Calming colours for your bedroom

Our ability to relax is directly related to our environment, so it’s important that your bedroom is somewhere you can find peace.

Relaxation isn’t just about fluff and cushions; it’s about the deep-seated connection between our surroundings and our mental health.

Overt influences like noise and bright lights significantly affect the body and brain, but colour psychology and tone also play a huge role in our ability to reach a state of zen. The right colour influence can genuinely transform a space from just a room into a retreat.

Together, we’re going to uncover the colour palette of serenity and introduce the best calming bedroom colours to achieve maximum bliss in your slumber palace.

The go-to calming blue

So, where do we start? When we think of calming colours, blue is often the first stop, and for good reason.

Blue is widely considered the most relaxing colour. Evoking sky-blue skies, calm ocean seas, and a sense of peace, it’s no surprise that interior designers often choose it for relaxing rooms where rest is the central mantra.

Different moods of blue include:

Classic and timeless blue
This shade is all about calmness and connection. Timeless and elegant in its simplicity, classic blue will bring a sense of quietness to your bedroom. No wonder it was named Pantone’s Colour of the Year in 2020 when the need for stress reduction was at its highest. This paint colour pairs well with other calming shades or can be introduced using soft furnishings. You may find it’s also great for improving concentration. If you have a bedroom office, a feature wall in this shade could be a game-changer.

Serene baby blue
A soft and muted pastel tone, serene baby blue is perfect for creating a sense of calm. Consider baby blue bedding and pillows to provide a subtle, understated contrast against eggshell walls. Interestingly, colour psychologists have found that through its associations with the sky and water, blue makes people feel safe enough to be creative and exploratory.

Ultra-marine blue
Deep and complex, ultra-marine blue is the king of the ocean blue palette. It brings that mystical sense of the deep blue sea: silence, contemplation, otherworldliness – ideal for turning your bedroom into a haven of escapism. However, a light touch is essential – an accent wall or simple accessories at most.

And a little secret? Ever since the 18th century, this tone has been used to make smaller spaces feel bigger. The sense of openness can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of zen and relaxation. There’s also a growing conversation around blue light therapy, and while we often hear about avoiding the blue light from screens, surrounding yourself with an ambient, gentle blue on the walls can foster a calm sense of focus.

Healing greens for a restful space

Of course, a calming colour palette isn’t limited to blue. For something a little more grounded, let’s talk about the power of green.

Greens instil a sense of the natural world, and these healing greens are brilliant for creating truly relaxing rooms:

• Moody green and dark green: If you’re looking to create a dramatic yet soothing cocoon, a deep moody green or even a dark green can be stunning. It’s a bold choice, but it pays off by making the space feel incredibly intimate and safe.
• Khaki green: For a softer, more earthy vibe, a muted khaki green is a fantastic choice. It pairs beautifully with natural wood, rattan, and linen textures.
• Soothing greens: Paler, soothing greens like sage or mint are also excellent choices for creating a serene backdrop. They work wonderfully with the warm neutrals that are trending right now.

Credit: @houseofaspaniel

The quiet power of cocooning neutrals

Sometimes, the most relaxing spaces are the quietest ones. This is where a neutral palette comes in. We’re talking about rich, layered spaces built on soothing neutrals.

Opt for earthy and grounded colourways, but be careful not to overdo it. Balance against soft whites like silent white, which has a gentle warmth to it, and consider the addition of bedroom plants to help purify the air. Think of a good neutral palette as the visual equivalent of white noise; it just hushes the background chatter, allowing your mind to rest.

Credit: @1cosyhome

Soft and soothing pinks

Lavender, pastel paint colours like dusty pink, and rose quartz create a truly soothing, slightly feminine colour scheme.

And remember, no two pinks are the same! Layering one over the other can help soften harsh tones or add a burst of colour without taking over the space.

Warming metallics work well with pinks. While you wouldn’t typically expect to see metals described as warming, there are ways to embrace industrial décor styles without losing warmth and cosiness. Opt for rose gold, copper or brass and pair with sumptuous velvets for balance.

Tips for decorating with your calming colour palette

So you have your colours, now, how do you use them? A few tips can help elevate your bedroom’s colour scheme from nice to truly special.

1. See paint colours in real life

It’s so important to talk about colour accuracy. The paint colour you see on a screen or a tiny chip will look completely different on a larger wall, especially as the light changes throughout the day. We always recommend getting a sample pot. To get a real feel for your calming paint colours, consider a tool like a Lick colour fan, which shows you large swatches.

2. Embrace colour drenching

A fantastic technique gaining popularity is colour drenching. This is where you paint the walls, skirting boards, window frames, and even the ceiling, all in the same shade. It sounds like a lot, but it creates an incredibly cohesive and immersive feeling of calm, making the room feel bigger and more unified. It’s a key part of colour therapy at home.

3. Use the colour wheel

For a harmonious look, lean on colour theory. A good strategy is to use analogous colours, which are those that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, like blues and greens. This creates a deeply unified and balanced atmosphere that is inherently relaxing. Take a look at our colour wheel for more inspiration.

Tips from the experts

Ella James – Interior Designer at Ella James Interiors

When I design any room in the house, but especially bedrooms, I want to understand the character and preferences of the person. The bedroom is the one room in the house that is completely personal to each individual. Whereas the kitchen or living room is more welcoming to guests, the bedroom is a place of serenity, of relaxation and revitalisation.

When planning a new design, think about your favourite places, perhaps a certain holiday destination or certain memories that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Grace Baena, Interior Designer of Kaiyo Used Dressers

Pastel purples and lavenders are excellent choices for creating a serene backdrop. Sage green and dusty pinks are also great options and will pair well with the warm neutrals that are likely to be popular in 2023.

Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when it comes to colour is what makes you feel happy and relaxed. Your bedroom is the one room that is completely personal, so a good starting point is to think about your favourite places. Is it a memory of a certain holiday, or just a feeling you want to capture? Start there, and build your calming colour palette around that.