Using bright, bold colors in the bedroom can completely transform the look and feel of the space. Vibrant colors like red, orange, and purple instantly add visual interest and excitement. However, incorporating bright colors requires some planning and thought to pull off successfully. Here are some tips on using bright colors in the bedroom.
Think About Your Goals
Before diving into color, consider what you want to achieve with your bedroom design. Are you looking to create an energetic wake-up space? A relaxing oasis? Using bold colors in key areas can help reinforce the mood you want for the room.
Also think about how long you plan to keep the color scheme. Bright bedrooms are fun but can feel tiring after a few years. If you tend to redecorate frequently, bold colors are a great temporary choice. If you prefer to keep a scheme long-term, add bright shades through accessories that are easy to switch out.
Select Your Shade
The specific bold colors you choose will impact the overall look and feel. Here are some popular options:
- Red – Passionate, exciting, and energetic. Red is a bold choice that creates an instant focal point.
- Orange – Playful, friendly, and vibrant. Orange makes a fun accent color.
- Yellow – Cheerful and optimistic. Bright yellows create youthful, sunny spaces.
- Green – Restful, natural, and stable. Greens like lime and chartreuse pop against neutrals.
- Purple – Regal, mystical, and luxurious. Deep purples and violets are great accent colors.
Look at color palettes online or in design magazines to find appealing combinations. Adjacent shades on the color wheel result in vibrant but harmonious schemes.
Use Accent Walls
Painting one wall in a bold color is a simple way to add drama without going overboard. Use accent walls behind the bed or on the longest wall for maximum visual impact. Contrast bold walls with neutral bedding, furnishings, and accessories to keep the look from becoming overwhelming. Here are accent wall ideas:
- Purple or teal behind the headboard
- A tangerine or lime wall opposite the bed
- A red or yellow wall behind a sofa or sitting area
Add Pops of Color
For a more eclectic and relaxed look, use bright colors throughout the room in accessories and decorative items. Scatter vibrant pillows on the bed, roll out a bold patterned area rug, or display art and decor in colorful hues. The colorful accents will energize a neutral background.
Group colorful items together for maximum visual impact. For example, set a tray with bright candles, books, and a small vase on a neutral nightstand. Or arrange eye-catching throws at the end of the bed. Be sure to repeat colors from different parts of the room to tie the scheme together.
Use Caution with Ceilings and Trims
Painting ceilings and trims bold colors can feel fun but requires careful thought. Dark or bright ceilings can make rooms feel smaller and more closed in. Vibrant trims potentially clash with wall colors and furnishings. Some tips for using color on ceilings and trims:
- Stick to lighter tints of colors on ceilings to avoid a heavy look
- Paint ceiling and trims the same color for a streamlined look
- Use wood or black trims for flexibility to change wall colors
- Add a colored ceiling behind the bed only to define a sleeping zone
Consider Color Psychology
The psychology and cultural associations of colors can impact a room’s mood. While reactions are subjective, general guidelines include:
| Color | Psychological Effect |
|---|---|
| Red | Passion, excitement, intensity |
| Orange | Friendliness, confidence, energy |
| Yellow | Joy, optimism, youth |
| Green | Balance, renewal, nature |
| Blue | Calm, stability, tranquility |
| Purple | Creativity, spirituality, luxury |
Lean into colors with associations that match your intentions for the space. For example, energizing reds for a productivity zone or soothing blues for relaxation.
Plan Lighting
The brightness and color temperature of lighting impacts how colors appear. Incandescent and warm white light enhances and intensifies bold wall colors. Cool daylight bulbs mute colors slightly. Consider layering lighting to create different effects at different times of day.
Also make sure bold accent walls and brightly colored furnishings have dedicated lighting. Wall sconces, picture lights, and properly placed lamps prevent vivid features from falling into shadow or looking dim.
Pick Quality Paint
The shade of paint you ultimately get depends heavily on paint quality. Cheap paint appears dull and inconsistent on walls. Invest in premium brands and choose satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheens for best color payoff.
Apply primer before painting vivid colors even over previously painted walls. Gray primer helps colors appear truer and more vivid. Follow all preparation and application instructions for clean, consistent coats of paint.
Test Colors
Order paint samples, large test swatches, or sample pots to test colors before committing. Colors look different on walls than in cans. Paint large sample sections and view at different times of day before deciding.
Keep samples of paint, fabrics, and other finishes together for easy comparison. Natural daylight is best for assessing colors accurately as artificial lighting distorts shades.
Choose Quality Bedding and Decor
Bedding, window treatments, and decor impact the color scheme. White or neutral solids allow bold walls and accessories to take center stage. Adding brightly colored bedding or decor may start to look chaotic and mismatching if shades are off.
Invest in soft, lush bedding and decor items in quality fabrics like linen, cotton, or velvet. Low quality polyester often appears cheap and degrades the bold color palette.
Add Contrasting Textures
Vary textures when using bold colors to create visual interest and balance. For example, pair glossy lacquered nightstands with nubby linen bedding, or hang colorful printed artwork over matte neutral walls. Avoid having everything shiny, smooth, or repetitive.
Update Over Time
Replacing accessories over time prevents brightly colored bedrooms from feeling stuck in a time warp. Rotate in new bedding, toss pillows, area rugs and new colorful decor items each season to keep the space feeling fresh.
Repainting just one wall with a new bold shade also updates the palette. Easy alterations keep the room from feeling tired or overwhelming long-term.
Conclusion
Using bright, bold colors in the bedroom is an easy way to create an instant mood boost. Accent walls, colorful accessories, quality paint and bedding, and proper lighting allow vibrant shades to feel cohesive and polished. Pay attention to color psychology and contrasting textures for the best results. Reassess and edit the color scheme over time as your tastes evolve to keep the space looking updated and energized.
