Quick Answer
When choosing bedroom colors, both warm and cool tones have their advantages. Warm colors like reds, yellows, and oranges can create an energizing or cozy effect, while cool colors like blues, greens, and purples have a calming and relaxing influence. The ideal bedroom color scheme incorporates elements of both warm and cool colors to achieve the right balance for sleep and wakefulness. Consider lighting, furniture, and bedding as additional ways to add warm and cool accents. Personal color preferences matter too, so choose bedroom colors you find appealing. Ultimately there is no universally right or wrong bedroom color temperature. The most important factors are comfort, personal taste, and striking the desired mood and atmosphere.
How Do Warm and Cool Colors Differ?
Warm and cool colors differ in their undertones and appearance:
Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow have undertones containing more yellow and red. They evoke feelings associated with fire, sun, and heat.
Cool colors like blue, green, and purple contain more blue undertones. They evoke feelings associated with water, sky, and ice.
Visually, warm colors appear more vibrant, active, and energetic. Cool colors look more serene, soothing, and calming. Warm colors seem closer to the viewer while cool colors recede.
Color Temperature for Bedrooms
Bedroom color schemes can utilize warm colors, cool colors, or a mix of both. Here are some typical recommendations:
Warm colors are often suggested for bedrooms of active individuals who want an energizing space. Warm tones recommended for bedrooms include peach, yellow, tan, terracotta, gold, and red-browns. These colors stimulate wakefulness.
Cool colors like blue, green, and lavender are recommended for bedrooms meant as relaxing retreats for rest. Cooler tones are calming and promote sleep. Very pale cool colors can also make small bedrooms feel larger.
A balance of warm and cool is ideal for most bedrooms. Warm paint colors paired with cool colored bedding or accent walls in a contrasting temperature provide visual interest. Warm and cool colors should complement, not clash.
Factors to Consider
Here are some factors to weigh when choosing bedroom colors:
Lighting: North-facing rooms with cool daylight may pair better with warm paint colors. South-facing rooms awash in warm daylight can handle cooler paint hues. Adjust color temperature for the existing lighting.
Furniture: Wooden furniture can warm up a space. Pair it with cool paint colors. Metal or leather furniture looks best against warm backdrops. Choose bedding and accent colors to match the furniture.
Personal preference: Ignore trends and opt for colors you find pleasant, relaxing, and uplifting. The color you choose should make you feel comfortable and happy.
Intended mood: Warm reds feel stimulating, while cool blues are more serene. Select colors that produce the mood you want for sleep and waking up.
Room size: Warm and darker colors can make small rooms feel cozy. Cool and pale colors make small rooms feel larger.
Warm Color Schemes
Here are some examples of warm bedroom color schemes:
| Scheme | Colors |
| Earthy neutrals | Beige, light brown, sand, tan |
| Yellow and gray | Buttery yellow, dove gray, charcoal |
| Terracotta and teal | Terracotta, salmon, teal, turquoise |
| Peach and sage green | Peach, coral, mint, sage |
| Southwest | Terracotta, sand, sky blue |
These warm color schemes create an inviting, cozy bedroom environment.
Cool Color Schemes
Here are some cool bedroom color scheme ideas:
| Scheme | Colors |
| Blue and gray | Navy, sky blue, dove gray |
| Green and brown | Moss green, olive, chocolate |
| Lavender and taupe | Lavender, lilac, taupe |
| Soft blues | Baby blue, sky blue, silver |
| Spa green | Seafoam, sage, lemon |
These cool color schemes create a serene and relaxing bedroom environment. The soft tones are perfect for sleep.
Warm and Cool Color Combinations
Complementary blends of warm and cool colors make for rich, vibrant bedrooms. Here are balanced examples:
| Scheme | Colors |
| Blue and orange | Orange, sky blue, navy |
| Red and green | Red, jade green, pink |
| Yellow and purple | Gold, violet, pale yellow |
| Gray with terracotta | Gray, terracotta, turquoise |
| Brown and blue | Chocolate, baby blue, tan |
These combinations provide color contrast and visual interest. The warm and cool play off each other pleasingly.
Tips for Choosing Colors
Keep these tips in mind when selecting bedroom colors:
– Decorating experts suggest 60% cool colors and 40% warm for restful bedrooms. The cool colors dominate but warm shades add accent.
– Layer in texture and patterns through bedding, rugs, and window treatments to create depth with color temperatures.
– Add warmth with lighting elements like table lamps, sconces, and candles. Cooler rooms can handle warm lighting.
– Sample paint colors on walls before fully committing. View color swatches at different times of day.
– Select paint with low-VOC levels and easy cleanability for bedrooms. Eggshell or satin finishes reflect light well.
– For small bedrooms, stick to light to medium color saturation. Deeper colors overwhelm tight spaces.
– Include personal mementos, art, photos, and accessories to make the color scheme unique to you.
Conclusion
Bedroom color schemes encompass the full range of warm and cool paint colors. Warm tones provide energy while cool hues relax. Mixing warm and cool colors creates the ideal bedroom environment balancing sleep and wakefulness. Factor in lighting, existing furniture, personal taste, intended mood, room size, and color combinations when planning the bedroom colors. Homeowners can achieve restful sanctuaries and welcoming spaces by artfully blending warm and cool paint colors.
