45 Colors That Go With tan (tan Color Palettes)

tan is a versatile neutral color with a warm, earthy personality. Ranging from creamy ivory to deep brown, tan works beautifully in home decor.

In this article, we’ll explore tan color theory, symbolism, shades, and perfect color pairings. Discover inspiring color schemes and palettes for decorating stylishly with tan.

What is tan?

Tan is a pale brown shade named after the tanning process that creates tan leather. It falls between cream and light brown on the color wheel.

Technically, any brownish off-white color can be called tan. But in design, tan often refers to medium-light brownish neutrals with warm golden undertones.

Tan sits between white and brown on the color spectrum. It mixes elements of brown’s earthiness with white’s light brightness. This makes tan highly versatile in home decor.

The Meaning and Symbolism of tan

Tan symbolizes the following:

• Warmth – Tan’s golden undertone conveys warmth. It creates cozy welcoming spaces.
• Nature – As an earthy brown, tan connects to the outdoors and natural materials like wood, sand, and leather.
• Casual – Tan has a laidback, informal vibe compared to serious blacks and whites.
• Neutral – Light tans act as versatile neutral backdrops like off-whites.
• Vintage – Tan’s retro golden tone ties to 70s design and desert neutrals.
• Organic – Richer tan shades suggest organic materials like bamboo, straw, and jute.
• Skin – As a skin tone, tan is versatile for many complexions and ethnicities.

So in summary, tan toggles between warm and neutral. It works in casual boho spaces or clean modern rooms equally well.

Shades of tan

Tan has many shades ranging from creamy ivories to deep taupes. Here are some popular tan color names and codes:

Tan Shade	Hex Code	Sample
Ivory	#FFFFF0
Champagne	#F7E7CE
Cream	#FFFDD0
Khaki	#C3B091
Beige	#F5F5DC
Desert Sand	#EDC9AF
Peach	#FFE5B4
Taupe	#8B8589
Mink	#856D4D
Saddle Brown	#8B4513
Chestnut	#954535

Lighter tans like ivory and cream have a subtle warm glow. Mid-range tans like beige and khaki are versatile neutrals. Deep tans such as saddle brown and chestnut have bold earthy personalities.

Complementary Colors of Tan

Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating striking contrast. The complementary color for tan is blue (#0000FF).

Blue (#0000FF)

Cool blues like royal, navy and cobalt provide tan with crisp, refreshing contrast. Robin’s egg and sky blue also work well. Avoid neon blues.

Incorporate blues to awaken tan palettes. Add navy pillows to a khaki sofa. Paint a sky blue accent wall in a sandy room. Accessorize tan outfits with cobalt heels and bags.

Analogous Colors of Tan

Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Analogous colors for tan include:

Brown (#964B00)

Earthy browns like cocoa, pecan and espresso blend seamlessly with tan’s natural warmth. They add depth while remaining cohesive. Avoid neon browns.

Use rich browns to enhance tan environments. Arrange pecan colored flowers in beige vases. Pair a fawn cardigan with mocha pants and boots.

Beige (#F5F5DC)

Creamy beiges like oatmeal, linen and champagne share tan’s soft, neutral essence. They keep palettes sophisticated without contrast. Avoid stark whites.

Incorporate beige tones to accentuate tan backdrops. Add an oatmeal area rug to a khaki living room. Style tan jeans with a champagne-colored top.

Triadic Colors of Tan

The triadic colors for tan, equally spaced on the wheel, are purple (#800080) and chartreuse (#7FFF00).

Purple (#800080)

Rich purples like eggplant, lilac and plum provide elegant, bold contrast to tan’s neutrality. Using purples sparingly keeps palettes from becoming too loud.

Use purple selectively as an accent color with tan. Add an eggplant throw blanket to a sandy sofa. Accessorize a beige outfit with lilac shoes and bag.

Chartreuse (#7FFF00)

Vibrant chartreuse infuses cheerful energy into laidback tan palettes. Lime, harlequin and green apple also give tan a lively pop. Avoid bolder neon greens.

Incorporate touches of chartreuse to awaken tan backdrops. Display lime green flowers in bronze vases. Pair tan tops with chartreuse jeans or skirts.

What Colors Go With Tan?

With warm undertones, tan complements both cool and warm hues beautifully. Here are top colors to pair with different tan shades:

Vibrant Tan Color Palettes

Earthy tans allow bold primary colors and rainbow brights to shine when used as backdrops. These combos add pops of energy and vibrancy.

1. Cream Tan, Cyan Blue, Cardinal Red

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #00FFFF, #C41E3A

Bright cream tan walls let electric cyan blue shelving and bold cardinal red cafe chairs pop wonderfully in this lively kitchen.

2. Sand Tan, Lime Green, Hot Pink

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #C7E878, #FF69B4

Natural sand tan wainscoting lets vibrant lime green bookshelves and shocking hot pink desk chair shine. Great for a kids’ study area.

3. Khaki Tan, Teal, Sunshine Yellow

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #04CFAD, #FFFF00

Casual khaki tan walls allow refreshing teal upholstery and bright sunshine yellow throw pillows to stand out. Perfect for livening up living rooms.

4. Sienna Tan, Fuchsia, Robin’s Egg Blue

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #FF00FF, #1CAC78

Earthy sienna tan furnishings let outrageous fuchsia wall art and playful robin’s egg blue ceramics steal the scene.

5. Umber Tan, Purple, Chartreuse

Hex Codes: #635147, #9900FF, #DFFF00

Organic umber tan walls allow regal purple sofa and electric chartreuse desk chair to shine in this study. Sophisticated yet lively.

6. Saddle Tan, Coral, Turquoise

Hex Codes: #FFDEAD, #FF7F50, #06BCC1

Rugged saddle tan wainscoting lets vibrant coral bookshelves and refreshing turquoise cafe chairs pop wonderfully.

Earthy Tan Color Combinations

Tan tones complement natural wood stains, leather, jute and stone beautifully. These laidback palettes have an organic boho vibe.

7. Cream Tan, Jute, Walnut Stain

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #CCC19F, #6E3C12

Bright cream tan walls complemented by textural natural jute rug and rich black walnut stained shelves create cozy boho style.

8. Sand Tan, Oak Wood, Saddle Leather

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #A88F5D, #8B4513

Warm sand tan walls enhanced by rugged oak wood beams and supple saddle brown leather sofa make for organic elegance.

9. Khaki Tan, Terracotta, Umber

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #E2725B, #635147

Natural khaki tan walls complemented by organic terracotta vases and deep umber leather ottoman create an earthy Spanish flair.

10. Sienna Tan, Pine Wood, Espresso Stain

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #7D5A50, #4E342E

Rustic sienna tan walls warm up reclaimed pine wood floors and rich espresso stained bookshelves beautifully. Perfect for a mountain cabin.

11. Umber Tan, Sandstone, Dark Walnut Stain

Hex Codes: #635147, #C38855, #6E3C12

Organic umber tan walls complement natural sandstone finishes and dramatic dark walnut beams organically. Great for Tuscan-style homes.

12. Saddle Tan, Jute, Maple Stain

Hex Codes: #FFDEAD, #CCC19F, #C4B594

Rugged saddle tan complements textural natural jute rugs and warm maple stained floorboards wonderfully.

Retro Tan Color Schemes

Tans act as great nuetral backdrops for punchy brights and retro hues. These playful vintage combos are full of charm.

13. Cream Tan, Robin’s Egg Blue, Cherry Red

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #1CAC78, #DB243B

Bright cream tan walls make playful robin’s egg blue bookshelves and nostalgic cherry red cafe chairs really pop. Cheerful retro style.

14. Sand Tan, Avocado Green, Orange

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #87A96B, #E95E4F

Natural sand tan wainscoting complements groovy avocado green velvet sofa and vibrant orange shag rug for fab 70s flair.

15. Khaki Tan, Yellow, Brick Red

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #FBC15E, #B22222

Casual khaki tan walls warm up sunny golden yellow furniture and traditional brick red ceramic garden seats wonderfully.

16. Sienna Tan, Seafoam Green, Raspberry Red

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #B4FFE6, #E30B5C

Rustic sienna tan open shelving lets refreshing seafoam green cabinets and tangy raspberry red backsplash tiles shine.

Soft Tan Color Palettes

Pale tans feel ethereal and peaceful when mixed with other light neutrals like sky blue, lavender and sage green.

17. Cream Tan, Pale Blue, White

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #DBF0F7, #FFFFFF

Bright cream tan walls enhanced by breezy pale blue furnishings and crisp white trim create a clean, ethereal palette. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.

18. Sand Tan, Lavender, Linen White

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #C8A2C8, #FAF0E6

Warm sand tan walls complemented by airy lavender accents and natural linen white trim create a soothing, welcoming atmosphere.

19. Khaki Tan, Aqua, Bone White

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #D4F7FA, #F8F4E8

Natural khaki tan walls enhanced by refreshing aqua furnishings and organic bone white trim make for relaxed coastal cottage style.

20. Sienna Tan, Sage Green, Pearl White

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #87B388, #FDEEF4

Rustic sienna tan walls warm up earthy sage green furniture and pearly pearl white architectural accents beautifully.

21. Umber Tan, Buttercream, Driftwood

Hex Codes: #635147, #F3EBC2, #C7BFA8

Organic umber tan walls complemented by creamy buttercream whites and weathered driftwood browns create laidback cottage charm.

22. Saddle Tan, Sky Blue, Linen White

Hex Codes: #FFDEAD, #82CAFF, #FAF0E6

Rugged saddle tan walls enhanced by breezy sky blue accents and airy linen white curtains evoke carefree summer style.

Gray Tan Color Combinations

Tans gain refined sophistication when mixed with soft heather grays and driftwood browns. These versatile combos work well in minimalist homes.

23. Cream Tan, Heather Gray, White

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #B6B095, #FFFFFF

Bright cream tan walls warmed up by soft heather gray casegoods and crisp white trim create upbeat, minimalist elegance.

24. Sand Tan, Charcoal Gray, Bone White

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #333D49, #F8F4E8

Warm sand tan walls complemented by sophisticated charcoal gray furnishings and organic bone white accents makes for versatile style.

25. Khaki Tan, Blue Gray, Cream White

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #BEC9CE, #FFFFF0

Natural khaki tan walls enhanced by hazy blue gray wainscoting and fizzy cream white ceilings emanate refined cottage charm.

26. Sienna Tan, Dove Gray, Linen White

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #707070, #FAF0E6

Rustic sienna tan walls create cozy contrast beside soothing dove gray casegoods and airy linen white curtains. Perfectly peaceful and versatile.

27. Umber Tan, Pale Gray, Parchment White

Hex Codes: #635147, #F2F3F5, #F1F0E6

Organic umber tan walls complemented by soft pale gray wainscoting and natural parchment white trim create subtle contrast.

Rich Tan Color Palettes

Tan takes on rich depth when accented with dramatic blues, jewel tones and gleaming metals. These combos create stylish elegance.

28. Cream Tan, Navy Blue, Brass

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #000080, #C88A65

Bright cream tan walls enhanced by classic navy blue wainscoting and glimmering brass sconces emanate nautical refinement.

29. Sand Tan, Emerald Green, Copper

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #028A0F, #B66325

Warm sand tan walls let vibrant emerald green accent chairs and glimmering copper light fixtures stand out stylishly.

30. Khaki Tan, Purple, Rose Gold

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #9900FF, #B76E79

Natural khaki tan walls allow regal purple velvet sofa and romantic rose gold decor to take center stage. Elegant and lush.

31. Sienna Tan, Sapphire Blue, Bronze

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #0F52BA, #CD7F32

Rustic sienna tan walls make bold sapphire blue accent chairs and glamorous bronze chandelier shine. Great for dining rooms.

Vintage Tan Color Combinations

Tans complement heritage hues like denim blue and antique white beautifully. These timeless combos evoke old-world charm.

32. Cream Tan, French Blue, Rustic Wood

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #436CB9, #7B3F00

Bright cream tan walls warmed by classic French blue wainscoting and reclaimed rustic wood beams create timeless character.

33. Sand Tan, Robin’s Egg Blue, Pine Wood

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #1CAC78, #7D5A50

Warm sand tan walls enhanced by playful robin’s egg blue shelving and reclaimed pine wood floors emanate cheerful cottage charm.

34. Khaki Tan, Olive Green, Terracotta

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #6B8E23, #E2725B

Natural khaki tan walls complement earthy olive green wainscoting and organic terracotta pottery for a Tuscan-inspired palette.

35. Sienna Tan, Brick Red, Black Walnut Stain

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #B22222, #6E3C12

Rustic sienna tan walls let traditional brick red cafe chairs and dramatic black walnut bookshelves shine. Classic and inviting.

High Contrast Tan Color Schemes

Crisp tans provide blank neutral canvases for vivid brights and deep accent colors to take center stage. These bold combos grab attention.

36. Cream Tan, Primary Blue, Fire Engine Red

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #0804F9, #CE2029

Bright cream tan walls beautifully showcase electric primary blue shelving and sensational fire engine red cafe chairs in this bold kitchen.

37. Sand Tan, Purple, Chartreuse

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #9900FF, #DFFF00

Warm sand tan wainscoting lets regal purple velvet sofa and radiant chartreuse tufted lounge chair pop dramatically.

38. Khaki Tan, Hot Pink, Robin’s Egg Blue

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #FF69B4, #1CAC78

Natural khaki tan walls provide the perfect neutral backdrop for shocking hot pink bookshelves and playful robin’s egg blue cabinetry.

39. Sienna Tan, Tomato Red, Aqua

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #EC4E20, #00FFFF

Rustic sienna tan furnishings allow vibrant tomato red draperies and electric aqua ceramic pieces to shine. Bold and spirited.

40. Umber Tan, Magenta, Sunshine Yellow

Hex Codes: #635147, #CA1F7B, #FFFF00

Organic umber tan walls make sensational magenta accent chairs and cheerful sunshine yellow side tables really pop. Punchy and fun.

Tan and Pastel Color Schemes

Tans feel bright and airy when paired with soft pastels like lavender, peach, seafoam and sky blue. These palettes evoke springtime charm.

41. Cream Tan, Lilac, Mint Green

Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #C8A2C8, #C2FFC5

Bright cream tan walls enhanced by sweet lilac furnishings and refreshing mint green accents create lively contrast. Perfect for bedrooms and living areas.

42. Sand Tan, Peach, Periwinkle Blue

Hex Codes: #ECDCBF, #FFCBA4, #C5C9EA

Warm sand tan walls complement juicy peach accent chairs and pretty periwinkle blue drapes beautifully. Cheerful and welcoming.

43. Khaki Tan, Seafoam, Butter Yellow

Hex Codes: #D2B48C, #94FFDD, #F1E9C5

Natural khaki tan walls warmed by soothing seafoam furniture and sunny butter yellow accents create bright tranquility.

44. Sienna Tan, Lavender, Robin’s Egg Blue

Hex Codes: #B2501A, #C8A2C8, #1CAC78

Rustic sienna tan walls enhanced by airy lavender drapes and playful robin’s egg blue decor create a lively ombre palette.

45. Umber Tan, Aqua, Buttercream White

Hex Codes: #635147, #D4F7FA, #F3EBC2

Organic umber tan walls complemented by refreshing aqua accents and creamy buttercream white trim keep things light and airy.

Design Tips for Decorating With Tan

Here are tips for elegantly working tan into home designs:

• Use light tans in clean modern spaces
• Incorporate deep tans for an organic boho feel
• Mix warm and cool tans together for depth
• Layer tan with wood tones and natural textures
• Choose tans with gray vs orange undertones
• Allow tan walls to recede as a neutral backdrop
• Make tan pop with deep emerald or navy accents
• Add tan warmth via rugs, pillows and throws
• Temper bright colors like red and turquoise with tan
• Distress and antique tan furniture for vintage charm

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common tan color questions:

What colors complement tan?

Blue, green, purple, pink, red, black, white, gray and other earth tones beautifully complement tan shades.

What undertone does tan have?

Most tans have warm golden yellow undertones. But there are also tan options with subtle cool gray or pink undertones.

What colors should be avoided with tan?

Don’t pair muddy colors like forest green or burgundy with warm tan shades. This can make tan look dingy.

What color furniture looks best with tan walls?

Whites, blacks, browns, beiges and wood tones coordinate wonderfully with tan walls.

What color tile works with tan?

Try natural stone, marble, travertine and ceramic tiles in cream, beige, brown, gray, black and terracotta tones with tan paint.

Final Takeaway

With its versatile warmth, tan works in almost any design style. Earthy deep tans create organic spaces, while light tans keep rooms feeling clean and open. Use tan’s array of shades to add cozy yet casual elegance to your home.