Blue is a popular paint color for many homeowners. However, not all blues are created equal. Blue paint colors can have cool undertones or warm undertones, which creates very different moods in a room. So how do you know if a blue paint has warm or cool undertones? And what effect do those undertones have? Keep reading to learn more about blue paint undertones and how to select the right shade of blue for your space.
What are warm and cool undertones?
Every color has its own undertone, which is the subtle hue that lies underneath the main color. For blue paint colors, common undertones are:
- Cool blue undertones – These lean towards green or purple, creating a crisp, icy blue.
- Warm blue undertones – These lean towards yellow or orange, creating a cozy, inviting blue.
The undertone has a big impact on how a blue paint color is perceived. Cool blues read as tranquil and soothing but can sometimes come across as cold or unfriendly. Warm blues are much more welcoming and can make a room feel cozy and cheerful.
How to tell if a blue has warm undertones
Here are some tips for identifying warm undertones in blue paint colors:
- Compare blue chips – Look at blue paint chips next to pure blues without added undertones. Warm blue chips will look slightly greenish or yellowish in comparison.
- Check in natural light – Look at paint swatches outdoors or in daylight. Warm blues may pull more green or yellow in natural light.
- Pair with warm colors – Hold up blue paint chips against warm hues like peach or yellow. If the colors complement each other, it likely has warm undertones.
- Trust color names – Paint companies often indicate warm undertones in the color name, using words like aqua, teal, or sea glass.
You can also ask for guidance at your local paint store. Many paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams have experts who can help identify undertones.
Examples of warm blue paint colors
Here are a few popular blue paint colors with warm yellow, green, or aqua undertones:
| Paint Color | Brand | Undertones |
|---|---|---|
| St. Lucia Teal | Benjamin Moore | Green |
| Tradewind | Sherwin-Williams | Aqua |
| Rainwashed | Behr | Blue-green |
| Mariner | Valspar | Aqua-yellow |
These paint colors have evident warm undertones, visible in swatches and when painted on walls. The greenish-yellow tint creates a relaxing but cheerful vibe.
How to decorate with warm blue paint colors
Decorating with warm blues is all about creating a laidback, inviting space. Here are some tips:
- Pair with warm woods – Accent walls in warm blues look great alongside oak or walnut wood trim and furniture.
- Add natural textures – Layer in elements like linen, wool, and jute rugs or accessories to enhance the cozy feel.
- Complement with metals – Brushed bronze, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze accessories pop against warm blue backdrops.
- Use warm lighting – Incorporate incandescent light bulbs, amber tones, or candlelight to support the warm ambiance.
- Include greenery – Houseplants and fresh flowers help give warmth to cool blue shades.
Avoid stark whites and cool grays, which can contradict the warm undertones. Instead, decorate with warmer creams, taupes, and beiges.
Best rooms for warm blue paint
Certain rooms in your home will benefit most from warm blue hues on the walls:
- Bedrooms – Warm blues create a tranquil retreat for relaxation and sleep.
- Bathrooms – Aqua blues give bathrooms a refreshing but cozy spa-like feel.
- Dining rooms – Blue-green colors stimulate the appetite and conversation at mealtimes.
- Living rooms – Soft teal blues set the stage for comfortable family hangouts.
- Offices – Blue tones boost concentration yet lower stress in home offices.
The welcoming vibe of warm blues makes them ideal for rooms where you want to unwind and feel at ease.
Tips for painting with warm blue colors
If you’re ready to paint your space in a warm blue hue, keep these tips in mind:
- Test paint swatches on the wall – Look at the paint in your actual room before fully committing.
- Prime walls beforehand – Primer creates a blank slate that allows true color to shine.
- Add a contrasting white – Use crisp white on trim to make the blue walls pop.
- Add multiple coats – Deep blues may require an extra coat for full saturation.
- Work in good lighting – Proper illumination ensures the undertones come through.
Hire a professional painter for best results painting tricky dark blues. And don’t be afraid to embrace the warmth of blue – picked in the right undertone for your space, it creates a welcoming feel.
Conclusion
Blue paint doesn’t have to come across as cold and uninviting. Choosing a blue wall color with warm yellow, green, or aqua undertones can create a cozy, cheerful mood in any room. To make sure you pick a warm blue, inspect paint chips closely, look at the paint in natural lighting, pair it with warm accent colors, and pay attention to the color name. Decorating with woods, natural textures, warm metals, and greenery enhances the welcoming effect of a warm blue paint color. With the right blue hue and proper prep work, you can easily paint your walls in relaxing, inviting blue tones.
