No matter what your design style, you probably have at least one room in your home drenched in neutral colors, and we bet it features a bit of ecru, even if you haven’t ever heard of the word “ecru.” Described as the hue of unbleached linen, this toned-down shade is what we consider a classic base color.
Though ecru is often overshadowed by its white and gray siblings, it still remains an incredibly versatile choice—and has recently started to gain massive attention from designers and homeowners alike. So, we asked our decorators around Arizona to share their professional advice on using this warm hue as a go-to paint (and fabric color) in your home.
What Color is Ecru?
A color close to cream, beige, and ivory and, in some cases, yellow and gray, there can often be a bit of confusion on the right answer for what color is ecru. Used across fashion and interiors, ecru is a shade that does not sit on the color wheel. The color has multiple different hues. It can be presented as a vibrant off-white, as well as a warmer, earthy yellow, so there will be a lot to think of when choosing the perfect ecru shade for your home.
Simply put, ecru offers the best of both worlds. It’s a beige, grayish-yellow with brown undertones that resembles unbleached linen. It is more creamy than white and has more warmth—but will not dictate a room like charcoal or dark taupe.
That said, using any color in a home requires thoughtful planning; yes, ecru does, too. To spark ideas, we asked Arizona-based interior designers for advice on foolproof ways to incorporate ecru in your home.
Add Texture
Decorating with a light-hued palette can sometimes leave you wanting more. No denying. But Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions suggests you can avoid this unfinished vibe by introducing texture and patterns in a subtle way. She demonstrated her idea using gold-speckled wallpaper but kept the base color ecru so that the room still felt inviting and not too busy.
To spruce up a soft ecru room, add a hint of color or pattern. Stick with other neutral to maintain a monochrome look, but no need to shy away from metallics for a modern, industrial feel.
Pair Ecru with Wood
Decorating around natural wood can get tricky if you want to curate a home that looks both soft and cool. Here, designer Leferink has created contrast in the entryway with a coat of ecru paint juxtaposing beautifully against this light wood.
We love rich wood tones, too, but finding the perfect color to highlight the natural material without dragging the room down isn’t the easiest. A shade of ecru with warmer undertones can pair wonderfully with the deep wood grains.
Brighten Up a Small Space
Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design loves to use ecru rather than white whenever trying to brighten up a boxed-in, small room. She says it’s a wonderful color to use when you want something a bit richer than white but still very much a neutral canvas for the room.
Ecru is an ideal background color for bolder hues, but still rich enough not to get lost behind louder colors. Light & bright, but cozy and inviting—just as it looks in this breakfast nook where it serves as an anchor for the bright blue color injected via the table runner.
Bring a Calming Feel
If there’s one room that needs a subtle, calming palette, it’s the bedroom. Rebecca Johnston of R. Johnston Interiors tells us how the softness of ecru works incredibly well in a bedroom setting. It sits beautifully with a variety of colors and creates an absolutely stunning contrast with wood. The color lends a tranquil (almost soothing) vibe, but doesn’t feel tired. Or, we’d say, it’s the best shade to add some complexity while keeping the overall room fresh.
Add Formality to a Dining Room
Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors went above and beyond to liven up a dining room with the soothing feel of ecru. She added ecru dining chairs for a sleek, classic feel. The shade looks perfect here because it works really well with the vibrant colors of the statement rug.
Pair it with Strong Colors
Ecru is the best color to pair with bold, loud hues. Kalah Talancy of KTII Design Group says she always uses shades of ecru as a wall color as opposed to a stark white. “To balance the softness of the color, I like to introduce vibrant accent pieces, but then also add a tonal element that balances the space,” she explains.
Point to Remember: When using ecru as a wall color, make sure to consider the natural light available. A room with limited natural light would need a lighter hue, but if it has south-facing windows, you can go all in with a rich, deep ecru shade.
Create a Cozy Den
Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design, like other expert designers, picks ecru over white to layer different hues in a cozier space. “The warm color nods to softer surroundings, particularly when balanced with shiny metallics.”
When deciding between a brighter neutral and ecru, ask yourself how you will use the room. A den or study may require a rich ecru, while a bathroom or kitchen may be better suited to a brighter scheme.
Design a Monochrome Look
A monochrome look is a classic, but if done incorrectly, it can feel one-dimensional. But ecru is a great choice to break up the monotony—and add depth to a pared-back interior. You can make things work even if designing a room completely drenched in ecru. Vary the textures, and see the difference it makes. Mix matte and glossy finishes. Incorporate natural materials. Play with subtle patterns. And, most importantly, layer different shades of ecru for a well-rounded look.
Go Tone-on-Tone
Nothing more soothing than a nook dedicated to the warmth of ecru. The designer used a richer ecru shade on the walls, paired with lighter-hued ecru upholstery for the bench, and a wood planter to balance things with a lovely contrast. Each shade has been carefully chosen keeping in mind the availability of abundant natural light.
Mix Ecru with Gray
In this project, designer Sotropa of House Design Group says deeper contrasts were perfect for layering with ecru. The strategic addition of darker grays provides punctuation in this living room, in the same way we sometimes use black to introduce balance.
Consider Ecru a Canvas Hue
Ecru is a wonderfully inviting and soft color, but it can also easily sit back and allow other colors to take the limelight. Here, light ecru shades of the walls provide a visual connection to the main living space of this home while the soft accent tones add personality.
We love ecru because it can single-handedly uplift a room, and, when needed, can blend into the background to allow other shades to take centerstage 😍