Warm paint colors can make a room feel cozy and inviting. When selecting interior paint colors, homeowners often gravitate towards cooler shades like grays and blues. But warm paint colors like reds, oranges, yellows, and browns have their place in home decor as well. Warm colors evoke feelings of comfort and energy. They can make a room feel cheerful and bright. When used thoughtfully, warm paint colors can enhance the mood and style of any room in your home.
What are warm colors?
Warm colors are those that contain strong undertones of red, orange, and yellow. They are often associated with fire, sunlight, and heat. On the color wheel, warm shades can be found in the section spanning from red-violet through red, orange, and yellow. Some examples of popular warm interior paint colors include:
– Burnt orange
– Mustard yellow
– Terracotta
– Brick red
– Gold
– Peach
Warm colors tend to visually advance in space and spark feelings of energy and joy. They are lively, bold, and eye-catching. Warm shades feel cozy and inviting, reminiscent of fireplaces, autumn leaves, and sunsets.
Benefits of using warm paint colors
There are many potential benefits to using warm shades on interior walls:
They create a cozy atmosphere. Warm paint colors impart feelings of comfort and contentment. Reds, oranges, and yellows remind people of things like fire, candles, and sunshine. This helps rooms feel welcoming and relaxing.
They brighten up dark spaces. Warm shades reflect more light than cooler paint colors. They can make naturally dark rooms feel more open and airy.
They convey energy. Warm colors are stimulating and high-energy. Painting an accent wall in a bold red or orange can liven up a neutral room.
They make small rooms feel larger. Warm paint colors tend to visually advance in space, which can make small rooms appear bigger.
They highlight architectural details. Warm shades help draw attention to decorative trimwork, vaulted ceilings, and other interesting architectural features.
Best rooms for warm paint colors
While warm paint colors can work in just about any room, some spaces are especially suited to shades like red, orange, and yellow:
Living rooms. Warm shades create an inviting backdrop for furniture and decor. Try painting an accent wall behind the sofa in a rich terracotta or burnt orange.
Dining rooms. Warm reds and oranges evoke conviviality and interaction, perfect for family mealtimes.
Kitchens. Shades like peach, terra cotta, and yellow portray feelings of warmth and homeyness.
Bathrooms. Warm paint colors paired with wood accents can make a bathroom feel like a soothing spa retreat.
Bedrooms. Warm shades are perfect for south-facing rooms that get lots of direct sunlight. Try mustard yellow or brick red.
Home offices and studios. Warm colors like red and gold can enhance creativity and focus.
Entryways. Warm paint colors welcome guests into your home. Consider a burnt orange or coral red front door.
Warm neutral paint colors
For those who prefer subtle shades over bold brights, there are many warm neutral paint options ideal for whole-room paint jobs. Some top warm neutral interior paint colors include:
Almond or khaki – A pale warm beige reminiscent of creamy nut shells. Pairs well with woods.
Buff – A warm off-white that works well in sun-filled rooms.
Ochre – An earthy golden yellow, like natural clay.
Sand or greige – A mix of gray and beige, almost like a weathered driftwood.
Mushroom – A rich gray-brown shade, cozy yet sophisticated.
Biscuit or latte – Warm cream shades inspired by baked goods and coffee.
Terracotta – A warm reddish-orange hue, as seen on clay pots.
Adobe – An earthy, dusty reddish-brown.
These muted warm neutrals work well in almost any room. They provide a subtle dose of warmth without overwhelming a space.
Best warm paint colors for living rooms
The living room is often the heart of the home. Warm paint colors help make living rooms feel welcoming and comfortable. Here are some excellent warm shades for living rooms:
Terracotta – This earthy reddish hue is both cozy and timeless. Use it on an accent wall or fireplace.
Burnt orange – Similar to terracotta, but brighter. Makes a bold color for shelving and built-ins.
Mustard yellow – Cheerful and sunny. Looks fresh with white trimwork.
Sand – A versatile warm neutral beige that works with any style.
Brick red – Classic and masculine. Use as an accent with creams and taupes.
Ochre – An earthy golden hue. Pair with natural textures and wood tones.
Mushroom – A sophisticated take on beige. Complements monochromatic palettes.
Any of these living room paint colors can create an inviting backdrop for furnishings and decor.
Best warm paint colors for bedrooms
Warm bedroom paint colors promote coziness and relaxation. Here are some top picks:
Almond – A pale warm neutral beige, soothing and subtle.
Peach – Soft and sweet, perfect for a girl’s or guest bedroom.
Sand – A warm beige that allows wall decor to pop.
Terracotta – Rich yet earthy, lovely with wood furniture.
Coral – Vibrant red-orange, great for accent walls and headboards.
Gold – Sophisticated glamour, especially in small doses on trim.
Mustard – Cheerful yellow for sunny, south-facing bedrooms.
Pair these warm bedroom wall colors with restful bedding and decor for the ultimate cozy retreat.
Best warm paint colors for kitchens
Warm kitchen paint colors can impart feelings of homeyness and comfort. Here are some excellent options:
Buttercream – A pale creamy yellow, perfect for cottage kitchens.
Peach – Soft, sweet, and appetizing. Uplifting for small kitchens.
Terracotta – Earthy yet vivid, often seen in Tuscan decor.
Ochre – A golden orange-brown, upbeat but subtle.
Almond – A light neutral beige that allows cabinetry to pop.
Sienna – An orangey-brown that mimics baked clay.
Mustard – A punchy yellow that energizes food prep.
Pair with wooden cabinets and natural textures for a cozy kitchen aesthetic.
Best warm paint colors for bathrooms
When planning a paint scheme for the bathroom, warm shades can impart a soothing, spa-like feel. Here are some excellent options:
Terracotta – Earthy and grounding, lovely with wood accents.
Peach – Soft, sweet, and feminine. Ideal for powder rooms.
Brick red – A classic hue that highlights white tilework.
Sand – A warm beige that allows wall decor to shine.
Buttercream – Soft creamy yellow, inviting and cheerful.
Khaki – A soft warm tan that mimics sandy beaches.
Any of these warm paint colors can make a bathroom feel like a relaxing oasis. Pair with fluffy white towels, greenery, and candles.
Warm paint color palettes and schemes
When working with warm interior paint colors, choose complementary hues to create cohesive palettes. Here are some examples of popular warm color schemes:
| Color Scheme | Colors |
|---|---|
| Earthy neutrals | Mushroom, ochre, sand |
| Sunset tones | Terracotta, peach, gold |
| Fireside palette | Brick red, burnt orange, mustard |
Tips for using warm paint colors
When working with bold warm shades, keep these tips in mind:
– Use warm colors sparingly. They are best reserved for accents like feature walls.
– Pair warm shades with creams and whites to keep things from feeling too intense.
– Test paint chips at different times of day. Warm hues can pull quite orange or red in natural sunlight.
– Avoid going too dark with warm shades in small spaces, which can make rooms feel closed in.
– Ensure warm paints have a matte or eggshell finish to minimize overwhelming vibrancy.
– Add visual interest by playing different warm hues off one another – for example, peach walls with a terracotta accent wall.
– Warm colors advance, so use them strategically to make spaces appear larger or highlight architectural focal points.
Conclusion
Warm interior paint colors like reds, oranges, and yellows can impart feelings of comfort and cheerfulness throughout the home. When used thoughtfully, they can make living rooms cozy, bedrooms restful, kitchens uplifting, and bathrooms spa-like. Popular warm paint choices include terracotta, peach, burnt orange, mustard, brick red, and ochre. Pair warm shades with plenty of creams and whites and use them strategically to highlight architecture and make rooms appear bright and expansive. With the right warm paint colors, you can create an inviting mood in any room.
