When decorating a bedroom, choosing colours that create a warm and cosy atmosphere is often a priority. The right colour scheme can make a bedroom feel tranquil and inviting. Cooler colours like blues and greens tend to make a space feel cold, while warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows create a warmer ambience. Here are some of the best colours to make a bedroom feel cozy and warm.
Reds
Red is often associated with warmth, passion and energy. It’s a bold colour that makes a strong statement in any space. Different shades of red can set varying moods in a bedroom. Lighter reds, like coral and salmon, add a soft glow to a room. Deeper reds, like burgundy and maroon, feel elegant and luxe. And bright true reds feel lively and vibrant.
When using red in a bedroom scheme, you don’t need to paint an entire wall this colour. Use it as an accent colour in artwork, pillows, throws and other décor items. A red feature wall also makes a stylish statement. Red works well when paired with browns, beiges, whites and even pale greens.
Oranges
Like red, orange is associated with energy, warmth and comfort. It’s a fun, bright colour that brings light and personality into a bedroom. Soft peach and apricot shades of orange feel soothing and romantic. More vibrant orange tones create an exotic, Moroccan vibe. For a cozy fall or winter ambience, burnt orange hues reminiscent of the changing leaves feel especially fitting.
Use orange as an accent in bed linens, area rugs and artwork. Painting one wall orange can also warm up a space without being overwhelming. Combine it with woods, whites, tans and reds for a harmonious look. Orange and blue together form an energetic, complementary colour pairing.
Yellows
Yellow is the brightest, sunniest colour, bringing warmth and cheer to any bedroom. Soft buttery and golden yellows feel cozy and inviting. Bright lemon yellow creates energy and feels refreshing, especially in a morning bedroom. Mustard yellows add antique flair, feeling earthy and rustic.
Use yellow in moderation, as large amounts can feel overstimulating. Yellow works nicely with whites and neutrals to create a tranquil atmosphere. Accent walls, bedding, artwork and cushions allow you to add pops of yellow without going overboard. Pair it with greens, blues, browns and blacks for balance.
Browns
Rich chocolate browns and warm beiges bring inviting comfort into a bedroom retreat. These are versatile earth tones that pair well with most other colours. Different shades of brown add distinct effects:
- Light tans and beiges create a calm, neutral base
- Medium walnut browns feel natural yet stylish
- Dark chocolate browns are cozy and elegant
Use neutral browns on larger surfaces like walls, flooring and furniture. Then layer in textiles and accessories in brighter accent colours. Browns work with nearly any palette, from bold reds and oranges to muted blues and greens.
Whites
Though technically not a colour, white deserves a mention for making bedrooms feel airy and expanded. Different shades of white can set varying moods:
- Crisp bright white is fresh and lively
- Warm antique white is soothing and homey
- Cool icy white feels ethereal and elegant
All-white bedrooms feel open and serene, especially with natural light. When using white walls, opt for warm-coloured woods, wicker and rattan furniture to add coziness. Then weave in colours through accent décor and textiles for visual interest.
How Lighting affects the Look and Feel of Colours
The way a colour appears in a space depends largely on the lighting. Different light sources and intensities impact colour tones and moods:
| Light Source | Effect on Colour |
|---|---|
| Natural Sunlight | Enhances and intensifies colours |
| Warm Incandescent | Casts a cozy golden glow, enhancing warm colours |
| Cool Fluorescent | Tones down warm colours and emphasizes cool colours |
| LED | Varies depending on Kelvin temperature – lower K enhances warm tones, higher K enhances cool tones |
| Candlelight | Creates a romantic, intimate ambience; warm colours appear muted |
Consider how lighting interacts with your colour scheme and adjust fixtures accordingly. Dimmer lighting enhances the cozy factor, while bright lighting feels more energizing.
How to Choose the Right Warm Colours for Your Bedroom
When selecting bedroom colours, consider the room’s size, exposure, furnishings and your own colour preferences. Here are some tips for choosing colours to make a bedroom warmer:
- In a small dark bedroom, opt for light warm hues like peach, yellow or light tan
- In a sunny room, deeper shades like orange, red or chocolate brown won’t feel overwhelming
- Match wood tones in furniture to complement the wall colour
- Select one dominant warm colour for walls/large furniture and use complementary colours sparingly
- Refer to colour psychology – warmer colours promote relaxation
- Ensure lighting is adjustable from bright to dim
Most importantly, choose colours you find beautiful, soothing and uplifting. Our responses to colour are highly personal. Select a palette that makes you happy and supports your mood and activities in the space.
Examples of Warm, Cozy Colour Palettes for Bedrooms
Here are some inspiring colour combinations to make a bedroom feel warm and inviting:
Earthy Rustic
Browns, tans, reds
Sunset Beach
Corals, peach, yellow
Spiced Amber
Burnt orange, sienna, mustard
Cherry Cocoa
Chocolate brown, garnet red, cream
Provence Lavender
Lavender, butter yellow, olive green
Tuscan Vineyard
Deep red, blush pink, tan
Tips for Arranging and Layering Warm Colours
Skillfully blending and balancing colours creates a harmonious look. Here are some strategies for working warm colours into a bedroom:
- Use a neutral shade on larger surfaces like walls and flooring to ground the space
- Introduce accent colours carefully through artwork, pillows, rugs and other removable décor
- Repeat colours in different tones and textures for visual interest
- Anchor warm colours with cool-toned metals and glossy surfaces
- Use warm-coloured lighting sources like incandescent or amber LED bulbs
- Layer lighter and darker shades of the same hue for depth
- Add pops of green or blue to balance very warm palettes
Start with 2-4 core colours and build upon those, keeping the overall palette cohesive. Allow colours to flow from surfaces to textiles for a pulled-together look.
Conclusion
Creating a warm, welcoming bedroom ambience largely comes down to strategic use of colour. Reds, oranges, yellows, browns and whites form the basis of an inviting, cozy palette. Consider the room’s size and lighting when selecting shades. Then thoughtfully arrange coloured elements for balance and harmony. With the right warm hues, your bedroom can become a beloved, restful retreat.
