Painting the rooms in your home can be a daunting task. But the first step, deciding on the right shade, is arguably the most important. Choosing the perfect hue requires some deep thought, as it will likely be sticking around for a while. It’s no secret that colors can affect how we feel and behave, and that extends to the shades in your home. Settling on a paint color for a specific room can have benefits beyond looking pretty.

Color theory tells us that certain hues have the power to influence our mood and even evoke certain emotions from past experiences. For example, bright shades like yellow or orange are often associated with energy, excitement, and happiness. On the contrary, cooler tones tend to come across as calming, peaceful, and relaxing. Applying these details to the rooms in your home can conjure similar feelings and improve your mood.

Deciding on the right shade doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’re ready to refresh your space with a new hue, consider using one of these mood-boosting colors to bring it to life.

@lick

Not to brag but we think we might have created the perfect earthy orange paint colour 😏 Orange 02 Relaxing, down to earth and filled with warm brown undertones that adds a softness to the orange. Perfect for cosy living rooms, social dining rooms (orange aids positive conversation) and colourful bedrooms. Decorators featured: @thishousewemade @casamcyoung @nicatnumberfive @putting_my_stamp_on_it @three.at.twentysix #LickHome #paintmixing #paintcolours #orangepaint #earthytones #paintswatch #decoratingideas

♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) (Sped Up Version) – FIFTY FIFTY

Orange

Orange can be a tricky color to work with. If the shade is too bright, it can read as cheesy or immature. But a warmer version, like terracotta or muted pumpkin, can make your space feel welcoming. If you’re having trouble painting an entire room orange, you can always opt for using it as a backsplash hue or simply use it to paint half the wall, leaving the rest a soft cream color.

@benjaminmoore

Replying to @felicity !! The perfect holiday paint pour? You’ve “red” our mind! Check out some of our favorite red hues, then head to our website or your locally owned store for a color sample! #BenjaminMoore #Paint #Red #PaintColors #HomeInspo #DIY #InteriorDesign #PaintTok #BenjaminMoorePaint

♬ Better Together – The Jilettes

Red

Red is associated with a few emotions and can evoke different feelings depending on the shade you choose. A spicy pepper hue can bring vibrant energy to a room, while a deep burgundy can have a moody and romantic feel. The spectrum of red is vast, so it helps to begin with the room itself and what you want it to convey. For the living room, you may prefer a warm color like brick or ruby that feels inviting. Brighter versions, like candy apple, crimson, or scarlet, might be more fitting for an office or bedroom to invigorate the room.

@carinafelix_

its a butter yellow summer 🧈 paint inspiration for you! I love color drenching and even more when its yellow #colorfulhome #eclecticdecor #greenscreen

♬ original sound – CARINA FELIX

Yellow

Bold, bright, and sunny, yellow is the epitome of a happy shade. It exudes energy and excitement and brings light and life into the room. Kitchens are a popular space for yellow walls, but the color also works well in dining and living rooms to encourage fellowship and interaction. If you’re ready to try a yellow room, start with a hue that falls somewhere between sunny and soft.

@brodiealefever

I love this shade of green. Its a nice neutral green! It is called Gloucester Sage by @sherwinwilliams #greenpaint #sherwinwilliams #gloucestersage #bedroomideas #homedecor #paintcolors #greenhome #greenpaintcolors

♬ TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – Beyoncé

Green

Nature provides some of the most soothing and calm colors, like green. When splashed onto the wall, they instantly evoke a sense of peacefulness. Subtle shades work best in the home, so it’s best to go for soft sages or earth tones like moss and forest green. Given their effect, green works best in cozy spaces that are intimate but not too private—think reading corners, living rooms, and dining rooms.

@thestylos.co

Best blue paint color round up! 💙 #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #HomeImprovement #DecorInspiration #DesignIdeas #DIYDecor #RenovationGoals #CreativeHome #InteriorDecorating #paintcolors #locusdesignstudio

♬ Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy

Blue

Similar to green, blue paint is calming, tranquil, and therapeutic. For this reason, it is often found in spas and places designed to stimulate relaxation. Even moody shades like navy and ocean blue can feel soothing, making the color ideal for almost any room in your home. Choose a soft shade for your personal spaces, like the bedroom or bathroom, then go for a bold, prominent blue for living spaces and kitchens.