If you've come across Dulux Charter Beige while shopping for paint colours, furniture, or cabinetry, you’re not alone—it’s becoming a popular choice for those who love moody neutrals with character. But before you use it in your home, let’s break down exactly what this colour is, where it works best, what undertone it carries, and what white paint to pair it with for a flawless result.

I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist with over 15 years of experience specifying neutral colours for Australian homes. If you're renovating or building, this review is a must-read before you reach for a paintbrush.

🎨 What Is Dulux Charter Beige?

• Undertone: Gray with a violet base (not beige, despite the name!)

• LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 36 – this is a dark colour

• Best use: Interior cabinetry, bedrooms, feature walls, or furniture

• Popular in: Instagram and Pinterest trends for earthy, grounded interiors

While many people refer to this as a "brown" or "beige", Charter Beige is actually a deep grey with a violet undertone—a neutral that’s moody, sophisticated, and quite flexible when paired correctly.

🧠 Why Understanding Undertones Matters

Neutrals are not created equal—and violet undertones are particularly misunderstood. They can clash if you pair them with the wrong white or mix them with conflicting undertones.

✨ The key to success with neutrals is sticking to no more than two undertones in one space, and ensuring your white is neutral or complementary.

In this case, crisp whites (like Dulux Vivid White) are your best friend. They calm the violet and bring a clean contrast without introducing new undertones.

🛏 How to Use Charter Beige in Interior Design

Because it has a low LRV (36), this colour will absorb light and create a moodier look. Here’s where it works best:

• Bedrooms or theatre rooms for a cosy, cocooning feel

• Kitchen cabinetry paired with a matching splashback and warm timber flooring

• Furniture or sideboards to ground a neutral palette

• Accent colour used with lighter violet-based greys

🖌️ If you want to use it on walls, keep it in smaller, more private spaces—not open-plan living rooms where it may feel too heavy.

🔗 Pairing Colours: Whites, Neutrals & Accents

Charter Beige works beautifully with:

• Crisp whites like Dulux Vivid White or White on White

• Other greys with violet undertones in varying depths

• Deeper navy accents, soft beige-greens, or earthy purples

• Beiges with violet or pink undertones (used sparingly)

❌ Where I Don’t Recommend Using It

While technically you can use Charter Beige outside, I don’t recommend it. In my 15+ years of working with colour, I’ve found that violet-based neutrals don’t weather well on exteriors. They can look dull, dirty, and date quickly.

🚫 Avoid this shade for exterior render or weatherboards. There are more timeless choices that hold up better under Australian sunlight.

🎁 Free Downloads to Help You Choose the Right White

Still unsure? Before you even pick up a brush, make sure you actually understand how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home. I’ve created two free downloads that will walk you through:

📌 Read This Before You Renovate or Build
📌 Understand the 4 Types of White + How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident in your decision-making.

🎓 Want Step-by-Step Colour Selection Help?

If you're ready to learn how to choose white paint, test undertones, and create a full neutral colour scheme for your home, then join my online course. It's designed for homeowners who want to get it right the first time—without needing a designer.

👉 Check out the course here
It’s packed with visual guides, video tutorials, and includes access to a private Facebook group where you can ask me questions directly.