Choosing the right colour for a bedroom is an important design decision that can greatly impact the overall feel and aesthetic of the space. The colour of the walls, bedding, and decor elements work together to create an atmosphere that can be relaxing, romantic, or energetic. When selecting bedroom colours, there are a few key factors to consider such as personal preference, mood enhancement, feng shui principles, and colour psychology. By evaluating these aspects, you’re sure to land on a colour palette that creates an alluring ambiance in the bedroom.
Consider Personal Preference
The first factor when choosing a colour for the bedroom is personal preference. Since this is your private sanctuary, it’s important to opt for colours that appeal to your aesthetic sensibility and bring you joy. Think about what colour families you’re naturally drawn to. Do you prefer cool tones like blues, greens and purples or warmer hues like reds, oranges and yellows? Also consider if you want a soft neutral palette or something more saturated and vibrant. Bedrooms designed around colours the homeowner finds attractive will have the most appealing effect.
Enhance Mood & Relaxation
Another key consideration is choosing colours known to enhance mood and relaxation in the bedroom space. Cool, serene hues like blues, greens and lavenders promote tranquility and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. These calming colours send signals to the brain to help you unwind, making them ideal for sleep spaces. Warm neutrals like beige, taupe and soft grey also impart relaxing qualities. Conversely, brighter, intense shades like fuchsia, orange or lime green can feel stimulating and are less conducive to sleep. So pay attention to how different hues make you feel. The right mood-enhancing colours will set the stage for better sleep.
Apply Feng Shui Principles
When selecting bedroom colours, applying principles of feng shui can help achieve harmony and balance in the space. Different hues carry feng shui associations that bestow different properties. Earth tones promote stability, pink invokes romance, blue and green represent health and life energy. Wood elements can be integrated with greens and blues, while reds and oranges evoke fire and passion. To encourage deep sleep, feng shui recommends bedrooms have yin colours which are softer, lighter and more subtle. Dark or bright colours are too yang and can feel disruptive. Choosing bedroom wall paints, textiles and accessories per feng shui guidance will result in an optimally restful environment.
Consider Colour Psychology
The psychology of colour also plays an important role in bedroom design. Different hues illicit different psychological and emotional responses in people. Blue is mentally calming and viewed as stable and serene. Green is the most restful colour for the eyes and evokes feelings of balance and hope. Soft pink induces romance and intimacy. Neutrals like grey, beige and tan project subtlety and sophistication. Colours on the warm end of the spectrum – red, orange, yellow – are uplifting but also stimulate the senses, so they’re better for accent walls than main bedroom colours. Understanding these psychological properties will ensure you choose hues that set the desired tone.
Popular Bedroom Colour Schemes
Here are some of the most popular, attractive colour schemes for bedrooms:
Neutrals
Different shades of white, grey, beige and brown are commonly used in bedrooms to create a soothing, neutral oasis. Layering textures in neutral tones keeps the palette visually interesting. Neutrals work with any style from modern to traditional.
Blue
From navy to sky blue, shades of blue impart relaxation and are perfect for sleep spaces. Blue works beautifully with white trim, bedding and decor accents. Add interest by pairing light and dark blues.
Green
Earthy, organic greens like sage and olive are extremely versatile for bedrooms. Pair with whites, woods and other neutrals for a natural yet sophisticated look. Deeper greens can feel traditional and masculine.
Lavender
Soft, romantic lavender is a wonderful choice for women’s bedrooms. Complement with lighter purples or whites for a dreamy, feminine aesthetic. The soothing qualities of lavender also promote deep sleep.
Pink
For bedrooms with romantic flair, blush pink or rose colours set the stage. Pink feels inviting when combined with white molding, bedding and furniture. Pastel pinks work well in cottage, vintage or shabby chic decor.
Yellow
Cheerful, sunny yellow infuses bedrooms with energy but can also feel inviting when softened with white. Use sparingly on accent walls or decor since yellow stimulates the senses. Pair with grey for a modern look.
Best Colours for a Master Bedroom
For the most relaxing ambiance, stick to colours that evoke tranquility in the master suite. The best master bedroom colour ideas include:
- Light blue – sky blue, robin’s egg, pale azure
- Soft green – sage, mint, seafoam
- Lavender – light purple, lilac, wisteria
- Warm grey – greige, taupe, stone
- Tan – fawn, khaki, sand
- Ivory – cream, eggshell, buttery
These soothing, neutral colours minimize distractions and noise to create a calming environment, preparing your mind and body for rest.
Best Colours for a Guest Bedroom
When designing a relaxing guest bedroom, aim for colors that feel peaceful yet uplifting. Ideal guest bedroom colour schemes include:
- Light blue – airy, tranquil, refreshing
- Sage green – natural, peaceful, harmonious
- Lavender – calming, comforting, romantic
- Chocolate brown – warm, subtle, welcoming
- Grey – relaxing, sophisticated, versatile
- Coral – energizing, fun, brightens neutrals
These colours convey hospitality while also being conducive to sleep. Keep hues light and bedroom decor simple to avoid visual overstimulation for guests.
Best Colours for a Kid’s Bedroom
Children’s bedroom colour palettes require some special considerations. Kids are drawn to bright, playful colours that stimulate their active minds. When selecting paint colours, also look for hues known to boost focus and concentration that can help with homework. Ideal kid’s bedroom colour ideas include:
- Blue – calming, enhances concentration
- Green – restful, reduces anxiety
- Yellow – cheerful, boosts creativity
- Purple – imaginative, inspires play
- Red – energizing, exciting, stimulating
- Orange – friendly, upbeat, youthful
Let kids help select bedroom colours they’ll love. Just be wary of overly intense shades that could inhibit sleep.
Factors that Influence Colour Choice
In addition to considering the effect colours have on mood and psychology, other factors that influence bedroom colour selection include:
Lighting
The quantity and quality of natural and artificial light impacts colour perception. North-facing rooms may require warmer tones while south-facing ones can handle cooler hues. Test paint swatches at different times of day.
Room Size
Darker saturated colours can feel confining or overwhelming in small bedrooms. Pastels and neutrals open up the space. Bold colours work best in spacious bedrooms.
Existing Furniture
Coordinate colours with existing wood furnishings. Cool paint colours feel fresh against warm wood tones. Don’t clash existing furniture finishes.
Style
Bedroom colour should align with the intended decor style. For example, grays suit modern; reds and oranges for Southwestern. Choose a complementary colour scheme.
Tips for Choosing Bedroom Colours
Keep these tips in mind when selecting paint and decor colours for bedrooms:
- Opt for light, neutral wall colours for large swaths of colour
- Use bolder colours sparingly on accent walls or decor
- Limit colours to 3 in a palette for cohesion
- Ensure colours coordinate with existing furniture
- Use colour to create an intentional ambiance or mood
- Select colours you genuinely love and find beautiful
- Test samples on walls at different times of day
- Employ colour psychology when choosing hues
- Consider a monochromatic scheme for visual serenity
Choosing bedroom wall colours, textiles and decor is hugely impactful. Follow these guidelines to pick the most attractive, peaceful, inspiring colour scheme for your sleep sanctuary.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal colours for a bedroom requires careful thought and consideration of several factors from feng shui principles to colour psychology. Overall, the best bedroom colours evoke relaxation, romance or creativity as needed. Cooler muted hues like soft blues, greens and lavenders promote deep sleep, making them excellent master suite colours. Warmer neutrals like tan, beige and brown also impart subtler relaxing vibes. Bolder accent colours can liven up kids’ rooms or guest bedrooms appropriately. At the end of the day, choose colours you find genuinely beautiful and uplifting. Thoughtfully designed bedroom colour palettes inspire better sleep, enhance mood and create an alluring ambiance in this important personal space.
