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Top 10 Cool-Toned Paint Colors

March 14th, 2025

4 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Dining room with sherwin williams, extra white on walls.

Picking the perfect paint color can be overwhelming. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through Pinterest, staring at tiny paint chips under different lights, or second-guessing a color that looked great in someone else’s house but feels completely wrong in yours. The last thing you want is to invest time and money in a paint job only to realize it’s not quite what you envisioned. 

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners navigate the world of interior and exterior painting since 1996. We know how different lighting, existing finishes, and even the Omaha climate can impact how a color looks in your home. We use high-quality paints and take all the necessary prep steps to ensure a long-lasting, professional finish. With nearly three decades of experience, we know what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to choosing and applying cool-toned colors in homes just like yours.

This article is here to make your decision easier. We’re going to break down what cool-toned colors are, why they might be the right choice for your home, and the best shades available today. By the end, you’ll feel confident about selecting a color that not only looks beautiful but also complements your space and personal style.

What Are Cool-Toned Paint Colors?

Cool-toned paint colors have blue, green, or purple undertones, creating a fresh and airy atmosphere. Unlike warm tones that tend to feel cozy and inviting, cool hues can make a room feel more open and tranquil. That’s why they’re often used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and other areas where relaxation is key.

One of the biggest advantages of cool tones is their versatility. They can make small rooms feel bigger, bring a crisp contrast to warm wood finishes, and even enhance the natural light in your home. But not all cool colors work in every space, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Top Cool-Toned Paint Colors for Omaha Homes

1. Soft Blue: Sherwin-Williams "Sea Salt"

SeaSalt_CSP-95

A light blue-green shade, Sea Salt is an all-time favorite for its chameleon-like ability to change with different lighting. It can lean more blue or green depending on the room, making it a great choice for bathrooms and bedrooms where you want a calming effect.

2. Crisp Gray: Benjamin Moore "Stonington Gray"

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Grays are notoriously tricky, but Stonington Gray gets it right. It’s a true gray with subtle blue undertones, ensuring that it doesn’t feel too warm or too cold. This makes it a safe and stylish option for living rooms, hallways, or open-concept spaces.

3. Serene Green: Sherwin-Williams "Rainwashed"

rainwashed sherwin williams

If you love the idea of a hint of green but don’t want anything too bold, Rainwashed is perfect. It’s soft, subtle, and has just enough color to feel fresh without overpowering a space. It works exceptionally well in bedrooms, home offices, and even kitchens.

4. Elegant White: Sherwin-Williams "Extra White"

sherwin williams extra white

A cool-toned white like Extra White is a great way to brighten up a space while keeping things crisp and clean. This shade pairs beautifully with modern and minimalist designs and works as a great trim or ceiling color alongside bolder wall colors.

5. Deep Blue: Benjamin Moore "Hale Navy"

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Looking for a dramatic statement color? Hale Navy is a rich navy with a cool base that adds sophistication to any room. It’s stunning on cabinetry, accent walls, or in cozy spaces like a study or dining room.

6. Light Gray-Blue: Sherwin-Williams "Silver Strand"

sherwin williams silver strand

A soft gray with blue and green undertones, Silver Strand is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a neutral that isn’t too warm or too cold. It’s perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or entryways where you want a subtle but stylish color.

7. Cool Green: Benjamin Moore "Palladian Blue"

HC-144 palladian blue

Despite the name, Palladian Blue is more of a soft green with blue undertones, making it a fantastic choice for a serene and airy feel. It’s great for bathrooms, bedrooms, and spaces that need a little extra calm.

8. Ice Blue: Sherwin-Williams "Misty"

sherwin williams misty

A gentle blue-gray, Misty is a fantastic option for creating a soothing and open feel. It’s particularly popular in coastal-inspired homes or rooms where you want a breath of fresh air.

9. Sophisticated Gray: Benjamin Moore "Wickham Gray"

Wickham Gray

Wickham Gray is another excellent cool-toned gray with blue undertones, offering a timeless look. It pairs well with both contemporary and classic designs, making it a go-to choice for homeowners.

10. Soft White: Sherwin-Williams "Snowbound"

sw-7004-snowbound-1

If you want a white that feels fresh but not too stark, Snowbound is a great choice. It has subtle cool undertones, making it ideal for trim, ceilings, or even entire rooms when paired with other cool-toned shades.

How to Use Cool-Toned Paint Colors Effectively

  • Test Before You Commit: Colors look different in every home. Paint samples on the wall and observe them at different times of the day.
  • Consider Your Lighting: Cool colors can look stark in rooms with limited natural light. If your space doesn’t get much sun, consider a cool shade with a slightly warmer undertone.
  • Pair with Complementary Tones: Cool colors look best when balanced with neutral whites, grays, or even warm wood finishes to keep a space from feeling too cold.
  • Use Cool Colors for a Relaxing Atmosphere: Bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices are great places for cool tones because they naturally promote relaxation and focus.
  • Think About the Omaha Climate: In an area like Omaha, where summers can be hot and humid, cool colors can make a home feel refreshing and airy year-round.

The Best Cool-Toned Paint Colors for Your Home

Choosing the right cool-toned paint color doesn’t have to be stressful. You now have a solid understanding of what makes these colors work, the best shades to consider, and how to use them effectively in your home. Whether you’re drawn to a soft blue, a calming green, or a modern gray, there’s a cool-toned color that’s perfect for your space.

If you're still feeling unsure, Brush & Roll Painting has been helping homeowners in Omaha since 1996. We know what works in local homes, and we’re happy to guide you in selecting a color that fits your style and space.

If you’re ready to paint your Omaha home a cool (or warm) toned paint color, click the button below to talk with our team and get a quote!

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Need more tips on choosing the right shade? Download our Paint Color & Design Guide below!

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Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager. Kaylea is a Journalism and Media Communications summa cum laude graduate with a minor in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Kaylea manages the marketing for Brush & Roll Painting.