---
title: "7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why"
date: "2017-04-27"
modified: "2020-12-29"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-paint-colors-to-avoid-in-the-bedroom-and-why-51048/"
categories:
  - "Bedrooms"
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Painting & Finishing"
  - "Paints & Finishes"
tags:
  - "bedrooms"
  - "color"
  - "paint"
---

# 7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/steel-gray-bedroom.jpg>)

### Red

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/red-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Lorton, VA*

Red raises the energy level in a room, evoking feelings of excitement, passion, or anger. These inflammatory emotions may activate the mind too much before bedtime, and you might find yourself struggling to fall asleep. If you’re absolutely set on a red-hued [bedroom](<https://www.bobvila.com/interior/bedroom-layout-ideas/>), opt for a soft, muted shade instead of a vibrant one.

### Orange

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/orange-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Phoenix, AZ*

Orange bursts with brightness and vitality, making it an ideal paint color for a playroom or exercise space. In the bedroom, however, homeowners should pick a more calming color. They can also select a softer shade of orange, such as peach.

### Yellow

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/yellow-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Ocean City, MD*

Lively, vibrant yellow stimulates the senses. While sunny tones will provide a cheerful wake-up call for starting your day, they won’t help you unwind in the evening – possibly contributing to lack of sleep. Always opt for muted yellow shades in the bedroom, or [choose another color](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-shortcuts-to-picking-a-paint-color-50273/>) altogether.

### Dark Brown

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/brown-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Truckee, CA*

Chocolate brown and mink are becoming trendy colors for home interiors, but their heaviness leaves a bedroom looking gloomy and confined. What’s more, the dark shades may make you feel unmotivated to get up in the morning. If you have your heart set on a brown bedroom, select a very [light shade](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/19-rooms-that-prove-beige-isn-t-boring-50778/>) instead. [](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/19-rooms-that-prove-beige-isn-t-boring-50778/>)

### Lime Green

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/lime-green-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Greenwood Village, CO*

Since green elicits tranquility, hues of sage, sea foam, and mint work well in the [bedroom](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-decorate-a-bedroom/>). But lime green, on the other hand, is much more vibrant and bright. The color should be left for a space that creates more energy, like the kitchen or living room.

### White

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/white-bedroom.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Los Angeles, CA*

Many homeowners paint their bedrooms white, since the color reflects light and makes a space feel airy. However, a predominantly white room will look sterile and cold. Achieve a neutral aesthetic with tones of tan or beige instead, both of which are more warm, relaxing, and serene.

### Steel Gray

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/steel-gray-bedroom-1.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs home in&#160;Excelsior, MN*

While warm gray walls can create a soothing neutral space, steel gray usually appears cold and confrontational. Avoid using cool darker grays in the bedroom, so the space doesn’t end up invoking an inhospitable [mood](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/relaxing-bedroom-paint-colors/>).

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)