Earth tones are colours that are muted and natural. They are inspired by the colours of the earth, such as the browns, tans, and greens found in soil, rocks, and vegetation.
Earth tones are often used in interior design to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and many homeowners opt for these colours when painting their homes. Earth tones are popular for apparel and home decor as they are considered timeless and provide a neutral backdrop.
What colours are considered earth tones?
Earth tones typically refer to colours found in nature, such as these colour palettes:
- Sandy Hues: Tan, Beige, Sand, Pale Brown, Honey, Latte
- Desert Tones: Burnt Orange, Sandstone, Tan, Khaki, Ochre, Clay
- Rich Earth Tones: Burgundy, Olive, Rust, Amber, Chocolate, Caramel
- Natural Hues: Sage, Forest Green, Olive, Stone Gray, Sky Blue, Mushroom
- Mountain colours: Steel Gray, Charcoal, Rust, Moss Green, Slate Blue, Tan
- Forest Shades: Emerald, Khaki, Olive, Sage, Bark Brown, Moss Green
Earth tones are warm and inviting and can be used to create a cozy atmosphere in any space.
They are often used in home and office decor, especially in neutral, minimalist interiors. Earth tones can also be used to create a natural, organic feel in any room.
When used strategically, they can create a calming and relaxing environment.
They look great when combined with pops of brighter colours and can be used to provide a grounding element to any room. Earth tones are a great choice for any space, whether it’s a living room, bedroom, or even an office.
What colour is not considered an earth tone?
Bright or neon colours, such as pink, orange, yellow, and green, are not considered earth tones.
Earth tones are often seen in nature and are usually composed of warm, muted colours like beige, brown, tan, taupe, and olive.
These colours are often inspired by the natural landscape, such as the bark of a tree, the sand of a beach, or the rust of a rock.
These colours are often used to create a calming atmosphere, as they are neither too bright nor too dull. Earth tones have the ability to bring a sense of balance and comfort to any room, making them a popular choice for interior design.
What colours go best with earth tones?
Earth tones are fairly neutral and can be paired with a variety of colours. Popular choices include blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. Other complementary colours that might be considered include purples, pinks, and browns.
Is white considered an earth tone colour?
No, white is not considered an earth tone colour. Earth tone colours are typically muted, natural colours such as brown, beige, tan, olive green, and gray.