Earthbound tones: How to use earthy colours in the bedroom

The natural world has long been a source of influence on our design choices. Now, more than ever, we’re looking to the outside to inspire our colour palettes.

From mossy greens to warm, earthy brown shades, the outside world is – quite literally – alive with inspiration. But earthbound shades do more than just look good; they provide an unmatched ambience that can make us feel so at home and at peace.  

So, if you’re interested in bringing the outside in, keep reading to learn how these complex earth tone shades make us feel and how to incorporate some of the natural world into your own bedroom design, with our soothing nature-inspired colour ideas.

You may wonder why we so often use nature as a reference point for design inspiration, textures, and most importantly, colours. Well, the answer lies in how nature makes us feel. 

Most often, the outdoors is associated with a feeling of peace and calm. Think of the soft greens of a forest canopy, or the rich, earthy tones of the freshly dug up soil in your grandparents’ garden. Or how about the otherworldly, iridescent colours that glisten on a wave that’s crashing onto the shore at sunset? All of these shades evoke a sense of grounding, balance and calming serenity. Whatever your favourite element of nature, there’s something for everyone to take inspiration from and feel deeply connected to.

In bedroom design, earthbound tones such as warm sandy beiges and muted terracotta can offer more than just aesthetic appeal (and yes, they do look beautiful!) – they can help to create a peaceful sleeping space that promotes rest, relaxation and even emotional wellbeing.

Earth tones are not just inspired by the natural world, but they promote sustainability, too! Since these stunning, rich neutral shades are so versatile, you’ll want to keep them in your space for longer. Now that’s one way to sustainable style, without even trying – win-win!

Ready to take things back to Mother Nature? Here are our five favourite nature-inspired earthy colours to give your bedroom a grounding makeover… 

1. Comforting camel

A classic for a reason, beige has long been used in bedroom colour palettes. Its soft undertones evoke seaside strolls, sandy toes, and serene clifftop walks – elements we can all agree bring a sense of calm. Comforting yet effortlessly chic, beige is an easy colour choice to create a warm bedroom backdrop that goes with pretty much anything. 

How to style:

Offering the perfect buildable base, we’d recommend painting your walls in lovely beige and layering textured, tonal accents, from light oak furniture to squishy oatmeal upholstered bed frames. Make sure to include lots of layers of bedding, blankets and throws to create a butterfly’s cocoon of cosiness.

2. Deep, rich browns

If there’s one way to feel grounded in your bedroom, it’s by coating your walls in – quite literally – colours of the earth. Think dark natural browns that you see on the floor on your local woodland walk, or the rich shades of bark you see on your favourite trees. These tones are truly complex and can bring so much depth and interest to a space.   

How to style: 

One of the easiest ways to incorporate dark brown into your bedroom design is through your furniture. Take our Delaware Upholstered Sleigh Bed Frame, for example. This stunning piece makes for a statement feature in the centre of your bedroom, bringing a plethora of colour and depth with it. Style with lighter shades of brown or go for crisp white bedding for a contrast. We love pairing warm accent tones with dark brown, such as rust or burnt orange. Try dotting these colours around your space through cushions, artwork and accessories.   

3. Muted clay terracotta 

We’re warming things up a little, now. Let’s talk about muted clay terracotta. Inspired by sunbaked soil, sandy desert dunes, weathered canyon walls – or the pots in your neighbour’s greenhouse! Whatever you associate with this hue, there’s a quiet warmth to terracotta that instantly makes a room feel lived-in and well-loved. That’s why we adore this earthbound shade.

How to style:

If you’re looking to create a warm and cosy feel to your master suite, try painting your walls in terracotta with a limewash effect. This will add a textured effect, just like the rocky Grand Canyon itself! To add some contemporary comforts, we’d suggest a wooden bed like our Hayden Platform Ottoman Bed Frame. Style this with white bed sheets and olive green accessories to complement the warm orange-toned shades. Just stunning!   

4. Forest greens

You didn’t think we’d forgotten about greenery, did you? Greens, especially dark forest green shades, make for a rich, enveloping bedroom backdrop, reminding us of woodland dog walks, tropical rainforests, and exploring moss-covered paths. These tones tap into Mother Nature’s quiet drama – making us feel simultaneously grounded and energised.

How to style:

To bring your green, nature-inspired bedroom to life, consider colour-drenching your boudoir with the same shade of forest green – carpets included! Stepping onto fluffy green flooring may even make you feel like you’re stepping on soft grass first thing in the morning; starting everyday with grounding. Pair your green with warm wooden furniture and soft green textiles. Don’t forget to finish with an abundance of leafy houseplants to create your own indoor jungle. 

5. Slate grey

How about something on the cooler side? Slate grey channels impressive mountains, majestic limestone crags, twisty riverbanks and smooth pebbles ready for skimming. When brought into our bedroom design, this complex neutral is anything but bland, creating a cocoon of calm that feels elegant and in tune with the elements. Slate grey is the ideal choice for those looking for a cooler tone that’s super sophisticated.  

How to style: 

One of the best things about slate grey is that it belongs just about anywhere; whether you paint your walls with it, invest in a grey upholstered bed (such as our Ashfield Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame), or add more subtle accessories. This dark grey shade works well with white or looks fabulous when paired with soft pastels, such as lavender or pale pink for a pop of colour.   

6. Ochre yellow

Finally, one for our autumn-loving homeowners. Epitomising those crisp, fallen autumnal leaves and golden fields of wheat swaying in the warm breeze, ochre yellow is a staple earthbound colour for a reason. With golden undertones, it brings instant richness to any space, making it ideal for an inviting bedroom.   

 How to style: 

Ochre yellow pairs beautifully with other earthy shades like olive green, rust and brown, or dark navy for a strong contrast. Materials-wise, look to natural textures like rattan, oak and wicker to maintain that outdoorsy, autumnal atmosphere that just embodies the season’s golden hour glow. Make sure to use warm lighting (yellow bulbs only!) to create the snuggest bedtime retreat.

There are plentiful benefits of using nature to inspire your bedroom design choices. From the grounding cool tones of slate grey to the golden warmth of ochre yellow, these earthbound shades can help you feel more rooted and connected to the outside world. So whether you’re drawn to windswept woodland walks or climbing rocky mountains, let the natural world guide your colour palette and transform your bedroom into a peaceful haven.