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The Best and Worst Bedroom Paint Colors For Sleep

Unveiling the Bedroom Paint Colors That Affect Your Sleep
Julie Keller Callaghan

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Did you know that the walls of your room could influence your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors? From the soft embrace of calming hues to the invigorating energy of vibrant shades, the paint on our walls profoundly impacts our mood, sleep quality, and cognitive patterns. 

Here, Daniel Ufland, co-founder of Flitch, offers invaluable insights into the art of selecting bedroom paint colors.

The Best Paint Colors For Your Bedroom

  • Soft Blues: Shades like pale blue or periwinkle promote relaxation and tranquility, which is ideal for inducing sleep.
  • Lavender: This soothing hue has calming properties that can lower heart rate and blood pressure, aiding in a restful night’s sleep.
  • Soft Greens: Gentle shades of green evoke feelings of harmony and balance, creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to sleep.
  • Warm Greys: Subtle, warm grey tones provide a neutral and calming backdrop, helping to soothe the mind and encourage relaxation.
  • Earthy Neutrals: Neutral tones inspired by nature, such as taupe or beige, create a grounding effect, promoting a sense of calm and serenity.

The Worst Paint Colors For Your Bedroom

  • Bright Reds: Vibrant reds can be too stimulating and energizing for the bedroom, making it difficult to unwind and fall asleep.
  • Bold Yellows: Bright yellows may evoke feelings of happiness and energy, but they can also be too stimulating for that sleep-inducing environment you want to create.
  • Dark Browns: Dark brown shades can feel heavy and oppressive in a bedroom, potentially contributing to feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
  • Stark Whites: Pure white walls can be too harsh and sterile for a sleep-friendly environment, lacking the warmth and coziness needed for relaxation.
  • Intense Blacks: While black can create a dramatic look, it can also absorb light and make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, potentially disrupting your sleep patterns.

Color Psychology and Its Impact

“Color psychology explores how colors affect human behavior, emotions, and mood,” says Ufland. “When it comes to sleep patterns, certain colors can promote relaxation and tranquility, while others may hinder the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.”

Soft, cool tones like blue and lavender are known to have a calming effect, helping to lower heart rate and induce feelings of relaxation, contributing to improved sleep quality. Conversely, bright, stimulating colors such as red or yellow may increase arousal levels and make it more difficult to unwind, potentially disrupting your sleep. 

Top Tips For Choosing Your Bedroom’s Paint Color

  • Choose Calming Colors: Opt for soft, soothing hues like pale blues, gentle greens, and lavender, which promote relaxation and tranquility.
  • Consider Lighting: Consider your bedroom’s natural and artificial lighting when selecting paint colors. Soft, diffused lighting complements calming colors and enhances the sleep-inducing atmosphere.
  • Personal Preference Matters: Choose colors that resonate with you and create a sense of harmony and wellbeing. Your bedroom should reflect your individual style and preferences.
  • Test Before Committing: Before painting the entire room, test a small area or use paint swatches to see how the color looks in different lighting conditions and throughout the day.
  • Balance with Accents: If you’re drawn to bold or vibrant colors, consider incorporating them as accent pieces rather than painting the entire room. This allows you to enjoy pops of color without overwhelming the space.
About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.