Selecting the right color for a bedroom paint can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing. The color of a room affects mood, sleep quality, stress levels, and more. When choosing bedroom wall colors, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, the mood you want to create, and the psychological effects of different hues. In this article, we’ll explore what bedroom paint colors are best for promoting mental health and sleep.
Soothing, Calming Paint Colors
Paint colors on the cooler, softer side of the color spectrum are ideal for bedrooms. These hues tend to have a calming, relaxing effect that can lower stress and anxiety levels. Recommended calming colors for bedrooms include:
- Light blue – Evokes feelings of tranquility and peace. Blue is thought to stimulate the brain’s release of calming hormones.
- Soft green – Associated with nature and renewal. Pale sage greens create a peaceful ambiance.
- Lavender or lilac – These lighter purples can aid sleep and relaxation.
- Neutral tones – Off-whites, beiges, greys and tan colors are relaxing backdrops.
- Pastel shades – Soft, muted hues like mint, peach, pink or yellow work well.
These colors tend to work best on feature walls or as the main wall color. Accent walls in muted tones prevent bedrooms from feeling overly cool or clinical.
Colors That Promote Sleep
Getting adequate, high-quality sleep is essential for mental health. Certain paint colors are better suited to sleep-friendly bedrooms. Colors to consider for restful sleep include:
- Blue – Shades like periwinkle blue can reduce stress and prepare the brain for sleep.
- Violet – Lavender and orchid purple evoke tranquility and calmness.
- Gray – Neutral grays work well as primary or accent colors.
- Green – Seafoam and sage green hues remind us of nature.
- Gold – Warm gold adds coziness without being overstimulating.
These colors work best when used on one or two walls or as an accent. All-over very bright or deep colors can negatively impact sleep.
Uplifting, Mood-Boosting Colors
While many opt for soothing hues in bedrooms, some may prefer more vibrant paint colors that uplift and energize. These warmer colors stimulate dopamine and serotonin release, elevating mood:
- Yellow – Cheerful, sunny yellow boosts happiness and optimism.
- Orange – Warm peach and coral tones energize and renew.
- Red – Sparingly used, red accents can increase excitement, passion.
- Pink – Bubblegum or rose pink creates a positive vibe.
- Turquoise – This stimulating blue-green hue lifts spirits.
Using brighter bedroom wall colors in moderation prevents overstimulation. Pair with neutral walls or layer with lighter accent colors.
Colors to Avoid
On the flip side, certain paint colors should generally be avoided in bedrooms. Hues to steer clear of include:
- Bright white – Stark whites feel sterile and can hinder restful sleep.
- Black – Overpowering black absorbs light and dampens moods.
- Brown – Rich chocolate or coffee browns tend to feel heavy.
- Bright red – While red accents energize, all-over red is too intense.
- Neon colors – Vibrant neon hues overstimulate senses.
These colors can work when used very sparingly. However, large bright white walls, deep brown hues, and neon accents often create an disruptive vibe.
Factors in Choosing Paint Colors
Beyond considering psychological impacts, here are some other factors to weigh when selecting bedroom paint colors:
- Personal preferences – Consider colors you are naturally drawn to and that make you happy.
- Amount of natural light – Darker colors suit bright rooms, while pale hues maximize dim lighting.
- Room size – Bolder paints work best in larger bedrooms, softer hues in small spaces.
- Furniture and decor – Choose hues that complement furnishings and decor items.
- Texture – Flat or matte paint finishes are ideal for bedroom walls.
Testing paint swatches on walls is recommended before committing to a color. Be sure to view swatches at different times of day.
Best Paint Finishes for Bedrooms
Flat, matte, or eggshell paint finishes are most suitable for bedroom walls. Here are some benefits of these low-sheen finishes:
- Minimizes light reflection and glare
- Provides a smooth, velvety look
- Hides imperfections in walls
- Washable and durable
- Subtle matte appearance
Higher sheens like satin, semi-gloss, and gloss are not advised for bedrooms. They reflect more light and may hinder relaxation and sleep.
Paint Color Ideas for Master Bedrooms
For master suites and adult bedrooms, consider these soothing, romantic color schemes:
- Light grey walls with crisp white trim
- Soft blue-green accent wall behind the headboard
- Neutral beige walls with a lavender accent wall
- Pale sage green walls with bright white molding
- Warm sand walls with rich espresso brown accents
Paint bedroom ceilings a pale ethereal blue to create a calming ambiance. For extra romance, paint the ceiling above the bed a starry night sky or cloud design.
Paint Color Ideas for Kids’ and Teen Bedrooms
Paint is an easy way to create a fun, engaging space for kids and teens. Some color schemes to try:
- Mint green with navy blue accent wall
- Pale yellow with blackboard paint wall for writing
- Soft lilac with a vibrant accent wall in magenta or lime green
- Pink or sky blue with creative stencils and shapes on the walls
- Orange with white polka dots for a whimsical effect
Allowing kids to help select and apply colors gives them ownership over the space. Opt for low-VOC paints to minimize exposure to fumes.
Bedroom Color Combinations by Theme
If you have a particular theme or style in mind, consider these bedroom wall color combinations:
| Theme/Style | Color Combination Ideas |
|---|---|
| Bohemian or eclectic | Deep teal blue with mustard yellow and white trim |
| Modern | Glossy white or black with a bold orange or red accent wall |
| Rustic | Warm tan with a sage green accent wall |
| Retro | Mint green with cherry red accents |
| Coastal | Ocean blue and white with light sandy beige trim |
| Farmhouse | Light grey walls with crisp white trim and touches of navy |
Using White as a Main Color
Don’t overlook classic, clean white for bedroom walls. To make white walls visually interesting:
- Select an off-white like dove grey or ivory rather than stark white
- Layer white with contrasting trim and ceiling colors
- Incorporate soft fabric textures and warm wood tones as accents
- Add visual depth by painting recessed panels a darker hue
- Use white walls as a gallery for colorful artwork
Off-white bedrooms feel airy and bright while still cozy. Add personality with wall art, textiles, furnishings and greenery.
Conclusion
The ideal bedroom paint color Improves mood, relaxation and sleep quality. When selecting bedroom wall colors, opt for soothing, muted cooler hues like soft blues, greens, grays and violets. Accent with warmer tones like peach or gold in moderation. Avoid stark white or black bedrooms. Consider painting ceilings a dreamy blue and adding fun accent walls or creative designs. Test paint samples at different times of day. Finalize choices by painting swatches on the wall before committing. With deliberate color choices, your bedroom walls can become a peaceful, welcoming retreat.
