What Colors to Use to Make a Large Room Cozy?

Warm Colors

• On the color wheel, the warm colors are red, orange and yellow. Earthy, less bright versions of these colors like copper, maroon and gold are often used in large rooms to create a feeling of intimacy. Avoid using brighter versions of these colors, like cherry red, tangerine or sunny yellow. These colors would be too intense to use on a large scale and could make the room feel claustrophobic.

Earth Tones

• The earth tones are those colors that can be found in nature, such as brown, gray-brown and sage green. Medium to darker versions of these colors may be used in larger rooms. These colors are especially appropriate in rooms furnished with pieces made from natural materials like wood and stone. To prevent the room from looking too drab or dark, don't use a dark brown in a room unless it sees a lot of natural daylight.

Medium Blues

• Light blues are useful for pushing the walls back in a small room, to give a feeling of lightness and space. However, medium to dark blues may be used in larger rooms in order to create a feeling of intimacy. Blues, as cool colors, also promote feelings of calm and peace. Use blue in a room with white or cream-colored furnishings and accessories.

Accent Walls

• An accent wall is a single wall of the room that has been painted a different color from the rest of the room. By painting a carefully chosen color on an accent wall, you can prevent the room from seeming too large. Choose a darker color that is related to the rest of the paint in the room. For example, if you've painted the room in a medium-toned blue, a dark blue accent wall can help bring the space closer together. Use this same dark blue on the accessories in the room (such as on pillows and curtains) to establish a fully realized color scheme.