7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why

Choosing paint shades for your bedroom is an extremely important task. Not only does color contribute the overall design of the room, it also affects your mood and emotions. Ensure your bedroom is a space of rest and relaxation by steering clear of these seven paint colors – all of which may prevent you from catching some much-needed shut-eye.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Dec 29, 2020 11:00 AM

Red

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Red Paint in Bedroom

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, opt for a soft, muted shade instead of a vibrant one.


Related: The 8 Best Paint Colors for a Restful Sleep

Zillow Digs home in Lorton, VA

Orange

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Orange Paint in Bedroom

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.

Zillow Digs home in Phoenix, AZ

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Yellow

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Yellow Paint in Bedroom

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 altogether.


Related: 7 Ways Your Paint Picks Affect Your Mood

Zillow Digs home in Ocean City, MD

Dark Brown

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Dark Brown Paint in Bedroom

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 instead.

Zillow Digs home in Truckee, CA

Lime Green

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Lime Green Paint in Bedroom

Since green elicits tranquility, hues of sage, sea foam, and mint work well in the 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.


Related: The Best Paint Colors for Low-Light Rooms

Zillow Digs home in Greenwood Village, CO

White

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White Paint in Bedroom

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.

Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA

Steel Gray

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Steel Gray Paint in Bedroom

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.


Related: 10 Unusual Tricks for Your Easiest-Ever Paint Job

Zillow Digs home in Excelsior, MN

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Believe it or not, even with the vast number of paint color options available, a select handful of hues surpass all the others in popularity. We spoke with industry experts to uncover their best sellers. Click to view now!