Warm neutrals, such as taupe,
bring out the toasty notes in
medium brown woods.

Low Contrast

Pairing hues of equal intensity or value creates low contrast. This doesn't mean the furniture fades into the background, however.

When you put a dark mahogany chest or ebony table against a deep red or blue-green wall, you create a dynamic balance between two hues of equal strength. The value of the wood color equals that of the wall.

The same principle works with medium brown woods and muted or medium-tone colors; the effect is more restrained because the tones are subdued.

Warm neutrals, such as taupe, mushroom, or khaki, bring out the rich, toasty notes in medium brown woods. The furniture shows up handsomely, but the effect is quiet and low-key, producing a different kind of drama from that created by high contrast.