Best Colors for Bedrooms – From Bold to Subtle
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Giving your bedroom a makeover with a fresh coat of paint is a fairly simple task. It is also affordable and can be accomplished in one weekend. However, when choosing the best colors for bedrooms, this involves a lot more than just aesthetics. When choosing popular bedroom paint colors, you need to establish the proper mood in the room. A bedroom is your personal space, which needs to showcase your personality. Choosing the best colors for bedrooms is very important, as you need to create a sanctuary for relaxation. Read on to discover some amazing bedroom paint ideas that you might want to try!
Table of Contents
Why Is Choosing the Best Colors for Bedrooms Important?
We will all have to admit that waking up in the morning and leaving your nice warm bed is sometimes not very appealing. But creating a bedroom that can cheer you up, can make things a bit easier. Since color can affect your mood, you must select an appropriate color for your bedroom. Selecting the proper color for your bedroom can have a direct impact on how you feel.
Colors can affect you psychologically, for example, some colors help you to relax, while others can help to stimulate your mind.
When it comes to choosing a paint color, it can be overwhelming as there are hundreds of different colors on the market. Do you choose a warm or cold color, light, or dark, or something more trendy? Every bedroom has different requirements, such as lighting conditions, and of course, we all have our own specific preferences. Although it may take some time and effort to choose the right paint color for your bedroom, it is well worth it in the end.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bedroom Color Ideas
Bedroom walls are the very first thing you see when you open your eyes in the morning and the very last thing you see when you close your eyes in the evening. Colors work just like magic, they can heal, soothe, calm your mind, and refresh. Try to keep your color scheme simple and timeless, which will help you to match the color with other elements in your room like pillows, lamps, and bedding. It is also always a good idea to test out paint colors before you purchase them, to see how they work in various lighting situations.
Let us now consider some factors that can influence your choices when selecting popular colors for bedrooms.
Personal Paint Color Preference
Your choice of color, or your color preference, will reflect your personality, so the colors you choose match who you are. This means if you enjoy being innovative, then the color that is right for you will be some form of yellow. If you are that quiet or silent type, then the color that will be right for you is some form of blue. If you are an extrovert, then something more vibrant like red might suit you. Maybe you are the romantic type and full of affection, then some form of pink could be right up your alley. By choosing orange, you could be a more adventurous type of person.
Artificial Light and Paint Colors
When it comes to artificial lighting, the incandescent light bulb emits a yellow-amber glow, which will make orange, red, and yellow appear a lot more vivid. On the other hand, fluorescent lighting, due to its refreshing spark, makes yellow and green richer. The halogen light bulbs are very flexible, and you will not even notice the effect it has on your wall colors. If you have fitted LED lamps in your bedroom, try using the smart LED lamps, which come with a remote control, enabling you to adjust the intensity of the light.
In any other condition, it is wise to choose cool or warm-colored light bulbs that will complement or harmonize the colors you have chosen for your walls.
The Size of the Room
If your bedroom is rather small, then you need to be creative and find a way to make it look bigger. Some colors that can do this are beige, white, purple, sky blue, or gray, which can also help to create a soothing effect. For a large bedroom, you will need less bright colors, otherwise, you may have some difficulty falling asleep. However, colors that are perfect choices for a large room are yellow, green, pink, and lavender. For both small and large bedrooms, you can have one or more walls that are lighter or darker shades than the others. This will bring some contrast and depth into the space.
The Effects of Natural Light on Paint Colors
Natural lighting keeps on changing as the day progresses. If you observe colors in the morning light, and again in the afternoon light, you will notice the color is not quite the same. This means that natural light will influence the choice of paint color on your walls, which is why testing paint colors out beforehand is so important. Therefore, bedrooms that are north facing should be painted with bold colors, as the natural light will subdue bright colors. For south-facing bedrooms, you need to choose darker colors.
The bedroom window that faces more to the east can use colors that are closer to red, yellow, and orange.
Rough or Smooth Wall Surfaces
The texture of your walls has a marked impact on the choice of paint color. Flat or smooth surfaces will capture the shadows and light effects, but rough and uneven wall surfaces will disperse the light. For the rough wall surfaces, apply paint that has a coarse finish, which will camouflage the wall and cause it to appear flat and smooth. When choosing paint colors to suit the texture of your walls, you need to consider absorption and reflection characteristics.
Choosing Neutral Paint Colors
When you combine neutral paint colors with other elements like tiles, linen, and furniture, you create a welcoming space or area. This approach will allow the wall colors to remain in the background and the décor and furniture can come to the foreground. For example, gray paint-colored walls create the impression of a welcoming and large room. So, when you step into the room, you immediately notice the furniture and other interior décor.
The neutral colors are very flexible, and you can match them with almost any other color and interior design style.
Considering Cool and Warm Colors
The words “cool” and “warm” are words that describe the mood as you enter a room. Warm colors conjure up feelings of happiness and joy, while cool colors have more of a calming and relaxing effect. Warm colors include variations of red, orange, and yellow, while cool colors include a variety of purple, blue, and green colors. This is where personal paint color choice comes in, if you want to feel energized or happy, you need to choose the paint color that will bring out the right mood that you want to create for your bedroom.
Color Combinations
Paint color combinations can produce amazing effects. Try pairing green and blue, both cool colors, or brown and beige, both warm colors. You may also want to try using one color, but in different color shades and tones, like deep blue with pale blue to create a layered monochromatic look. Remember, cool colors will enhance the size of the room and warm colors will make it more vibrant. Cool, and warm colors can also complement each other.
So, you can consider painting the walls beige and adding cooler blue accent colors in the room for contrast.
Popular Bedroom Paint Colors
Your bedroom is a place where you need to feel comfortable, calm, and cozy. This is why choosing the right color for your bedroom is very important, as the color can affect your sleep pattern. So, what are the most popular bedroom paint colors? Experts agree that warm pastel colors like soft white, greens, and neutral blues are some of the best choices.
Soft Neutrals
The use of soft neutral paint colors for your bedroom is a great choice. The best combination is the use of neutral colors with warm undertones. For this tranquil gray and better beige are very versatile colors that impart warm and distinct calming feelings. These paint colors can harmonize with warmer tones from your natural wood panels and numerous other accessories you might have in your bedroom. Together with the bed linen, you can liven up the wall paint color, preventing it from looking flat and uninteresting. Also, incorporating neutral shades of browns, like smokey taupe, is a great paint color that helps to make your bedroom more comfortable.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Tranquil Gray | #808080 | 0, 0, 0, 50 | 128, 128, 128 | |
| Better Beige | #f5f5dc | 0, 0, 10, 4 | 245, 245, 220 | |
| Smokey Taupe | #b38b6d | 0, 22, 39, 30 | 179, 139, 109 |
Cool Paint Colors
Even though colors can affect you in various ways, not everyone has the same experience with the same color. Your mind and your body are unique, so you need to choose the colors that are soothing to you personally.
Cool paint colors can transform your sleeping space into a retreat, where you can relax into a restful sleep.
Blue
While your personal preference plays a major role in choosing the right color for your bedroom, blue is by far the best choice to give you a peaceful sleep. The blue tone tends to have a calming effect on your brain, reduces heart rate and respiration, and is great for helping you to drift off to sleep. We are all aware that there are many shades and tones of blue that will evoke a peaceful atmosphere. However, some experts agree that lighter blue shades are the best for your bedroom walls as they create feelings of serenity and calm. Why not consider powder blue?
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Powder Blue | #b0e0e6 | 23, 3, 0, 10 | 176, 224, 230 |
Green
While blue is the main choice for creating a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom, green can also provide a soothing atmosphere, putting you in the right mood for a good night’s sleep. Try opting for a sage green tone for that relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Sage Green | #9caf88 | 11, 0, 22, 31 | 156, 175, 136 |
Lilac
Shades of lavender or light lilac create an atmosphere of serenity and can also provide a bit of vibrancy to the atmosphere. Softer tones of lavender can give your bedroom a calming effect and is an excellent choice of paint for a child’s bedroom. Lavender is also recognized for having healing qualities, as it is very often associated with the lavender plant’s scent.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Soft Lavender | #e6e6fa | 8, 8, 0, 2 | 230, 230, 250 | |
| Light Lilac | #c8a2c8 | 0, 19, 0, 22 | 200, 162, 200 |
Warm Paint Colors
After a difficult day, it is good to come home and recharge and refresh, but you need somewhere safe to do that. Creating a warm and relaxing bedroom using warm paint colors might be what you are looking for. Warm colors can create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in your bedroom, making you feel like someone has greeted you with a warm hug whenever you enter your bedroom.
Popular warm colors that can make this possible include yellow, pink, and orange. Let us now consider some of these colors in more detail.
Yellow
When you think of cheerful warm colors, yellow immediately comes to mind. Yellows are excellent bedroom colors and can create an energetic, happy, peaceful, and warm space. The standard yellow paint color is going to be a little bit too energetic for a bedroom, but a lighter and softer shade of yellow paint can bring the warmth you are looking for, without it being too overwhelming. Softer yellows can create an uplifting and mellow atmosphere and can brighten up those dark gloomy days. They can remind you of those wonderfully lazy days in the sun on the beach. They also work amazingly with red, teal, blue, and green, and give you a crisp freshness when combined with white.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Straw Yellow | #e4d96f | 0, 5, 51, 11 | 228, 217, 111 |
Peach
Are you tired of staring at boring white walls? Maybe it is time to brighten those rooms with some warm and invigorating paint colors. Some might prefer more tranquil earth tones, while others are looking for tropical or orange hues. So, why not take the middle road and spruce up your bedroom with a subtle but bright peach shade? Peach is lively but calming, and it promotes a feeling of warmth and joy and can turn your bedroom into a soothing and peaceful space. There are many beautiful pastel shades with glowing hues, which can make your bedroom a place to relax and enjoy yourself in.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Dusky Peach | #ffe5b4 | 0, 10, 29, 0 | 255, 229, 180 |
Coral
The color of coral is one of those hues that work well with many different decorating styles. Coral can give your bedroom that touch of warmth and comfort. It is also a color that is seasonal, as it feels cozier in winter but cool in summer, and is ideal to add to your bedroom color ideas.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Light Coral | #f08080 | 0, 47, 47, 6 | 240, 128, 128 |
Bold Accent Colors
Paint is the most powerful and easy tool to use for decorating your home. So, if you are tired of the neutral tones and are looking for a bolder and more dramatic look in your bedroom, then let us guide you through some very interesting bold paint colors for your bedroom. Bold paint shades can change the character and texture of your walls as they can catch the light at different times during the day, which can constantly change the atmosphere in your bedroom. When using bold colors, it is recommended that you use them as accent walls, so they do not overpower a space.
You can also bring these colors in as accents only through accessories, to add more color and depth. Let us now consider a few selected bold accent paint colors that you can use in your bedroom.
Black
Black paint is the least popular paint color in any paint store, as it has a reputation for making a room feel gloomy and cramped. However, many designers have begun to realize that dark hues, like black, can be part of amazing bedroom paint ideas that can have a stunning effect. Black is a color that can create a high contrast with nearly any other color, and there are very few colors that will not look great with black. Black bedrooms do not have to be monochromatic, as black walls can have a powerful effect as a background for floor-to-ceiling drapes or colorful artwork or furniture. Black bedrooms do not have to be dark and gloomy. All that is needed is appropriate lighting and to make sure that there is enough natural light to keep things looking good.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Black | #000000 | 0, 0, 0, 100 | 0, 0, 0 |
Red
Red is a vibrant and warm color and can also be a part of great bedroom paint ideas, especially if you pair it with a neutral color. If you plan to use red as your main color, or as an accent color, there are many different beautiful shades of red to choose from. The quality that goes into making red a great option for your bedroom is its ability to make you feel warm and secure, and the appearance of red when it is under artificial light.
You need to have this type of atmosphere in your bedroom as it is the space you resort to after a hard day’s work and after it gets dark.
An excellent choice of red for your bedroom walls is a deep rustic red-orange, which can create a modern and fresh look to your bedroom. The red-orange hue will change with the light by looking more orange when the sun is directly on it, and more red when the sun is setting and not directly on it.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Red-Orange | #ff5349 | 0, 67, 71, 0 | 255, 83, 73 |
Navy
Navy blue can almost be regarded as a moody color, something you do not want in your bedroom. However, navy blue is well known for its soothing and restful quality. If you feel navy blue is too dark a color for your bedroom, then paint one wall navy and keep the rest white and neutral. If you decide to paint the whole room with navy, it can prove to be very cozy and calm. However, to keep the balance. use some lighter tones like a soft gray to break the dark color of navy.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Navy | #000080 | 100, 100, 0, 50 | 0, 0, 128 |
Psychological Effect of Colors
If you are in a room painted yellow, does it make you feel anxious, or does a blue room make you feel relaxed and calm? Many professionals agree that colors can significantly affect moods. Color is also a very powerful tool that can be used to influence physiological reactions and has been associated with increased or decreased blood pressure depending on the color, among other effects.
We are now going to discuss how colors can affect your body and your mind.
What Is Color Psychology?
Color psychology is a study of how colors can affect your body, your behavior, and your moods, and how it influences your emotional responses. Color meanings are also affected by other factors like cultural backgrounds and age. The red color tones and shades, on the color spectrum, are all known as warm colors, which include orange, red, and yellow. All these colors rouse certain emotions, from feelings of reassurance and warmth to feelings of anger and irritation.
The blue color tones on the color spectrum are all known as cool colors, which include green, blue, and purple. All these colors stir up our emotions, which can vary and include feelings like sadness to feelings of happiness and calm. Here are some of these colors and a few of their meanings.
- Red: This is the color of passion, excitement, and love.
- Purple: Glamor, mystery, and nobility are what this alluring color signifies.
- Pink: The color that nurtures, comforts, and calms, and is soft and reserved.
- Green: This color of nature offers freshness, balance, and growth.
- Blue: The color of wisdom, reason, and hope.
- Yellow: This color evokes happiness, hope, and joy.
- White: The color of peace, purity, and truth.
- Orange: A color that offers joy, warmth, and kindness.
- Black: The color can seem cold and sad, but it also has connections with nobility and mystery.
Color Psychology As Therapy
Some cultures practice chromotherapy, which is the use of color for healing purposes. Chromotherapy is also known as colorology, or more commonly, light therapy. This is used as a holistic form of treatment for the following ailments.
- Red: To stimulate the mind and body to increase blood circulation.
- Orange: To restore health to the lungs and to help improve energy levels.
- Yellow: To stimulate the nervous system as well as purify the body.
- Indigo: Shades of indigo are believed to alleviate skin conditions.
- Blue: Believed to help relieve pain and also aids in soothing illnesses.
Color Combinations
Using only one color to paint the walls of your bedroom appears to be outdated and boring for some people. Using two different colors on the walls has become trendy over recent years. However, the combination of two different colors in one bedroom is not all that easy as the choice of colors is vital.
To avoid disappointment, we have included some combinations that have been tested and proven to be popular colors for bedrooms.
Ivory and Beige
When it comes to painting bedroom walls, beige tones or shades appear to be the most popular choices for bedrooms. It is a very versatile neutral hue that blends in very easily with almost any color. Combining it with ivory makes a stunning wall paint combination for your bedroom walls.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Beige | #f5f5dc | 0, 0, 10, 4 | 245, 245, 220 | |
| Ivory | #fffff0 | 0, 0, 6, 0 | 255, 255, 240 |
Sage and Light Gray
Sage tones have become very popular colors for bedrooms recently, even if you paint the wall with sage alone, it makes a huge impact. However, when combined with neutral tones like light gray, the sage will highlight the light gray. This will add an elegant and fresh atmosphere to your bedroom.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Sage | #bcb797 | 0, 3, 20, 26 | 188, 183, 151 | |
| Light Gray | #d3d3d3 | 0, 0, 0, 17 | 211, 211, 211 |
Black and White
The black and white wall color combination provides a timeless effect and can create an amazing contrast with real depth. However, the combination lacks warmth. Therefore, you need to incorporate some neutral accessories, linens, and furniture to give you a more balanced feeling.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Black | #000000 | 0, 0, 0, 100 | 0, 0, 0 | |
| White | #ffffff | 0, 0, 0, 0 | 255, 255, 255 |
Dark Olive and Pale Yellow
Since dark olive may look too serious, you can use a playful light color like a very pale yellow to lift it. Pale yellow is an excellent choice for this combination, as it is more subtle in appearance. Also, the dark olive has a slight tinge of yellow, which blends well with the olive color, creating a beautiful and harmonious look.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Dark Olive | #556b2f | 21, 0, 56, 58 | 85, 107, 47 | |
| Pale Yellow | #ffffc4 | 0, 0, 23, 0 | 255, 255, 196 |
Tips When Combining Different Colors
You can achieve a two-tone painted bedroom in various ways. An easy way is to use the lighter hue as your main color, and the darker hue as an accent color. For example, paint an accent color like navy on the wall behind your headboard, and white can take up the rest of the room. Another tip is to paint the same wall with both colors, the top half of the wall usually with the darker hue and the bottom half with the lighter hue.
This method is used when your walls have wainscoting (wooden panels lining the lower part of the wall) or a chair railing trim, fixed horizontally to the wall.
Another tip for a two-tone painted bedroom wall is to paint the wall that is opposite the window with the accent color, if you want to make a smaller room look bigger, or vice versa. You can also paint the wall opposite the window with a lighter color to reflect more light in the room. There are some cases where bedrooms are too bright, and this two-tone paint tip can help to diffuse some of that bright light. So, doing two-tone painting in this manner can even aid in providing you with a better night’s sleep.
In this article, we have only provided a few ideas on the best colors for bedrooms. However, there are numerous colors for you to choose from. Remember, this is your home and you need to choose color schemes that make you feel at home and comfortable. Do a little more research and learn all about how colors work, and the role they play in affecting your mood. You will be coming up with some great bedroom color ideas in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Paint Your Bedroom With Light or Dark Colors?
If you have a small bedroom, then lighter colors are best, while darker colors are better for large bedrooms. If you have a large bedroom with plenty of light and high ceilings, then a darker color is good and can create a cozier atmosphere that is better for sleep.
What Paint Colors Are Best for a Peaceful Sleep?
These are colors like greens and blues, as they reduce stress, promote calmness, and are best for a peaceful night’s sleep. Colors like orange and red are also good choices, but they need to be used more carefully.
What Are Popular Colors for Master Bedrooms?
The colors for your master bedroom are again an individual choice, but for modern bedroom furniture, gray or any other neutral colors are perfect. White, black, or beige are all excellent colors for master bedrooms.