Best Bedroom Colors For Restful Sleep

Say goodbye to sleepless nights with these bedroom wall color ideas. Sleep better in style and wake up rested.

Bedroom color ideas | New Africa/Shutterstock
This post was originally published June 2023/updated September 2024

Creating a sleep-friendly space goes beyond just a comfortable mattress and fluffy pillows. It's about crafting an environment that calms your senses and lulls you into a deep, uninterrupted slumber. One often overlooked yet incredibly impactful element of this sleep sanctuary is the color of your bedroom walls.

In this post, we look at the different paint colors, from calming neutrals and serene pastels to a few surprising shades scientifically proven to promote relaxation. So, let's look at some colors that can help you relax at night and get a good night's rest.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Neutral tones like beige and taupe offer a timeless and calming base for bedroom decor.
  • Light pastels or pale blues make small bedrooms feel open and airy.
  • Warm tones, such as terracotta or burnt orange, create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
  • Sage green, soft grays, and dusty rose bring relaxation to modern and romantic bedroom styles.
  • Jewel tones and dark shades like navy or emerald can add sophistication to more dramatic bedroom designs.

Calming bedroom colors

While some people prefer bold colors and patterns for their bedrooms, calming hues like blues, greens, and earth tones are the best option for creating a relaxing sleep environment. These colors have a soothing effect on the mind and can even lower stress levels.

When choosing bedroom colors, consider how they will complement your furniture, bedding, area rugs and other decor. Monochromatic color schemes create a subtle yet calming atmosphere. At the same time, contrasting shades can add depth to the room without feeling overwhelming.

Neutral tones

Neutral tones are a versatile and timeless choice for all bedroom color schemes. They create a soothing and serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and tranquility.

bedroo colors that promote relaxation
Natural tones | Holly Stratton/Unsplash

Consider shades of beige, cream, or taupe for a neutral base. These colors provide a blank canvas on which to incorporate various textures, patterns and accent colors into your bedroom decor.

bedroom with light walls and blue accents
Layer your neutrals | Spacejoy/Unsplash

To add depth and visual interest, layer different shades of neutrals and mix materials such as linen, velvet and natural wood. Neutral tones also serve as a calming backdrop for artwork and decorative elements, allowing them to stand out and make a statement in the room.

43 Bedroom Ideas to Make It Cozy and Spacious
No matter the size of your bedroom, there’s a way to make it feel simultaneously spacious and cozy. Read on to find out how to make your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep and relaxation.

Light colors for bedrooms

Light colors create the feeling of spaciousness in bedrooms, particularly in smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light. Opt for shades like soft pastels, pale blues, or light grays to brighten the space and make it feel more open.

neutral color scheme for bedrooms
Pastels are great options for any bedroom | Sidekix Media/Unsplash

Pair light wall colors with white or cream furniture for a clean and fresh look. Additionally, choose lightweight and sheer fabrics for curtains or window treatments to maximize the natural light flow.

Warm bedroom colors

Warm colors are excellent for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom. Shades of warm reds, oranges and yellows can evoke warmth, comfort and relaxation.

cozy bedroom with warm color scheme
Make it cozy with warm colors | Marilyn huang/Unsplash

Consider using warm-toned paint colors on the walls, such as terracotta, burnt orange, or golden hues. These colors can complement warm-toned wood furniture or accents to enhance the cozy ambiance.

Mix neutrals and blues for warmth | Edelle Bruton/Unsplash

To balance the warmth, incorporate neutral tones or cool colors like blues or greens as accent colors in bedding, curtains, or decorative elements. Add soft and warm lighting fixtures to create a soothing and intimate atmosphere in the bedroom.

Best colors for small bedrooms

Small bedrooms don't have to feel cramped and uncomfortable. With the right combination, you can create a place where you'll unwind and sleep like a baby, even in a small bedroom.

small bedroom - use a light color scheme
Pastels work great in small bedrooms | Benjamin Rascoe/Shutterstock

Light and airy pastel shades like mint green or blue can make a small bedroom feel more open and airy. Incorporate these colors through bedding, curtains, and accents to create a charming and spacious feel.

all white bedroom color scheme
All-white bedroom oasis | Trend/Shutterstock

Soft white reflects natural light and visually expands the space. Introduce patterned rugs or curtains for added interest. You can add texture and different shades of white to create a dreamy bedroom that exudes a tranquil ambiance.

gray and toupe bedroom color scheme
Opt for light gray and taupe | Dariusz Jarzabek/Shutterstock

Opt for a light gray and taupe to visually expand the space and create a tranquil ambiance. Add pops of color through accessories like vibrant artwork or throw pillows to add personality without overwhelming the room.

Bedroom Textile Tips: How to Choose the Perfect Fabrics
Discover how to choose the perfect fabrics for a cozy, stylish and comfortable space with our expert tips.

Master bedroom color ideas and inspiration

Choosing the wrong paint color can adversely affect our sleep. The best color for your bedroom will be the one that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Whether you’re sharing your bed with your partner or sleeping solo, it’s important to select a color that works for you.

Bedroom color ideas for couples

Bedroom colors can be like a mattress. While you might prefer one type, your partner might prefer something else. When choosing a paint color for a bedroom, consider how it affects you both. You don’t want to end up with a color that makes one person sleep like a baby while keeping the other up all night.

sage green is a great color for bedrooms
Go for sage green in the bedroom | stef brown/Shutterstock

Sage green is a soothing and gender-neutral option that promotes relaxation. Mix it with white or wooden furniture, earthy tones and natural textures for a relaxing sleeping space.

layered toupe color schem in bedroom
Layer taupe with other neutrals | Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Taupe creates a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with various accent colors, allowing couples to infuse their personal styles into the space. Layer it with other earthy tones for a calming and comfortable vibe.

dusty rose bedroom
Add a bit of dusty rose for a sophisticated feel | Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Dusty rose is a romantic yet subtle hue that suits both masculine and feminine tastes. Pair with gold accents and soft lighting or black finishes for a more sophisticated look.

Color psychology in interior design
Did you know that colors can affect how we feel? Here is the 411 on the most popular colors in interior design.

Romantic bedroom paint colors

Colors most commonly associated with romance are red and pink. You can different shades of these colors to create your own romantic retreat.

bedroom with red and gold color combination
Add romance with red and gold | Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Deep red is a vibrant color that can add drama and romance to any bedroom. Incorporate wood furniture with gold accents and lamps, and pair it with soft, velvety sheets to add luxury and elegance.

romantic bedroom colors
A touch of romance | Gaf_Lila/Shutterstock

If you want to create a romantic vibe in your bedroom but prefer something less bold, go for pale purples and grays. Add floral bedding, decorative pillows, and cut flowers to create a more subtle feel. Hang velvety curtains in pale purple that tie the look together.

Transform Your Home with Dark and Moody Interiors
Embrace your dark side with dark and moody interiors that will add personality to any room.

Guest bedroom colors

While you might not be sleeping in your guest bedroom, you still want to create a relaxing and welcoming space for your guest.

 blue and white bedroom
Soft blue for your guests | Pixel-Shot/Unsplash

Soft blue is a calming hue that creates a serene and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Pair it with crisp white linens and natural wood accents for a fresh and inviting look. Add punches of color with more shades of blue and white.

glam bedroom with gray walls
Create a relaxing retreat with gray | Hector Falcon/Unsplash 

Gray is a neutral choice that works well with various decor styles. You can also mix different shades of gray for a more layered look. Add colorful throw pillows or artwork for a pop of color.

Warm beige bedroom
Warm beige bedroom | Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

A warm beige evokes a sense of comfort and coziness. Combine it with earthy tones and textured fabrics to create a soothing retreat for your guests.

15 Creative Ideas to Utilize Every Inch of Your Spare Room
Got a spare room in your home that’s more of a storage than usable space? Here are some fun ways to reclaim it.

Bohemian bedroom

The Bohemian style (Boho for short) is known for mixing patterns, textures and colors to create an eclectic and fun vibe. You can create a Boho bedroom by playing with different elements and colors that create different vibes.

boho style bedroom
Mix jewel tones with natural materials and patterns | brizmaker/Shutterstock

Incorporate rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red to create a vibrant and eclectic Bohemian bedroom. Combine it with vibrant patterns, natural materials and plants for an earthy and free-spirited vibe.

modern boho bedroom
Boho with a neutral palette | Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Mix a warm, earthy color palette with natural materials, textiles, and African art. Add plants, cozy blankets, natural fiber rugs, and pillows for a more sophisticated take on this popular style.

How to Add Boho Vibe to Your Living Room
Boho design is making a comeback. In this post, we look at how to add a touch of Bohemian flair to your living room decor.

Farmhouse bedroom

Consider colors that exude a rustic and welcoming charm for a farmhouse-inspired bedroom. Neutral and earthy tones work best to create a cozy and relaxed ambiance. Consider using shades like creamy whites, warm beiges, or soft grays for the walls. These colors serve as a perfect backdrop for farmhouse-style furniture and decor.

farmhouse inspired bedroom
Farmhouse bedroom | KOTOIMAGES/Shutterstock

To enhance the rustic feel, incorporate natural wood elements, such as reclaimed barn wood accents or a weathered wood headboard. To add a touch of warmth, introduce subtle pops of color through textiles like plaid bedding or muted floral patterns in soft blues or dusty rose. These colors will bring a sense of nostalgia and tranquility to your farmhouse bedroom.

Modern bedroom wall colors

A modern bedroom calls for sleek, sophisticated color choices that create a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Stick to a palette of neutral tones like whites, grays and blacks as the primary colors for the walls. To add visual interest, consider using contrasting colors in accents and accessories.

modern bedroom design
Modern bedroom design | Collov Home Design/Shutterstock

Incorporate bold splashes of color and patterns through pillows, artwork, or a statement chair. Additionally, metallic accents like silver, gold, or chrome can be introduced through light fixtures, mirrors, or drawer pulls to add a touch of glamour to the modern bedroom.

Victorian-inspired bedroom color schemes

For a Victorian-style bedroom, rich and luxurious colors will help create an opulent and romantic atmosphere. Deep jewel tones like royal purple, emerald green, or sapphire blue are ideal for the walls. These colors will evoke a sense of grandeur and elegance.

Jeweled tones inspired by a Victorian bedroom
Jeweled tones inspired by a Victorian bedroom | Pinkystock/Shutterstock

Choose ornate furniture with dark wood finishes or antique touches. Combine them with intricate wallpapers featuring floral or damask patterns for added texture and visual interest.

victorian inspired bedroom design
Victorian decor | Benson Truong/Shutterstock

Soften the rich colors by incorporating accents in muted shades such as blush pink or creamy ivory through curtains, bedding, or upholstery. The result will be a bedroom that exudes classic charm and timeless beauty.

Insider Tips for Combining Antique and Modern Design
Thinking of mixing the old with the new? Here are our tips for successfully combining antiques with new furniture.

Dark bedroom color ideas

A dark bedroom can create a dramatic and intimate ambiance. Consider deep, moody colors for the walls to create a sense of coziness and can make the space feel more intimate.

dark green bedroom
Go for dark greens | Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Go for deep greens to create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. To balance the darkness, incorporate lighter elements such as crisp white bedding, light-colored curtains, or reflective surfaces to add brightness and contrast.

moody and dark bedroom design
Navy is a moody and cozy color for the bedroom | Spacejoy|Unsplash

A deep navy color adds a touch of elegance and masculinity to a bedroom. Pair it with rich wood furniture and metallic accents to create a sophisticated and modern look.

black walls and curtains with dark accessories
Be bold with a black bedroom | Spacejoy|Unsplash

Create a statement with a black-painted bedroom wall that adds sophistication and drama. Pair it with lush black velvet blackout curtains, stylish lamps and a light wooden floor. To create contrast, add light-colored linens and soft fabrics.

Conclusion

It's time to bid farewell to those sleepless nights and say hello to the land of dreams. We hope this post has given you many creative ideas to transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. Not sure what color works best for you? Try out different colors and styles virtually with Planner 5D and see for yourself.


Design your dream bedroom with Planner 5D

FAQ

How do I choose a color for my bedroom?

To choose a color for your bedroom, consider the mood you want to create. Opt for muted tones like pastels or soft neutrals for a calm and relaxing atmosphere. To create a more energizing vibe, use bolder jewel tones to create a more dramatic effect.

What is the best color to paint a bedroom for sleep?

The best color to paint a bedroom to help you sleep is a soothing, cool-toned shade such as pale blue, soft gray, or muted green. These colors promote relaxation and restfulness, helping you unwind at the end of the day.

What is the best paint color for a children’s bedroom?

Consider using playful and stimulating colors like bright yellows, oranges, or pinks for a children's bedroom. However, choose softer shades like pale blue, lavender, or light green if you want a more calming environment.

Should a bedroom be dark or light?

Depending on personal preference and the desired ambiance, a bedroom can be either dark or light. Darker colors create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, whereas lighter colors make the space feel more open and airy.

What colors make a room look bigger and brighter?

Opt for light and cool colors like soft whites, pale blues, or light grays to make a room look bigger and brighter. These colors reflect natural light, creating a more spacious and well-lit space.