Let’s talk bedroom colors and moods for a minute.
If you’re getting ready to paint or decorate your sleeping space, you might be wondering what’s the best color scheme for you…and why.
Color can absolutely affect the way you feel, so you should carefully consider the way your chosen hues affect your mood. And that’s why we’re here today. In this article, we’ll discuss color psychology as well as the most popular bedroom colors, plus the moods they evoke.
But keep in mind that everything you read below is a generalization, so you should definitely think about whether it holds true for you personally — or not.
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Do Bedroom Colors Affect Mood?
Absolutely! The colors you surround yourself with in your home (bedroom or otherwise) can have a huge impact on the way you feel.
And your bedroom should be a space where you can escape to feel relaxed and peaceful, which is why you should consider the color scheme carefully.
Next up, we’ll be talking about color psychology, or the way your bedroom colors can affect your mood. And then we’ll go over a list of the most popular bedroom colors, along with the WAYS they can affect your mood.
Ready? Let’s begin!
Color Psychology — How Bedroom Colors Affect Your Mood
Wikipedia describes color psychology as “the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior.”
Going back to ancient Egyptian times, they studied the effects of color on mood and used this knowledge for holistic benefits. They believed that red increases circulation, orange energizes, and blue soothes pain.
Today, we use color psychology not only in Interior Design, but also in architectural design and marketing.
When using color psychology to decide on a bedroom color scheme, you might ask yourself a few questions:
- Are you a morning person? A night owl?
- Do you fall asleep as soon as you get in bed or do you find it difficult to fall asleep?
- Do you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning?
- Do you open up the curtains and let the sunshine in?
- Are you a minimalist, or do you prefer eclectic decor?
- Do white or bright colors drain you?
Your answers to these questions will have a large influence when deciding which bedroom color is best for you.
Consider the following colors and the moods they evoke when making your decision.
Every color evokes a different feeling. It incites emotion. The paint colors you choose for your bedroom — as well as the colors of your furnishings — all work together to create a certain mood.Click To TweetPopular Bedroom Colors and the Moods They Evoke
Below are ten of the most popular bedroom colors along with an explanation of the moods they evoke. I’ll also share some specific paint colors examples, along with links so you can order samples if you would like to try them out.
These peel and stick samples are 12″x12″ and are made with two coats of real paint, so the color is completely accurate. They are easier and more cost effective than buying a can of paint and brushes, plus they arrive at your doorstep in 1-3 days.
Use code FIRSTFIVE for a discount on your first Samplize order!
Without further delay, let’s get started!
1. Light Blue
Lighter blues are cool and relaxing, and they’re an especially great choice for hotter climates. Blue is known to lower blood pressure, helping you to feel more calm.
Pairing blue walls with white trim in the bedroom can be particularly soothing (or anywhere you want to achieve a cool, spa-like feel).
Popular Light Blue Paint Colors:
Breath of Fresh Air 806 by Benjamin Moore (order a sample)
Atmospheric 6505 by Sherwin-Williams (order a sample)
Yarmouth Blue HC-150 by Benjamin Moore (order a sample)
2. Gray
Gray can be a good color for those who have trouble sleeping. It’s a color that evokes feelings of calm and balance. While lighter grays give off a more airy feel, darker grays are more masculine.
Popular Gray Paint Colors:
Silver Strand SW 7057 (order a sample)
Magnetic Gray SW 7058 (order a sample)
Thundercloud Gray 2124-4 (order a sample)
3. Green
Green is a calm, soothing hue. It works really well in nearly any room, whether you’re painting the living room, an office, or bedroom. It’s a restorative color that can help those who have trouble falling asleep at night or waking up in the mornings.
Popular Green Paint Colors:
Sea Salt SW 6204 (order a sample)
Rainwashed SW 6211 (order a sample)
Waterscape SW 6470 (order a sample)
4. Yellow
Yellow is uplifting, and will help you get your day off to a good start. It’s known to bring joy and happiness. However, a softer pastel yellow is your best bet to avoid feelings of frustration.
Popular Yellow Paint Colors:
Cottage Cream SW 7678 (order a sample)
Captivating Cream SW 6659 (order a sample)
Rainforest Dew 2146-50 (order sample here)
5. Purple
Lighter purples, like lilac and lavender, can be calming and comforting. We also like dusty purples in the bedroom. Darker purples (like plum and wine) can give a luxurious feel, but are best kept to a minimum in the bedroom since they can be draining.
Popular Purple Paint Colors:
Veiled Violet SW 6268 (order a sample)
Mauve Desert 2113-50 (order a sample)
6. Red
Red is an intense, energetic hue that stimulates creativity. It’s a great color to energize you in the mornings. It can be very draining, too, so it’s best to use it on an accent wall in the bedroom.
Popular Red Paint Colors:
Spicy Hue SW 6342 (order a sample)
Garrison Red HC-66 (order a sample)
7. Pink/Taupe
Soft pinks can be soothing and help relieve feelings of anger. It’s also known to be a playful color. While pink is often seen as a feminine hue, taupe is a more toned-down version that works well in the bedroom.
Popular Pink and Taupe Paint Colors:
First Light 2102-70 (order a sample)
Smokey Taupe 983 (order a sample)
8. Navy
While navy and dark blue aren’t exactly light and airy, they’re still a popular choice for the bedroom. Navy is a more sophisticated and masculine option than its lighter counterparts. It can also be a little draining, so if you’re prone to feeling “blue” it might be best to steer clear of this color.
Popular Navy Paint Colors:
Hale Navy HC-154 by Benjamin Moore (order a sample)
Naval 6244 by Sherwin-Williams (order a sample)
9. Greige
Greige is a blend of gray and beige, and has become a trendy option when it comes to walls colors. The mood it evokes can vary depending on the shade. Cooler greiges are more calming, while warm greige is a little more stimulating.
Popular Greige Paint Colors:
Repose Gray SW 7015 (order a sample)
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 (order a sample)
10. White/Off-White
White and off white paint colors are pretty neutral and have little effect on the mood. They are a great choice for those who like to change up accent colors often, since it provides a neutral backdrop for a clean, open space.
Popular White and Off White Paint Colors:
Alabaster SW 7008 (order a sample)
Pure White SW 7005 (order a sample)
Decorator’s White OC-149 (order a sample)
What is the Most Relaxing Color to Paint a Bedroom?
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, you might be wondering about the best bedroom colors for sleep. The most relaxing colors to paint a bedroom are cool or soft hues, such as:
- Gray
- Blue
- Green
- Pastels
- White
Blue is one of the most soothing colors for a bedroom, so if you could use a little more sleep at night, it’s always a good choice. But, of course, any color that makes YOU feel relaxed is a good choice.
Cozy Bedroom Colors
If it’s cozy paint colors you’re after, you’ll want to choose something with a “warm” tone. Think: red, pink, orange, and yellow undertones.
Now, I’m not saying you have to paint your bedroom a fiery orange hue — please don’t! Rather, go with warmer beiges, creamy whites, and even soft pinks. If you prefer more color, opt for softer, more muted versions of those warm toned hues: buttery yellow, peach, etc.
And if you really want something more bold? Try to keep it to an accent wall to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Colors to Avoid
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, are there any colors you should avoid in the bedroom?
While purple is a popular choice, it can be one of the most stimulating. Red is also a very energetic color, which isn’t exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep.
And as we discussed earlier, brighter or darker yellows can cause feelings of frustration, which could obviously have an effect on sleep, so it’s best to stick with softer, buttery hues if you’re intent on using yellow in the bedroom.
Concluding Thoughts
Are you looking for a color to help you wake up in the morning? To help you relax before bedtime? In this article, we’ve discussed ten of the most popular bedroom colors and the moods they evoke.
Which will you chose?
Read More:
9 Stunning Bedroom Colors for Dark Furniture
10 of the Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors for Your Interior