If you’ve long grown tired of the same old colour in your bedroom, it might be time for a change, but with so many options available, which colour should you go for?
Choosing the right colour for your bedroom might appear on the surface as a simple question that comes down to personal preference, and in some ways, you might be right, but picking a colour that you are going to wake up and go to sleep to day after day for several years is not a decision that should be taken lightly or quickly.
Here’s our quick guide to choosing the best colour for your bedroom.
Why is the colour of your bedroom important?
It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but the bedroom is where the emotions really reside.
Considering we spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, the bedroom is almost always the most commonly used room in our lives. It’s a place of good emotions (I’m sure you can guess) but for those who have problems sleeping, it can be the setting for anxiety and stress.
There are many methods you can try to improve your sleep, ranging from temperature to diet and from breathing techniques to music, but one factor commonly overlooked is the colour of your room.
Colours have long been associated with different moods. Warm colours like red, yellow and orange evoke higher arousal emotions, such as love, passion, happiness, and anger. On the other hand, cooler colours, such as blue, green and purple are linked to calmness, sadness and indifference.
While it would be easy to simply have one colour that is great to help you sleep, that’s not quite the case, and both warm and cool colours come with benefits and drawbacks. The bottom line is that it’s important to find a colour that makes you feel good, whether that’s a calm blue or bright pink.
Soothing Neutrals
Soothing neutral colours, such as ivory, taupe, black, grey and white give a room a clean, sleek look that many people choose to go for, but can be a little on the dull side if you’re looking for something exciting and happy.
Many people pick a neutral colour and then add brighter aspects through accessories, bedding and curtains etc, which can help to bring a little life into the room.
Neutral colours are also a good choice if you’re considering moving at some point and looking for a colour that might attract buyers. Bright red walls tend to not do so well with would-be purchasers.
Peaceful Pastels
Peaceful pastel colours, such as soft blues, lavender, green, yellow and pink can add a calm element to your bedroom, while still retaining an elegant vibe. A gentle blue is often considered the most calming colour out there, with green of course associated with nature and regeneration.
Yellow is another popular choice, with many finding it a bright, happy and positive colour to be around. But that being said, it’s not for everybody. Some will find an intense yellow just too much and a softer yellow can quickly lose its attractive edge.
Unsurprisingly, peaceful pastel colours are usually considered the best options to ensure a good night's sleep.
Expressive Colours
If you want a real change - and are feeling brave - then an expressive colour might be for you. But before you rush out to buy a luminescent green or a scolding red, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Expressive colours are bold, brash and certainly in your face, so it’s important to consider your own personality before painting your walls. Just because you are drawn to colour on a whim, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll want it on your walls for years to come.
It’s also important to remember that dark colours have a habit of making a room feel smaller, while lighter colours generally have the opposite effect. And while expressive colours can really dazzle, they might always be the best option if you are a naturally poor sleeper as their tones are usually far from calming.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, there’s no magic answer when it comes to choosing a colour to paint your bedroom. The key is to simply take your time when choosing and not rush into anything. You don’t want to be painting over a bright red tone a week after doing it because you’re unable to sleep in such a bright environment.
Neutral colours are a popular choice, but can also be a little on the boring side if you want to add a bit of life to your walls. Peaceful pastels include colours that are generally considered calming, happy and positive, while something expressive certainly makes a strong statement, but is often too much for many people.
Choosing a colour is about balancing something you like and which stirs emotions within you, with a degree of logic - is this something you want to see every day? If not, then don’t even consider it.
