As I was shopping for some fresh new curtains to spruce up my living room, I couldn’t decide which color combo would look fly.
I grabbed a few taupe swatches to test out at home.
But which colors would vibe with taupe without looking muddy or washed out?
I was stumped!
After trying out dozens of paint chips, textiles, and accessories around my pad, here are my top 10+ colors I discovered that really compliment taupe curtains without cracking your beams.
And did you know that taupe got its name because the color resembled the skin of a type of goat called a taupe?
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Yellow
A light, dulled yellow is surprisingly fly with the brownish tones of taupe.
Play it safe with muted yellow in a throw pillow or lamp shade.
Pale buttercream yellow accents shown in throw pillows, artwork or a lounge chair uplift neutral taupe.
Place two square yellow and white gingham pillows amongst taupe on a linen covered sofa.
Hang a stenciled painting utilizing taupe, yellow and white above the console.
A seersucker yellow and white side chair adds pop to the living area.
In the bedroom, layer a crocheted yellow, cream and taupe blanket at the foot of the bed.
Display white pottery with daisies, flowers and dots of pale yellow against taupe walls.
A yellow glass hurricane lamp or set of three candlesticks lends ambiance on the nightstands.
Showcase yellow, cream and taupe striped or gingham accented window treatments, pillowcases and accessories throughout other areas as well.
The lightened yellows feel happy and inviting, balancing the earthier taupe tones.
Try a throw pillow or two in soft lemon, chamois or canary for the family room sofa.
Hang photos in simple black frames matted with yellow and taupe paper.
Place yellow and white striped or dotted ceramic pots on the fireplace mantel or bookshelves too.
In the hallway, hang a gallery wall utilizing framed photos, art and mirrors in a muted color palette of yellow, taupe, blush and white.
The breezy pops of pale yellow energize the space delicately.
For the dining area, use placemats or a drop cloth in a gingham, houndstooth or polka dot print mixing taupe, yellow and white.
Candlesticks, a napkin holder and small floral arrangements in complementary colors complete the look.
The versatile shade plays well in living areas from the entry to kitchen.
Bring it in subtly with throw pillows, artwork, ceramics and occasional accents for an upbeat feel that pairs beautifully with taupe.
Gray
Gray is a no-brainer choice to pair with taupe.
It’s a neutral that’s cool without being too harsh.
Some specific shades of gray that look hella dope with taupe curtains are charcoal, silver gray, and fog gray.
Charcoal gray wall paint or an accent chair adds sophistication to the space.
A soft silver gray blanket folded at the end of the couch ties in the light coming through the taupe curtains.
Throw pillows or an accent ottoman in fog gray blend seamlessly with taupe for a relaxed mood.
You can’t go wrong with incorporating some cool tones of gray throughout your space with accents like artwork, throw blankets, accent furniture and more.
Light to medium shades of gray balance the earthier tones of taupe for a cohesive, mellow vibe.
Positioning a gray velvet armchair near the taupe draped windows adds visual interest while keeping things neutral.
Hanging some stone gray photographs in simple black frames above the couch pulls colors from the curtains into other areas.
Navy Blue
Dark, bold navy is a baller contrast to softer taupe.
Use touches of navy in pillows, artwork, or an accent chair to add some swagger to your space.
Navy blue is such a classic color that pairs well with just about anything.
Try incorporating royal or True navy accents for a put-together look.
Royal navy pillows, curtains or an ottoman with taupe slipcovers showcases the sleek color combination.
Artwork that utilizes True navy and shades of taupe gives depth and masculinity to modern living spaces.
Velvet navy pillows and a throw blanket draped over an armchair brings a tailored touch.
Locating navy accents purposefully around the room balances the light taupe curtains.
A navy ceramic vase on the mantle, pillows arranged on a taupe sectional or an oversized navy and white print above the console table grounds the space.
Throwing a warm navy plaid throw over the foot of the taupe covered bed harmonizes feminine and masculine styles.
Tassel printed navy pillow shams on taupe sham covers signal sophistication and rest.
Olive Green
Olive is a super chill, earthy color that meshes nicely with brownish taupe.
Try an olive throw or plush area rug for a cozy, cottagecore vibe.
Olive green feels fresh and organic paired with neutral taupe.
Dusty olive green is a velvety choice that pairs beautifully.
Try an oversized jute cotton blend throw blanket with a muted olive green, tan and taupe plaid pattern tossed over the end of the couch or bed.
An oatmeal colored wool blend area rug splashed with olive green, sienna and taupe hues grounds the space.
Display pottery in shades of olive green, terra cotta and tan on open shelving or a credenza.
Olive pillows with natural golden filaments feel rustic chic.
Hang a woven macrame wall hanging with ties of olive green and mustard to introduce texture.
Terrariums holding succulents, air plants or moss in muted olive,taupe and sienna glass cylinders add living elements.
Potted flowers, foliage or herbs in olive green, khaki and tan tones bring the outdoors in for a relaxed feel.
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Beige
Stick with light, neutral beiges close to the taupe shade for a seamless look.
Beige decor, bedding, or a paint color creates flow throughout the room.
When choosing beiges to pair with taupe, stick to soft sand tones, linen colors, whisper creams and almond shades.
A light beige paint on one accent wall unifies the space.
Buckwheat pillows, a mohair throw or cotton duvet cover in sand beige tones are cozy against taupe curtains.
Distressed wood furniture stained in tone-on-tone beiges looks airy in a living space.
For the bedroom, try pale warm beige linen bedding.
Patterned shams in muted almond and sand beige feels breezy.
Taupe, putty and oat colored ceramics, pictures and greenery throughout brings continuity.
Natural fiber rugs with hints of taupe, camel and almond ground the space.
Shelves holding books, plants and accents in neutral shades of bone, blush, sand and putty enhance flowing movement.
Warm white lighting casts a soft glow over beige and taupe textures.
White
You can never go wrong with pure white when pairing with taupe.
White trim, furniture, or walls make a statement while keeping things chill.
Crisp white trim, cabinetry or molding against taupe walls creates elegant contrast.
A white shag sectional and ottoman with taupe throw pillows look playful yet polished.
Layer white and taupe textiles on a four poster bed for depth.
Taupe linen curtains with white pelmet and tiebacks exhibit sophistication.
Use an all-white dining table and chairs to make a statement in the kitchen.
Accent with taupe lampshades, runners and art on the creamy walls.
Hang white framed photos with mats in taupe and cream.
white ceramic accessories, plants and open shelving display helps things feel airy.
Paint the fireplace white for a zen effect against the living room’s taupe walls.
Position white ceramic planters, books and a grass cloth textured taupe ottoman nearby.
The color combo exudes relaxed luxury.
Cream
For a softer effect than stark white, cream is your new best friend.
A cream couch or warm wood furniture feels luxe against taupe.
Pair taupe walls with a slouchy cream linen sofa and wood toned side tables.
Khaki, sand and pearl colored throw pillows and a cowhide area rug grounds the arrangement.
Honeyed oak floors balance cool taupe curtains.
A credenza displaying creamy pottery, books and greenery introduces texture.
In the bedroom, a sleigh platform bed framed in dark wood pairs lovely with cream duck feather duvet, shams and pillows.
Complement with a buffalo check cotton robe, taupe pottery and dried florals.
A cream wall hanging, light fixture and berber area rug enhances the tranquil mood.
Showcase cream and taupe accented ceramics, pictures, dried botanicals and candles on open shelving or a credenza in an entry or dining space.
Layer taupe napkins, cream dishes and natural wood placemats on a farmhouse table.
Distressed white built in cabinetry backdrop creamy pottery, framed prints on taupe mats and woven baskets of linens beautifully.
The layered look feels fresh, comfortable and inviting.
Green
From sage to emerald, green is dope with taupe.
Mix in green accents like a plant, artwork, or vase for an eco-chic look.
Shades of green like mint, sage and light olive compliment taupe’s neutral tones without being too harsh.
Place a fiddle leaf fig tree or potted pothos in a woven basket nearby the taupe curtains.
Display a simple print framed in gold wood tone utilizing soft sea foam green, blush and cream against a taupe backdrop.
Hang pieces that play with texture like jute, rattan and sea grass too.
Showcase pottery holding trailing or rounded foliage in tones of mint green, dusty blue and sand on open wooden shelves.
The plants enhance the earthy feel.
Incorporate green accents like pillows and a framed botanical print on the taupe sectional.
Layer a chunky knit throw in sage heather over one arm of the couch.
Try smaller green accents throughout common areas.
Teal vases, lettuce green napkins and green glass terrariums spark visual interest without going overboard.
The pop of green balances neutrals beautifully for a serene space.
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Pink
A pale, rosy pink is romantic and bubbly next to neutral taupe.
Inject blush pink into your space with curtains, bedding, or a pouf.
Sheer pink curtains layered behind taupe ones infuse romance.
Fluffy pink and taupe striped pillows appear romantic and cozy.
Lay a faux fur pink pouf at the bedroom window seat.
Incorporate blush pink accents like shams, a throw and vintage framed pictures into the taupe and white bedroom.
The mix feels sweet yet sophisticated.
Try pale pink tapered candles, a beaded tray, napkins or flowers arranged low on the taupe and walnut dining table too.
Shell or hairpin wooden chairs in a dusty rose tone complete the feminine look.
For a modern touch, place pink terracotta pots on narrow taupe shelves or within macrame wall hangings.
A pink lamp, vase or ceramic bowl brings ambient light and color.
Throughout common living spaces, use blush pink accents mindfully.
Framed botanicals, a pouf and pillows add charm effortlessly against taupe backdrops.
Purple
Lavender and periwinkle purples feel ethereal and calm against taupe’s earth tones.
Use purple in small doses for maximum dreaminess.
Delicate hues of lavender stay soft against taupe.
Hang lilac and gray monstera leaf art above the sofa.
Include mauve throw pillows and a chunky knit blanket over the loveseat.
In the bedroom, layer periwinkle sheets topped with taupe quilts.
Hang simple botanical frames matted in purple, cream and gray on barn wood walls.
Show lavender accents like candles, florals and pottery on open shelving.
Curate a moody display for nightstands too with candles, crystals and dried botanicals.
The dreamy purple shades feel peaceful when used judiciously.
Try an accent chair, pillow shams or gallery wall throughout living spaces in muted lilac, periwinkle and plum tones too.
The ethereal purple pops against neutral hues like taupe, creating an otherworldly aesthetic that feels calming and refined.
Wood
The warm undertones in wood furnishings play off taupe perfectly.
Consider wood floors, furniture, or molding.
Reclaimed wide-planked wood floors in tones of amber, caramel and sand create cohesion.
A rustic wooden trestle table with taupe placemats grounds the kitchen.
In the living area, a wood beam ceiling adds character.
Place a brown leather sofa underneath, styled with alpaca throws and taupe pillows.
Honey-toned wood shelving, open or behind glass, displays ceramics, books and candles elegantly.
A carved wood coffee table offers an organic base.
Distressed wood paneling warms up bedroom walls.
Layer a wood frame sleigh bed with white linens tucked into taupe quilts.
Throughout, wood in taupe painted cabinetry, trim and ceiling beams ties spaces together atmospherically.
Rattan and jute furnishings look refined against the grain.
Natural wood elements enhance taupe’s earthy quality while adding visual warmth.
Let the varying wood tones shine through.
Graphite
Dark grayish graphite lends modern edge to the cozy look of taupe.
Accent with graphite accessories for a downtown loft vibe.
Sleek graphite dishes, glassware and napkins on a narrow taupe console exude urban flair.
Cement planters hold pampas grass, ferns and eucalyptus.
Place a mohair throw blanket striped in graphite and cream over the end of the gray velvet sofa.
Crisp down pillows complete the lounge space.
Display art and sculptures depicting modern lines against taupe gallery walls.
Incorporate metallic and concrete elements as well.
Graphite shag rugs in the bedroom soften concrete floors.
Stack charcoal books and taupe pottery on open shelves built-in to the walls.
Incorporate cool-toned graphite tones effortlessly throughout.
Lean into its modern edge for sophisticated contrast with the inviting look of taupe.
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Caramel
Caramel brings out taupe’s golden flecks.
Incorporate with a caramel throw, artwork, or patterned pillows.
Butterscotch cotton curtains and woven poufs enrich the living area.
Hang nature photographs in caramel tones above taupe media console.
Place seagrass totes holding chunky knits and blankets in caramel hues by the entry.
Slip a braided jute and sisal rug nearby.
In the bedroom, layer a wheat colored cable knit throw at the foot of the sleigh bed.
Layer ecru pottery and dried florals on taupe bedside tables.
Warm caramel paint on wood trim outlines entryways, windows and cabinets.
Top grain leather arm chairs and books add texture.
Try incorporating caramel and cream macramé wall hangings, blankets and pottery throughout common areas for unified flow.
Terracotta
Earthen terracotta is low-key fire paired with taupe’s brownish neutrals.
Try a pot, planter, or rug in this burnt clay shade.
Terracotta pots on the wood porch hold sage, lavender and grasses.
Layer jute doormats in colors of clay, taupe and sienna just inside.
A handwoven wool rug reminiscent of terra cotta clay grounds the living area.
Pair with an earthtone patterned daybed.
In the kitchen, use terra cotta serving pieces amongst taupe linens on open shelves.
Try terra cotta pottery mixed with verdigris metals too.
Hang simple macrame wall hangings with touches of cocoa brown and rust orange in the bedroom.
Stack vintage books in similar earthy colors.
The sunbaked shade enhances the enveloping feel of taupe beautifully.
Terracotta accents feel naturally grounded and slightly organic.
Silver
For glamour, silver metallic accents like a tray, candlesticks, or frames adds sheen without going over the top.
A rectangular silver serving tray displays apothecary bottles of aged brass and mercury glass on the great room console.
Hold taper candles in glass cylinders.
Frame monochrome photography and mirrors in stainless steel.
Hang geometric wall decor using taupe, silver and blackfor modern edge.
Incorporate mercury glass hurricanes, cloches and candlesticks on open shelving and mantle.
Alternate with vintage pottery and succulents.
Place a hammered silver bowl overflowing with dried florals, greens and branches on the taupe and wood dining table.
Introduce shine through accessories showing depth with taupe.
Let silver accents punctuate the calm neutral atmosphere.
Black
In small touches against taupe, black is timelessly suave.
Add drama with black shelving, artwork, or a high-contrast vase.
Integrate black open shelving, credenzas or media towers to display art, ceramics and books purposefully.
Cluster glass bottles, brass candlesticks and pottery amongst foliage on a narrow black console table.
Add statement pieces like framed photography matted in sleek black against taupe walls for dimension.
layer a mink throw over a black velvet tufted ottoman.
Place artisan ceramic vases and planters amongst foliage.
Try velvet pillows, a decorative runner or artwork showcasing black and shades of taupe in living spaces too.
Use the color sparingly for accent.
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Top Colors That Pair With Your Taupe Curtains Like A Dream, Ranked
| Rate | WHY IT WORKS | |
| Gray | 9.5 | Timelessly elegant neutral that balances taupe beautifully |
| Navy Blue | 9.0 | Sophisticated pop of contrast provides depth |
| Olive Green | 8.5 | Earthy organic shade enhances taupe’s natural feel |
| Beige | 8.0 | Light neutral flows seamlessly for continuity |
| White | 8.5 | Makes a sleek statement while keeping things light |
| Cream | 8.0 | Warm, softer alternative to white feels luxurious |
| Yellow | 7.5 | Brightens space delicately with cheerful pops of color |
| Green | 8.0 | Introduces natural elements for spa-like tranquility |
| Pink | 7.0 | Feminine softness balances neutral palette romantically |
| Purple | 7.5 | Ethereal accent lends soothing dreaminess |
| Wood | 8.5 | Earthy aura rounds out taupe’s quality beautifully |
| Graphite | 7.0 | Modern edge contrasts casually for versatility |
| Caramel | 8.0 | Warm flecks bring out taupe’s golden tones handsomely |
| Terracotta | 8.0 | Earthen sun-dyed shade enhances enveloping feel |
| Silver | 6.5 | Metallic pops introduce glamour judiciously |
| Black | 7.0 | Sleek contrast provides accent drama tastefully |
| Brown | 7.5 | Earthy warmth complements taupe’s qualities perfectly |
| Copper | 7.0 | Adds vintage richness and harvest undertones |
| Bronze | 6.5 | Sophisticated metallic brings light and shine |
| Rust | 7.0 | Spice and antiqued complexity balance taupe |
| Sage | 7.5 | Fresh herbaceous green feels soothing and nuanced |
| Dusty Rose | 6.5 | Vintage softened pink infuses vintage romance |
| Azure | 6.0 | Lightened blue feels buoyant and calming |
