Choosing paint colors for a bedroom can be a daunting task. The right colors can help create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, while the wrong colors can make a room feel cold or uncomfortable. When selecting bedroom colors, it’s important to consider both personal preferences and the psychological effects that different colors can have. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular and inviting bedroom color schemes, and what makes them work.
Soothing, Neutral Colors
Neutral bedroom colors like off-white, beige, gray and tan are popular for good reason – they provide a calm, soothing backdrop that allows room accessories and furnishings to pop. Lighter neutrals help bedrooms feel open and airy, while darker neutrals create a cozy, cave-like feel. Here are some of the most inviting neutral color schemes for bedrooms:
– Creamy off-whites like Benjamin Moore Linen White create a soft, welcoming backdrop. They pair nicely with neutral grays and beiges.
– Light gray is both stylish and versatile. Try Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray for a relaxed, inviting feel.
– Warm beige or tan colors like Behr Camelback give off earthy, cozy vibes. Deep browns work too.
– Greige (gray + beige) is a sophisticated neutral that isn’t too cold or too warm. Go for shades like BM Revere Pewter.
| Neutral Color | Paint Company and Shade |
|---|---|
| Off-white | Benjamin Moore Linen White |
| Light gray | Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray |
| Beige/tan | Behr Camelback |
| Greige | Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter |
Calming Blues and Greens
For bedrooms, stick to soft, muted blues and greens that conjure up images of the sky, sea, forests and meadows. These cool, tranquil colors naturally promote relaxation. Recommended shades include:
– Seafoam greens like Behr Island Oasis or Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt work for any style bedroom.
– Soft powdery blues like Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray evoke beautiful blue skies. Avoid bright blues.
– Sage green is earthy and peaceful. Try Valspar’s Clary Sage.
– Robin’s egg blue is playful yet soothing. Go for Benjamin Moore Wren’s Egg.
| Color | Paint Company and Shade |
|---|---|
| Seafoam green | Behr Island Oasis |
| Powder blue | Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray |
| Sage green | Valspar Clary Sage |
| Robin’s egg blue | Benjamin Moore Wren’s Egg |
Romantic Reds and Pinks
While bright red may be too bold for some bedrooms, softer reds and pinks inspire romance and comfort. Deep red tones as accents can also create drama and intimacy. Recommended red/pink bedroom colors:
– Blush pinks like Behr’s Gentle Touch and Benjamin Moore Raspberry Truffle offer a feminine, romantic vibe.
– Try crimson reds like Valspar Perfect Garnet or Sherwin-Williams Craft Red as an accent wall.
– Salmon and coral work nicely for beachy, relaxed bedrooms. Go for Valspar Coral Reef or Benjamin Moore Melonade.
– Dusty reds such as Behr Red Pepper give bedrooms a sophisticated look.
| Color | Paint Company and Shade |
|---|---|
| Blush pink | Behr Gentle Touch |
| Crimson red (accent) | Valspar Perfect Garnet |
| Salmon/coral | Valspar Coral Reef |
| Dusty red | Behr Red Pepper |
Cozy, Warm Tones
For bedrooms seeking a cozy, welcoming vibe, warmer paint colors in the yellow, orange and brown color families are the way to go. Mustard yellows, soft oranges and moody browns envelop rooms in coziness. Some top options:
– Mustard yellow like Sherwin-Williams Jojoba works in contemporary bedrooms, and pairs nicely with gray.
– Try a peach or light orange like Valspar Peach Butter for a romantic cottage look.
– Deep chocolate browns like Behr’s Dark Chocolate instantly create an intimate feel.
– Soft taupe colors like Benjamin Moore Fieldstone are earthy and peaceful.
| Color | Paint Company and Shade |
|---|---|
| Mustard yellow | Sherwin-Williams Jojoba |
| Peach/orange | Valspar Peach Butter |
| Chocolate brown | Behr Dark Chocolate |
| Taupe | Benjamin Moore Fieldstone |
Pure White for Minimalism
An all-white or mostly white bedroom paired with neutral wood tones creates a clean, crisp, minimalist aesthetic that many find peaceful. White reflects light well to make rooms feel more open. Consider shades like:
– Benjamin Moore Simply White or Sherwin-Williams Pure White for true bright white.
– BM White Dove or SW Swiss Coffee are soft whites with subtle warmth.
– Dove grays like SW Mindful Gray offer a twist on white with barely-there gray undertones.
Keep white bedding/furnishings clean and pristine, and add texture through bed linens and throw blankets. Accent with neutral wood furniture and greenery.
| Color | Paint Company and Shade |
|---|---|
| Bright white | Benjamin Moore Simply White |
| Soft white | Sherwin-Williams Swiss Coffee |
| Dove gray | Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray |
Inviting Accent Colors
While sticking to mostly neutral main bedroom colors is recommended, don’t be afraid to liven up the space with accent walls, wallpaper, artwork and decor in bolder colors. Here are some ideas for eye-catching accents:
– Striking dark blue or green as an accent wall, headboard wall or behind the bed.
– Metallic accents like brass, gold and silver additions lend glamour.
– Floral wallpaper as an accent on one wall, or behind the bedframe.
– Gallery walls with colorful artwork, prints and paintings.
– Vibrantly colored throw pillows, blankets, area rugs and curtains.
Keep the rest of the room neutral to let the accents pop without going overboard. Bold patterns and colors energize bedrooms in small doses.
Factors that Impact Color Choices
Here are some things to keep in mind as you choose bedroom colors:
– Existing furniture and floors – match colors to what you already have.
– Amount of natural light – lighter colors for dark rooms, darker for very sunny rooms.
– Room size – darker colors can make small rooms feel closed in.
– Personal taste – like soothing hues or bold colors? romantic or minimalist?
– Function – kids’ rooms need cheerful colors; bedrooms used for TV watching need darker walls.
– Sense of style – modern, contemporary, cottage, traditional, etc.
– Partner’s preferences – compromise on a color scheme you both like.
– Allergies – VOC-free, low-odor paints may be needed.
– Theme – pick colors that reflect a theme like beachy, jungle, etc. if desired.
Conclusion
Bedroom colors have a big impact on the overall feel of the space. The most inviting bedrooms feature colors that relax, inspire romance, provide coziness or promote sleep. Popular options include soft greens, grays, taupes and blues, as well as reds, pinks and salmon colors for romance. Neutral white bedrooms feel bright and minimalist. Don’t overlook the power of accent colors too. Consider the effect you want the space to have, and choose wisely for maximum comfort and relaxation. With the right bedroom colors, your home sanctuary will be a more welcoming, inviting place to end each day.
