Cool tones refer to colors that give off a calming and relaxing vibe. They are often associated with blues, greens, and purples. When decorating a space, using cool tone colors can create a peaceful atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the different names and shades of popular cool tone colors.
Blue Cool Tones
Blue is one of the quintessential cool tone colors. Here are some of the most common blue cool tones:
| Navy | A very dark blue that can read as almost black in some lighting. |
| Denim | The blue used in denim jeans. |
| Periwinkle | A light purplish-blue. |
| Baby Blue | A light, desaturated blue. |
| Sky Blue | A light blue the color of a clear sky. |
| Ice Blue | An icy, pale blue. |
| Steel Blue | A blue-gray color. |
| Azure | A bright, medium blue. |
| Cobalt | A vivid blue, slightly darker than azure. |
These shades can range from pale and light to deep and saturated. They all carry that cool, calming essence inherent in the color blue.
Green Cool Tones
Like blue, green is intrinsically linked to cool tones. Here are some green varieties that exude a cool vibe:
| Seafoam | A pale, blue-green that resembles ocean foam. |
| Mint | A pale green with hints of blue, similar to mint ice cream. |
| Jade | A medium green with blue undertones. |
| Emerald | A rich green, like the emerald gemstone. |
| Forest | A deep forest green. |
| Hunter | A dark olive green. |
| Sage | A pale grayish green, like the herb sage. |
| Teal | A blue-green that takes its name from the Teal duck. |
Green is intrinsically connected to nature, and these cool-toned greens call to mind soothing images of forests, oceans, and gemstones. They pair especially well with blue cool tones.
Purple Cool Tones
Purple is a regal color that leans cool in most of its forms. These are some stellar examples of purple cool tones:
| Lavender | A light purple with hints of blue. Similar to the lavender flower. |
| Lilac | A soft, pale purple with blue undertones. |
| Orchid | A purple-pink shade inspired by orchid flowers. |
| Wisteria | A light purple named after the blueish-purple wisteria vine. |
| Plum | A dusky purple reminiscent of plum skins. |
| Eggplant | A deep purple that resembles eggplant skins. |
| Amethyst | A jewel-toned purple named after the amethyst gem. |
| Iris | A purple inspired by the blueish-purple iris flower. |
These purples embody a sense of luxury and spirituality, perfect for meditative spaces. They work in both bold, saturated forms and soft, pale pastels.
Gray Cool Tones
While grays are neutral by definition, many cool-leaning grays have names of their own. For example:
| Ice | An icy, pale gray with blue undertones. |
| Silver | A medium gray reminiscent of polished silver. |
| Cascade | A pale bluish-gray, like a blue mountain cascade. |
| Graphite | A darker blue-toned gray, like graphite pencil lead. |
| Stone | A gray with subtle hints of blue and violet. |
| Smoke | A charcoal gray the color of blue smoke. |
| Ash | A cool-toned gray that resembles ash particles. |
| Slate | A blueish-gray reminiscent of slate rock. |
These grays have blue, purple, and green undertones that give them a cool essence. They are perfectly at home among other cool-toned colors.
Combining Cool Tones
The benefit of cool tones is that they combine seamlessly to create soothing, harmonious color palettes. Here are some examples of cool tones that blend well together:
– Pale blue, lavender, ice gray
– Teal, seafoam, silver
– Navy, emerald, plum
– Cobalt, wisteria, slate
– Azure, orchid, ash
Matching the intensity and saturation levels will result in smooth, peaceful combinations. Mix light with light, medium with medium, and deep with deep.
Cool tones also combine beautifully with white, black, metallics like silver and bronze, and natural wood tones. Use white and metallic as crisp accent colors against colored cool tones. Natural wood provides warmth against the cool palette.
Benefits of Cool Tones
Why use cool tones when decorating or designing? Here are some of the top advantages:
| Calming | Cool tones are inherently relaxing and calm the senses. They lower stress. |
| Restful | Rooms with cool tones promote restful sleep and relaxation. |
| Nature-inspired | Blues, greens, and purples connect us to soothing landscapes and water. |
| Spiritual | Cool tones like lavender and purple are linked to spirituality and meditation. |
| Soothing | Cool tones relieve mental exhaustion and overstimulation. |
| Versatile | Cool tones work in any room from bedrooms to bathrooms. |
The peaceful essence of cool colors makes them widely usable and beneficial in interior design.
Using Cool Tones Effectively
To make the most of cool tones, adhere to these simple tips:
– Use muted, soft cool tones in large areas like walls. This creates an overall sense of calm.
– Add pops of more saturated cool tones through accents like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. This adds depth.
– Incorporate contrasting metals and natural wood as accents to prevent the space from feeling too cold.
– Use plenty of natural light and illumination to allow the cool tones to shine.
– Arrange tones from light to dark to create visual flow.
– Repeat a single cool tone throughout the space for unity.
With the right balance of light, contrasting accents, and tonal flow, cool tones create a comfortable refuge.
Cool Tone Color Schemes
Some classic cool tone color pairings include:
| Baby blue and gray | A nursery classic with soothing soft colors. |
| Sand and navy | Navy blue pops against neutral sand tones. |
| Pale purple and moss green | A nature-inspired combo ideal for bedrooms. |
| Robin’s egg and apple green | Vintage-inspired cool blue and green. |
| Lavender and sage | Muted purple and green strike a Zen mood. |
| Ocean blue and seafoam | Two cool variations of blue/green that complement. |
Get creative mixing different shades within the same cool family or contrasting cool tones for unique effects.
Home Decor With Cool Tones
From walls to furniture, cool home decor creates a sanctuary. Some key ways to incorporate cool tones:
– Paint walls blue, green, gray, or purple. More saturated colors work best for feature walls, while softer hues suit whole rooms.
– Choose area rugs and throw blankets in muted cool tones. Layer in texture for added coziness.
– Select cool-toned sheer curtains to filter in natural light during the day.
– Look for upholstered furniture and pillows in a range of cool hues. Tufted couches feel extra lush.
– Accent with metal decor in brushed nickel, silver, or chrome for sleek contrast.
– Add cool ceramic vases, trays, and kitchen canisters as decorative touches.
– Display canvas wall art featuring restful cool-toned landscapes or abstracts.
– Place live plants like succulents or snake plants around the space for organic contrast.
Blending cool-toned fabrics, furnishings, art, and decor cultivates relaxation. The possibilities are endless for creating your personal cool tone sanctuary.
Conclusion
Cool tones encompass a wide spectrum of blue, green, purple, and gray shades ranging from the palest pastels to boldest jewel tones. Their unifying characteristic is a sense of calm, perfect for destressing. When used effectively, cool tones create serene, welcoming spaces. Play with different hues and combinations to find your ideal peaceful palette. With the names and descriptions above to guide you, explore the tranquil world of cool tones for home decor and beyond.
