Warm vs. Cool Tones: Selecting the Right Paint for Your Space

The right paint colour can make all the difference when it comes to the look and feel of your home. One of the most fundamental choices you’ll make when choosing a paint colour is deciding between warm and cool tones. This selection will impact how a room feels, how it interacts with light, and even how it affects your mood.

Read on for our brief guide to help you decide the right tone for your room.

Warm tones are known for making a space feel inviting and lively. Cosy colours usually have warm undertones—think red, orange, or yellow. Warm colours often bring feelings of contentment, comfort, and energy—much like sunshine! Create a welcoming space with shades like cream, terracotta, and gold. Try our colours Cushion Craze, Tufted Kilim, and Mustard Jar.

Cool tones are often used to create an open and peaceful environment. Shades with blue, green, or violet undertones fall into the cool category. Cool colours are often associated with calmness, and serenity. Opt for paint shades like soft blues, greys, and sage greens for a cool-toned room that’s refreshing and relaxing. Try our colours Open Water, Simply Duck Egg, Botanical Extract, Craft Fair, and Cloud Burst.

Light can significantly alter how paint colours appear. Natural light tends to enhance warm tones during sunrise and sunset and can make cool tones appear brighter in midday light. Artificial lighting also affects tone: warm-toned lighting can make warm colours richer and cooler colours duller, while cooler lighting can make warm colours appear washed out but will enhance cool shades. It’s always best to test paint samples in your space with different lighting throughout the day. Our A5 sized, real paint samples will let you see how each tone interacts with your space’s natural and artificial lighting, ensuring you get the effect you want.

Before choosing the tone of paint for your room, you’ll need to consider the room’s purpose and the natural lighting of the room. We’ve included some tips below to help you in your decision-making process!

Living Room: For a living room, really think about the vibe you want to create. What will you be spending your time doing in this room? If you plan on hosting frequently, you’ll want a room that feels welcoming and encourages conversation. Colours such as earthy browns, soft pinks, beiges, or muted yellows may work particularly well for communal spaces. If your living room is naturally bright or you want a more modern look, cool-toned shades may be your perfect match. Opt for light blues or soft greys to make the room feel spacious, sophisticated, and just the right amount of subdued.

Kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the home and is usually a bustling, lively area filled with plenty of activity. Warm tones tend to work particularly well here. We recommend warm whites, creams, or yellows to create a space that is energetic and welcoming. For smaller kitchens, cool shades like pale green or grey can give it a breezy feel and a clean, contemporary look.

Bedroom: In the bedroom, cool tones reign supreme. Rest and relaxation are essential in the bedroom, so soothing shades like soft blues, lavender, or muted greens will help promote peacefulness and even improve sleep quality. They’ll also help a smaller bedroom feel more expansive. If you’re looking for a more intimate, cosy feeling to your bedroom, warm tones like blush or beige may fit the bill.

Bathroom: You want a bathroom that feels clean and fresh, and cool tones are often the best option for this vibe. We love classic whites, light blues, greys, or pastel greens to make a bathroom feel balanced and give it that serene, spa-like quality. If your bathroom lacks natural light, consider warm neutrals like light beige to add warmth without making the space feel small. Crown Easyclean Bathroom Mid Sheen Emulsion is a durable, moisture-resistant paint, specially formulated for bathrooms. Its wipeable, mid-sheen finish is tougher than standard emulsion and it’s available off the shelf in a range of gorgeous colours to keep your bathroom looking lovely.

Ready to start your next paint project? Whether you opt for a warm colour or a cool colour, Crown Paints has you covered. Call into your nearest stockist for everything you need to express your own unique style.