The '90s Paint Color Trend That's Making A Not-So-Surprising Comeback In Homes Today

It was a major trend in the '90s, but beige and taupe wall coloring lost its popularity in the 2010s when cool shades of gray took over. In more recent years, earthy hues like brown and green rose in popularity. But now beige and taupe are making a comeback with more people embracing warmer neutrals and cozy color palettes. And while beige might get a bad rap for being a boring, outdated shade, it's actually a versatile color that can be dressed up in plenty of ways. Plus, it seamlessly fits into any type of aesthetic.

Associated with nature, earthy shades of beige and taupe can bring calming, grounding elements to a room. This makes the colors ideal for spaces meant to feel relaxing, such as bedrooms or living rooms. If your style leans more traditional, these paint colors can create a timeless backdrop as they pair beautifully with classic moldings and antique furniture. In homes with a more modern aesthetic, the soft warmth of beige and taupe lends itself well to clean lines and sleek finishes, especially when paired with bold, contrasting colors like black or charcoal. They also look lovely against light or dark wood accents, making them a great choice for minimalist or rustic-inspired interiors. Beige is the perfect paint color for your bohemian style home. So, whatever your aesthetic, there's no reason to shy away from this revived paint trend.

While beige and taupe were used in a more monochromatic way in the '90s – with beige walls blending into matching furniture, finished with a classic white trim — these days, they're more of a grounding base to be paired with statement colors, accents, and textures. For example, to make beige walls work in 2025, think about incorporating different colors through accent walls, furniture, or smaller décor pieces like throw blankets and pillows. For bold contrast, a textured terracotta or dark brown feature wall can amplify the warmth of the beige and create a cozy atmosphere, while a dark blue, green, or black sofa offers a touch of sophistication. Calming accent shades like light blues, muted pinks, and soft greens would work beautifully for a softer vibe.

Homeowners today are embracing beige and taupe wall colors by incorporating modern paint techniques, such as the color drenching trend and swapping out traditional paint for limewash. Bringing in natural textures and materials like wood, leather, and linen is another trick to keeping your beige walls from feeling flat. Consider wood furniture or accents like open shelving and woven baskets. Or anchor the room with a brown leather sofa. A white boucle sofa, on the other hand, would add texture while enhancing the cozy vibe of beige. Finally, to bring extra vibrancy into a beige- or taupe-painted space, don't forget to decorate with indoor plants.