3 Cool Colors that Feel Warm and Cozy

When we think of cozy colors, we often think of colors that make us feel warm and comforted. We naturally gravitate to the warm side of the spectrum, like reds or oranges, because of early associations to fire and the sun which influence our perceptions of warm colors. There are also real psychological and physical responses to warm colors – and cool colors – that form our perceptions of warmth.

There are many colors that are considered cool yet have the ability to make us feel relaxed and cozy. The term “cool” means that the hue lives on the shorter wave length end of the spectrum, like blue, green and violet color families. Despite where the color lives on the color wheel, the feeling we get from a specific color is more the combination of a hue within a certain context, how we apply the color, and the shade or tone. That said, if you’re looking for some cozy cool color inspiration, keep reading below.

1. Green hues calm and feel cozy

Green has a proven ability to calm us and lower our heart rate. We see this verdant color so frequently in nature that our association is synonymous with nature. Technically green is classified as a cool color, but because green has the most hue variations of all colors in the spectrum, green can lean either warm or cool depending on its shade and undertones. Based on its known affects on our mind and body, green is our first choice for a cozy cool toned hue.

2. Slate-blue is cabin complementary

Many believe that blue tones will feel cold. In a small space, a blue tone will actually compliment the natural rustic hard woods and warm tones. Blue will also make a space feel a little larger than it is–so if you want a cozy-feel, the deeper the shade the better. That’s because darker shades will make things appear closer–just like warm colors. If you have a small space, with a lot of warm wood accents, consider this darker blue color family.

3. Aubergine-a rich brownish purple

The color aubergine sits in the purple family which is located between warm and cool on the color wheel. Many purple hues have red (warm) undertone which makes the color feel a little more cozy. Colors like aubergine (also known as eggplant) are a great choice to feel cozy because of its warm undertone. It’s also a darker shade that is perceived as a very luxurious and rich color. In 2024/25 deep violets are projected to be a key color according to color agency Coloro. Whether you reach for a muted violet which is a little more subdued or a deep eggplant, purple is a great color to create a cozy vibe.

Whether you choose a warm color or cool color to enhance the comfort setting for your space remember these tips:

1. Too much of one specific color can be overpowering. If you like a certain color consider using that color in a monochromatic application.
2. Use complimentary colors to enhance the color and add contrast.
3. Our minds naturally search for balance and will seek it out. So, if your room (or outfit) is too cool (or warm) layer in some other colors for balance.