Gorgeous bedroom paint colors make for an easy and (almost) instantaneous update to your space. Whether you go soothing green, calming blue or warming red, there are bedroom colors to suit every taste.
And, if you are on a budget, we always say that painting is one of the most cost-effective and versatile ways to upgrade your space. Especially if you grab the brushes and rollers and do it yourself, instead of hiring a handyman. But how do you go about choosing the perfect bedroom color scheme?
First, consider the mood you want to create: bright and cheerful, cozy and muted (if so, one of the best white paints might work well), or dramatic? Then, think about your bedroom's orientation: how much sunlight does it get and how will the colors you're considering look under both natural daylight and lamplight? Now think about your bedroom's size: do you want your small bedroom to feel larger or does creating a bigger-feeling space really not matter that much to you in a bedroom?
Bedroom paint colors to recreate
Get your color scheme on point and it will enhance your favorite bedroom ideas in no time at all.
'Bedroom decor is important. Just because fewer people see it doesn’t mean it should fall down the priority list when decorating,' says Dominic Myland, CEO, Mylands.
'A personal sanctuary, let the bedroom express your favorite colors and collections. Remember to keep it cozy and warm, regardless of style, as it plays a key role in helping to recharge and reflect.'
'Use paint to turn function into beauty with in-room storage, whether that’s adding color and accessories, to built in units or upcycling favorite old pieces. Top tip! Don’t ignore the ceiling, whether keeping it light and simple or making a statement, keeping it fresh will make the room look that much better.'
34 bedroom paint colors
1. Create a botanical garden with green and pink
In a place where you get your shut-eye, you'll want a calm and tranquil space to rest. However, if you've ever spent the night in a tent in your backyard, you'll know gardens aren't the greatest spaces to sleep in. So get the next best thing with a botanical-inspired pink and green bedroom scheme.
Aside from sage-colored paint emulsion, beautify your bedroom walls with a leaf or floral-patterned rug to get that on-trend biophilic look.
2. Give pink a bohemian makeover
If there's one thing that this bedroom proves, it's that you don't have to give up using pink as a bedroom color once you hit adulthood. Full of gorgeous abstract and geometric lines, this boho bedroom is a grown-up scheme with not a garish or sickly-sweet tone in sight.
Create this seventies-inspired scheme by using a round jute rug, an airy sand-colored window treatment (think a voile or linen-textured blind) and woven materials on your bed and seating.
3. Be bold with a dark, oriental-inspired bedroom
You may think black bedrooms are only for goths or rock chicks, but this dark color scheme is so much more versatile when paired with the season's hottest trends.
Explore Far East fusion in your bedroom with a statement feature headboard and bright Chinoiseries-style cushions. Add an exotic entryway rug at the end of your bed to add interest to a neutral carpeted floor. And, to light the space, opt for something with fringing or a lantern-style shade.
4. Make navy feminine with floral touches
With powerful and authoritative connotations, a navy blue bedroom has the natural ability to show that you mean business both in and outside the home.
But rather than clad your walls in this inky hue, break up any bit of conservatism with a beautiful floral feature wall. As well as the beautiful bright colors from the petals, it will lift any harshness from the shade.
5. Look to nature for a neutral color scheme
A palette that works in any room, natural shades continue to grow in popularity. In a bedroom, the alluring and organic hues add warmth and homeliness to this space.
Though the term 'neutral' can be quite vague, creams, browns and beiges are hues that dip in and out of interior trends – take Nordic styles and rustic bedrooms for example – as a color combination, this selection is second-to-none.
If you have a white bedroom, use nutty accent tones to stop a brilliant white space looking clinical. Swapping 'cold' lighting for something warm will also add to the cozy cabin atmosphere.
'Textured accessories in recycled materials, wood and natural stone marry perfectly with natural hues, enhancing and enriching a space to truly bring it to life,' says Justyna Korczynska, color consultant, Crown Paints.
'Social and environmental consciousness has become an important factor in our lives, and it influences the choices we make. Products that are locally sourced, carefully crafted and made of natural materials are becoming more sought after.'
'Those products and materials bring their own color palette with them. Those colors, mostly inspired by nature and natural materials create calm and harmonious spaces.'
6. Take teal further than your walls
For indecisive interior designers, teal bedroom ideas are the perfect middle ground for those who can't choose between blue and green. Whether you call it aquamarine or turquoise, you can't deny that immersing your bedroom in this ocean inspired shade will remind you of a Mediterranean vacation.
If you can't get enough of the azure aesthetic on your walls, paint your door in a similar shade too, to truly bask in the bedroom scheme.
'Blue can have a positive effect on mood as it connects us to a sky or ocean found in nature, which helps us to feel relaxed. It is known to help calm the mind and produce a feeling of tranquillity – and who isn’t looking for some of this before going to sleep at night?’ confirms Joanna Ross, general manager, product and innovation, Sheridan.
7. Break up bright yellow with pattern
Bedroom paint colors don't need to be too sensible, though! OK, there's no two ways about it. It takes a confident person to pull off a yellow bedroom. But, if you're staring at that person in the mirror, then this sunny shade will brighten up your mornings.
To make this shade work for you, invest in lots of affordable patterned pieces that you can switch out across the seasons. Go for Daffodil hues in the height of spring and move to spicy mustards and ochers when you need your fall fix.
8. Add a fall-inspired touch with browns and oranges
As the nights turn colder and the days shorter – fall is the perfect time to turn to orange, auburn and rust notes for your bedroom paint colors, as you transition into Fall/Autumn. Check into the harvest season with lots of plaid pattern, rich wooden furniture and patchwork-style pillows or cushions. Mix and match Heirloom, hand-me-down homewares with new-season finds for the perfect rustic bedroom.
Dried foliage or Autumnal blooms such as Chinese lanterns, Dahlias or Chrysanthemums are great for adding color to the bedside table.
9. Paint walls with a classic pale gray
You just can't go wrong with a pale gray paint, can you? It's such a classic and instantly makes a room feel elegant and airy. It works in any size bedroom and with any amount of natural light too, so it's a really easy color to work with.
You can embrace the cooler tones and pair it with deeper gray and blues for a more steely vibe or copy this gray bedroom and warm up those walls with dark woods, soft grays and blush tones.
10. Pick a bang on trend sage green
Sage green paint is having a bit of a moment, isn't it? We can't scroll through Instagram for more than a few seconds without seeing some gorgeous muted green features. So naturally, we want in on this emerging trend.
It's the perfect bedroom paint color – it's bolder than a white or gray but it's still so subtle and soft and just instantly creates a very serene vibe.
'We all know green is a restful color so what better place to put this to practice than by decorating your bedroom in one of its tones.' says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.
'Not only will green help impart the mood of relaxation, but it will create a lovely link to the outdoors. Try decorating on both the walls and the ceiling for a fully immersive experience – this will help blur the boundaries of a room with limited space too.'
Love this wall paneling idea? You could actually DIY it using wooden boards and wood glue or nails.
11. Go bold with blue
A rich, vibrant blue bedroom design is instantly going to make a statement, but it's a much more liveable hue than you might think. Pair it with very simple, minimal decor and just let that blue be the focus.
'Blue is a little difficult to use because it’s generally cool toned, and the lighter shades can almost make a space feel too big and open (first world problems eh)!' says Annie Sloan, color and paint expert.
'You have a couple of options here. One is to opt for a deep, rich blue – which has a complex balance of warm and cool pigments and will make a space feel bigger, but not exposed. Or, if you’re like me and you like to play with color, use complementaries! I’d include some orange accessories which will provide warmth, emphasize the depth of both colors and make a very stylish statement.'
12. Create texture with paint
We have been noticing a growing trend for bare plaster walls. You know, walls that look like you ripped all the bedroom wallpaper off, barely sanded it down, and just left it to do its thing, but in a good way.
Since for most of us trying to get back to that bare plaster would be a massive job and probably leave our rooms looking like a not-very-cool disused warehouse, you'll be pleased to know you can recreate that distressed look simply with paint.
Create three hues of your chosen paint shade by either adding a touch of black (to make it darker) or white (to make it lighter). Apply a thin layer of the darkest color to the whole wall, and don't worry if it looks messy or unfinished.
Then, use a textured sponge or a cloth to go on top with the lighter colors, making sure you leave sections where you can see the darker color underneath. You can interchange between using the sponge and a rag to create more texture, even turn to the darker paint again to add more depth.
13. Add height with a painted dado rail
Firstly, loving this all over pink. It's perfect for a small bedroom as it almost blurs the edges of the room and alludes to the space being bigger.
The dado rail effect helps give the room height too, and you could really easily recreate this paint idea in your own space with any bedroom color. Just use masking tape to create your line and then use a slightly darker tone of the wall color above to create the subtle color block effect.
14. Embrace not-so-boring beige
'I feel beige and greige are going to be the new gray,' says Tash Bradley, head color specialist at Lick Home.
'The warm earthy tones make you feel stable and grounded paired with dusky pinks and warm green to bring balance and calmness to our lives.'
We couldn't agree more. Beige had a bit of bad rep of being a somewhat 'meh' color, but it's definitely making a comeback as a very warm, elegant, cozy tone that's perfect for Scandinavian bedrooms. Keep it feeling contemporary by pairing it with white and black.
15. Pick minty shades for east-facing bedrooms
'East facing rooms are drenched with morning light, but cooler in the afternoon so work with nature and play to this bias using soft Aquas, (essentially blue/green shades),' says O’Donnell.
'They have a natural affinity to the lighting conditions but rarely feel too icy due to the blend of both colors. Aqua has a lovely restful quality and is super flexible depending on how you decorate your room with other furnishings, which can make the room feel either modern or traditional.'
16. Get creative with shapes
If you are after fun (but sophisticated) feature wall idea, check this out! So simple but so effective, and it is a great look if you have a smaller bedroom that you want to give some interest but not clutter up with a load of decor.
We personally love the pastel pink circle, but you could go with any bedroom color or shape that you feel suits your space and style.
17. Opt for warm tones for a cozy med vibe
Terracottas, oranges and even browns are becoming increasingly popular bedroom colors. They bring in so much warmth and instantly make a space feel inviting, and this palette is perfect for a vintage retro bedroom scheme.
'We’ve seen so many homeowners use paint to create a restorative sanctuary in their bedrooms, where they need it most,' says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
'We are seeing a lot of bedrooms incorporate colors inspired by the earth. Warm browns, deep greens and calming blues will be at the forefront as homeowners are bringing the outdoors in through design.'
'Rooted in nature, Sherwin-Williams' 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze SW 7048, creates a sense of calm, safety and security. I recommend painting it on all four walls in a bedroom for a cozy, cocoon feeling.'
18. Add a gallery wall to black walls
Yes, this is quite the look. It's very dramatic, but we think it totally works and actually proves that black can be a perfect color for a bedroom. Plus, the art that makes up the gallery wall stands out even more against a dark backdrop!
'While dark colors for any room can often feel like a leap of faith, they can create surprisingly cocooning spaces, so don’t rule out using them in the bedroom, especially if the room is poorly blessed with natural light.'
'Try a color like Down Pipe from Farrow & Ball which never feels too cold or overwhelming, especially when simply dressed in off white linen for a clean contrast.' says O’Donnell.
19. Or just paint the ceiling
And if you love dark interior design ideas, but aren't quite ready to commit to an all-over look, this bedroom paint idea is for you.
Dark ceilings can make a real statement, especially when contrasted with paler walls. If you want to warm up the look just bring in some yellow and gold tones as you can see with this gorgeous bedroom color idea.
Bring in some fun textures too to stop the monochrome scheme feeling too flat.
20. Highlight a feature with a different shade
Copy this bedroom paint idea and choose one strong color – then, pick a lighter accent tone of the same color to show off your room's features to add an extra touch of character.
The paler circle around the mirror and the stripe at coving height soften the effect of the deep purple paint color; a similar approach will create a bedroom paint wall design that is unusual and striking.
21. Go for deep and dramatic colors
Darker bedroom paint colors work really well if you balance the rest of the color scheme carefully. Choosing pale colors for the bedding, furniture, flooring, ceiling and window dressing will be particularly important in a room that gets poor natural daylight, but will keep brighter spaces feeling airy in the daytime, too.
Add in a few touches of a warmer accent shade, such as pastel pink to keep the room feeling welcoming. There's no need to discount it for men's bedroom ideas, either!
Here, the pale bedding, cream rug and flooring all contrast with the beautiful deep blue wall color. For something similar try Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue.
22. Create a coastal feel with blue and white
Still love the enduringly popular New England coastal decorating look? We don't blame you – it never dates and always looks fresh and clean. Plus it's a really easy look to switch up as your tastes change.
To recreate this bedroom paint idea, choose a soft white paint for the walls and ceiling, and even the floor if you have been blessed with lovely floorboards. Then bring in those touches of blue with the decor and soft furnishings.
23. Get on-trend with painted geometric shapes
Geometric paint effects are very trendy – so why not add your own graphic design to your bedroom walls with little more than a roll of masking tape and a paintbrush? Use white as your canvas, and select some pretty pastel decorating ideas to complete the look.
You may even get away with tester pots for the lesser-used accent shades. Team with bedding in similar shades to complete the look.
24. Immerse the room in earthy shades
Don’t be afraid to try warmer, more intense shades with your bedroom paint colors, especially if yours faces north or east, has a small window or has proportions that make it feel unwelcoming.
Picking a yellow? If citrus bedroom color ideas feel too bright, pick earthier tones instead. Team with crisp white woodwork for a fresh look and accent with black accessories to give the room a contemporary edge.
25. Bring the outdoors in with green
Another color that's on-trend is this deep, blue/green – and it's perfect for a bedroom, whatever its size or orientation. By day, it's light enough to bounce light around; by night, it will deepen to create an intimate feel. Better still, it's a great match for an abundance of the best houseplants to create your own little sanctuary.
'One thing I would always avoid is anything too saturated in a bedroom – my bedroom is painted in deep Aubusson Blue and at night-time it’s the most seductive, soporific, cozy night-sky blue,' says Sloan.
'In the morning as daylight fills the room, you can see the green nuances to it, so I’m still getting my color kick but I’m not trying to go to sleep in a room with a bright green wall shouting at me.'
26. Create a calm look with beautiful neutrals
Want your bedroom to be a haven of calm? Or perhaps you like to change the look of a room on a regular basis? If you're not a fan of bold bedroom paint colors, a neutral bedroom color scheme will create a relaxed, spacious feel that's the perfect backdrop for ever-changing accessories.
Pick white or off-white for your walls and ceiling and then bring in some warmth with terracotta hues, wooden accents and natural textures. Pick a slightly darker color to add too just to create a bit of contrast.
As the saying goes: 'Tidy space, tidy mind' so ensure your sleep space is decluttered, as minimalist bedrooms emit less 'visual noise'.
27. Liven up your bedroom with polka dots
Create your own feature wall without wallpapering by painting different shapes in various colors against a pale background color; it’s a very effective and an easy way to add interest to an existing bedroom color scheme. Use an on-trend metallic for the dots, as shown in this pink room for a touch of boudoir glamour.
28. Create an elegant finish with painted panels
Whether your walls are tongue-and-grooved or paneled, or you're creating your own DIY wall panels from lengths of MDF pinned and glued to the wall, painting it in an authentic, period shade (which also happens to be fashionable for homes right now, too), will give your bedroom an elegant, traditional appeal that's rather smart, too.
Then all you have to do is choose contemporary furnishings and accessories for the perfect mix of old and new.
29. Go for an all white bedroom
Wow. Paint your bedroom white – how ground-breaking (said in our best Miranda Priestly voice). But seriously, an all-white bedroom looks clean, crisp and it's never going to date, so it's actually a fantastic idea for those unsure of their favorite bedroom paint colors.
Pick a really bright white and go to town – paint the ceiling, the woodwork, the walls – to create a (surprisingly) striking look. Add color and pattern with your bedroom accessories and bed linen.
30. Paint a DIY headboard
Looking for a bedroom painting hack? Literally, the cheapest alternative to a real headboard, all you need for this quick DIY bedroom paint idea is some paint, a brush (or roller) and some masking tape.
Start by using tape to mark out a rectangle around the top of your bed. Then, take your color of choice and start painting, being careful to keep within the lines of the masking tape. Let the paint dry, giving it another coat if it needs one, and then peel away the masking tape. We have loads more where that came from in our DIY headboards feature.
31. Split the walls with contrasting colors
Period bedrooms have dado and picture rails to divide the wall up into areas that can each be given a different treatment, but if your home is modern and without these authentic details, you can still zone your walls with different colors to create a layered look that's packed with interest.
Fail-safe rule? Keep the darker of the colors to the lower part of the walls and the lighter above to make the ceiling feel higher and the room bigger. And, if you're picking a bold shade, opt for a non-white, or off white accent color block for a softer contrast.
32. Paint a bedroom in a pastel pink
Pink is still a massive trend right now, but in interiors, we have moved past the slightly brighter millennial pink, towards softer, more blush pinks which we personally think are so much easier to decorate with.
Blush pinks are perfect for bedrooms because they instantly make a room feel more cozy and warm and just more inviting. This bedroom idea for women quickly upgrades a pretty princess space to a cool Queen scheme.
For a great pink paint for bedrooms try Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink.
33. Add a pop of red
You don't see red all that often in a bedroom – it's seen to be quite a bold, almost overpowering, color. But we think used in the right quantities it can create a cozy and inviting space.
We have seen it work so well in more traditional bedrooms, where lines are not as clean and walls not as straight, so if you have a period property (or not, actually) try painting a feature wall, or a portion of the wall in a dusky, chalky red.
34. Play with purple
Lilac and other shades of purple can often get a bad rep for being granny-like and old-fashioned, but this calming color makes it an ideal bedroom paint choice for you and your partner.
To create a quick and easy romantic bedroom idea, add some candles above the mantel and style the table with a bunch of lavender. Then, just before you go to bed, add a few drops of lavender oil or spray to the pillow for a guaranteed good snooze.
What is the best color for a bedroom?
The best color for a bedroom will of course come down to your own personal style but there are practical elements to help you decide too, like the size of the room or how much natural light it gets. What kind of vibe you want to create will also decide the bedroom color scheme you choose. Do you want the space to be bright and breezy or cozy and cocooning?
Just some general rules to follow for bedroom paint colors – if your room lacks natural light, you want to create warmth by using warmed toned colors. Think blush pinks, oranges, warm whites, beige and even soft, muted yellows would work.
If your bedroom is on the smaller side, you could play it safe by going to very neutral, light colors like bright whites, as these are the most likely to make the room feel bigger. You could also go in the opposite direction and use darker hues like deep blues, greys and blacks to embrace the small dimensions.
What colors are on trend for bedrooms?
The color that still remains on-trend in bedrooms and is definitely the most popular hue is of course gray.
'Over the last 10 years, gray has been a very popular color,' explains Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
'I think gray will always be an important neutral and a popular color for DIYers and designers alike, just like white has always been. However, over the past few years we’ve noticed people craving color in their homes, which I think is a direct response to how pervasive Scandinavian minimalism was in the previous decade.'
'This doesn’t mean we’re eschewing gray, more so that we’re looking for different versions of it. Notably, warmer greys and beiges (or ‘greiges’) are increasing in popularity.'
'Along with beige, we've also seen a rise in pinks, sage greens, and darker colors are becoming increasingly popular in bedrooms.'
While other experts say blue is the hue for you when decorating your sleep den.
‘The boldness and warmth found in blue will continue to be prominent in our homes.' says Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin.
'Darker colors form a much better background for paintings and artworks than white, which art galleries and museums have discovered. Having painted a room blue, it may take time to accustom yourself to the look. You're likely to be horrified.'
'People find it difficult to cope with change. Leave it for a week and your feelings will alter. I suspect you won't hate it and if you do, repainting isn't that difficult. If you are still hesitant, start your transformation in a cloakroom or small bedroom, since richer colors work well in such spaces, despite the accepted wisdom that white paint makes a room seem larger.’