Choosing the right colors for your bedroom can have a big impact on your mood and quality of sleep. Certain colors are known to evoke feelings of relaxation, romance, or energy. The color palette you select for your bedroom should be based on the atmosphere you want to create in that space. In this article, we will explore the different bedroom color schemes that tend to make people the happiest.
Soothing, Cool Colors
Cool colors like blues, greens, and purples are extremely popular for bedrooms. These hues evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation which can help you unwind and get better sleep. Light blues and greens are especially recommended for bedrooms since they have a peaceful, airy quality about them. Darker shades like navy or forest green can also work well. Here are some of the top soothing, cool color choices for happy bedrooms:
| Sky Blue | This soft, pale blue is associated with clarity, peace, and honesty. It has a very calming effect. |
| Aqua | The tranquil quality of aqua mimics the feeling of being near water. It creates a very relaxed ambiance. |
| Mint Green | Mint green has refreshing, rejuvenating qualities. It is a restful hue that can aid sleep. |
| Lavender | With its soft, floral quality, lavender encourages relaxation and self-reflection. |
| Pale Purple | Like lavender, soft purples provide a gently uplifting feeling. They bring to mind creativity and imagination. |
These cool hues help lower heart rate and blood pressure which prepares the body for a good night’s rest. Use them on walls, bedding, artwork, and decor accents. Keep the shades light and airy for maximum relaxation.
Warm, Inviting Colors
While cool colors calm, warm colors energize and uplift. They also create an inviting, cozy atmosphere perfect for rest and romance. Warm neutrals like tans, browns, peaches, and yellows are excellent bedroom colors. They provide a soothing, welcoming backdrop. Here are some popular warm hues for happy bedrooms:
| Ivory | The creamy, welcoming quality of ivory makes it a perfect neutral backdrop. It provides a soft, elegant feel. |
| Khaki | Earthy khaki has a stabilizing, grounded effect. It’s a nice mix of relaxing and energizing. |
| Light Gold | Gold infuses a space with cheer. A light, buttery gold adds shimmer without being overwhelming. |
| Blush | As a soft mix of pink and peach, blush conveys romance and femininity. It creates a tender feeling. |
| Straw | This pale, natural yellow reminiscent of wheat evokes summertime. Its bright cheeriness inspires happiness. |
Warm hues are inviting and cozy. They give bedrooms a snug, welcoming feel that’s perfect for rest and reconnection. Use warm paint, bedding, rugs, and lighting fixtures to create your cocooning atmosphere.
Bold, Dramatic Colors
While muted colors are common, don’t be afraid to use bolder shades in the bedroom. Vibrant colors in small doses can be energizing and uplifting. They instantly transform the mood of a space. Here are some dramatic colors that make for happy bedrooms:
| Crimson | With its lush, regal feel, crimson adds luxury and passion. Use it sparingly on an accent wall or in artwork. |
| Royal Blue | This rich blue conveys dignity and charm. Bring it in with decorative pillows or a throw blanket. |
| Emerald | Lively emerald green promotes growth, harmony, and renewal. It pairs nicely with gold accents. |
| Eggplant | Deep, magical eggplant encourages imagination and originality. Use it in blackout curtains. |
| Sunshine | A true sunshine yellow brings vibrancy. Use it in small lamp shades or decorative vases. |
Vivid colors in moderation add personality and mood-boosting qualities. They can bring light and energy on dark days. Mix them into artwork, pillows, accessories or accent walls for pops of color.
Calming Neutrals
Don’t overlook neutral browns and grays for bedrooms. While muted, they provide a serene backdrop that allows you to add pops of color. Neutrals can stand alone or mix-and-match effortlessly. Here are top neutral shades for happiness:
| Dove Gray | This soft, peaceful gray has a grounding effect. It beautifully complements accent colors. |
| Tan | A rich tan feels earthy and natural. It’s a wonderful base color for decoration. |
| Oatmeal | Subtle oatmeal has a soothing, comforting effect. It pairs nicely with navy accents. |
| Mocha | The inherent warmth of mocha brown creates a welcoming feel. It mixes well with oranges or reds. |
| Charcoal | Charcoal gray provides an elegant, sophisticated look. Use lighter accents to keep it serene. |
Neutrals allow for flexibility in decorating. They provide a blank canvas to layer on your preferred colors and textures. Use neutral walls with colorful art, lighting, linens, and furniture.
The Bed Frame & Headboard
An important part of selecting your ideal bedroom colors involves choosing the right bed frame and headboard colors. This large piece of furniture acts as an anchor for the rest of the space.
Wood tone beds like oak, walnut, and mahogany have a natural warmth that complements both cool and warm colors. Metallic beds in silver, gold, or bronze add glamour and reflect light beautifully. Upholstered headboards in muted solids or fabrics like linen can provide visual softness and sound absorption.
Consider how bed frame and headboard colors fit into your overall palette. For example, an ivory upholstered headboard provides a nice contrast to blue walls. A black frame pops against neutral walls. Choose finishes and fabrics that enhance the mood you want.
Paint Color Pairings
Determining which paint colors pair best in a bedroom comes down to the ambiance you wish to create. Here are recommended pairings for happy bedrooms:
| Peaceful | – Pale blue walls with white trim |
| Airiness | – Light mint walls with bright white trim and ceiling |
| Warm & Welcoming | – Tan walls with chocolate brown trim |
| Romantic | – Blush pink walls with cream trim and dark wood accents |
| Uplifting | – Lemon walls with white trim and a sky blue ceiling |
Choose one color for walls and a lighter, brighter hue for trim and ceilings. This contrast keeps spaces from feeling too heavy or dark. Add visual interest by painting one accent wall in a bolder shade.
Coordinating with Decor
Once you select paint colors, pull the scheme together using coordinating bedroom decor and linens. Look for pillows, throws, rugs, lamps, vases, and art in colors that complement your walls. Tie everything together with cohesive color stories.
For example, pair serene lavender walls with soft purple and white bedding. Or try vibrant lemon walls with citrine yellow and turquoise art and accessories. Mix patterns and textures but keep the color palette consistent. Use decor to enhance the mood of your wall colors.
Finish the look by selecting window treatments in colors that pop against or blend with walls. Hang sheer white or beige curtains over navy walls for a beachy feel. Use bright yellow blackout panels against gray walls to add cheer on dreary days. Window treatments can balance or pick up on wall colors.
Feng Shui Color significances
Ancient Chinese feng shui principles provide guidance on using color to enhance harmony and happiness in bedroom spaces. Here are the symbolic meanings and best uses for feng shui bedroom colors:
| Red | – Symbolizes passion, romance, and energy. Use it sparingly in accent decor. |
| Orange | – Encourages togetherness, creativity, and positivity. Add it in artwork or textiles. |
| Yellow | – Signifies intellect and optimism. Use as an accent color for sunshine. |
| Green | – Promotes health, relaxation, and renewal. Use on walls, bedding, and plants. |
| Blue | – Provides calm and introspection. Use light shades on walls or ceilings. |
| Purple | – Inspires connection, wisdom, and spirituality. Add in soft accents. |
Apply feng shui principles to select bedroom colors that nourish your mind, body and soul. Let symbolic color meanings guide your decor.
Factors that Impact Perceptions of Color
While specific colors are generally associated with certain moods, your perceptions can shift based on:
Personal Preference
The colors you respond to most positively will vary based on your own tastes, experiences, and cultural influences. Your fondness for colors heavily impacts whether you find them happy or soothing.
Natural vs. Artificial Light
Colors look different under cool natural light vs. warm artificial light. Test samples under both conditions before deciding. Blue may appear crisp and clear in daylight but cold at night.
Sheen
The sheen or finish of a color changes its look. A blue paint with a pearl finish reads lighter than the same blue in a matte. Sheen impacts vibrancy.
Room Size & Layout
Bold colors suit large spaces but can overwhelm small rooms. Dark shades may suit spacious bedrooms but make tight spaces feel smaller.
Consider these factors when selecting bedroom colors. Let your own color preferences guide you.
Color & Mood
Here is a quick reference outlining how different bedroom color palettes generally impact mood:
| Blues | – Peaceful, relaxed, introspective |
| Greens | – Restored, refreshed, renewed |
| Purples | – Mystical, romantic, creative |
| Neutrals | – Calm, elegant, flexible |
| Browns | – Grounded, stable, comforting |
| Reds | – Passionate, energetic, dramatic |
| Oranges | – Cheerful, optimistic, lively |
| Yellows | – Uplifting, confident, inspiring |
Use this overview of color associations to narrow down your options. Then test colors in person to see which suit your space and mindset.
Bedroom Color Schemes to Avoid
While personal preference matters, some color combinations work better than others in bedrooms. Colors to generally avoid include:
– Red & Orange – Too stimulating for rest
– Lime Green & Yellow – Risks feeling acidic and overwhelming
– Bright White – Can appear sterile and harsh
– Black – Dramatic but may feel dreary for a bedroom
– Fluorescent Colors – Too bold and intense for relaxation
Steer clear of overstimulating colors, clashing combinations and ultra-bright shades that hamper tranquility. Muted, harmonious hues enhance the sleep environment.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the happiest bedroom colors are the ones that soothe and uplift you. The most popular options include peaceful blues, refreshing greens, warm neutrals and calming purples. Accent with bolder colors sparingly for pops of brightness. Consider the mood you want to achieve and test colors under natural lighting at different times of day. Your bedroom colors should encourage relaxation and happiness so you look forward to spending time in this personal space. Choose shades that help you unwind and recharge.
