The Colour Brown

Brown is down-home, persistent and solid, but also warm and cuddly. We often associate brown with tasty, aromatic coffee, freshly baked bread or sweet, sweet chocolate.

A Scottish man in the Highlands


Colours | Red | Blue | Green | Yellow | Orange | Pink | Purple | Brown | Grey | White | Black


Brown alpaca

But there are also negative associations, like stupidity, a slow mind, dirt or humiliation. Often it just depends on context or the exact hue, since brown nuances cover a very wide spectrum and each tone can awaken different feelings.

Brown as drab colour of the cold seasons

Brown is a tertiary colour, composed mostly of darkened yellow, sometimes red hues, mixed with some green. Many colours - once combined - result in a brown tone. That´s why the color brown covers a good part of the visible (subtractive) spectrum.

Combination of brown and white in jewellery

Brown as design color

Brown is in a quite bad position in the list of favourite colors. I remember when I was in kindergarten, I picked brown as favourite color - but just because I did not have to share it with others.

Apart from that, we can trigger some lovely, down-to-earth emotions using good color combinations involving brown. Imagine brown-white, brown-gold, brown-blue-gold... Come to think of it, if you add gold to brown, it indicates high quality, but still cozy at the same time. No other combination works like this. A bit tricky though, because the use of gold in digital media design is limited.

In our case, the color brown indicates sustainable packaging. Now as a matter of fact, we follow a "green" packaging strategy at Avanova.

Brown and green indicates sustainability

Yet, if you manage to pick the right nuance and combination, you can express all the positive aspects. Aromatic, spicy, cuddly, fertility - woody (no dreadful tin sort of things).

Bread at the Ursprunger bakery in Salzburg

Brown also can be used to turn sterile, cold white into a pleasing creamy white hue. Even more and it will be beige.

Brown horn jewellery

  • The color brown is steadfast, aromatic, fragrant and sweet
  • It refers to mud, dirt and the fertile soil
  • Coffee, chocolate, crispy bread
  • Wood and woody colors make the home a warm and cozy place (in perfect contrast to white, that's how I love my home)
  • Often brown refers to poverty, because dyes were quite expensive in medieval times. Cowls of the Franciscan monks for example were homespun, brownish and simple.
  • Brown is ranking quite low on the list of favorite colors
  • Yet brown covers pretty much of the (subtractive) spectrum, for most warm colors turn brown when darkened or mixed
  • Brown is the classic camouflage color in the animal kingdom
  • Horn jewellery is of course mostly coloured brown

Colors and their meaning - overview

Newest Shenanigans

Yunnan, Cradle of Tea CultivationYunnan, Cradle of Tea Cultivation
Nestled amidst the soaring peaks and emerald valleys of southwestern China lies Yunnan Province, a land steeped in history and tradition.
The Versatile Tote Bag: A Fashion StapleThe Versatile Tote Bag: A Fashion Staple
When it comes to handbags, few are as versatile and practical as the beloved tote bag. This timeless accessory has earned its place as a fashion staple, cherished by people from all walks of life for its functionality and style.
The Timeless Elegance of Clutch BagsThe Timeless Elegance of Clutch Bags
In the realm of handbags, few items exude as much elegance and sophistication as the classic clutch.
The Bohemian Charm of Hobo BagsThe Bohemian Charm of Hobo Bags
Step into the world of laid-back elegance with the hobo bag! A fashion accessory that effortlessly combines style and comfort.
The Classic Elegance of Satchel BagsThe Classic Elegance of Satchel Bags
Step into the world of timeless sophistication with the satchel bag. A versatile and stylish accessory that seamlessly blends classic design with modern functionality.
The Practical Elegance of Crossbody BagsThe Practical Elegance of Crossbody Bags
Discover the perfect fusion of style and convenience with the crossbody bag. A versatile accessory that has become a staple in modern fashion.
The Stylish Versatility of Backpack PursesThe Stylish Versatility of Backpack Purses
Meet the perfect blend of fashion and functionality. The backpack purse! This trendy and versatile accessory has taken the fashion world by storm, offering a chic alternative to traditional backpacks and purses.