Your Guide to

Warm vs Cool
Colours

Francesca Cairns Image Consultant

 Cool Vs. Warm colours

If you're having difficulty determining whether a colour is

cool or warm, this guide will help you:

Cool undertones in colours tend to have hints of blue or

purple, giving a cooler, fresher appearance.

Warm undertones, with touches of yellow or peach,

provide a warmer, more golden look.

Once you have had a colour analysis you will get your
own colour swatch to use when shopping however this is
a great guide to help you determine warm vs cool in the
meantime.
 Observe the Base Colour:

Cool Undertones: Colours with a blue or purple base

often have cool undertones. For example, cool reds
have a hint of blue in them.
Warm Undertones: Colours with a yellow or orange
base often have warm undertones. Warm reds have a
hint of orange.

Cool Warm
 Consider Earth Colours:
Cool Undertones: Cool colours often include jewel
tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst
purple.
Warm Undertones: Warm colours often include earthy
tones like warm browns, oranges, yellows, and olive
greens.

Cool Warm
 Look at Neutral Colours:
Cool Undertones: Cool neutrals have a base of gray or
blue-gray.
Warm Undertones: Warm neutrals have a base of
beige, tan, or brown.

Cool Warm
 Examine White Colours:

Cool Undertones: Cool whites have a slightly blue or

grey cast.
Warm Undertones: Warm whites have a hint of yellow
or cream.

Cool Warm
 Cool Colours:
1. Blue-Based:
Look for colours with a blue or purple undertone.
These include cool blues, purples, and cool-toned
greens.
2. Jewel Tones:
Colours like emerald green, sapphire blue, and
amethyst purple are typically cool-toned.
3. Cool Neutrals:
Greys and blue-greys are often cool neutrals. If a
neutral colour looks like it has a hint of blue, it's
likely cool.
4. Cool Whites:
Whites with a subtle blue or grey cast are cool.
Check if the white appears more icy than warm.
 Warm Colours:
1. Yellow or Orange-Based:
Colours with a yellow or orange undertone are
warm. This includes warm reds, oranges, and
yellows.
2. Earth Tones:
Warm colours are often associated with earthy
tones like warm browns, terracotta's, and olive
greens.
3. Warm Neutrals:
Beiges, tans, and warm browns are examples of
warm neutrals. If a neutral colour looks like it has a
touch of yellow, it's likely warm.
4. Warm Whites:
Whites with a hint of yellow or cream are warm.
Look for warmth in the undertone of the white.
 My Tips:

1. Use Comparisons: Hold the colour next to something

you know is cool or warm to see the contrast.
2. Trust Your Instincts: If a colour gives off a cool or warm
feeling to you, it's likely the right choice.
3. Natural Lighting: Colours can appear different under
various lighting conditions. Consider how the colour
looks in natural light.

Finally: Use your colour swatch after your colour analysis

with me (Francesca Cairns Image Consultant) and
shopping will become simple and easy.