Warm Colors

Warm colors are named for their tendency to make us think of warm or hot things, such as fire and the sun. These colors tend to be more stimulating than cool or neutral colors.

Red

Red stop sign
  • Aggressive
  • Powerful
  • Intense
  • Bold
  • Extreme
  • Strong
  • Energetic
  • Heat

Red is one of the most powerful colors. It is an extreme color that can conjure up opposite feelings, such as love and hate. It is said that red makes it seem as though time is passing faster than it truly is. Red is a color that draws people’s attention. It evokes excitement, alarm and confidence. This color increases a person’s blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate. It also increases circulation, energy level and motivation. Like the other warm colors, red tends to increase appetite.

Orange

Orange balloons
  • Enthusiastic
  • Energetic
  • Friendly
  • Warm
  • Bright
  • Motivating
  • Stimulating
  • Warning

Orange is also an energizing and bold color, but it is less intense and polarizing than red. It is a good attention-getter and works well for “sale” signs. An orange room appears smaller, more informal and less expensive. It is believed that orange increases one’s immunity and helps digestion. Orange is freeing color, relieving negativity and depression, while increasing positivity and energy. It is good for inspiring new ideas.

Yellow

Yellow wet floor sign
  • Attention-getting
  • Happy
  • Cheerful
  • Optimistic
  • Sunny
  • Light
  • Anxious
  • Caution

Like the other warm colors, yellow is great for capturing a person’s attention, and for this reason it is often used to signal caution or danger. Although yellow can be a cheerful color, it has been shown to cause people to lose their temper more easily. Yellow can increase metabolism, stimulate nerves and purify the body. Yellow is also the most fatiguing color for the eye to look at, which explains why it is one of the least popular colors among adults.