Cool colors include blues, greens and purples. They are used in decorating for a variety of reasons. Cool colors do what they imply; they help “cool” down a room that uses a lot of warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges, hot pinks) or rooms that receive a lot of sunlight or that face south. They are often chosen to make a small space feel larger. Cool colors add calmness to a space and have even been known to slow a person’s pulse. They seem to be less threatening and are often preferred to warm hues when choosing colors for home interiors.

For more information on cool colors, read below.

Blue: peaceful, calm, cool, relaxing
Blue is one of those colors that is easily used in any room of the house. Paired with white, blue is a timeless classic. Blue reminds people of the sky and the sea; it can make a room feel more open and spacious. Blue is often used for bedrooms because of its tranquil affect. Darker shades like navy blues are considered strong, masculine colors and work well in a home office or library. However, be careful when using such dark tones, because overdone, they can make a room feel too somber or melancholy.

Green: refreshes, calms, invigorates
Green instantly brings the outdoors in. It makes us feel alive and healthy. It adds harmony and optimism to a space. Green colors work well in busy rooms where you also need a sense of calm, such as a home office or an active family room. Green is also a great neutral color to use in combination with bright colors. Think of a field of bright flowers – their green stems and leaves create a neutral look that doesn’t intrude, allowing the color of the flower to really pop.

Purple: regal, elegant, luxurious, calming, sometimes oppressive
Purple has long been used in royalty and also in religious ceremonies. It suggests "importance." It’s a color that works well when paired with one other color like yellow or white. Lighter tones can uplift a room whereas darker tones can make a room feel overwhelming or heavy. Purple colors can be very soothing when paired with green or pink and looks very sophisticated when paired with gray. A lighter shade of purple lends itself well to nurseries or a girl’s bedroom for a sweet look.