Your bedroom should be a place of relaxation and comfort, and the paint color you choose can make a big difference in how you feel in your space. While there are no hard and fast rules about what colors are best for bedrooms, some designers have strong opinions on what colors to avoid. Here are some tips from the pros on how to choose paint colors that will create a soothing and cozy atmosphere in your bedroom.
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Stay Away from Bright Colors
Bright colors may be fun and cheerful, but they are not the best choice for a bedroom. Bright colors can be too stimulating and distracting, and they can interfere with your sleep quality. Designers suggest saving bright colors for other areas of your home, such as hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms.
“Think calm and sophisticated for bedroom paint—save the brighter colors for hallways, breakfast nooks, and other spaces,” designer Laura Medicus said.
Instead of bright colors, opt for softer or darker shades that will create a more relaxing mood. For example, you can try a light gray or blue, or a rich green or navy. These colors can complement your bedding and accessories, and add some depth and interest to your space.
Avoid Red
Red may be the color of love, but it is not a favorite among designers when it comes to bedrooms. Red is a very intense and energetic color that can evoke strong emotions and reactions. It is not the most conducive color for rest and relaxation.
“Reds are out for the bedroom,” designer Sallie Lord said. “We feel this passion color is left best in small doses.”
Designer Kelsey Haywood agreed but noted that some shades of red are more acceptable than others. “Deep Bordeaux hues or even a dusty rose are beautiful in a bedroom, but a true red—think fire engine—is too much,” she said. “There is a reason emergency vehicles are red, and it’s not the vibe you want to set in a bedroom!”
If you love red, you can use it as an accent color in your bedroom, such as in pillows, artwork, or rugs. But keep it away from your walls.
Skip Orange
Orange is another color that designers advise against for bedrooms. Orange is a warm and vibrant color that can be too lively and overwhelming for a sleep space. Orange can also affect your circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep cycle.
“Peach is sweet and nice, but a bright and harsh orange is due to disrupt your sleep cycle!” designer Michelle Gage said.
Designer Julie Terrell learned this lesson the hard way. “I once painted my bedroom orange because I loved it so much,” she said. “It was awful! I couldn’t sleep at all.”
If you want to add some warmth and coziness to your bedroom, you can try softer or earthier tones of orange, such as coral or terracotta. These colors can create a more inviting and soothing ambiance in your space.
Try Earth Tones
Earth tones are warm and natural colors that are inspired by nature, such as browns, greens, yellows, and oranges. These colors can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your living room, as well as complement various types of furniture and decor. Earth tones are also versatile and timeless, so you don’t have to worry about them going out of style.
“Earth tones are great for living rooms because they are calming and grounding,” designer Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors said. “They also work well with wood tones, metals, and textures.”
Some of Fisher’s favorite earth tones include Flannel Gray by Benjamin Moore, Canyon Dusk by Behr, and Sturdy Brown by Sherwin-Williams.
Go for Blues
Blues are cool and soothing colors that can make your living room feel more spacious and airy. Blues can also evoke feelings of tranquility and serenity, which are ideal for a relaxing space. Blues come in a wide range of shades, from light to dark, so you can find one that suits your style and preference.
“Blues are always a good choice for living rooms because they are calming and relaxing,” designer Jennifer Guerin of JG Color Studio said. “They also work well with neutrals, grays, whites, and creams.”
Some of Guerin’s favorite blues include Laguna Blue by Benjamin Moore, Naval by Sherwin-Williams, and Bluebird by Clare.
Experiment with Pinks
Pinks are fun and playful colors that can add some personality and charm to your living room. Pinks can also create a warm and inviting ambiance in your space, as well as bring some freshness and energy. Pinks can range from soft and subtle to bright and bold, so you can find one that matches your mood and taste.
“Pinks are great for living rooms because they are cheerful and uplifting,” designer Chrissy Hunter of Harlowe James said. “They also work well with greens, grays, whites, and golds.”
Some of Hunter’s favorite pinks include Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore (the 2023 Color of the Year), Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball, and First Light by Benjamin Moore.
Remember Your Personal Preference
While designers do have some general guidelines on what colors to avoid for bedrooms, they also acknowledge that paint color is a personal choice and what matters most is that you love it. “The most perfect (and imperfect) bedroom color is truly in the eye of the beholder,” designer Brynn Olson said.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and see what works best for you and your space. You can also use paint samples or swatches to test out different colors before committing to one. Ultimately, the best paint color for your bedroom is the one that makes you happy and comfortable.
