Warm colors in color theory evoke feelings of energy, passion, and coziness. These hues include reds, oranges, and yellows. Imagine a blazing sunset or a crackling fire— these are classic examples of warm tones. The concept of warm colors entered the artistic vocabulary during the 18th century by Irish poet Oliver Goldsmith.^[1]

Warm colors can be intense, especially when they’re used in their pure condition. Used as accent colors they can add life and excitement to a design. When used in large amounts, they can be overpowering if not balanced with other colors. In either case, they have a powerful impact on any design.