How To Pick The Right Paint Colors For Your Bedroom
Many variables contribute to our quality of sleep, like stress-levels and whether or not we exercise. A less obvious factor is what bedroom colors we choose to design or paint with. When selecting paint colors for bedrooms, the first thing to consider is temperature. While warm colors advance toward the eye and appear more active, creating a stimulating effect, cool colors—the hues from blue green through blue violet, most grays included—tend to recede, producing a more calming and relaxing effect.
That said, there’s a lot of variation on the cool color spectrum; a bright green and a pale blue can create spaces with drastically different vibes. If cool colors aren’t your cup of tea, warm hues that are light and subtle, such as soft yellows or pinks, can also feel soothing. We turned to a few of our favorite interior designers to hear how they go about selecting paint colors for bedrooms. Don’t pick up a paintbrush without reading these expert tips first—we bet you’ll love your these designer-approved bedroom colors.
Stick to Dark Colors
“For a sexy or romantic bedroom, I like to stick with dark colors like olive, deep violet, navy, or charcoal,” says interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn. “For clients interested in calm, tranquil bedrooms, I’m quick to suggest a blue-gray, celery tones, or a layering of white paint with all white furniture and linens. Overall, since bedrooms are meant for relaxation, I try to stay away from high-energy colors like bright greens, deep reds, or bold, tropical hues.”
Opt for Serene Tones
“In the bedroom, I love a room that’s both serene and happy,” interior designer Kimberly Ayres chimes in. “Go for soft color combinations, like duck-egg blue and champagne, and then add a mix of fresh patterns.” Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s a muted version of the hue so you’ll never go too bold.
Keep it Timeless
“I love to keep the color of a bedroom simple, timeless, and classic,” says Grant K. Gibson. “By keeping things neutral, you avoid trends, and then you’re able to have fun with other items in the space like bedding, throw pillows, side tables, and lamps. Then it’s fun to add interest and layers with a pop of color.”
