The bedroom is a place we all retire to at the end of a long day to enjoy a sense of calm and relaxation. So your bedroom colour ideas that you douse the space in should reflect that sentiment.
It’s a well-known fact that colours have a significant impact on how we feel and consequently, colour choices play an important role in the feel of every room. And arguably, nowhere in the home is this more significant than when deciding on bedroom ideas.
So in order to avoid creating an overstimulating bedroom by accident but instead end up with a serene sanctuary, these are the most stylish and sleep-promoting colour schemes you could go for in your bedroom.
Bedroom colour ideas
‘A bedroom should be a space in the home which is a sanctuary so choosing colours that make you feel relaxed and able to switch off from stresses of the outside world is essential,’ says Paula Taylor, head stylist & trend specialist at Graham & Brown.
Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, continues, ‘When choosing a bedroom colour scheme, the first thing to consider is what feeling you want to evoke within the space. As a place of rest and relaxation, you’ll likely want the bedroom to feel cosy and warm, but this doesn’t mean that the shades you choose have to be boring. We know that colours can stimulate emotions and, therefore, could potentially manipulate your ability to fall asleep without you even knowing it.’
And these are the shades, colour pairings and schemes that the experts recommend to set the right tone for your bedroom.
1. Pair pale blue with neutrals
Blue in general is one of the most popular colours for a bedroom. But a pale sky or baby blue in particular are the most calming and relieving shades – and that’s why they work so well in bedrooms.
‘Blue is one of the colours most associated with calm,’ says Lucy Steele, Valspar’s paint & interiors expert. ‘Light blue, in particular, is commonly associated with peacefulness, and some medical research has suggested that the colour can help reduce blood pressure. This makes it a perfect colour for your bedroom. Add a light blue feature wall or accentuate your bedding with light blue throws and cushions for a tranquil feel.’
Michael at The Paint Shed adds, ‘An accent wall can be effective in a bedroom, but it’s important to choose the right wall. The wall behind the bed would be most advisable as this is usually the room’s focal point, so switching up the colour for this wall can further enhance depth and character without making the room feel smaller or overwhelmed.’
If you're not feeling quite brave enough to paint your walls blue - or simply can't because you're renting - sky blue bedding or a bedspread like this quilted John Lewis design will spread the soothing colour across a large enough surface.
Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue is the perfect blue shade for a bedroom, and not just because of its fitting name. According to Michael at The Paint Shed, it's also one of the most popular and B&Q's exclusively 5-star reviews back it up.
This neutral cushion from John Lewis is the perfect accompaniment to a sky blue bedroom colour scheme, especially as it comes jazzed up with a contrasting scalloped trim in pale blue.
2. Create an earthy colour scheme
Earthy shades are set to be a big part of the colour palette of 2025 with many a paint trend heading in that direction, from dark browns to warm terracottas. And this colour scheme happens to be perfect for a bedroom for a cosy, cocooning feel.
‘The colour brown is huge this year and it’s set to stick around into 2025. Brown is an inviting and stable colour that creates a welcoming partnership between all of nature’s shades from sage to terracotta and it can be used in a multitude of ways when decorating. Graham & Brown’s colour of the year, Elderton is a chameleon colour that can be sophisticated yet cosy depending on the mood of the space it is in. A timeless and charming shade is a well-balanced natural brown which will never go out of style,’ Paula at Graham & Brown says.
3. Colour drench in beige
‘Beige has also been a popular choice for bedrooms this year, because of its warm qualities. Beige is a natural, calming colour for a bedroom, ideal for a neutral bedroom interior as it is soft and soothing, and able to blend with a variety of other colours. Beige bedroom walls could take a variety of different hues, from warm earthy beiges with green tones to those with more pinkish notes. When painted on both ceilings and walls, using a beige shade in the bedroom will create a comforting and calming feel,’ Lucy at Valspar says.
And beige is also one of the best and easiest shades to colour-drench with and create a soothing, enveloping surrounding in your bedroom.
‘Colour drenching works well as it allows you to seamlessly drape a space in colour and calm the mind as it allows your brain to move from once part of the room to another with ease. It is also a fun way for you to bring colour to the space through the walls, doorframes, doors, window frames and skirting board, bedding and soft furnishings to create a cohesive and contemporary full room look,’ Paula at Graham & Brown explains.
4. Think like pic'n'mix
Look to the bright pastel shades of pic'n'mix for inspiring bedroom colour ideas. The combination of purples, yellows and pinks will add a joyful feel to your space.
To prevent things from getting too sickly sweet, choose the cooler-toned versions of these colours and your pink bedroom will seem more Instagram-chic and less Barbie Dreamhouse (although that might be goals for some!).
5. Focus on your accent colours
When working with the 60-30-10 rule, it's all too easy to only focus on the larger percentage. However, it's an exiting opportunity to find cool accent shades to make a statement.
When considering which bedroom colour ideas to work with, make the most of a neutral background by using two unexpected shades for the smaller areas of the room. Perhaps baby blue and magenta, fuchsia and greens or even lavender and yellow.
6. Pair orange and pink
'As a colour fanatic, I’m most excited by combining shades and playing with palettes,' says colour expert Annie Sloan. 'Whether contrasting or tonal, each combination brings new possibilities and paint ideas.'
'I absolutely adore vivid, juicy, Vitamin C packed orange with a soft pastel pink. I’m hoping it’ll be the new green and pink, because it’s such a rewarding contrast. Both colours are playful and beautiful. The juxtaposition of hot orange and a cool-toned pale pink is simultaneously knowingly retro yet elegantly contemporary.'
7. Set the scene with a deep blue-green
If your design eye is naturally drawn to a neutral palette for bedroom paint ideas, shake things up a little with a shot of glorious blue-green. Use an elegant, rich shade of forest green or teal on the walls in your bedroom to instantly invigorate the space.
While the colour is uplifting, it's not bright so it still has the power to warm up the space and create a cosy, cocoon-like feel. Pairing rich wooden furniture adds a further touch of nature, which again has a calming feel. If you don't want to commit to all-over bedroom colour ideas, consider breaking it up with foolproof white accessories.
8. Soften the mood with pale green
'When we are feeling stressed (increasingly so, in these busy and chaotic times), we need to completely reduce the visual noise,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
When it comes to bedroom colour ideas she suggests using tranquil colours that 'melt the walls away and reconnect us with nature.'
9. Try denim blue and orange
From deep indigo tones to soft chambray shades, denim blues work with fresh whites and simple stripes for calming, timeless bedroom colour schemes.
Classic stonewashed blues are your go-to colour if you love relaxed country style or a smart Hamptons-inspired look, making the perfect foundation for deeper hues and plenty of tone-on-tone patterns. Mix with a generous helping of crisp whites and a highlight of soft orange, for a touch of vibrancy against these saturated blues.
10. Keep it simple in white with colourful accessories
White is one of the most classic and calming bedroom colour ideas. But simple doesn't have to mean boring. To keep white bedroom ideas feeling peaceful, combine white walls with a natural wood floor, accessorised with tones of green and luscious prints will inject interest.
The neutral base also means you can mix things up with different textiles and bed linen, depending on the season. An all-white neutral base allows you to change the accent colour as your tastes may change.
11. Dare to be different with a dark navy colour palette
Give your bedroom a fresh, timeless vibe with a cool, calm and collected blue and white palette. Use indigo and navy blue as if they were neutral bedroom ideas and you will find you can combine them with just about any colour. Add in bold accessories and daring patterns without a second thought.
If you want a calming feel to your bedroom colour ideas, then the nautical shades of blue and white complement each other beautifully. Choose subtly striped wallpaper for this coastal living room theme, teamed with white bed linen and a navy wool throw.
12. Combine green and pink
The saying 'pink and green should never be seen' couldn't be wrong more. This colour combination works perfectly to create a calming yet colourful bedroom scheme.
If you prefer a more subtle look, go for grey or blush pink bedlinen to work with your green bedroom ideas. Alternatively, a statement tapestry or wallpaper is a fun way to incorporate the colour pairing.
13. Add dusky pinks
Pale, dusky pink is a great alternative to a completely neutral bedroom as it remains calming but also adds a pretty and inviting touch. Choosing dusky tones of pink will give a soothing quality to your room where deeper tones could become too strong or overpowering.
Mix with rich accents and brass for a touch of modern glamour, or spin it rustic with greys and grainy wood.
14. Blend dark green with cream
Green is one of the most calming bedroom colour ideas and dark emerald hues are especially on trend. But if it feels like too much of a commitment or you want to add light to a bedroom then consider combining with cream in a half-height look.
This adds light to the top of the bedroom while grounding the bottom half in a warm shade. Team with warm woods and bright orange accents to make it look boutique hotel-inspired.
15. Use midnight blue with blush pink
The light absorbing shade of navy is perfect for a bedroom, providing a mellow pre-sleep mood and easy-on-the-eye awakenings. If you use it on all four walls, keep the floor and ceiling crisp white and mix in plenty of neutrals to balance the darker shades.
If you use the colour wheel you'll see that nude pink is the perfect accent for midnight blue, so use in in abundance on bedlinen, cushions and throws.
16. Stick to sophisticated charcoal grey
Stick to a tried-and-tested palette. The grey-on-grey trend shows no sign of fading. Explore the many depths of this colour palette by layering tones to create a grey bedroom that looks cohesive and considered.
Use grey in both its palest and deepest incarnations to create a rich, contrasting look that is harmonious and co-ordinated. Add a welcome splash of colour with bright pink and white bedding.
17. Add alluring tones of teal
Chose a teal bedroom as the base colour to make your space feel sumptuous. Painting cupboards, wardrobes or a fire surround in the same shade will make them disappear, while a headboard in a contrasting colour will make a real style statement.
18. Wow with all-white
Simple but oh-so sophisticated, all-white bedroom colour ideas just ooze understated style.
All-white bed linen is a must for this look - just layer it up with pillowcases, cushions and throws with a frill edging. Different textures are the key to making the scheme three-dimensional rather than flat.
FAQs
What is the best colour for a bedroom?
'Green is becoming a popular colour for bedrooms in 2024,' says Sarah Lloyd, interiors & paint specialist at Valspar Paint. 'It’s no surprise this colour is on the rise, as it is often associated with nature and the outdoors, which can create a sense of harmony and tranquillity in your bedroom, and also help to ease stress and anxiety.'
'Darker shades of green, such as forest green or hunter green, will create a cosy and intimate atmosphere in a bedroom, while lighter shades, like sage or mint, can create a fresh and spa- like environment, so it all depends on what you’re planning to create.'
Are bright colours good for the bedroom?
'When it comes to bedroom colour ideas bright and bold is back - and better than ever,' encourages Sally Evans, marketing manager for bedding company Vantona. 'Whether it be abstract designs or vivacious colours, a dopamine dressed interior is certain to inject happiness into the home.'
'To transform your bedroom to meet this trend, you can incorporate a striking palette of yellows, pinks, and greens and complement them with accents in similar palettes to inject a playful touch to the room.'
Sweet dreams!
