When it comes to selecting calming paint colors for the bedroom, there are various options to consider. Both dark and light shades of blue are known for their soothing effects.
Additionally, the recent shift towards earthier tones has made teal, green, and brown increasingly popular choices. Feminine pinks and purples still maintain their trendiness, while white and gray remain staple hues for creating peaceful interiors.
It’s important to note that color psychology studies have shown that colors can have a significant impact on our mood. For instance, red is known to be an energizing color, while blue has a calming effect.
Therefore, when choosing the color to paint your bedroom, it’s not solely a matter of design trends or personal preferences. The shade on your bedroom walls can greatly influence the quality of your sleep and how refreshed you feel in the morning.
With all of this in mind, let’s delve deeper into the discussion and explore the various colors that can contribute to creating a tranquil ambiance in your home.
The 10 Most Calming Paint Colors for the Bedroom
According to a recent global survey conducted by the University of Sussex in England, it was found that the majority of respondents indicated blue or green as their favorite color. Interestingly, blue emerged as the most calming color, with teal and pale pink also being popular choices in contemporary bedroom interiors.
It is fascinating to observe how science serves as the foundation for interior design trends, highlighting the importance of color psychology in creating soothing and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Blue
When it comes to interior design for bedrooms, blue is often associated with tranquility and serenity, evoking images of the sky and water. Designers typically opt for cooler and lighter shades of blue in bedroom interiors, but it’s worth considering an earthy, saturated blue for a relaxing ambiance.
Rich blues can transport you to coastal holidays and infuse your bedroom with nostalgic calm. For a focal point, consider painting one wall with this deep accent shade, while balancing it with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark.
Here are a few rich blues that I recommend:
- Jamaican Dream by PPG
- Old Navy by Benjamin Moore
- Luxe Blue by Sherwin Williams
On the other hand, paler shades of blue have long been popular in coastal aesthetics and are perfect for creating a softer look and feel in bedrooms. Pair a pale blue with warm white trim, complemented by wicker furniture and seascapes, to create a dreamy atmosphere.
Here are some tranquil shades of blue that you might find appealing:
- Lulworth Blue by Farrow and Ball
- Lullaby by Sherwin Williams
By incorporating blue hues strategically, you can create a peaceful and inviting bedroom retreat.
Teal
Teal, the gorgeous blue-green hue, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity within the realm of interior design. Glidden and PPG paints have even selected teal as their color of the year, further solidifying its status. Despite perhaps being overlooked during the neutral colors trend, teal remains an exquisite choice for creating spa-like spaces.
With its reminiscent connection to water, whether through seascapes or mountain lakes, teal delivers a truly soothing and refreshing ambiance. For creating a serene bedroom setting, consider combining teal with muted greens and blues.
If you’re ready to fall in love with a specific teal shade, consider the following enticing options:
- Underseas by Sherwin Williams
- Scarborough by PPG
- Vining Ivy by Glidden
Embrace the timeless elegance of teal and transform your living spaces into havens of tranquility.
Green
One way to create a tranquil and rejuvenating space in your bedroom is by incorporating the Japanese practice of forest bathing. This practice involves spending time in lush, green environments, surrounded by the calm ambiance of nature.
To bring this concept into your bedroom, consider using pale green shades such as Vert de Terre by Farrow and Ball, Soft Fern by Benjamin Green, or Avocado Whip by Behr.
These ethereal colors evoke the gentle hues found in marshes and moors, and work wonderfully with French and English-inspired interiors.
Pair them with off-white and blush pink accents for a stylish and serene look. To further enhance the botanical feel, take inspiration from the variegated greens of ferns and tropical plants.
If you don’t have a garden, don’t worry. You can still evoke the calming power of green by incorporating organic materials and natural textures like wicker, rattan, linen, and wood.
These materials complement the greens beautifully and add depth and visual interest to the space. For a vintage touch, try combining the pale greens with white and brass accents.
For a boost of positivity and tranquility, consider shades like Fern Canopy by Behr, Spanish Moss by Krylon, or Green Shimmer by Valspar. These colors will lift your mood while transforming your bedroom into a peaceful retreat.
By incorporating these elements, you can create a forest-like oasis within your bedroom, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation in your everyday life.
Brown
The popularity of leafy greens is closely followed by rich, earthy browns. While many of us associate brown with a vintage mid-century look, these newer shades offer a lush, organic, and spicy appeal.
A brown-themed bedroom creates a warm and cozy atmosphere that envelopes you and provides a sense of comfort, much like sipping a cup of coffee or indulging in a bar of chocolate. It pairs beautifully with warm wooden furniture, artisanal leather, woven rugs, and terracotta tiles, creating a harmonious and inviting space.
Here are a few warm color options to feast your eyes upon:
- Tiramisu by C2: A delightful shade that evokes the richness of a classic Italian dessert.
- Tea Leaf by Sherwin Williams: A calming and earthy hue reminiscent of nature’s green foliage.
- Elemental by Magnolia: A versatile and organic color that sets a serene and sophisticated tone.
Consider these warm colors to infuse your living space with a cozy ambiance that exudes comfort and style.
Lavender
According to trend forecasters, lavender is strongly predicted to be the color of 2023. This delicate shade of purple is not only associated with wellness and sleep but also adds a fresh touch to neutral color schemes. Incorporating lavender into your interior design can create a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, reminiscent of elegant French interiors.
To maintain a sleek and refined aesthetic, it is recommended to pair lavender with sleek white or gray contrasts, avoiding busy floral patterns. For inspiration, you can look to Behr’s “Courtesy,” Farrow and Ball’s “Peignoir,” or Benjamin Moore’s “Lily Lavender” as beautiful options to introduce these soothing shades into your living spaces.
Peach
Peach, with its soft and warm hue, is an excellent choice for a bedroom paint color as it creates a calming and mood-lifting atmosphere. This season’s trend leans towards earthier tones, offering a more subtle and natural touch, rather than a vibrant pink shade.
To create a serene and inviting space, consider pairing peach with textural neutrals such as stone, rust, and putty. This combination evokes imagery of sun-faded Italian villas and long, relaxing naps in sunny hammocks.
If you are looking for specific paint colors to achieve this look, Benjamin Moore’s “Inner Peach,” Glidden’s “Spice Cookie,” and Farrow and Ball’s “Setting Plaster” are beautiful options that resemble the shades of ripe, juicy peaches.
Blush Pink
Blush pink, a rosier shade that has captured the hearts of many, continues to be a favored color for creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance in bedrooms. It is adored by romantics of all ages.
If you have a bedroom with limited natural light, incorporating pink can add a dreamy touch to the interior. To achieve a contemporary look, opt for clean lines and complement the blush pink with soft neutrals such as tan and taupe. This combination will create a serene and soothing atmosphere in your space.
When considering blush pink, you will find a wide range of shades, from the palest to bolder options. Some paint color suggestions include Soft Sand by Benjamin Moore, Redend Point by Sherwin Williams, and Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards. These shades offer versatility and allow you to customize your bedroom to your desired aesthetic.
Gray
I must confess that I still harbor a strong fondness for the color gray. While some design experts may argue that gray has become overused, a beautifully elegant and soothing light or dark gray bedroom is truly exquisite.
Pale shades of gray often serve as versatile neutrals within various color palettes, but they can also take center stage. Embrace multiple layers of misty, stormy grays, and enhance the luxurious ambiance with rich textures, silver fittings, and mirrored fixtures.
Now, I shall refrain from making any cliché references to shades of gray. Instead, allow me to present you with the best options in pale gray:
- Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore
- Cromarty by Farrow and Ball
- Wickham Gray by Benjamin Moore
Darker grays draw inspiration from the raw beauty of stone, metal, or stormy clouds. To some, these moody shades may evoke a sense of melancholy, but they also create a cozy atmosphere that embraces the pleasure of staying in bed on a rainy day. If you find darker colors overwhelming, consider experimenting with an accent wall while maintaining white furniture.
For a sleek and sophisticated interior design, consider pairing gray with classic black and white. However, be cautious not to let the overall look become too stark or dramatic. Instead, opt for soft and inviting textures that encourage a sense of calm and tranquility.
Without further ado, here are my recommendations for darker gray paint colors:
- Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore
- Amazon Stone by Behr
- Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams
Greige
Greige, a versatile neutral color, combines elements of grey, beige, and earthy tones. It pairs well with gray, black, and white, offering a wide range of possibilities for creating a comfortable and elegant atmosphere in a bedroom. To help you choose the perfect shade, here are three highly recommended greige options specifically for bedrooms:
- Alexandria Beige by Benjamin Moore
- Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams
- Silver Drop by Behr
These shades, with their unique mix of grays and beiges, will add dimension and style to your bedroom space.
White
When considering calming bedroom colors, it may come as a surprise that white ranks last on the list. This is due to white being a staple in interior design, making it somewhat obvious. Despite this, white remains a popular choice for bedrooms due to its serene, light, and fresh qualities.
An all-white bedroom creates a sense of spaciousness and can be customized to suit your preferred level of subtlety or drama. To achieve this, you can choose from one of these classic options: Roman Column by Sherwin Williams, White Dove by Benjamin Moore, or Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.
Final Thoughts
To create a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom, the choice of wall color plays a significant role. In the realm of interior design trends, there is a noticeable shift towards eco-chic aesthetics, highlighting earthy hues such as green and brown as a connection to our natural surroundings.
Additionally, trending shades like gentle pink, lavender, and greige are gaining popularity. However, classic serene bedroom colors like white, blue, and gray continue to dominate social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
