How to Choose Which Bedroom Color Scheme is Right For You

Of course, personal preference will inform how you choose to decorate your bedroom for the most part, but there are a few things you may want to consider before getting too wild and wacky with your choice of color scheme. For most of us, the bedroom is where we unwind at the end of the day, so it’s essential to choose a color scheme that creates the kind of tranquil ambiance conducive to rest and relaxation…. which isn’t to say you can’t get a little adventurous with some bright, cheerful accents where appropriate.

Keep it Safe with Neutrals

Neutral colors such as beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray and white make for a great, safe choice when it comes to choosing your main color scheme. Choosing a neutral backdrop means you can get a little flamboyant with accent colors, without having to worry about whether they’ll fit in with the overall aesthetic. Neutrals work with pretty much every color going, and while some people tend to think of them as “boring”, they can easily be livened up with a stunning piece of artwork, some colorful rugs, and some bright accessories. When using neutrals, remember to pay attention to undertones. White is rarely just white… look closely, and you’ll notice it has undertones of pink, green, blue, or even gray. Choose a paint with the undertone that most closely corresponds with the general aesthetic you’re trying to create. Want a warm, welcoming space? Then choose a white with brown or yellow undertones. Want a cool, contemporary room? Then white with a hint of blue or grey may be just the ticket.

Pretty in Pastels

Soft, gentle, and perfect for creating a harmonious, relaxing ambiance, pastel colors are a great choice for the bedroom. Soft blues, greens, lavenders, yellows, and pinks create a serene backdrop perfect for getting you in the mood for sleep. If you’re worried about pastels looking too childish or feminine, add a bit of grown-up style by accenting them with bolder, darker colors: you’ll still keep that relaxing ambiance while staying just the right side of sugary sweetness.

Add Some Cheerfulness

Bright, energetic colors tend to promote a sense of alertness and wakefulness that isn’t necessarily conducive to the relaxing atmosphere you’ll want to create in a bedroom. But that’s not to say you need to avoid them completely. If you feel happier in a bright, fresh environment, offset your neutral backdrop with a few cheery splashes of accent color in whichever shade suits you best… although as From House To Home points out, remember that certain colors can create very different moods:

• Blue: whether you choose the deepest navy or the lightest sky blue, blue is a great color to imbue a sense of calm serenity. Other feelings that blue can foster include loyalty, protection, and contemplation… as an added benefit, it’s even thought to help guard against nightmares.
• Purple: purple tends to be associated with fertility, creativity, and happiness… all three of which could reasonable come of use in the bedroom! Just bear in mind that purple is quite a dramatic, hard color, so use it judiciously.
• Dark Grey: Dark Grey may look fabulously contemporary, but it can also evoke feelings of stress and sadness if used too liberally. Keep it to accents only to avoid creating a depressing look.
• Yellow: sunshine yellow is guaranteed to make you wake up feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. A few accents in canary yellow or a softer primrose shade will look fabulous against a neutral backdrop (a soft, dove grey works particularly well).
• Green: green is the perfect choice for creating a nurturing, peaceful environment. Light greens will keep things spring-like and fresh, while darker greens will help create an intimate, cozy escape.

Color Combinations

Don’t feel you need to pick one color and stick to that for everything from the walls to the carpets to the drapes to the accessories. Create a personal look by carefully mixing and matching colors that contrast beautifully: yellows with greys and whites with blues are both classic combinations, while light corals mixed in with neutrals will create a crisp but inviting vibe that works perfectly in a bedroom setting.

Base your Color Scheme on your Furniture

As Wiki How notes, unless you’re completely revamping your bedroom from scratch, it’s a good idea to make sure your choice of color scheme is a good fit with your existing bedroom furniture, décor, bedding, and drapes. If you have a particular piece that’s the focal point of the room (such as a huge Persian rug) pick out a tone from the piece and use that as the basis for your overall scheme. Not only will it make sure the style of your room looks cohesive and well pulled together, but it will also make sure that the piece remains the focal point by avoiding too many other distracting elements. You don’t have to create an overly “matchy-matchy’ vibe, but everything should seem to “flow” together in harmony.

Consider Space

Before you get too carried away with color charts and paint samples, it’s a good idea to consider exactly how much space you have to play with. Small or badly lit bedrooms might benefit form lighter shades that will give a feeling of spaciousness and make the most of the natural light: if your room is on the larger side, darker shades will help create a cozy, intimate space and a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Keep it Soft

Even if you opt for a darker color scheme, it’s important to keep things from becoming overwhelming or oppressive by avoiding over-saturated shades. Deep reds and dark purples needn’t be avoided altogether but keep things soft by mixing in a neutral color (a little grey and white run through the red, for example, will let you keep the boldness with none of the heaviness).