Khaki is a versatile neutral tan color with earthy military roots. This natural hue complements a wide variety of colors for home décor.
In this article, we’ll explore khaki color combinations to create relaxing, organic spaces. Discover inspiring khaki color palettes for interior design.
Table of Contents
What is khaki?
Khaki is a light yellowish-brown tan shade. Its name comes from the Hindi word “khak,” meaning dust.
Khaki sits between the lightness of beige and the depth of umber. It mixes the earthiness of brown with the brightness of cream.
This warm, sandy color first became popular for military uniforms. Today it’s commonly used in casual clothing thanks to its laidback vibe.
In design, khaki adds a hint of cozy brightness to spaces. Different shades work in bohemian, minimalist, or industrial rooms.
The Meaning and Symbolism of khaki
Here are the common symbolic meanings and moods associated with khaki:
- Natural – As an earthy light brown, khaki connotes organic materials and the outdoors.
- Casual – Khaki has a relaxed, informal feel compared to stark black and white.
- Utility – Thanks to its military use, khaki suggests utilitarian, functional design.
- Adventure – Khaki’s adventuresome vibe comes from its safari and desert associations.
- Neutral – Light khakis read as pared down, versatile neutrals.
- Warm – Khaki’s golden brown base conveys cozy warmth.
So in summary, khaki balances laidback comfort with earthy sophistication. Its versatility suits many design aesthetics.
Shades of khaki
Khaki ranges from pale sand to rich umber tones. Here are some popular shades with codes:
| Khaki Shade | Hex Code | sample |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Khaki | #F0E68C | |
| Light Khaki | #F0E68C | |
| Satin Khaki | #C9C0BB | |
| Olive Khaki | #999966 | |
| Taupe Khaki | #877D6E | |
| Dark Khaki | #728678 | |
| Army Khaki | #777762 | |
| Safari Khaki | #7C763F | |
| Smoke Khaki | #938973 |
Light khakis like sand work well in airy, minimalist spaces. Darker khakis like army and smoke khaki better suit industrial, rustic aesthetics.
Complementary Colors of Khaki
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating striking contrast. The complementary color for khaki is purple (#800080).
Purple (#800080)
Bold purples like plum, eggplant and iris provide khaki with elegant contrast. Using purples sparingly keeps palettes from becoming too loud. Avoid pale lilacs.
Incorporate purple selectively as an accent color with khaki. Add plum pillows to a taupe sofa. Paint an eggplant accent wall in a sandy room. Accessorize khaki outfits with vibrant iris shoes and bags.
Analogous Colors of Khaki
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Analogous colors for khaki include:
Brown (#964B00)
Earthy browns like walnut, chestnut and mahogany blend seamlessly with khaki’s natural, neutral warmth. They add depth while remaining cohesive. Avoid neon browns.
Use rich browns to enhance khaki palettes. Display chestnut flowers in taupe vases. Pair a sand cardigan with walnut pants and boots.
Beige (#F5F5DC)
Creamy beiges like cashmere, chalk and ivory share khaki’s soft, muted essence. They keep environments calm and relaxed. Avoid stark whites.
Incorporate beige tones to accentuate khaki backdrops. Add a cashmere throw rug to a sandy living room. Style khaki jeans with an ivory-colored top.
Triadic Colors of Khaki
The triadic colors for khaki, equally spaced on the wheel, are teal (#008080) and tomato (#FF6347).
Teal (#008080)
Vibrant teal awakens laidback khaki palettes with an invigorating pop of color. Seafoam, cerulean and aqua work well too. Avoid neon teals.
Use teal selectively as an accent color with khaki. Add seafoam throw pillows to a taupe sofa. Accessorize a sand outfit with bright aqua shoes and bag.
Tomato (#FF6347)
Tomato red provides a bold, lively contrast to khaki’s muted neutrality. Coral and vermillion also complement khaki nicely. Avoid fire engine reds.
Incorporate tomato reds conservatively against khaki backdrops. Display vermillion flowers in taupe vases. Pair khaki tops with tomato red jeans or skirts.
What Colors Go With Khaki?
Khaki’s natural versatility allows it to coordinate beautifully with most colors. Here are some ideal khaki color combinations:
Vibrant Khaki Color Palettes
Earthy khakis allow bold primary colors and rainbow brights to shine when used as backdrops. These combos add pops of energy and vibrancy.
1. Cream Khaki, Cyan Blue, Cardinal Red
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #00FFFF, #C41E3A
Bright cream khaki walls let electric cyan blue shelving and bold cardinal red cafe chairs pop wonderfully in this lively kitchen.
2. Sand Khaki, Lime Green, Hot Pink
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #C7E878, #FF69B4
Natural sand khaki wainscoting lets vibrant lime green bookshelves and shocking hot pink desk chair shine. Great for a kids’ study area.
3. Olive Khaki, Teal, Sunshine Yellow
Hex Codes: #646341, #04CFAD, #FFFF00
Earthy olive khaki walls allow refreshing teal upholstery and bright sunshine yellow throw pillows to stand out. Perfect for livening up living rooms.
4. Sienna Khaki, Fuchsia, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #FF00FF, #1CAC78
Rustic sienna khaki furnishings let outrageous fuchsia wall art and playful robin’s egg blue ceramics steal the scene.
5. Umber Khaki, Purple, Chartreuse
Hex Codes: #635147, #9900FF, #DFFF00
Organic umber khaki walls allow regal purple sofa and electric chartreuse desk chair to shine in this study. Sophisticated yet lively.
6. Army Khaki, Coral, Turquoise
Hex Codes: #748F91, #FF7F50, #06BCC1
Military army khaki wainscoting lets vibrant coral bookshelves and refreshing turquoise cafe chairs pop wonderfully.
Earthy Khaki Color Combinations
Khaki tones complement natural wood stains, leather, jute and stone beautifully. These laidback palettes have an organic boho vibe.
7. Cream Khaki, Jute, Walnut Stain
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #CCC19F, #6E3C12
Bright cream khaki walls complemented by textural natural jute rug and rich black walnut stained shelves create cozy boho style.
8. Sand Khaki, Oak Wood, Saddle Leather
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #A88F5D, #8B4513
Warm sand khaki walls enhanced by rugged oak wood beams and supple saddle brown leather sofa make for organic elegance.
9. Olive Khaki, Terracotta, Umber
Hex Codes: #646341, #E2725B, #635147
Earthy olive khaki walls complemented by organic terracotta vases and deep umber leather ottoman create an earthy Spanish flair.
10. Sienna Khaki, Pine Wood, Espresso Stain
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #7D5A50, #4E342E
Rustic sienna khaki walls warm up reclaimed pine wood floors and rich espresso stained bookshelves beautifully. Perfect for a mountain cabin.
11. Umber Khaki, Sandstone, Dark Walnut Stain
Hex Codes: #635147, #C38855, #6E3C12
Organic umber khaki walls complement natural sandstone finishes and dramatic dark walnut beams organically. Great for Tuscan-style homes.
12. Army Khaki, Jute, Maple Stain
Hex Codes: #748F91, #CCC19F, #C4B594
Military army khaki complements textural natural jute rugs and warm maple stained floorboards wonderfully.
Retro Khaki Color Schemes
Khakis act as great nuetral backdrops for punchy brights and retro hues. These playful vintage combos are full of charm.
13. Cream Khaki, Robin’s Egg Blue, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #1CAC78, #DB243B
Bright cream khaki walls make playful robin’s egg blue bookshelves and nostalgic cherry red cafe chairs really pop. Cheerful retro style.
14. Sand Khaki, Avocado Green, Orange
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #87A96B, #E95E4F
Natural sand khaki wainscoting complements groovy avocado green velvet sofa and vibrant orange shag rug for fab 70s flair.
15. Olive Khaki, Yellow, Brick Red
Hex Codes: #646341, #FBC15E, #B22222
Earthy olive khaki walls warm up sunny golden yellow furniture and traditional brick red ceramic garden seats wonderfully.
16. Sienna Khaki, Seafoam Green, Raspberry Red
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #B4FFE6, #E30B5C
Rustic sienna khaki open shelving lets refreshing seafoam green cabinets and tangy raspberry red backsplash tiles shine.
Soft Khaki Color Palettes
Pale khakis feel ethereal and peaceful when mixed with other light neutrals like sky blue, lavender and sage green.
17. Cream Khaki, Pale Blue, White
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #DBF0F7, #FFFFFF
Bright cream khaki walls enhanced by breezy pale blue furnishings and crisp white trim create a clean, ethereal palette. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
18. Sand Khaki, Lavender, Linen White
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #C8A2C8, #FAF0E6
Warm sand khaki walls complemented by airy lavender accents and natural linen white trim create a soothing, welcoming atmosphere.
19. Olive Khaki, Aqua, Bone White
Hex Codes: #646341, #D4F7FA, #F8F4E8
Earthy olive khaki walls enhanced by refreshing aqua furnishings and organic bone white trim make for relaxed coastal cottage style.
20. Sienna Khaki, Sage Green, Pearl White
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #87B388, #FDEEF4
Rustic sienna khaki walls warm up earthy sage green furniture and pearly pearl white architectural accents beautifully.
21. Umber Khaki, Buttercream, Driftwood
Hex Codes: #635147, #F3EBC2, #C7BFA8
Organic umber khaki walls complemented by creamy buttercream whites and weathered driftwood browns create laidback cottage charm.
22. Army Khaki, Sky Blue, Linen White
Hex Codes: #748F91, #82CAFF, #FAF0E6
Military army khaki walls enhanced by breezy sky blue accents and airy linen white curtains evoke carefree summer style.
Gray Khaki Color Combinations
Khakis gain refined sophistication when mixed with soft heather grays and driftwood browns. These versatile combos work well in minimalist homes.
23. Cream Khaki, Heather Gray, White
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #B6B095, #FFFFFF
Bright cream khaki walls warmed up by soft heather gray casegoods and crisp white trim create upbeat, minimalist elegance.
24. Sand Khaki, Charcoal Gray, Bone White
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #333D49, #F8F4E8
Warm sand khaki walls complemented by sophisticated charcoal gray furnishings and organic bone white accents makes for versatile style.
25. Olive Khaki, Blue Gray, Cream White
Hex Codes: #646341, #BEC9CE, #FFFFF0
Earthy olive khaki walls enhanced by hazy blue gray wainscoting and fizzy cream white ceilings emanate refined cottage charm.
26. Sienna Khaki, Dove Gray, Linen White
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #707070, #FAF0E6
Rustic sienna khaki walls create cozy contrast beside soothing dove gray casegoods and airy linen white curtains. Perfectly peaceful and versatile.
27. Umber Khaki, Pale Gray, Parchment White
Hex Codes: #635147, #F2F3F5, #F1F0E6
Organic umber khaki walls complemented by soft pale gray wainscoting and natural parchment white trim create subtle contrast.
Rich Khaki Color Palettes
Khaki takes on rich depth when accented with dramatic blues, jewel tones and gleaming metals. These combos create stylish elegance.
28. Cream Khaki, Navy Blue, Brass
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #000080, #C88A65
Bright cream khaki walls enhanced by classic navy blue wainscoting and glimmering brass sconces emanate nautical refinement.
29. Sand Khaki, Emerald Green, Copper
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #028A0F, #B66325
Warm sand khaki walls let vibrant emerald green accent chairs and glimmering copper light fixtures stand out stylishly.
30. Olive Khaki, Purple, Rose Gold
Hex Codes: #646341, #9900FF, #B76E79
Earthy olive khaki walls allow regal purple velvet sofa and romantic rose gold decor to take center stage. Elegant and lush.
31. Sienna Khaki, Sapphire Blue, Bronze
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #0F52BA, #CD7F32
Rustic sienna khaki walls make bold sapphire blue accent chairs and glamorous bronze chandelier shine. Great for dining rooms.
Vintage Khaki Color Combinations
Khakis complement heritage hues like denim blue and antique white beautifully. These timeless combos evoke old-world charm.
32. Cream Khaki, French Blue, Rustic Wood
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #436CB9, #7B3F00
Bright cream khaki walls warmed by classic French blue wainscoting and reclaimed rustic wood beams create timeless character.
33. Sand Khaki, Robin’s Egg Blue, Pine Wood
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #1CAC78, #7D5A50
Warm sand khaki walls enhanced by playful robin’s egg blue shelving and reclaimed pine wood floors emanate cheerful cottage charm.
34. Olive Khaki, Olive Green, Terracotta
Hex Codes: #646341, #6B8E23, #E2725B
Earthy olive khaki walls complement rich olive green wainscoting and organic terracotta pottery for a Tuscan-inspired palette.
35. Sienna Khaki, Brick Red, Black Walnut Stain
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #B22222, #6E3C12
Rustic sienna khaki walls let traditional brick red cafe chairs and dramatic black walnut bookshelves shine. Classic and inviting.
High Contrast Khaki Color Schemes
Crisp khakis provide blank neutral canvases for vivid brights and deep accent colors to take center stage. These bold combos grab attention.
36. Cream Khaki, Primary Blue, Fire Engine Red
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #0804F9, #CE2029
Bright cream khaki walls beautifully showcase electric primary blue shelving and sensational fire engine red cafe chairs in this bold kitchen.
37. Sand Khaki, Purple, Chartreuse
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #9900FF, #DFFF00
Warm sand khaki wainscoting lets regal purple velvet sofa and radiant chartreuse tufted lounge chair pop dramatically.
38. Olive Khaki, Hot Pink, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #646341, #FF69B4, #1CAC78
Earthy olive khaki walls provide the perfect neutral backdrop for shocking hot pink bookshelves and playful robin’s egg blue cabinetry.
39. Sienna Khaki, Tomato Red, Aqua
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #EC4E20, #00FFFF
Rustic sienna khaki furnishings allow vibrant tomato red draperies and electric aqua ceramic pieces to shine. Bold and spirited.
40. Umber Khaki, Magenta, Sunshine Yellow
Hex Codes: #635147, #CA1F7B, #FFFF00
Organic umber khaki walls make sensational magenta accent chairs and cheerful sunshine yellow side tables really pop. Punchy and fun.
Khaki and Pastel Color Schemes
Khakis feel bright and airy when paired with soft pastels like lavender, peach, seafoam and sky blue. These palettes evoke springtime charm.
41. Cream Khaki, Lilac, Mint Green
Hex Codes: #F0E68C, #C8A2C8, #C2FFC5
Bright cream khaki walls enhanced by sweet lilac furnishings and refreshing mint green accents create lively contrast. Perfect for bedrooms and living areas.
42. Sand Khaki, Peach, Periwinkle Blue
Hex Codes: #F7F2DE, #FFCBA4, #C5C9EA
Warm sand khaki walls complement juicy peach accent chairs and pretty periwinkle blue drapes beautifully. Cheerful and welcoming.
43. Olive Khaki, Seafoam, Butter Yellow
Hex Codes: #646341, #94FFDD, #F1E9C5
Earthy olive khaki walls warmed by soothing seafoam furniture and sunny butter yellow accents create bright tranquility.
44. Sienna Khaki, Lavender, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #7A4936, #C8A2C8, #1CAC78
Rustic sienna khaki walls enhanced by airy lavender drapes and playful robin’s egg blue decor create a lively ombre palette.
45. Umber Khaki, Aqua, Buttercream White
Hex Codes: #635147, #D4F7FA, #F3EBC2
Organic umber khaki walls complemented by refreshing aqua accents and creamy buttercream white trim keep things light and airy.
Design Tips for Decorating With Khaki
Here are tips for stylishly decorating with the color khaki:
- Use light khakis in clean, airy minimalist spaces
- Incorporate deep khakis for an earthy bohemian look
- Combine khaki with natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen
- Make khaki pop with emerald green, navy blue or crimson accents
- Pair khaki with metallic finishes like bronze and brass
- Add khaki warmth through textiles like pillows and rugs
- Distress khaki leathers and woods for an organic feel
- Contrast khaki with black for an edgy industrial vibe
- Soften harsh grays and whites by adding khaki
- Keep khaki refined by avoiding loud neons and brights
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to commonly asked khaki color questions:
What colors complement khaki?
Blue, green, red, pink, purple, yellow, black, white, metallic, earth tones, cream, and beige all pair beautifully with different shades of khaki.
What undertone does khaki have?
Khaki has warm yellow-brown or golden undertones. But there are also khaki variations with subtle gray undertones.
What colors should be avoided with khaki?
Don’t pair khaki with other muddy brown tones. Muted khaki can also clash with bright jewel tones like emerald or hot pink.
What color furniture looks good with khaki?
Natural wood, black, white, cream, beige, gray, silver, and leather work nicely with khaki walls and accents.
What color tile works well with khaki?
Try natural stone, marble, or ceramic tiles in cream, beige, taupe, terracotta, and wood-look tones with khaki paint colors.
Final Takeaway
With its laidback, earthy charm, khaki creates comfortable, welcoming spaces. Use airy light khakis for casual elegance. Go bold with deep khaki tones. Mix khaki with complementary neutrals, blues, and warm metallics for organic depth and contrast.
