When selecting blues for your home, artwork, or wardrobe, it’s important to understand the temperature of different shades. Blues can be divided into warm blues and cool blues. Warm blues contain hints of red, orange, or yellow and give off a cozy, inviting feeling. Cool blues contain hints of green or purple and have a more relaxing, serene effect. Knowing whether a blue is warm or cool can help you choose the right shades to set the mood you want. In this article, we’ll explore what makes blues warm or cool and look at some examples of popular warm and cool blue shades.
What Makes a Blue Warm or Cool?
The warmth or coolness of a blue comes down to its undertones. Here’s a quick overview of what makes blues warm or cool:
Warm blues have undertones of red, orange, or yellow. These warm undertones make the blues feel energetic, bold, and dynamic. Warm blues remind us of things like fire, sunlight, or tropical seas.
Cool blues have undertones of green or purple. These cooler undertones create a more calming, tranquil feeling. Cool blues evoke images of ice, water, or blue skies.
So a warm blue that leans towards red will feel hotter and more vibrant, while a cool blue with green hints will feel more relaxing and reserved.
Examples of Warm Blues
Here are some classic examples of warm shades of blue and what makes them warm:
Ultramarine blue – A vivid, royal blue that contains hints of red. It was originally made from the mineral lapis lazuli. The red undertones give it an intense, passionate vibe.
Cerulean blue – A bright, azure blue with a teal lean. It gets its warmth from having subtle hints of yellow. Feels cheerful and invigorating.
Periwinkle blue – A blue with lavender undertones that make it warmer and livelier than basic lavender. Its vibrancy comes from having extra red mixed in.
Navy blue – A very dark midnight blue that has a subtle warmth from black mixing with ultramarine blue. The darkness makes it feel powerful.
Cornflower blue – A medium-light blue with more red undertones than cobalt blue. Its warmth and brightness give it a playful, whimsical vibe.
Royal blue – A rich, greenish-tinged blue that gets its regal warmth from having a bit of red mixed in with ultramarine blue.
Sapphire blue – A jewel-toned blue, named after the gemstone, that contains warm red-violet undertones. Its saturated hue feels luxurious and passionate.
Examples of Cool Blues
Now let’s look at some quintessential cool shades of blue and what makes them cool:
Cobalt blue – A primary blue used in painting containing hints of green undertones. Feels calm and refreshing like cool water.
Baby blue – A light, pale blue with hints of purple that give it a delicate, dreamy quality.
Ice blue – A pale blue-green that reminds us of glaciers. Its coolness comes from having more green. Soothing and serene.
Sky blue – A light azure blue that feels peaceful and ethereal like looking at a clear sky. Its hints of cyan make it cooler.
Indigo – A deep midnight blue that originally came from the indigo plant. Its darker cool undertones are meditative and intuitive.
Tuquoise blue – A tropical blue-green blend full of soothing, cool undertones. Calls to mind refreshing waters in warm places.
Steel blue – A cooler, gray-toned blue that gives off an industrial vibe. Hints of purple amid blue-gray make it feel smooth and reserved.
Warm Blues vs. Cool Blues
To summarize the difference between warm and cool blues:
Warm blues have…
– Red, orange, or yellow undertones
– A bold, energetic mood
– Feelings of passion, brightness, and intensity
Examples: Ultramarine, cerulean, periwinkle
Cool blues have…
– Green or purple undertones
– A calm, tranquil mood
– Feelings of serenity, refreshment, and peace
Examples: Cobalt, baby blue, ice blue
So if you want to make a space cozy and lively, warm blues are your color. If you want to create a cooling, Zen-like ambiance, cool blues are the way to go.
Using Warm and Cool Blues Together
Warm and cool blues pair beautifully together. Combining them creates a vibrant, nuanced color scheme. Here are some tips for blending warm and cool blues:
– Use a warm blue and cool blue of similar hues – like navy and cobalt. This creates a cohesive but complex look.
– Layer lighter warm blues over darker cool blues. The contrast makes the colors pop.
– Add pops of a vivid warm blue like cerulean to a relaxing cool blue like sky blue. This balances the energy.
– Anchor a bright, warm blue with neutral beiges and grays. This makes the blue the star.
– Surround an intense warm blue with pale cool pastels. The interplay is bold yet soothing.
Blending warm and cool blues requires experimenting to find combinations you love. The finished look should make each shade’s unique personality shine.
Tips for Choosing Warm or Cool Blues
Here are some top tips for selecting either warm or cool blue hues for your needs:
Choosing warm blues:
– Go for vivid, saturated shades – the more intense the warmth the better.
– Match warm blues with other bold colors like oranges, reds, and yellows.
– Use warm blues in social, active rooms where you want energy.
– Choose warm blues for art, clothing, or decor that you want to feel passionate.
Choosing cool blues:
– Opt for soft, muted shades – the more subtle the coolness the better.
– Pair cool blues with other tranquil colors like greens, violets, and grays.
– Use cool blues in private, restful spaces where you want calm.
– Pick cool blues for design where you want to evoke tranquility or relaxation.
Keep the desired emotion and look in mind as you choose between warm or cool blues.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer stimulating warm blues or soothing cool blues, understanding the difference is key for picking the perfect shades. Warm blues contain red, orange or yellow undertones and feel bold and lively. Cool blues have green or purple undertones and feel serene and refreshing. You can combine warm and cool blues for a dynamic, nuanced palette. Use warm blues when you want passion and energy, and cool blues when you want calm and peace. Knowing a blue’s undertones helps you set the mood you want.