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Beige

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Not every white is snow white

Not every white is snow white. Try ivory, cream, antique white, and palest beige.

Dependable and Flexible:

Beige is a chameleon, taking on some of the attributes of stronger warm or cool colors it accompanies. On its own, the color beige is a calm neutral background.

Nature of Beige:

Beige is a neutral color with a bit of the warmth of brown and the crisp, coolness of white. It is sometimes seen as dull and boring unless coupled with other colors. It can be a relaxing color for a room.

Culture of Beige:

Beige has traditionally been seen as a conservative, background color. In some cultures, beige garments might symbolize piety or simplicity. Traditional Saudi Arabia dress include a flowing floor-length outer cloak (bisht) made of wool or camel hair in black, beige, brown or cream tones.

Using Beige:

Use the color beige to provide a calm, relaxing background. Small doses of beige might be added to separate two dark colors to help each stand out.

Using Beige with Other Colors:

Beige can take on some of the attributes of yellow or pink when touched with those shades. Try purple and pink with beige for a conservative but feminine look. Beige with greens, browns, and orange can create an earthy palette. Black lends a touch of strength and sophistication to beige. A touch of beige warms up a palette of cool blues without overpowering them.

Beige Color Palettes:

These color palettes feature shades of brown, including beige combined with other neutrals as well as red, orange, green, and pink.

Beige Words:

These words are synonymous with beige or represent various shades of the color beige.

Buff, camel, oatmeal, tan, sand, biscuit, cream, ecru, mushroom.

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