What Exactly Is a ‘Beige Mom’?
Parenting trends come in all shapes, shades, and hashtags. From the obsessive meal prepping of “Almond Moms” to the zen-like philosophy of “Gentle Parenting,” it seems there’s always a new way to define and dissect modern motherhood.
Enter the “Beige Mom,” a figure who has transformed muted tones into a lifestyle.
These parents curate beige-themed nurseries, dress their babies in oatmeal-hued onesies, and banish neon plastic toys from their homes.
It’s a look that whispers “serenity,” but it hasn’t escaped online scrutiny.
The term “Beige Mom” gained traction thanks to TikTok creator Hayley DeRoche, whose satirical videos use humour to comment on the societal obsession with aesthetics.
@sadbeige The SCREAM i SCREAMT when the BBC played this live yesterday what is HAPPENINGGG is Werner Herzog a bossbabe now #sadbeigechildren #sadbeigetoys #sadbeige #satirecomedy #satireaccount #comedytiktok #comedienne #momlifebelike #momtok #parentinghumor #fyp #aesthetic #aesthetics #aestheticvideos #philosophy #filmmaking #wernerherzog #beigeoutfit ♬ October – Adrian Berenguer
Through her witty narration, she highlights how the ‘sad beige’ trend reflects deeper parental anxieties about control and appearances whose satirical videos—delivered in the style of Werner Herzog—mocked the colourless aesthetic with a mix of wit and weariness.
While some parents find comfort in neutral tones, critics argue that “sad beige”—a term describing the trend of muted colours dominating parenting aesthetics—can feel lifeless, robbing kids of the colour and chaos they crave.
How Did the Beige Mom Trend Start?
The beige phenomenon isn’t just a parenting quirk; it’s rooted in broader design trends.
Over the past decade, neutral tones have dominated interior decor, from minimalist Scandi homes to celebrity mansions.
Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner’s beige-drenched nurseries amplified the aesthetic’s popularity.
Kylie’s video tour of her son’s monochrome nursery—complete with beige toys and furniture—showcased the trend in its most aspirational (and expensive) form.
Social media has been a major driver. On platforms like Instagram, beige photos—free of bright, clashing colours—feel more cohesive and “Instagram-worthy.”
For influencers, the neutral backdrop acts as a blank canvas, letting sponsored products pop.
But for everyday parents, the trend also taps into deeper desires for calm and control amidst the chaos of raising children.
Why Are Parents Choosing Beige?
Neutral palettes might seem like a strange battleground, but they resonate with modern parents for several reasons:
- A Calming Aesthetic: Beige is synonymous with tranquillity. For new parents—often sleep-deprived and overwhelmed—a serene space can feel like a lifesaver.
- Gender Neutrality: Beige avoids the traditional blue-for-boys and pink-for-girls divide, offering a modern alternative that aligns with evolving attitudes about gender.
- Sustainability: Neutral, natural materials like wood and cotton often feel more eco-conscious compared to bright, plastic-heavy alternatives.
- Minimalism: Beige appeals to parents seeking a clutter-free, overstimulation-free environment for their children. “Sad beige,” as critics call it, is often framed as a rebellion against the loud, chaotic colours of traditional kids’ toys.
The Criticism: Is Sad Beige Parenting Harmful?
Critics—both online and offline—argue that “beige parenting” could limit children’s development.
Experts in child psychology point out that bright colours stimulate cognitive and emotional growth, helping kids recognise patterns, shapes, and objects.
Babies under five months are particularly drawn to high-contrast visuals like black-and-white patterns, but as they grow, a colourful environment can enhance their learning opportunities.
That said, research also supports some benefits of neutral tones. Muted environments can help babies relax and focus, offering a counterbalance to today’s overstimulating digital world.
As one developmental psychologist put it, “It’s not about the colours; it’s about the interaction.”
A colourful toy only becomes valuable when it’s part of meaningful engagement between parent and child.
The Social Media Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
Social media’s role in the Beige Mom trend is undeniable. For parents, posting aesthetically pleasing photos of their curated spaces can feel like a small win in the messy world of parenting.
However, this quest for online validation often leads to feelings of inadequacy and judgment.
@anettaeikskuladottir Beige mom #beigemom #neutrals #beigeinterior #athletics #momsoftiktok #babyclothing #pregnancy ♬ i am obsessed with this – mallorie
Creators like Hayley DeRoche highlight the absurdity of “beige perfection” with biting humour.
Her videos—mocking $95 baby cashmere sweaters and sad beige Christmas trees—resonate because they poke fun at an unattainable ideal.
@sadbeige sad new year my babies #sadbeigebaby #sadbeigechildren #nurserydecor #nurserytour #aesthetic #satire #satirecomedy #comedytiktok #comedytok #fyp ♬ Sad Emotional Piano – DS Productions
Still, DeRoche herself acknowledges the appeal: for many parents, creating a beige oasis is less about impressing others and more about finding control in an otherwise uncontrollable life.
Beyond Beige: The Call for Balance
As with most parenting trends, the key lies in balance. Beige can be a starting point, but injecting bursts of colour through toys, artwork, or children’s clothing can create a more dynamic and inclusive environment.
Encouraging children to choose their own colours fosters creativity and self-expression.
For example, one Beige Mom featured on TikTok compromised by letting her toddler pick out colourful ornaments for their neutral Christmas tree, blending aesthetics with autonomy.
Parents might also consider the long-term implications. While infants might not care about beige walls, toddlers and older kids often gravitate towards bright, stimulating visuals.
Balancing a parent’s desire for calm with a child’s need for vibrancy is essential.
The Future of the Beige Mom Trend
Will beige endure, or is it destined to fade into the background like so many Instagram fads?
It’s hard to say. As children grow older and develop their own preferences, the monochrome aesthetic may give way to rainbows and glitter.
However, the broader appeal of minimalism and sustainability suggests beige will remain a staple—at least for parents of newborns.
The Beige Balancing Act
In the end, “Beige Mom” isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of modern parenting’s competing priorities: calm versus chaos, aesthetics versus functionality, control versus freedom.
Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or embrace a more colourful palette, the key is creating a home that works for both you and your child.
And if that means a beige nursery with a neon dinosaur in the corner, so be it.
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