2025 Warm Paint Colors: Our Favorites for a Cozy Refresh
Over the years, we've seen countless paint palettes come and go—and then come back again. I remember one particular color that I must’ve recommended at least 100 times! When the industry shifted to cooler tones for a while, I was honestly ready for the change. But as the saying goes, what’s old is new again. We’ve watched the pendulum swing between warm and cool hues time and again—and right now, we’re definitely in a warm spell.
Personally, I love warm colors, and I’m thrilled to see them back in the spotlight. While I always encourage my clients to choose colors that make them happy, it’s important to understand the limitations that come with these style shifts. When a colorway falls “out of trend,” it becomes surprisingly difficult to find complementary or matching shades.
For example, I have a client who adores the rose and teal color combo from the ’90s. While those colors are making a comeback, they’re not quite the same as they were back then. Finding an exact match for her vintage wallpaper or chair fabric has been quite the challenge—and in some cases, nearly impossible!
The takeaway? Colors do come back in style, but they rarely return in the exact same shade. So if you’re redecorating a space you plan to update again in a decade, consider keeping the paint tones a bit more neutral. It makes future updates much easier.
Where to Begin with Warm Neutrals
If you’re planning to paint now and want to stay within this warmer trend, here’s a great starting palette. These are some of my absolute favorites, and they work beautifully in a variety of spaces.
Keep in mind: paint colors can look completely different depending on your lighting. LED lights, for example, come in both warm (incandescent) and cool (daylight) tones. Personally, I prefer the warmth of incandescent lighting—it enhances those cozy paint tones. Daylight bulbs, on the other hand, tend to wash out color and cast a cooler tint, which can strip away the warmth you're aiming for.
If you’re working under daylight or fluorescent bulbs, you may want to choose a shade two steps darker than your original selection to achieve the right feel. And always, always test your paint colors in your actual room—not at the paint store or in a different part of your home.
One common mistake I hear: “My friend used this color and it looked amazing in their home, but it just doesn’t work in mine.” Well… that’s not surprising! Every space has different lighting, furniture, and finishes that affect how color appears.
My Favorite Warm Paint Colors from Sherwin-Williams
Here’s a rundown of my go-to warm neutrals. I’ve included the Sherwin-Williams color numbers so you can ask for them by name at your local paint store. I’ll also be sharing room photos with the colors next to them on Facebook so you can see how they look in real spaces. Go to www.facebook/finedesigns&Interiors.com
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
A warm neutral beige with a subtle gray undertone. It's often considered a "greige" thanks to that balance.
Kilim Beige (SW 6106)
An earthy, warm beige with noticeable orange undertones.
Dover White (SW 6385)
A soft, creamy white with gentle yellow undertones. Perfect for trim, walls, or even cabinetry!
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
This one's a classic. It’s a warm greige with just enough warmth to keep it cozy, but still reads as a true gray.
Canvas Tan (SW 7531)
A light, neutral tan that’s cozy and inviting—frequently used in whole-home applications in new builds.
Natural Tan (SW 7567)
A soft warm neutral with green-beige undertones and hints of cream, brown, and gray.
Shoji White (SW 7042)
A warm off-white with super subtle greige undertones. In warm light, it leans beige; in cooler light, it shifts toward soft greige.
City Loft (SW 7631)
One of my favorites! A gentle greige that leans beige, with touches of gray and brown for depth.
Moth Wing (SW 9174)
A richer, medium beige that still feels warm and inviting. This one even carries traces of gray, blue, and purple—making it a complex and beautiful choice.
No matter your personal preference—beige, greige, or warm white—there’s something in this palette that will help you create the inviting, timeless space you’re envisioning. The best place to begin is by evaluating the undertones already present in your home and building from there.
Want to sample these colors? You can call us and we’ll help you get what you need, or you can order free swatches directly from Sherwin-Williams at www.sherwinwilliams.com.
And if you're stuck trying to figure it all out? We love helping homeowners choose the perfect paint colors. Schedule an in-home paint consultation with us by calling 740-852-6226. We’d be delighted to help you get your home dialed in perfectly.
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