Adding color to a monochromatic bedroom can seem challenging at first, but with some thoughtful planning and creative ideas, it can be easy to inject vibrance and character into the space. Monochromatic color schemes dominated by shades of one color create a calm and soothing atmosphere, but can also feel dull or monotonous without the right accents and textures. The key is to stick to a cohesive palette while layering in pops of contrasting hues that provide visual interest. This article will explore different methods for breathing new life into a monochromatic bedroom through color.
Add Accent Walls
One of the simplest ways to incorporate color into a monochromatic bedroom is by painting one or two of the walls in a bold, contrasting shade. This creates a focal point and prevents the space from feeling washed out. For example, a soft gray bedroom scheme could be brightened up with a vibrant raspberry or teal accent wall behind the headboard. The eye will be drawn to that splash of color every time you enter the room. Accent walls work best on the wall behind the bed or on one adjacent to it for maximum impact. Just be sure the accent color plays well with the main bedroom color and decor.
Display Colorful Art
Hanging vibrant artwork is another go-to option for bringing a monochromatic bedroom to life. Paintings, prints, photography, tapestries, macrame wall hangings, and other art featuring bursts of colors can provide the perfect pop. Group colorful pieces salon-style for a gallery wall or go for one large statement piece behind the bed. Watch for colors in the art that either match your main bedroom color for continuity or contrast it for increased dynamism. For example, sunset-hued photography would tie in beautifully with a neutral sand or beige monochrome room while graphic floral prints could brighten up a gray scheme.
Add Patterned Textiles
An easy way to interject color into a monochromatic bedroom is through textiles like rugs, pillows, throws, curtains, and bedding. Choose patterns featuring your accent colors, like cheery multicolored stripes, geometric Moroccan rugs, or ikat prints. A heavily patterned duvet cover or shams in contrasting colors can transform the feel of a bed while tying everything together. If the patterns feel busy, keep everything else simple. For example, balance a boho chic paisley comforter with streamlined furniture and plain white sheets. Play around with different textile pairings until you find a combination that complements your existing color scheme.
Use Accessories
Take advantage of colorful accessories to inject punches of brightness throughout a monochromatic bedroom. Lamp shades in hues like emerald green, vibrant orange, or electric indigo are an easy way to add pops of color. Choose one colored shade or mix and match. You can also pick vibrant vases, trays, books, boxes, candles and other decorative objects in eye-catching colors to scatter around the room. Group them together for maximum visual impact. Just be sure to repeat color themes for a cohesive look. For instance, if your accent color is red, consider a lush faux floral bouquet, crimson candles, a cherry red tray, and an apple green vase all on your nightstand.
Add House Plants
Incorporating greenery is a natural and inviting way to work more color into a bedroom. Lush potted plants in hanging baskets, corner floor pots, or on the windowsill can provide beautiful pops of vibrant color. Choose varieties with leaves that contrast appealingly with your main bedroom color, like jade pothos in a tan bedroom or pink anthuriums in a gray room. The green leaves will also harmonize beautifully with any wood furniture and textures. For extra visual interest, opt for plants with different leaf shapes, sizes and colors.
Use Two-Toned Walls
If you’re willing to take a bit of a risk, consider using two-toned walls to add bold stripes or geometric colorblocking to your monochromic bedroom. Paint the lower half of the walls your main neutral color and the upper half in a vivid contrasting shade. Or paint your accent wall with horizontal color-blocked stripes in shifting widths. You can be creative with angular lines, organic shapes, orcrisscross patterns. Just pick two colors that complement each other. The colorblocked wall will become a striking focal point.
Paint or Stain Wood Furniture
Wood furniture, whether painted or stained, offers another opportunity to get creative with color in a monochomatic bedroom. For example, distressed wood nightstands could be livened up with a coat of vibrant teal or lime green milk paint. Or give a wood headboard or dresser a custom stain in a hue like ruby, plum, cobalt or gold for a punch of drama. Painting or staining just one or two key wood furniture pieces in bold jewel tones is an easy DIY way to make the furnishings as colorful as the rest of your refreshed bedroom.
Add Bright Window Treatments
Don’t overlook window treatments when searching for places to add color! Swapping out plain white curtains for patterned drapes in rich hues can make a major impact. Try bright tangerine, fuchsia or turquoise drapes to frame windows and become an instant focal point. For a playful touch, hang colored cafe curtains in a contrasting shade above the main drapes. Vivid roman blinds, roll-up bamboo shades and other colorful window coverings also warm up a monochromic bedroom nicely. Use accents like vibrant tiebacks and sill cushions to continue the color theme.
Paint or Wallpaper an Alcove
Bedrooms often feature built-in nooks or alcoves that are perfect for turning into colorful feature areas. Transform a boring plain alcove into the star of your room by wallpapering or painting the back wall in a striking hue like peacock blue or chartreuse. Add a chair or builtin bench with throw pillows in matching colors for a cozy reading corner that doubles as a pop of color. Or fill shelving carved into the alcove with colorful books and objets. A brightly painted or papered alcove or niche provides a contained space for bold color without overpowering the room.
Conclusion
With some creative thinking and well-placed colorful accents, it’s easy to turn a blah monochromic bedroom into a personal sanctuary brimming with character. The key is sticking to a cohesive color palette overall while layering in eye-catching prints, textures, accessories and bold paint colors for contrast. Accent walls, vibrant artwork, patterned textiles, houseplants, wood staining, window treatments and alcove design are all great options for working color into a neutral bedroom scene. Don’t be afraid to experiment with striking hues and patterns until you find a combination that makes your monochromatic bedroom feel uniquely you. The right balance of color and decor will breathe new life into your restful retreat.
| Color Addition Method | Best Colors to Use | Placement Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Accent walls | Vibrant jewel tones like teal, raspberry, emerald | Behind bed or adjacent wall |
| Artwork | Any vivid hues – match or contrast main color | Grouped gallery wall or statement piece |
| Textiles | Multicolor patterns like stripes, ikat, or floral | Bedding, rugs, pillows, curtains |
| Accessories | Pops of contrasting brights | Scatter cohesively around room |
| Plants | Leaf colors contrasting main hue | Hanging baskets, floor pots, windowsill |
| Two-toned walls | Complementary color combinations | Lower and upper walls, geometric blocks |
| Wood furniture | Jewel-toned stains or paint | Nightstands, headboards, dressers |
| Window treatments | Vivid hues like fuchsia, turquoise | Drapes, roman shades, roll-ups |
| Alcove paint/wallpaper | Dramatic colors like teal, chartreuse | Back wall of niche or nook |
