Comforting Colors for Colder Weather

Brisk, crisp, chilly, and downright cold are some ways to describe the transitional weather from late fall into winter. Once Thanksgiving is over and December sets in, it’s time to commit to the changing of the seasons and brace ourselves (and our homes) for the colder winter months about to settle upon us. Many people in the northern areas of our country do the “snowbird” thing and flock to warmer destinations in the winter, but I don’t mind winter; as a color specialist, I think there’s lots of beauty and comfort to be found in the colder months. 

In this article, I’m going to talk about the comforting colors and color combinations that you can use to warm up your homes and spirits during the colder months, specifically colors that are not synonymous with the big winter holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or New Years Eve. 

What Do Comforting Colors Do to Our Senses?

Scientifically, colors can influence our emotions and perceptions through a process known as chromotherapy or color psychology. I’ve talked about this many different ways in my articles, but colors have the power to affect our mood by impacting our perception and psychology. When you walk into a space, the arrangement of cool vs. warm colors will dramatically impact how the room presents itself. 

Warm colors, like deep reds, oranges, and yellows, are associated with natural elements such as fire, sunlight, and warmth. When we perceive these hues, our brain triggers physiological responses, causing the release of hormones like dopamine and serotonin, known as the “feel-good” chemicals. This release contributes to feelings of comfort, coziness, and happiness. Additionally, warm colors have been shown to stimulate our nervous system, increasing heart rate and creating a sense of warmth akin to being wrapped in a cozy blanket, and that’s exactly what we want to accomplish when the colder weather sets in outside!

Stay Cozy on Cold Winter Nights With These Warm Bedroom Colors!

Comforting Colors and Arrangements to Warm the Heart and Home

The following are some of my favorite color arrangements for a warm, rich, and inviting home during the winter, holidays aside. 

• The Richest Browns 

Brown has had a resurgence in recent years, and I’m thankful for that. I feel there was a misconception that brown was boring, stuck in the 60s/70s, and had no place in modern design, which has turned out to be far from the truth. 

Using the warmest, richest browns throughout the winter provides an atmosphere of earthy coziness, like being surrounded by chocolate, coffee, or refined woods. A deep walnut brown works wonderfully for furniture or even throw blankets on top of neutral-colored sofas or loveseats. 

• Rusts and Burgundy 

The fusion of rust and burgundy within interior spaces creates a captivating ambiance; it’s refined and regal, or it can be earthy and rustic (no pun intended). I love how these two colors can warm you up on a frigid winter day. Imagine rust-colored walls complemented by luxurious furniture and accent pieces in a study or entertaining room—a true balance of warmth and elegance, as cozy as it gets! Burgundy’s deep hue provides weight and formality, while rust introduces a grounded, organic feel. Two colors that embrace you, equally appealing in very different ways!

• Forest/Hunter Green

Deep, dramatic greens always seem in style when applied correctly and surrounded by supporting colors/design elements. Without overthinking it, going with a deep forest green in your space will immediately add a sense of warmth and sophistication, as if we’re representing the heritage and beauty that comes with the forests themselves! Want to try something unique? Try a richer olive or darker teal green; personalizing your color choice makes the space feel even more comforting! 

• Sandy Beige and Cranberry Red

Let me clarify: cozy doesn’t necessarily mean deep, dark, and heavily saturated. You can choose lighter color tones that present a warm and cozy vibe. A great example of this is a light sandy beige. Beige is a lighter, sandier color in the brown family. It’s earthy; it’s very light but still warm. By partnering it with a rich red cranberry, forest green, or classic slate blue, you can add some supporting weight and depth to beige. The combination is airy but strong, perfect for a cozy foundation of warmth and comfort in the colder months!

What Do You Prefer to Stay Cozy

I’d love some feedback in the comments below! I want to know what colors make you feel warm and are not necessarily affiliated with the major holidays. What are your favorite color combinations when reading a book or sitting by the fireplace? Please share your insights!

If you want some comforting color suggestions, check out my helpful color app, Color911. You’ll find some warm and inspired color palettes in there. Find a color theme that inspires you and use it as your guide; every color palette is curated by me!