Choosing the right color scheme for an office can have a big impact on productivity, mood, and more. When selecting colors, it’s important to consider the purpose of the space and the desired feel or atmosphere. Warm colors like reds, oranges, yellows, and browns can create an energizing yet comfortable environment in an office. Cooler hues like blues, greens, and purples promote focus and concentration. Ultimately, the “right” office color depends on the needs of the business and employees. This article will explore the benefits of warm colors in office spaces and provide recommendations for creating an upbeat yet professional look.
Benefits of Warm Colors in Offices
Warm colors bring many advantages when used strategically in office settings:
Boosts Energy and Productivity
Warm hues like yellow, orange, and red have an energizing effect. They activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen to the brain. This can help employees feel more alert and focused during the workday. Studies show that exposure to red can improve performance on detail-oriented tasks. Warm tones also encourage social interaction and creativity.
Creates a Welcoming Atmosphere
Walking into an office with warm peach, terra cotta, or golden yellow walls immediately feels inviting and friendly. The cozy, bubbly feeling makes employees and clients comfortable. First impressions matter, so entrance areas and reception spaces benefit from warm, welcoming colors.
Encourages Collaboration
Warm colors foster a collaborative environment. Red tabletops in conference rooms or orange breakroom walls bring people together by stimulating conversation and interaction. Warm tones help reduce any coldness sometimes associated with professional settings.
Improves Mood and Morale
Office colors impact mood and emotions on a subconscious level. Warm hues like peach, coral, and amber evoke happiness and positivity. Exposure to these uplifting tones throughout the workday can reduce stress, improve morale, and make employees feel valued. This boosts job satisfaction.
Best Warm Paint Colors for Offices
When considering warm paint colors for office walls, look for tones that are energizing yet professional. Here are some excellent options:
Sunny Yellow
A bright, cheerful yellow like Behr’s Sunny Side Up creates a warm welcome in lobbies or waiting areas. Other sunny yellow options include Benjamin Moore’s Early Rise or Sherwin-Williams’ Canary Yellow. This tone instantly lifts spirits but may be too intense for open office spaces. Use sparingly.
Burnt Orange
Deep orange hues add a sophisticated, luxury feel to offices. Try Behr’s Burnt Hickory or Rustic Orange for conference rooms, private offices, or accent walls. Benjamin Moore’s Caliente and Sherwin-Williams’ Fireweed are similar rich orange options that still feel professional.
Terra Cotta
For a warm yet subtle look, consider a terra cotta like Behr’s Canyon Earth. Other earthy tones include Benjamin Moore’s Mesa Tan or Sherwin-Williams’ Renwick Beige. These softer oranges work well in large open office areas. Combine with cream, beige, and wood accents.
Peach
Soft peach shades create a warm, welcoming look perfect for reception desks and lounge areas. Consider Behr’s Cutesy Pink, Benjamin Moore’s Melon Sorbet, or Sherwin-Williams’ Koromiko. Peach conveys professionalism while also feeling fun and upbeat.
Red
For bold accents, true reds add excitement. Benjamin Moore’s Hawthorne Red, Behr’s Race Car Red, or Sherwin-Williams’ Craving Red work best on feature walls or small sections of offices. Use sparingly to avoid becoming visually overwhelming. Tone it down with wood tones.
Best Warm Tones for Office Furniture
Warm paint colors will coordinate well with wood office furniture in oak, walnut, mahogany, or cherry. Here are some additional warm furniture options:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Red | Deep red leather chairs or small red accent pillows provide a pop of energizing color. |
| Orange | Burnt orange upholstery on couches or chairs makes a statement. Try lighter tangerine on pillows. |
| Yellow | Sunny yellow chairs instantly create a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. Use citron pillows. |
| Terra Cotta | Earthy terra cotta fabric on couches adds warmth. Combine with reclaimed wood tables. |
| Brick Red | Deep brick red carpeting looks luxurious while also feeling warm and inviting. |
Fabrics and Textiles
Don’t overlook fabric accents like curtains, area rugs, and upholstered chairs or sofas. These are excellent opportunities to incorporate warm hues. Consider:
- Yellow patterned curtains
- Brick red wool area rugs
- Orange and red striped accent pillows
- Terra cotta throw blankets
Mix patterns and textures but keep the color scheme consistent. Use warm wood tones and neutral creams or tans to balance bold reds, oranges, and yellows.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Incorporating natural elements is another way to add warmth and energy to offices. Potted plants, leafy greens, and dried botanicals in warm tones help connect interior spaces to the outdoors:
- Succulents and cacti in terra cotta pots
- Bunches of orange red maple leaves
- Vases of orange daisies or pink roses
- Baskets of lemons, oranges, or strawberries
Position living plants in gathering areas and dried arrangements in conference rooms or private offices. The natural materials also soften harsh light and hard surfaces.
Lighting Considerations
Light bulbs with a warm color temperature around 2700-3000 Kelvin enhance warm paint colors, adding a cozy glow. Incorporate:
- Table lamps with amber or orange lampshades
- Pendant lights with orange or gold hardware
- Sconce lighting flanking orange accent walls
- Recessed lighting with a warm light color
Dimmers allow adjusting the mood of a space from soft and welcoming to energizing and bright.
Conclusion
Warm paint colors like yellow, orange, peach, and red create an uplifting, engaging environment in offices. Strategic use of these energizing hues improves mood, productivity, collaboration, and more. Consider warm tones for accent walls, lobby areas, conference rooms, private offices, and lounge spaces. Complement them with wood tones, natural textures, warm lighting, and pops of terra cotta, brick red, and burnt orange on furniture or fabrics. With some planning, warm colors can transform ordinary offices into enjoyable, inspiring spaces for employees to thrive.
