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In a 2015 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, scientists theorized that the colors with which we surround ourselves had a major effect on our moods. When it comes to choosing a paint color for a bedroom, it’s important to pick a shade that promotes an environment of relaxation and wellbeing.
Drift off to dreamland with this collection of calming colors. Though softer shades and classic neutrals are those we normally look to when we think of a serene sleeping environment, as you’ll see here, they aren’t the only options.
1. White
With variations from pure white to cream to every shade in between, white is often the first color that comes to mind when we think of a peaceful palette. White rooms look clean and fresh, and are inherently restful to weary eyes—and spirits.
Embellish a white bedroom with floral or crocheted bedding for a more romantic look, or add clean lines and modern furnishings for a more contemporary feel. Sherwin-Williams’s Alabaster (SW 7008) is a warm, cozy white that partners well with other neutral shades, and looks particularly good with gray bedding.
2. Pale Blue
A crystal-clear sky, a picturesque waterfront setting: Pale shades of blue call to mind calming images that set a restful tone in a hectic home. Amp up the relaxation factor by bringing in all-white bedding for a cloud-like bed, or floral prints to conjure an “indoor garden retreat” vibe. Try pairing Krypton (SW6247) by Sherwin-Williams with reclaimed wood furniture and accents for a beachy, seaside feel.
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3. Sage Green
All the rage in exterior paint these days, sage green has proved just as popular indoors. In bedrooms, this color evokes feelings of gardens, grass, and all the gifts of nature, all contrasts to our fast-paced, technology-driven lives. Pair this color with white bedding or trim and warm, honey-toned wood for an especially pleasing result that will make you want to crawl into bed—and stay there. Valspar’s Secret Moss (5005-2A) looks incredible with white, but can also be paired with darker hues for a moodier look.
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4. Beige
Not long ago, sophisticated gray looked like it would displace dependable beige as America’s favorite go-to neutral. Today, however, homeowners are again recognizing the positive qualities of the classic neutral brown.
When choosing the best beige for your bedroom, consider warmer tones of sand and straw that will glow in lamplight and reflect the morning sun. Behr’s Mushroom Bisque (PPU4-07) has a warm, modern glow that would be just as appropriate in a farmhouse as in a penthouse.
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5. Seashell Pink
Think pink bedrooms are just for children? You’ll have a change of heart once you see how sophisticated this color can look when coupled with furnishings, fabrics, and accents that are decidedly grown-up. To bliss out your bedroom, choose a barely-there pink, like Behr’s Seaside Villa (S190-1), for the walls and complement it with bedding, carpets, and upholstery in other soft colors. Warm wood and black fixtures provide modern, masculine contrasts.
RELATED: How to Decorate a Bedroom
6. Gray
You know those foggy days when you feel like staying home and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea? A gray bedroom can satisfy that same longing for creature comforts. Though gray has become popular with the design set in recent years, it isn’t easy to find the perfect shade with not-too-cool, not-too-warm undertones. We like Clare Paint’s Seize the Gray, which looks sharp but super chill against black- or espresso-toned furniture. No matter the shade of gray you seek, it’s a good idea to look at paint samples in both natural and indoor light before settling on a hue.
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7. Lavender
Lavender is delicious in spacious living rooms and tiny powder rooms, and plenty of spaces in between. For a sophisticated, relaxing bedroom, choose accents with clean lines and neutral fabrics in white, cream, or gray, or more lavender.
Shades of purple are thought to be conducive to creativity and imagination, and in the bedroom have the added benefit of sparking inventive ideas as you start your day. Benjamin Moore’s Porcelain (2113-60) is a muted lavender that looks dreamy with all-white bedding.
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8. Black
Hear us out: Yes, it’s an exception to the “pale shades” precedent of restful paint colors we’ve set here, but black actually works for bedrooms. Whether a warm charcoal gray or a jet black, it’s a hue that recalls the night sky, thereby immediately setting the mood for sleep.
One way to prevent an overly heavy look in the bedroom is to accent a black-painted room with an abundance of white fabric and furniture. Delicate black-and-white fabrics, such as gingham and toile, also soften the overall effect. In this bedroom painted with Farrow & Ball’s Railings (No. 31), the designer opted to go all in on dark hues, including charcoal bedding that matches the walls.
RELATED: Should You Paint Your House Black?
9. Burnt Sienna
Ultra-warm tones have been having a major moment lately, and burnt sienna is a bold paint color choice that feels both classic and modern. Behr’s Perfect Penny (S180-6) is a deep, warm hue that transforms any space into a cozy retreat. When paired with a sage green headboard and gray bedding, the color pops even more.
