In a world of ever-changing trends, there are certain design elements that are timeless—white walls, stripes, plaid patterns, and furniture in varying shades of brown. One of the most popular and consistently trending furniture colors is espresso. This deep, rich brown is a classic color that can be mixed into most decors. So if you have espresso furniture in your living room, what color couch is going to suit the room?
Although espresso is incredibly versatile, color theory shows that these are the most ideal complementary colors:
- Blues
- Blue-Greens
- Greens
Although this list seems short, this actually covers a wide range of colors. Keep reading to explore what shades best fit with espresso furniture!
Examining Espresso
When determining what colors are harmonious with espresso furniture, you can refer to the color wheel and color theory. A color wheel is an important design tool, in the shape of a circle, that uses colored sectors to show the relationship between certain colors. The color wheel can be used to create monochromatic looks, show color families, and find complementary colors for designs.
Espresso falls into the red-orange color family, which means that it's in a sector between the red and orange color families and has both red and orange undertones. When looking for complementing colors for this sector, you would look at the sectors directly across from this family on the color wheel.
Immediately across from this family is the blue-green color family. So the best complementary colors are going to fall between blue and green. This doesn't just mean that blue or green couches are your only options, though. This grouping covers all the shades between those colors. So let's look at some of the best color couches to complement your espresso furniture.
Blues
The blue family covers colors from true blue to navy, to some greys that have blue undertones. True blue is bright and bold. It's a perfect contrast to the deep richness of espresso. This is a great color choice if you're looking to make your couch the focal point of the room.
Blue-greys are a great alternative to standard neutrals. Browns can become monochromatic with espresso furniture, whites are easily dirtied, and black is too dark. These shades of gray are perfect for a tamer shade of blue in your living room.
Dark and muted blues are perfect for casual living rooms. It's a lot like the blue-gray option since it can act as a neutral pallet for your espresso furniture. You can use this as the main color scheme of the room, or even add other pops of color like pastel yellow or bright white.
Blue-Greens
The blue-green color family is the most complementary to the red-orange color family that espresso is in. This family ranges from rich turquoise to light seafoam, all of which would look gorgeous with your espresso living room furniture.
Deep, vibrant turquoise can make your living room feel exotic. Pair this with accents in other dynamic colors like dark purples or fuchsia with your espresso furniture to create a dramatic look.
If you'd prefer something lighter, seafoam is the perfect blue-green to brighten up any room. You can dress a seafoam couch up with gorgeous accents for a more formal living room, or you can add cozy throw pillows and blankets for a relaxing casual living room.
Greens
Green couches are adventurous, but also quite versatile in their ability to be styled.
Earthy greens are perfect for nature lovers. When paired with natural wood textures and the deep brown of espresso furniture, it can feel like taking a walk in the woods.
Rich greens, especially in velvet or shiny fabrics, look lush and expensive. Adding hints of gold brightens the undertones of espresso and complements emeralds for a high-end look.
Alternative Looks
If the blue-green color family is a little out of your comfort zone, or just not what you want to decorate with, you have other options. Espresso is a beautiful neutral that can work well with a wide range of colors, even if they don't complement each other on the color wheel.
White
White is a bright and clean modern color to bring out the rich undertones of espresso furniture. Because white is a cool color, it balances out the warmth in espresso for an inviting look.
Red
Analogous color schemes are three colors next to one another on the color wheel. Because espresso falls into red-orange, the analogous color scheme would include red, red-orange, and orange. This will create more of a one hue look since the undertones will all be similar. So adding in cooler tones in your design will help to balance it out.
What color sofa should you choose?
Your sofa choice is up to the style and vibe you want to portray in your living room. If you're looking to create a bright, calming, and inviting space, light blue or seafoam would be great options. These colors will create contrast against dark espresso, allowing both colors to stand out. By adding a soft rug and large, fluffy pillows, you can create a living room perfect for curling up to read and relax.
Dark and rich colors, like emerald, turquoise, or deep blue, are perfect for living rooms that are more formal and adventurous. You can use these couches and create a luxurious and classic room, or you can add vibrant accents, plants, and bold artwork to achieve a fun and vivacious living room. Any of these colors paired with espresso are going to help elevate your living room to look more upscale.
Should all furniture be the same color?
Furniture does not have to be the same color. It's a great idea to mix and match colors and textures, but it's best to have a main color and build around it. If your main furniture color is espresso, you can add side tables or planters in light wood, white, or even brass or gold.
You can also use espresso as an accent color for white or light wood furniture. Having colors that have more contrast will help to make the different colors look intentional instead of accidental and messy.
Does espresso furniture go with grey walls?
Going back to the color wheel, grey walls will look fine with espresso, but there are certain shades that will look better than others. Greys with undertones of blue, lavender, or even beige are going to highlight the red undertones in espresso furniture. Espresso and grey are both neutrals, so they will work together. But if you're really wanting to do your furniture and living room justice, focusing on the undertones and complementing colors is going to create the best look.
In Closing
Espresso furniture is versatile and timeless. It's a classic neutral that can be paired with a wide range of colors. However, if you want to choose the best couch to complement your espresso furniture, you can look at the color wheel to aid in your styling.
If you want inspiration on how to decorate a blue couch, you should check out this post: Throw Pillows For A Blue Couch [12 Awesome Ideas With Pictures]
For more ways to style a green couch, head over to this post: What Goes With A Green Couch [16 Examples To Follow]