Pinks
Soft, muted pinks work nicely with espresso floors.
They lend a romantic, feminine touch.
Stick to dusty shades like blush, mauve, and nude.
Avoid bright neons.
Here’s how to use pink:
Blush Pink
Dusty blush pink upholstery and pillows create a soft, dreamy vibe against rich espresso floors.
Blush dining chairs provide an elegant contrast.
Use blush slipper chairs and ottomans to form a cute reading nook.
Try blush rugs, throws, and accessories for an extra dose of coziness.
Mauve
Mauve furniture adds a romantic, vintage flair against espresso floors.
Think mauve velvet accent chairs, tufted ottomans, and settees.
Use mauve to line your walls, windows, beds, and tables.
Mauve rugs complement the floors while softening the space.
Incorporate mauve lamps, pillows, and artwork for a glam feminine look.
Warm Neutrals
You can never go wrong with warm, earthy neutrals against espresso floors.
They create a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Think creamy tans, earthy taupes, and rich brown tones that mirror the floors while still providing enough contrast.
I love using neutral furniture as a base and then layering in accent colors through pillows, throws, and artwork.
Some of my favorite warm neutral furniture colors include:
Beige
I know what you’re thinking – beige, really?
Hear me out.
The key is choosing a beige with warm peach or tan undertones.
Cool-toned beiges will look dingy against espresso floors.
Go for a light camel or taupe beige to perfectly contrast the dark floors.
Some of my favorite beige hues are: soft cream, light sand, oatmeal, and peach nougat.
I love using these tones on upholstered chairs and sofas to soften a space and make it feel more livable.
A beige sofa paired with some mustard throw pillows looks absolutely dreamy against rich espresso floors.
Tan
From soft suede to rich saddle tan, these brown-based neutrals inject warmth against espresso floors.
Make sure to avoid orange-y or yellow-based tans, which may clash with the red undertones of espresso.
Some gorgeous tan options include: caramel, chestnut, butterscotch, cinnamon, and fawn.
I’m obsessed with tan leather furniture against espresso floors – it creates such a refined, upscale look.
Or go for a cozy textured tan fabric sofa.
Use tan dining chairs around a dark wood table to balance out the look.
The options are endless!
Mocha
A shade lighter than the espresso floors, mocha makes for a super sophisticated look.
It’s swanky yet down-to-earth at the same time.
Mocha suede furniture or velvet upholstered chairs knock it out of the park.
You can also use mocha dining room cabinets or sideboards to complement the floors.
Add in some mocha leather ottomans or an area rug to really tie it all together.
Mocha is versatile enough to work in traditional, modern, or eclectic spaces.
Khaki
Khaki has some gray mixed in, which creates an earthy vibe that complements espresso floors.
I love using khaki in livable family spaces because it disguises dirt and stains.
Khaki linen sofas look refined but not too precious.
Or try a soft woven khaki rug to warm up the look of the floors.
Khaki walls can work too – try it on a textured grasscloth wallpaper for some visual interest.
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Grays
Gray is an unexpected neutral that can look absolutely stunning with espresso floors.
The key is choosing grays with warm, brownish undertones to complement the floors.
Stay away from cool grays, which will contrast too starkly.
Some gorgeous gray options include: charcoal, greige, dove gray, silver gray, and heather gray.
Here are some specific ways to use gray:
Greige
This gorgeous blend between gray and beige is one of my new favorite pairings with espresso.
Greige gives off a natural, cozy feeling against the dark floors.
Try a soft greige upholstered sofa or velvet accent chair.
Greige walls work beautifully too – the gray cuts down on the warmth so it doesn’t feel too beige.
Add some fun throw pillows and blankets to liven it up.
Charcoal
For a bold, dramatic look, charcoal gray furniture pops against the dark wood floors.
It’s sleek and modern.
Charcoal dining chairs or a lacquered storage cabinet make a strong statement.
Use it sparingly in key furniture pieces.
You can balance it out with warm neutrals and natural textures like jute rugs and linen throws.
Silver Gray
This cool-toned gray works because it’s light enough not to blend into espresso floors.
The metallic silver undertones complement the red in the floors.
Try a silver gray velvet sofa or comfy chair.
Use silver gray on accent walls or drapes to add subtle shine.
Layer in some calf-hair stools or shag pillows to create depth and contrast.
Blues
Surprisingly, certain shades of blue pair beautifully with espresso floors.
Navy, robin’s egg, and pale blues create an elegant, inviting look against the warm floors.
Just stick to blue hues with yellow, peach or green undertones to complement the red tones in espresso.
Here are some of my favorite blue fabrics and furniture finishes to try:
Navy
Rich navy blue makes a gorgeous contrast against espresso floors.
It’s an easy way to infuse color while still keeping things sophisticated.
A navy chesterfield leather sofa is a classic choice.
Or try navy velvet chairs for some glam.
Use navy judiciously on accent walls or drapes so it doesn’t overwhelm.
Navy also looks striking on cabinets and sideboards.
Baby Blue
Soft, powdery baby blues keep things light and airy against the dark floors.
It’s an ideal accent color!
Use baby blue on furniture you want to spotlight, like slipper chairs or tufted ottomans.
Baby blue walls create a cheerful, welcoming look.
Or try framing artwork or decor pieces in this hue.
Metallic baby blues also pair nicely for a touch of glam.
Robin’s Egg Blue
This pale blue-green is lively yet soothing.
It reminds me of a relaxing spa against the warm espresso backdrop.
Try robin’s egg blue upholstery on a comfy reading chair or lush pillows.
It’s also perfect for dining chairs to soften a formal space.
Add robin’s egg blue accents throughout on toss pillows, table lamps, or planters.
Greens
Lush emerald greens pair strikingly with espresso floors.
But lighter greens like sage and seafoam work too for a soothing look.
Here are some verdant green furniture ideas:
Sage Green
Sage green upholstery and linens create a calm, earthy look against espresso floors.
The gray-green tone is relaxing yet lively.
Try sage slipper chairs or a comfy sofa in your lounge space.
Use sage green rugs, pillows, drapes, and artwork to carry the color throughout.
Seafoam
Seafoam green furniture and decor lend an airy, beachy vibe to contrast rich espresso floors.
Try seafoam dining chairs or barstools for a pop of color.
Use seafoam in your kitchen or sunroom on accent walls, cabinetry, or window treatments.
Don’t forget fun seafoam pillows and accessories too!
Browns
While espresso floors are a rich brown themselves, pairing them with brown furniture done right can look amazing.
Avoid matching browns – go for different shades and tones.
Warm browns with orange, red or yellow undertones complement espresso floors best.
Here are some lush brown furnishing ideas:
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut brown has red-orange undertones that make a striking pairing with espresso floors.
The contrast is bold yet natural.
Try chestnut brown leather dining chairs for drama.
A chestnut sofa makes a rustic statement.
Use chestnut brown walls or drapes for a cozy cabin vibe.
Chestnut rugs and throws add warmth and texture.
Hazelnut
With golden yellow undertones, hazelnut brown furniture and decor create a rich contrast against espresso floors.
Hazelnut leather armchairs make a luxe statement.
Try hazelnut dining chairs or accent walls for warmth.
Use hazelnut pillows, throws, and area rugs throughout your space.
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Blacks
Black furniture may seem too harsh against espresso floors.
But the right ebony pieces can look super chic.
Go for rich blacks with brown undertones.
A little goes a long way – use black furniture sparingly.
Some tips:
Ebony
Ebony dining chairs or accent stools pop dramatically against espresso floors.
The contrast is seriously striking.
Try ebony upholstery on a statement chair or sofa.
Use ebony cabinets or sideboards for a luxe built-in look.
And don’t forget ebony accents like vases, lamps and photo frames!
Onyx
Onyx has a brownish-black hue that complements espresso floors well.
Onyx furniture reads darker and moodier.
Try onyx leather dining chairs for drama.
Use onyx on accent walls or drapes for sophistication.
Onyx decor like trays, candles and table lamps create richness.
Whites
Crisp whites can work beautifully against espresso floors by creating contrast.
But stick to warm whites with cream, yellow or pink undertones.
Cool whites will look harsh.
Here are some go-to white furnishing ideas:
Ivory
Ivory upholstery and linens have a warm, creamy look that prevents them from blending into espresso floors.
An ivory sofa provides relief from all the darkness.
Use ivory dining chairs, rugs and drapes to brighten up a moody space.
Don’t forget fun ivory throw pillows too!
Buttercream
With a pale yellow base, buttercream white furniture adds brightness against espresso floors.
It feels cheery yet soft.
Try buttercream slipper chairs or an accent table.
Use buttercream walls or drapes to make a space feel more airy and open.
Incorporate buttercream pillows and throws for a cozy vibe.
Metallics
Shiny metallics like brass, silver and copper make espresso floors shine.
They add polish while complementing the red undertones.
Here are some glam metallic furniture ideas:
Polished Brass
Brass furniture and decor create a seriously luxe pairing with espresso floors.
The contrast pops while feeling elegant and opulent.
Try brass dining chairs for major style impact.
Brass accent tables lend glamour.
Use brass lighting, frames, vases and hardware for metallic shine.
Antique Silver
Soft antique silver furniture adds subtle shine against rich espresso floors.
It’s an easy way to infuse metallics without going overboard.
Try antique silver occasional chairs or accent tables.
Use antique silver table lamps, mirrors, frames and candlesticks throughout to tie your space together.
Top 15+ Furniture Color for Espresso Floors Ranked
| Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beige | 8.5 | Warm beige contrasts nicely with espresso floors and softens the space. |
| Tan | 9.0 | Rich saddle tans inject warmth and complement the red undertones. |
| Mocha | 9.5 | A shade lighter than espresso, mocha is sophisticated and swanky. |
| Khaki | 8.0 | Earthy khaki’s gray tones create an organic vibe. |
| Greige | 9.0 | The blend of gray and beige is cozy and natural. |
| Charcoal Gray | 7.5 | Bold charcoal makes a dramatic, sleek statement. |
| Silver Gray | 8.0 | Cool silver complements the red tones when used lightly. |
| Navy | 8.5 | Rich navy infuses color in a sophisticated way. |
| Baby Blue | 9.0 | Soft powdery blue keeps things light and airy. |
| Robin’s Egg Blue | 8.5 | Soothing blue-green reminds of a relaxing spa. |
| Forest Green | 8.0 | Deep green complements and contrasts the red tones. |
| Mustard Yellow | 9.0 | Earthy mustard creates a chic retro vibe. |
| Eggplant Purple | 8.5 | Rich eggplant makes a bold, dramatic statement. |
| Gold | 9.0 | Metallic gold looks glamorous and luxe. |
| Burgundy | 9.5 | Deep burgundy is sophisticated and moody. |
| Terracotta | 8.5 | Earthy terracotta adds warmth and texture. |
| Blush Pink | 8.0 | Dusty blush creates a soft, dreamy feel. |
| Mauve | 8.5 | Romantic mauve has a glam vintage vibe. |
| Sage Green | 9.0 | Soothing sage green is earthy yet lively. |
