At the end of a busy day, there’s nothing like sinking into a bean bag bed and looking forward to hitting the hay and enjoying forty winks. Your sleeping environment can have a significant impact on your mood and your ability to sleep soundly. If you have difficulty sleeping or you’re in the process of planning a bedroom makeover, it’s beneficial to consider ways to create a relaxing, serene space. For inspiration, exploring bedroom colour ideas can help you design a personalised and calming atmosphere tailored to your style. One of the most critical aspects to think about is the colour of your bedroom. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best colours for bedrooms to relax, along with other calming tones and shades to give you inspiration for your beautiful new boudoir, while also highlighting the importance of achieving balance between different colours or tones for a harmonious and stylish look.
The importance of choosing the best colours for bedrooms to relax
We often choose colours for our interiors based on aesthetics, but did you know that the palette you select will also affect your mood and the vibe and feel of the room? Colours are proven to influence the way we think, with some shades known to help us feel calm and relaxed, and others capable of boosting energy levels and promoting positivity. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, which provides a restful haven to retreat to at the end of the day. When you walk into your bedroom, kick off your shoes and turn down the lights, you should feel your shoulders drop and your heart rate slow. Choosing the right colours for your room is an excellent place to start. When considering different shades for your bedroom, think about the look of the room, the size of the space and the kind of ambience you want to create. Colour choices can also reflect your personality, helping to create a space that feels uniquely yours and tailored to your style. In a bedroom, which is used for rest and sleep, you want to aim to create a very different feel to a kitchen or a living space where your family socialises, participates in creative activities or works, for example. The key lies in using colours to promote serenity and induce a state of calm.
Choosing a bedroom colour palette
Selecting the right bedroom colour palette is a crucial step in creating a space that feels both calming and inviting. Start by considering the natural light in your bedroom—rooms with plenty of sunlight can handle cooler or deeper shades, while spaces with less light often benefit from lighter, softer tones. A calming shade like light blue or pale green can instantly create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for encouraging restful sleep. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of the same colour on your bedroom walls; this technique adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space. For example, painting the walls in a gentle blue and using a slightly darker or lighter blue for trim or accents can create a harmonious, layered look. Benjamin Moore’s colour palettes offer a wide range of options, making it easy to find the perfect combination to suit your style and the unique qualities of your bedroom. Whether you prefer a single calming hue or a blend of complementary shades, the right colour palette will help you create a serene retreat you’ll love coming home to.
calming colour combinations for bedroom walls
The right colour combinations can transform your bedroom into a tranquil haven. Pairing soft, muted hues like beige, grey, and blue creates a calming effect that’s ideal for relaxation. Cool tones such as blue and green work beautifully together, providing a restful backdrop that encourages a good night’s sleep. To add warmth and coziness, consider incorporating earthy tones like brown or taupe alongside your cool neutrals. When choosing your bedroom wall colours, think about how they’ll interact with your bedroom furniture—selecting shades that complement your furnishings will help create a balanced, cohesive look. For example, a combination of soft grey walls with pale blue accents and natural wood furniture can create a soothing, inviting space. Remember, the goal is to create a calming and relaxing environment, so opt for colour combinations that are gentle and harmonious rather than bold or overly bright.
the best colours for a relaxing bedroom
For many of us, life is hectic, and we look forward to the moment we can take some time out to rest and recover. It’s vital to get enough sleep and to enable your body and mind to recharge, and having a relaxing bedroom is key. Choosing the right wall colour can set the tone for relaxation and help create a soothing atmosphere. If you’re looking for colours for your bedroom, here are some of the best options, with soft blue often being the perfect choice for a restful and calming space:
lavender
Long associated with improved sleep and relaxation, lavender is a popular choice for bedrooms. As a muted hue, lavender is ideal for creating a warm and inviting bedroom atmosphere. A subtle tone of purple, lavender adds colour and interest without overwhelming the space, making it a perfect option for rooms of all sizes. Lavender works beautifully as a calm bedroom paint color, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. With a pastel shade like lavender, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. You can inject colour to create a beautiful room at the same time as keeping the space light and bright. Deeper shades of purple can be rich and opulent, and they can be too intense, especially in a compact bedroom.
light grey
Grey is having a moment in the interior design hotlists, and it’s an increasingly popular choice for offices, living spaces and bedrooms. The beauty of choosing grey for a bedroom is that it goes with almost every shade and you can select a tone that suits the size of the room and the amount of natural light. Lighter tones are perfect for small, secluded sanctuaries, while slightly bolder tones work well in larger, more open spaces, for example, loft-style apartment bedrooms. Brown and grey are both neutral colours that naturally pair together in a room, creating a balanced and cohesive look. A grey-blue shade balances tranquillity and sophistication, resulting in a calming and restful environment. You can paint the walls grey, opt for a statement wall or use coloured accessories to create a colourway that features shades of grey.
soft green
We often associate green with the natural world. Green is the colour of the trees and meadows, and it creates a vibrant, crisp, fresh feel. Green is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s also an excellent option for bedrooms. Lighter, softer, more subtle shades of green, for example, mint, olive and sage, promote tranquillity and peace and they can make you feel calm and content. Greens are often used in bedroom colour schemes to create harmonious and relaxing environments that promote rest and rejuvenation. Green and blue colours, when paired together, create a harmonious scheme for the bedroom, blending the serenity of nature with a calming ambience. With more delicate tones, you can also match your walls with neutral soft furnishings, furniture and flooring.
pale blue
Blue is the colour many of us think of first when we imagine feeling calm. Seeing a bright blue sky and watching the waves roll in is uplifting and calming. There are myriad shades of blue, and some are better suited to bedrooms than others. If you’re considering taking the plunge and going for a blue bedroom, stick to the lighter end of the spectrum and choose a shade that suits the size of the room. A versatile medium-tone blue creates a dependable foundation for personal styles in a bedroom, offering flexibility for various design preferences. If you have a bijou bedroom, for example, a very pale blue will work better than a bolder, darker tone. Mixing pastel blues with white or cream is a great idea for smaller spaces. If you have a large room or you want to be a little more audacious with your interior design plans, opt for a statement wall in a deeper blue. Dark blue shades, such as navy or blue-black, can create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, making the bedroom feel both calming and inviting.
blush pink
Pink is a colour we often see filling the shelves when Valentine’s Day comes around. The colour of love and romance, pink can be a bright and brash tone, but it can also be beautiful, understated and delicate. Blush pink is an ideal choice for romantic retreats, which ooze elegance, class and style. Soft shades of peach establish a familiar, inviting feeling in a bedroom, making it a great alternative to traditional pink tones. Different pinks, from soft blush to deeper rose, can be styled with greys, whites, or metallics to create a calming, modern, or luxurious ambience in the bedroom. If you love the idea of teaming a vintage-style bed with a chandelier or an oversized dressing table mirror, blush pink is perfect. The beauty of this tone is that it will also work with more modern interiors. For a cool, urban bedroom, for example, add rose gold accessories, a solid hardwood bed frame, a plush bean bag bed and potted plants displayed on a wall-mounted unit.
lemon
We tend to think of yellow as a bright, uplifting, happy shade, which is reserved for living rooms, kitchens and downstairs cloakrooms. The truth is that yellow might not be the first colour that springs to mind when decorating a bedroom, but it can work. If you opt for a gentle lemon tone and keep the decor simple, you can use yellow to create a soothing, tranquil space. Rather than going all-out and painting all the walls in pastel yellow, opt for subtle accents and pops of colour. Paint the walls white or light grey, and use cushions, throws, plant pots, rugs and frames to add flashes of colour.
beige
Beige gets a bad write-up when it comes to interior design, but the truth is that it works in almost any space. While beige might not be the colour du jour, it's common to see very similar tones used in glossy magazines and Pinterest posts. Often, a jazzier, slightly more enticing and alluring name can make beige more appealing. When browsing colour charts, look out for shades with names like calico, latte, macaroon, oat, fawn and buttermilk. This colour family is ideal for almost all living areas, and it can create the illusion of light and space. You can also use beige tones to channel a host of different trends, from retro designs to modern, minimalist looks.
white
White might not be the most exciting choice for a budding interior designer, but it offers a wealth of advantages. Often, white walls make rooms look larger and lighter, and you can mix white with any colour. For bedrooms, white is ideal because it is pure and simple. White can be clinical and sterile, but it can also be incredibly calming and peaceful. To add a cosy feel, buy a bean bag bed, add rugs and throws and opt for low-level, ambient lighting.
Bedroom colour ideas and inspiration
If you’re searching for bedroom colour ideas and inspiration, there’s no shortage of resources to spark your creativity. Start by exploring paint colour options from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore, whose website features a wide range of colour palettes and inspiration boards tailored to every style. Visiting a local paint store is another great way to see colours in person and get expert advice on the best bedroom paint for your space. For even more inspiration, browse social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where you’ll find endless examples of beautiful bedroom colour combinations and real-life makeovers. Home decor blogs and websites also offer plenty of ideas, from trending bedroom colour palettes to timeless classics. As you gather inspiration, keep your style and the overall mood you want to create in mind—whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, cool blues, or bold feature walls, there’s a perfect bedroom colour palette out there for you.
benjamin moore paint options for relaxing bedrooms
When it comes to creating a relaxing bedroom, Benjamin Moore offers an impressive range of paint colours and colour palettes designed to suit every taste. Their high-quality paints are known for their durability and rich, true-to-sample shades, making them a great choice for any bedroom makeover. For a soft, calming look, consider shades like “Snowfall White” or “Pale Oak,” which provide a serene backdrop for rest. If you prefer a warmer, more inviting atmosphere, muted hues like “Sand Dune” or “Revere Pewter” add subtle warmth without overpowering the space. Benjamin Moore also curates colour combinations and palettes specifically for bedrooms, making it easy to create a cohesive, tranquil environment. Whether you’re looking for cool, soothing tones or a warm, cozy retreat, Benjamin Moore’s extensive range of bedroom paint colours ensures you’ll find the perfect shade to help you unwind and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
The benefits of a bean bag bed for a tranquil bedroom
Designing a relaxing bedroom involves combining several elements. Although it’s crucial to choose the right colours for your walls and accessories, it’s also vital to make sure you have comfortable, cosy spots to wind down and chill out. Buying a bean bag bed is a great idea for adults and children. If you want to curl up with a good book or listen to music without putting yourself to bed, what could be better than diving onto a bean bag bed? You can snuggle up with a blanket in the winter or sit by a fan or an open window in the summer—windows are an important element in bedroom design, influencing both natural light and comfort. Bean bags are soft, they mould to your body, and they also look fantastic.
Adding colour to your bedroom without painting the walls
The most obvious way to add colour to your bedroom is to paint the walls, but what if you don’t want to arm yourself with a roller, or you’re looking for something more subtle or simple? While painted walls can dramatically transform a space, you can also achieve a vibrant look by using accessories instead. If you’re not keen on painting all the walls, or you want to stick to accents of colour, using accessories is an excellent idea. Alternatively, consider creating a feature wall to add personality and a focal point to your bedroom—this could be achieved with bold paint, wallpaper, or even striking patterns. Stripes, for example, make a great choice for accent features or feature walls, enhancing visual interest and adding sophistication or playfulness. This is particularly beneficial if your bedroom is small or there is a lack of natural light. You can use coloured bedding, soft furnishings, a bean bag bed, and finishing touches like a rug, photo, or picture frames, and plant pots and vases to introduce a colourway or carry a theme. If you have white walls, for example, you can create all kinds of looks. Opt for monochrome bed linen and cushions, and black and white framed photos for a contemporary look. For a Scandinavian vibe, consider flashes of powder or duck egg blue, or for a nautical design, green accents for a natural, clean, fresh feel.
Which colour is best for my bedroom?
There are several factors to bear in mind when it comes to choosing a colour for your bedroom. First and foremost, everyone has their sense of style and taste, and you should select a shade that you love. Every season, there are lists of new interior trends, but you don’t have to try them all. There might be some colours or styles that you don’t like or that don’t fit in with the vision you have for your bedroom. The second thing to think about is the amount of space you have available. Some shades will work better in smaller, more cramped spaces than others. If your bedroom is more petite than princely, stick to lighter tones like white, neutral shades and pastels. With larger rooms, you can be bolder.
Don’t forget to consider the ceiling—choosing a lighter ceiling colour can make the room feel more spacious and airy. In contrast, a darker or decorated ceiling can add visual interest and create a cozy atmosphere.
Another consideration is the feel of the room. How do you want to feel when you walk into the room? With bedrooms, it’s wise to opt for tones that make you feel relaxed and calm, and you might naturally gravitate towards shades of blue, green or grey, for example.
Creating a cosy bedroom with a coloured bean bag bed
Painting the walls is a fantastic way to inject colour into your home, but using coloured accessories is also a great idea. Whether you want to add accessories to lift white or neutral walls, or you're using furniture or finishing touches to introduce a tone that complements the wall colour, you can create a cosy, tranquil space with a bean bag bed. Bean bagsare available in a wide range of sizes and colours to suit all spaces, and they tick both the style and substance boxes. You can inject a pop of colour with a bright bean bag or opt for something more understated like beige, black or charcoal. It's also possible to use your bean bag to make your bedroom more versatile, as you can sit in your sanctuary to read, draw, write, meditate or listen to a chilled playlist.
Summary
Colour undoubtedly impacts the aesthetic of a room, but it can also influence the way we feel. If you’re planning to revamp your bedroom, or you long for a more soothing spot to recharge your batteries, it’s important to think about the colours you use. Painted walls and ceilings can dramatically transform the mood and appearance of your bedroom, enhancing its overall aesthetic. Pastel tones, neutral shades and colours like grey, blue, light purple and green are proven to promote calmness and contentment. Deep and soothing grey-blue paint colours encourage relaxation and calm in bedrooms, making them an excellent choice for creating a peaceful retreat. Changing the colour of your bedroom might put a smile on your face, not only because your boudoir looks incredible, but also because you’re able to sleep peacefully.
