Get to Know: Warm Colours
Associated with roaring fires and hot summer days, warm colours can create spaces that are either vibrant and energetic, or comforting and soothing—depending on their intensity. Read on to discover our favourite warming colours to transform your home.
What are warm colours?
Warm colours are known for evoking a sense of sunlight and heat. They usually consist of oranges, reds and yellows, as well as variations of these shades such as gold, brown and peach. Rich earthy shades of burnt orange, terracotta and chocolate brown are perfect if you love cosy, cocooning spaces.
For a cheery vibe, buttery yellows, mustard and gold will add a touch of sunshine to your spaces, while a jewel-toned, cherry red will bring instant drama. Whites with cream undertones are perfect for understated warmth.
Red
Bold and captivating, red paint is perfect for making a statement. Fill interiors with warmth using a deep, bold shade like Empire Red for a striking accent against crisp whites and soft neutrals. Red also works well as an accent colour, adding unexpected interest to cooler rooms.
For a more grounded look, our weathered red Faded Ember will create an earthy, organic vibe. Pair with olive or emerald green for a complementary colour contrast, that emulates the sun-kissed Mediterranean.
Left: Empire Red
Right: Faded Ember by @thegreenwoldgaff
Pink
Warm pink colours are delicate yet playful, creating elegant spaces with a cheerful twist. A tropical, orange-toned pink like Coral will contrast beautifully with cool greens, transforming rooms with a sizzling summer vibe.
If you’re looking for a softer pink paint, our dusty plaster pink Smitten will create a cosy, pared-back vibe. Pair Smitten with our muted, yellow-toned pink Eleanor, as layering different shades of the same colour will give rooms depth.
Left: Coral
Right: Kitchen cupboards in Smitten, walls in Eleanor by @louisejameshome
Orange
Vibrant and energetic, orange paint will bring a lively vibe to any space. Suited to both ultra-modern and cosy farmhouse looks, our bold orange Tiger Tea is a showstopping shade that balances well with an earthy neutral palette. Pair Tiger Tea with our cool neutral Half Light alongside natural textures such as a wicker lampshade or rattan dresser.
Terracotta will transform spaces with the warmth of orange but with a cosier, more organic feel. Our warm dusky orange Cinnamon will spice up interiors without overwhelming a space. Add a pop of golden yellow and contrast with green for a zesty, high-energy look.
Left: Tiger Tea, Half Light
Right: Cinnamon by @jackkinsey
Yellow
Yellow paint is known for being an uplifting and optimistic shade, filling rooms with sunshine and warmth. Our Lemon Jelly is a vibrant yellow with warm undertones, perfect for an eye-catching colour drench, complemented with pops of blush pink or sky blue. Lemon Jelly also pairs perfectly with warm neutral paint colours such as Longsands for a sense of balance.
A deeper yellow, like our rich mustard Dijon, has greater depth, for a more sophisticated approach. Dijon pairs beautifully with our grey-toned off-white Steamed Milk, to effortlessly blend warm and cool.
Left: Lemon Jelly walls and furniture, Longsands floor
Right: Dijon cupboards, Steamed Milk wall
Neutrals
Neutrals can add warmth to your spaces in a more understated way. A warm white colour such as Porcelain will complement dark woods and black accents, perfect for a coffee shop style kitchen.
Warm grey paint colours, such as Flint or Tyne Fog, are great for creating a minimalist look, pairing well with our dark grey Graphite for a striking contrast.
Left: Porcelain cupboards, Chalk White ceiling, Quarry Lime walls by @thisenglishhome
Right: Flint walls, Graphite stairs, door and trim
Warm colours for a hallway
We love how our warm beige Butterscotch looks in this sun-drenched hallway. For a splash of colour, our rich olive Greencroft has warm yellow undertones for a cosy feel.
Left: Butterscotch by @inside_the_painted_door
Right: Greencroft @by_anitarussell
Warm colours for a lounge
A warm beige-brown with hints of green, Silver Sage looks great in this comfy, cottagecore living room. For a soothing pastel, try our soft warm pink Homespun.
Left: Silver Sage by @llys_llew
Right: Homespun by @alittlehomedecor
Warm colours for a bedroom
This bedroom pairs orange-toned Coral on the walls with earthy red-brown Salmon on the ceiling for a bold, cocooning effect. Our warm mustard yellow Dijon looks great as a contrast to pink-toned neutral Sweet Nothing.
Left: Coral, Salmon, Greencroft @thistimeincolour
Right: Dijon, Sweet Nothing, Hessian by @therowe
Looking for something on the cooler side? Check out our blog post on cool colours and find the perfect soothing shade for your space.