We usually think of certain colors as being cool (blue or purple) or warm (yellow or red), but did you know that every color has shades that are warm or cool? It’s true! You can have a cool red or a warm blue, and being able to recognize the difference can help your coloring palette feel more cohesive.

Take a look at these color swatches. The top row all have a cool tint to them, and the bottom row all have a warm tint. Can you tell the difference?

When I’m selecting my palette, I will often try to stick with either all warm or all cool shades. I find this makes a subtle difference in the overall harmony of the finished piece. Unless, of course, your goal is to create a contrast…but that’s a topic for another post.

Looking back at some of your favorite finished pieces, did you use more warm or cool colors? Do you think it made a difference in how your design came out? Share your thoughts below!