Cosy paint colours to warm up a room

FROM greens to grey, these hues are bound to inspire you to cuddle up.

Olive green

If you are looking for a warm, earthy green, dark olive should be at the top of your list. This rich, deep green hue exudes warmth and creates a cosy atmosphere. It is a prime shade for cosying up an office or den, but can just as easily set a warm and inviting tone on kitchen cabinets or dining room walls.

Navy blue

Deep navy blue is the ultimate snuggle up with a cosy blanket and a good book colour. Just do not be alarmed after that first coat — it is dramatic to be sure. When creating a cosy space, you should not be afraid of going dark and moody. It will still be inviting, but it will evoke a different mood from the person who enters the room.

Muted green

Finding a cosy colour that feels right year-round can be a tall order, but this hazy green is up for the job. It is earthy and grounding but still light and bright. One of its benefits is its versatility; spaces dressed in this soft green are not confined to any one style.

Buttery yellow

No matter the time of the year (or day), you will be basking in summer morning light with the clean, bright hue. This buttery yellow colour is perfect for adding warmth to a space while remaining neutral. When the sun hits, it makes the room feel like it is glowing.

Brown grey

A warm, brownish grey, urbane bronze imparts a warm sense of tranquillity. This deep, earthy brown shade adds a sophisticated and cosy ambience to any room, especially during winter months.

Burgundy

If 2023 has been any indicator, burgundy is back in a big way. To create a cosy space that still feels rich and elegant, few compare to the trendy hue. A pleasing blend of deep red and brown, this colour envelops a room, making even the smallest look like the perfect cosy enclave.

Greige

This versatile warm grey paint colour toes the line between cosy and contemporary, which is why it is said to have a year-round appeal. Settling on a paint colour that does not feel dated in a year or two is tricky enough without worrying about whether a shade will still be relevant when the summer months come around.

Terra-cotta

The terra-cotta warmth of this mid-tone hue delivers a warm glow in a space that is endlessly inviting. The burnt-orange hue glows when set off by a warm off-white.

Bright white

It is tricky to find the right white, but this shade with the subtlest hint of blue grey is up for the task. A white wall is classic and clean but can sometimes feel cold; with this colour, you get a white that leans more towards warm while not looking aged and dirty. If you worry a white wall may make your space feel too cold but do not want to use a colour, choose cloud cover and bring in warm tones such as tans and woods.

Sage green

This deep, earthy neutral green is an ideal choice for walls and cabinetry, delivering a look that is both classic and welcoming. Try it when you are striving to impart a true earthiness and call on the warmth and serenity of a moss-filled forest.

Blue grey

Distant grey is fresh and neutral but easily reflects the warmth of the objects around it. When you do not want to go for a colour but white does not feel right, this is the perfect grey to make a space feel inviting. The designer suggests mixing it with natural elements and an array of textures like rugs and woods to keep the feeling of warmth, even when there is a chill in the air. — Wires