The color orange is often considered a bold, vibrant, and energetic shade. When used in interior design, orange can create a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere. However, some people wonder if using orange in the bedroom is a good idea, as the bold shade may be too stimulating for a space meant for rest and relaxation. Here, we’ll examine the pros and cons of using orange in the bedroom.
The Psychological Effects of Orange
Color psychology suggests that different hues can impact our mood, feelings, and behaviors. So what does orange represent from a psychological perspective? Here’s an overview of the common associations with orange:
– Energy – Orange is an energetic color that signifies strength, vitality, and excitement. The bold shade stimulates the senses.
– Warmth – Orange has warm undertones that evoke feelings of warmth, security, and comfort. It reminds us of hearth and home.
– Playfulness – As a fun, bright hue, orange denotes playfulness, joy, and youthful charm. It’s often described as a whimsical color.
– Creativity – Associated with creative self-expression, orange can stimulate the imagination. It’s seen as artistic, innovative, and unconventional.
– Appetite – Orange can trigger feelings of hunger and get digestive juices flowing. It’s known to boost appetites.
So in summary, orange is generally considered an upbeat, positive shade linked to energy, creativity, appetite, warmth, and playfulness. But how do these associations translate to using orange in the intimate space of a bedroom?
Potential Benefits of Orange in the Bedroom
Based on its psychological effects, here are some potential benefits of using orange as an accent color in the bedroom:
– Cozy and Welcoming – Orange can make a bedroom feel warm, cozy, and welcoming. Its association with hearth and home can create a comfortable sanctuary.
– Uplifting – The energetic hue may lend an uplifting, positive spirit to the bedroom. Some people feel happy and optimistic seeing orange.
– Playful – Orange can infuse a sense of playfulness into the bedroom’s atmosphere. This may suit a kids’ room or a space meant to feel whimsical.
– Stimulating – Since it’s an energetic shade, orange can provide gentle visual stimulation. Some may find this beneficial first thing in the morning.
– Soothing – While vibrant, orange also has soothing qualities. Its warmth may help occupants relax and unwind before bed.
So when used carefully, orange can make a bedroom feel cozy yet uplifting, playful yet soothing. A touch of orange may provide just enough visual interest without being overstimulating.
Potential Drawbacks of Orange in the Bedroom
However, there are some potential downsides to consider when using orange in the bedroom:
– Too Stimulating – For some, orange may be too energizing and distracting for a space meant for sleep and relaxation. The bold color could keep occupants awake.
– Increased Stress – While uplifting for some, orange could cause stress and agitation in those sensitive to bright, vibrant shades. This may disrupt sleep patterns.
– Warm Color = Warm Room – Orange has warm undertones which may make a room feel uncomfortably warm, particularly in warmer climates. Cooler hues often work better in bedrooms.
– Difficulty Pairing – Vibrant orange can be tricky to pair with other colors. If the wrong tones are combined, the scheme may end up looking discordant and visually jarring.
– Personal Color Preferences – Some simply don’t care for orange and have a personal aversion to the shade. For these individuals, orange would clearly be an unsuitable bedroom color.
So orange does come with some risks in terms of being too visually stimulating, warm, or difficult to decorate around if chosen in bigger doses. Bedroom occupants will need to gauge how they respond to test swatches before committing to an orange scheme.
Tips for Using Orange in the Bedroom
If you decide to incorporate orange in your bedroom, here are some tips for success:
– Use as an Accent – Stick to using orange as an accent color in small to medium doses. A little will provide pops of color without going overboard.
– Focus on Softer Tones – Choose muted, softer oranges like peach, terracotta, or buttery yellow-orange. Bolder shades can be overwhelming.
– Layer Textiles – Use removable orange bedding, cushions, rugs and art so you can tweak the look if it feels too bold.
– Pair with Neutrals – Surround orange accents with cool, calming neutrals like cream, beige, gray and blue. This creates balance.
– Add Warm Metallics – Brass, copper and gold tones complement orange nicely while adding more warmth. Just go for matte metallics to avoid glare.
– Consider Color Psychology – Think about whether orange’s energetic qualities align with how you want to feel in your bedroom. It may be better suited to other spaces.
With strategic placement and softer tones, orange can work well as a bedroom accent. But restrain its use and test your reaction to the shade.
Best Places to Use Orange in a Bedroom
If you do opt to add orange to your bedroom, here are some of the best ways to incorporate it:
| Where to Use Orange | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| One Accent Wall | An orange accent wall provides a concentrated pop of color that doesn’t overwhelm. Great behind the bed or on a wall that needs visual interest. |
| Decor Items | Vibrant artwork, throw pillows, area rugs and decorative objects in orange inject just the right amount of color. |
| Bedding & Textiles | Orange sheets, duvet covers, shams and blankets add a reversible pop of color that can be changed out when needed. |
| Lighting Fixtures | Orange lamps, wall sconces and string lights add ambient lighting and a subtle glow of color. |
| Window Treatments | Sheer orange curtains filter in natural light during the day for gentle color infusion. |
Using orange sparingly in key bedroom spots prevents the shade from becoming overwhelming or visually distracting during restful moments.
What Colors Go Well with Orange in a Bedroom?
If using orange as a bedroom accent, you’ll want to think about complementary color pairings. Here are some ideas:
– Cream or off-white – A soft neutral that offsets and calms the vibrancy of orange.
– Light blue – Crisp and cooling, light blue balances out orange’s warmth.
– Peach – Combines beautifully with orange as a softer, warmer accent palette.
– Yellow – Cheerful sunny yellow paired with orange exudes optimism and joy.
– Gray – From light to charcoal, gray neutrals temper orange’s boldness.
– Navy – Dark navy grounds bright orange, creating visual interest through contrast.
– Moss green – An earthy green with natural appeal that complements orange nicely.
Pairing orange with tranquil cool neutrals and tones is key. Accentuate orange’s warmth with metallics and woods. Earth tones also complement it beautifully. Play up contrast by combining with navy.
Should You Paint Your Bedroom Walls Orange?
Painting all four bedroom walls entirely orange is generally not recommended. As a powerful, energetic shade, having intense orange surround you as you sleep could feel overstimulating for many. However, as discussed above, using orange as a strategic accent can work well.
Some options for infusing orange wall color into a bedroom include:
– One accent wall in soft muted orange or terra cotta
– Just the wall behind the bed or headboard painted orange
– Orange on the wall inside a nook, niche or behind shelving/furniture
– Geometric orange wallpaper as an accent on a wall or as a headboard backdrop
– Vibrant orange on the ceiling or as a wide ceiling stripe
– Orange as an accent wall in a kids’ or teen bedroom
So orange walls can add an electrifying pop of color when used selectively in the right spots. But brace yourself for bold impact before painting every surface orange!
Conclusion
Orange used in small to medium doses can add energizing yet cozy accent color to bedrooms. But some find it too stimulating or challenging to pair with other tones. Stick with softer orange hues and neutrals to create a balanced, harmonious look. Focus orange accents on key areas only like one wall, bedding, lighting or decor. This allows you to add just the right amount of vibrant color for your needs and preferences. Ultimately, paint swatches and trialing textiles will help you gauge whether the warmth, energy and playfulness of orange are a good fit for your sanctuary.
