11 Cozy Paint Colors to Warm Up a Room

From greens to gray, these hues are bound to inspire you to cuddle up.

As we wave goodbye to summer and set our sights on crisp autumn weather, it's prime time to freshen up our homes with comfort at the forefront. "While a cozy room is often associated with chilly nights curled up by a roaring fire, there are certainly rooms that take on a very cozy look while remaining fresh and light, even in the hottest days of the summer,” says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development at Benjamin Moore. “Many times, a room designed with close attention to texture and layering is successful in bringing that welcoming feel that makes a room particularly appealing.”

Lighting and color also play a part. Atlanta-based interior designer Jasmine Crockett of JoyMeetsHome says the right paint color can help set the mood and pull on certain emotions, creating a space that’s welcoming, intimate, or calming. “Additionally, choosing paint colors that complement the natural light and overall decor of the space can enhance the cozy atmosphere and make it more visually appealing."

To help you create a cozy room, we asked interior designers to share their top paint colors. Spoiler alert: They’re not all dark and moody.

Olive Green

If you’re looking for a warm, earthy green, Dark Olive by Benjamin Moore should be at the top of your list. “This rich, deep green hue exudes warmth and creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for the winter season,” says Crockett. It’s a prime shade for cozying up an office or den, but can just as easily set a warm and inviting tone on kitchen cabinets or dining room walls.

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Dark Olive (2140-30)

Navy Blue

“This deep navy blue is the ultimate snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a good book color,” says Emma Beryl, designer and founder of New York City-based Emma Beryl Interiors. Just don’t be alarmed after that first coat—it’s dramatic to be sure. “When creating a cozy space you shouldn’t be afraid to go dark and moody,” Beryl advises. “It will still be inviting, but it will evoke a different mood from the person who enters the room.”

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Blue Note (2129-30)

Muted Green

Finding a cozy color that feels right year-round can be a tall order, but this hazy green is up for the job. “Cromarty by Farrow & Ball is like an extra milky matcha latte,” says Beryl. “It's earthy and grounding but still light and bright.” One of its benefits is its versatility; spaces dressed in this soft green aren't confined to any one style.

Paint Color: Farrow & Ball Cromarty (No. 285)

Buttery Yellow

No matter the time of year (or day), you’ll be basking in summer morning light with the clean, bright hue of Tallow by Farrow & Ball. “This buttery yellow color is perfect for adding warmth to a space while remaining neutral,” says Beryl. “When the sun hits, it makes the room feel like it is glowing.”

Paint Color: Farrow & Ball Tallow (No. 203)

Related: These Are the Yellow Paint Colors Interior Designers Love to Use

Brown-Gray

A warm, brownish-gray, Urbane Bronze imparts a warm sense of tranquility. “This deep, earthy brown shade adds a sophisticated and cozy ambience to any room, especially during the winter months," says Crockett. Pair it with Extra White (SW 7006) for a crisp look.

Paint Color: Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

Burgundy

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

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Townsend Harbor Brown (HC-64)

Greige

This versatile warm gray paint color toes the line between cozy and contemporary, says Crockett, which is why she believes it has year-round appeal. Settling on a paint color that doesn’t feel dated in a year or two is tricky enough without worrying about whether a shade will still be relevant when the spring and summer months come around. With Agreeable Gray, you can rest assured you have a cozy paint color for all seasons.

Paint Color: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)

Terra-Cotta

“The terra-cotta warmth of this mid-tone hue delivers a warm glow in a space that is endlessly inviting,” says Magno. To bring out its elegance and luxurious undertones, pair Terra Mauve with Swiss Coffee (OC-45) or Cloud White (OC-130). The burnt-orange hue glows when set off by a warm off-white.

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Terra Mauve (105)

Bright White

It’s tricky to find the right white, but Beryl says this shade with the subtlest hint of blue-gray is up for the task. “A white wall is classic and clean but can sometimes fall cold; with this color, you get a white that leans more towards warm while not looking aged and dirty,” she says. “If you worry a white wall may make your space feel too cold but don’t want to use a color, choose Cloud Cover and bring in warm tones such as tans and woods.”

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover (OC-25)

Sage Green

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

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Gloucester Sage (HC-100)

Related: How to Decorate with Sage Green

Blue-Gray

“Distant Gray is fresh and neutral but easily reflects the warmth of the objects around it,” says Beryl. “When you don’t want to go for a color but white doesn't feel right, this is the perfect gray 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’s a chill in the air.

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Distant Gray (2124-70)

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