The colour of zen: relaxing tones 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.

Overt influences like noise and bright lights significantly affect the body and brain, but colour and tone also play a role in our ability to reach a state of zen.

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

What is the most calming colour for the bedroom?

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

According to research undertaken by World’s Favourite Colour, in partnership with G F Smith, navy and royal are the most calming shades of blue.

The study required several thousand participants to describe colours and they analysed which words were used most frequently for each of them. Ultimately, words which indicate calmness were most commonly used when describing blue.

Other calming shades of blue

It’s also considered great for improving concentration and focus. If you have a bedroom office, we highly recommend considering this colourway. Try a feature wall or start to introduce this shade with a classic blue divan base.

As quoted by Science Daily, here’s what Juliet Zhu, who authored a study into colour’s impact on the brain, had to say about how blue helps creativity.

Through associations with the sky, the ocean and water, most people associate blue with openness, peace and tranquillity. The benign cues make people feel safe about being creative and exploratory.

And it’s fantastic features don’t stop there. A secondary quality of this shade of blue is its space-boosting properties. Ever since the 18^th 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.

Cosy colours for inducing sleep

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.

Alex Capozzolo – Property Expert of SD House Guys 

Embrace colour theory by using a colour wheel. To create a relaxing space, you can use the principles of colour theory to harmoniously combine colours in a room.

Try using shades of blues and purples on walls and furniture for a calming effect, or use warm tones such as oranges and yellows for an energizing yet relaxing atmosphere. A good strategy is to use analogous colours, meaning those that are next to each other on the colour wheel. This helps create a sense of unity in the room and also creates a balanced look.

Matt Teifke – Property Investment Advisor of Teifke Real Estate

Consider the way colours are distributed throughout the space. Creating areas of contrast with light and dark shades can help to make a space seem more inviting, while monochromatic colour schemes can create a more tranquil atmosphere.

It is also important to consider how colours interact with each other, as bold hues can be overpowering if used improperly.

For added relaxation in your sleep sanctuary, browse our recommendations for the best bedroom plants to help you sleep better.