Decorating
Colour: 10 Ways Beige Can Be a Power Shade
Banish all thoughts of beige as a bland background colour and let it play a stylish leading role
When I say beige, do you think bland? If so, it’s time to explore this much-maligned colour’s stronger, more interesting side. Beige might get a bad rap as an unimaginative design hue, but this warm shade can provide an ideal offset to other, much richer colours. If power decorating is your thing, beige could be your best friend: whether you want to complement a bold colour scheme with this universally flattering hue or go for an all-over neutral theme (think 50 Shades of Beige), this is a stylish choice with quiet power. For inspiration, check out these rooms that look anything but ‘beige’…
Accent softly
Just as bright colours have extra power in a neutral interior, lighter shades enhance the softness of beige. Here, soft furnishings and accessories with grey-blue accents, sumptuous fabrics, plus a vase of pastel-coloured flowers transform beige décor into an elegant and luxurious space.
Just as bright colours have extra power in a neutral interior, lighter shades enhance the softness of beige. Here, soft furnishings and accessories with grey-blue accents, sumptuous fabrics, plus a vase of pastel-coloured flowers transform beige décor into an elegant and luxurious space.
Power it up
It takes a special colour to offset black without making a room feel oppressive, and beige is it. This living room’s beige accents don’t detract from the powerful black décor, and the effect is softer than the more traditional black and white.
It takes a special colour to offset black without making a room feel oppressive, and beige is it. This living room’s beige accents don’t detract from the powerful black décor, and the effect is softer than the more traditional black and white.
Have fun with your base tone
Beige is a versatile base colour, so brighten it up with bursts of colour and print. The orange and leopard print touches transform a bright and comfy living room into a cheery space with extra sass.
Beige is a versatile base colour, so brighten it up with bursts of colour and print. The orange and leopard print touches transform a bright and comfy living room into a cheery space with extra sass.
Lead with colour
Despite the abundance of beige in this living room, it’s the ruby tones that take centre stage. Creamy beige is a perfect accent shade that brings out the richness of the red while lending this room a warm, cosy feeling.
Despite the abundance of beige in this living room, it’s the ruby tones that take centre stage. Creamy beige is a perfect accent shade that brings out the richness of the red while lending this room a warm, cosy feeling.
Go for glam
Beige takes this room from bold to opulent – the combination of black and bronze is striking enough, so any other colour may have been too overwhelming. Here, beige is masterfully used to tone down the décor and modernise a luxe 1970s theme.
Beige takes this room from bold to opulent – the combination of black and bronze is striking enough, so any other colour may have been too overwhelming. Here, beige is masterfully used to tone down the décor and modernise a luxe 1970s theme.
Make it glamorous
The term ‘beige’ encompasses a wide variety of shades that can lend richness and warmth to minimalist décor. For a thoroughly modern look, harness its wide appeal by embracing a full-on beige palette. Metallic accents, warm wood and contemporary art take the layers of beige from neutral to glamorous.
Now explore ideas for glamorous bedrooms
The term ‘beige’ encompasses a wide variety of shades that can lend richness and warmth to minimalist décor. For a thoroughly modern look, harness its wide appeal by embracing a full-on beige palette. Metallic accents, warm wood and contemporary art take the layers of beige from neutral to glamorous.
Now explore ideas for glamorous bedrooms
Think monochrome with a twist
Black and white goes with everything, and so does beige – this tonal trinity is a match made in modern heaven. Black and white accessories, such as photographs and ornaments, will stand out against a beige backdrop, and the monochromatic colour scheme will make the slightest use of vibrant colour pop to stunning effect.
Black and white goes with everything, and so does beige – this tonal trinity is a match made in modern heaven. Black and white accessories, such as photographs and ornaments, will stand out against a beige backdrop, and the monochromatic colour scheme will make the slightest use of vibrant colour pop to stunning effect.
Focus on the room
Accentuating your home with this barely there shade is a smart design choice when the architecture deserves showing off. The use of beige in this expansive space keeps the focus on the high ceiling and clean lines while making the room feel light and airy.
Accentuating your home with this barely there shade is a smart design choice when the architecture deserves showing off. The use of beige in this expansive space keeps the focus on the high ceiling and clean lines while making the room feel light and airy.
Maximise space
If you want to make a room look and feel bigger, warm beige is a flattering alternative to the crispness of white – or better yet, combine both. Here, a pristine white kitchen gives way to a roomy sitting area furnished with a variety of beige tones that make for an inviting living space.
TELL US…
Have you decorated your home with shades of beige? Share your tips for using this colour in the Comments below.
If you want to make a room look and feel bigger, warm beige is a flattering alternative to the crispness of white – or better yet, combine both. Here, a pristine white kitchen gives way to a roomy sitting area furnished with a variety of beige tones that make for an inviting living space.
TELL US…
Have you decorated your home with shades of beige? Share your tips for using this colour in the Comments below.
Pale shades of beige can be the softest and most soothing colours – making it the perfect palette for a bedroom. This décor combines muted tones and plush fabrics that achieve a softly diffused, dream-like effect.
Discover more inspiring ways to use neutrals