Green is often associated with cool, calming colors like blue and gray. However, green can also evoke feelings of warmth when paired with the right tones. So the answer is yes, green paint can absolutely be warm.
When selecting a warm green paint color, look for shades with yellow, gold or orange undertones. Greens with a lot of yellow come across as cheerful and sunny. Gold-tinged greens feel rich and elegant. Greens with orange or reddish tones seem earthy and natural.
There are many beautiful warm green paint options to choose from. Sage greens are versatile for many rooms. Moss and olive greens work well in traditional spaces. Lime green pops in modern, contemporary homes. Chartreuse and apple green inject youthful energy. Dark forest and hunter greens provide an organic warmth.
So if you love green but find typical cool greens to be too icy or minty, don’t worry. Warm green paint colors do exist. With the right shade and undertone, you can create a cozy green space full of life and vibrancy.
What Makes Green Paint Warm?
Green is a secondary color made by mixing blue and yellow. The more yellow or blue in the mix determines if the green leans warm or cool. Here are some of the key factors that create warm green paint colors:
Yellow Undertones
Adding more yellow to green paint creates warmer shades. Yellow brings vibrancy and brightness. The higher the levels of yellow, the cheerier and sunnier the green will appear. Lemon and lime green have strong yellow undertones. Sage and chartreuse greens also skew warm thanks to yellow.
Gold Undertones
Warm green paint colors are sometimes infused with golden undertones. The addition of gold tones makes green feel richer and more elegant. Gold-tinged greens are less vivid than yellow greens but provide the same cozy, welcoming effect.
Orange Undertones
Oranges and reds bring warmth to green paint as well. Green with orange hints feel earthy and organic, like the colors found in nature. Dark olive and forest greens are just a couple examples of reddish greens.
Low Saturation
Deeper, more muted green shades also read as warm because they lack the bright vibrancy of cool greens. Darker sage, moss and emerald greens seem traditional and inviting. Navy-based greens are another warmer option.
Warm Accompaniments
Surrounding green paint with other warm tones helps enhance its coziness. Pairing green walls with red bricks, golden fixtures or wood furniture helps create a toasty feel. Warm lighting also brings out the warmth in green.
Examples of Warm Green Paint Colors
Here are some beautiful warm green paint colors to consider from popular brands:
Paint Brand | Warm Green Color Name |
---|---|
Behr | Citronette |
Benjamin Moore | Golden Lime |
Sherwin-Williams | Renwick Olive |
Valspar | Citrus Grove |
PPG | Fern Green |
Behr – Citronette
Citronette by Behr is a bright, energizing yellow-green. This lively green has a strong lemon yellow base. It’s playful and cheerful. Citronette would work well in kids’ rooms, kitchens, bathrooms or as an accent wall.
Benjamin Moore – Golden Lime
Benjamin Moore’s Golden Lime is a yellow-green with rich golden undertones. The gold tones give this vibrant shade a sense of warmth and sophistication. It could accent a living room or dining room beautifully.
Sherwin-Williams – Renwick Olive
Renwick Olive by Sherwin-Williams is a muted yellow-green with olive tones. This versatile green has reddish-brown undertones that give it an earthy feel. Use it to create an organic, welcoming look.
Valspar – Citrus Grove
Citrus Grove from Valspar is a zesty light green with yellow-orange undertones. It’s playful and punchy. This cheerful hue would work well in a kids’ room, office or any space needing energy.
PPG – Fern Green
Fern Green by PPG is a soft, peaceful green with yellow undertones. It’s on the deeper side but maintains some brightness thanks to the yellow base. Use it to create a soothing, natural environment.
Those are just a few examples of popular warm greens from major paint brands. There are many more options out there, including greige greens, olive greens, lime greens and sage greens.
Where to Use Warm Green Paint Colors
Warm green paint works great in just about any room when chosen with the space and purpose in mind. Here are some ideas for where to use warm greens:
Living Rooms
Warm up a living room with golden-green walls or olive green accent walls. Pair with wood furniture and brass accents to enhance the coziness.
Dining Rooms
Ground a dining space with warmer emerald or forest greens. Add an earthy feel with organic decor elements like rattan, stone and bamboo.
Kitchens
Energize a kitchen with zesty lime green backsplashes or apple green accent walls. Complement with white cabinetry and natural wood stools.
Bathrooms
Give a bathroom some spa-like tranquility with muted mossy green walls. Coordinate with marble, travertine and brass finishes.
Bedrooms
Help create a restful retreat with soft fern green walls or bedding. Accent with timber furnishings for extra warmth.
Home Offices
Boost productivity in a home office with invigorating chartreuse green. Add natural elements like woven rugs and potted plants.
Kids’ Rooms
Stimulate creativity in a kid’s room with vibrant shades like lime green or neon green. Include eco-friendly textures like corkboards and bamboo shelves.
Entryways
Welcome guests with rich hunter green or olive green front doors. Pair with amber sconces and warm wood flooring.
Accent Walls
Add a pop of any warm green as an accent wall in a living room, bedroom, dining space or office.
When selecting greens for any room, be sure to get color swatches or samples first. View them at different times of day to ensure the shade appears warm and inviting before committing to the color.
Tips for Decorating With Warm Green Paint
If you decide to use warm green paint in your home, here are some tips to make the color really stand out:
Let in natural light. Abundant sunlight shows the richness and vibrancy of warm greens. West or south-facing rooms are ideal.
Pair with wood tones. The natural warmth of wood furnishings and floors enhances green’s coziness.
Include earthy textures. Think stone, clay, leather, linen, rattan. Organic textures complement green’s earthy qualities.
Add brass and gold accents. Metallics like brass, gold and copper make warm greens feel more luxe and sophisticated.
Incorporate plants and floral designs. Greenery helps green walls feel fresh, lively and connected to nature.
Use warm lighting. Opt for incandescent bulbs instead of cool fluorescents. Candlelight also adds warmth.
Repeat the color in artwork and decor. Echo the green walls with art, pillows, throws to create a unified look.
Choose the right undertones. Be sure your specific green has warm yellow, orange, gold or brown tones.
Test before committing. Get samples and view them in the space at different times before finalizing a color.
With the right shade and decor, warm green paint can feel welcoming, organic and vivid. Have fun exploring the many green hues until you find your perfect warm match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warm Green Paint
Here are answers to some common questions about warm green paint colors:
What kind of green is considered warm?
Greens with yellow, gold, orange or reddish undertones read as warm. Lime green, chartreuse, moss green, olive green and sage green tend to be warmer shades.
What colors go well with warm green paint?
Warm greens pair nicely with wood tones, black, brass, gold, cream, taupe and terra cotta. Warm metallics and earth tones enhance green’s coziness.
What colors should you not pair with warm green?
Avoid combining warm greens with cool blues and grays. Cool tones compete with green’s warmth. Purple can also clash with warm greens in some cases.
What rooms should you not use green paint in?
Green is versatile enough for any room, but some very bright greens may be overwhelming in small spaces. Neon or lime green could feel too energetic for main bedrooms.
Is green a warm or cool color for interiors?
Green can go either way. Yellow-based greens are warm. Blue-based greens are cool. The undertone matters more than the actual hue. Olive and mossy greens tend to read as warm.
Do green and yellow go together in a room?
Definitely! Green and yellow are complementary colors that create a bright, cheerful feel. Try lime green with sunshine yellow or olive green with mustard yellow.
Is olive green a warm or cool color?
Olive green is considered a warm color because of its yellow-brown undertones. The earthiness of olive green gives it a cozy, organic feel.
Is sage green warm or cool?
Sage green can go either way depending on its exact shade. Yellow-based sage greens read as warm. Blue-based sages appear cooler. Most sages have a warmness about them.
Is emerald green warm or cool?
Deeper emerald greens without too much blue come across as warm due to their richness. Lighter emerald greens can feel more cool and refreshing.
Conclusion
Green may seem like a cool tranquil color by nature, but shades with warm undertones can have a cozy, welcoming effect. The key is choosing greens with hints of yellow, orange, gold or brown. When paired with natural textures and wood tones, warm greens feel organic, sophisticated and vivid.
With so many green shades to pick from, you can easily find a warmer look you’ll love. Whether you’re seeking a cheerful lime green or regal emerald green, the green paint options are wide open. Just be sure to get color samples first to ensure the tone and intensity match your space. With the right warm green paint and decor, you can create a beautiful, inviting room full of life.