Creating Tranquility in the Bedroom with Soothing Colors

We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, making the bedroom one of the most important rooms in our homes. The colors and ambiance of your bedroom can have a significant impact on your quality of sleep and overall well-being. Choosing soothing, tranquil colors for your bedroom is key to creating a relaxing sanctuary that promotes deep rest.

Introduction

The colors you surround yourself with in the bedroom have a direct effect on your mood and emotions. Color psychology shows that certain hues calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety and create a peaceful state of mind. The right colors can transform your bedroom into a relaxing oasis, while the wrong shades can feel jarring and stressful.

Understanding how different colors influence moods and feelings is key to designing a tranquil, restorative bedroom environment. When selected appropriately, the colors in your bedroom can lower stress hormones, steady heart rate and blood pressure, and lull you into deep, rejuvenating sleep.

Understanding Color Psychology

Color psychology is based on the idea that different colors evoke distinct emotional and physiological responses. Warm hues like red, orange and yellow are energizing and uplifting, while cool blues, greens and purples are calming and soothing. Bright, saturated colors tend to excite the nervous system, while muted, pale hues have a lowering, sedative effect.

Here’s a look at how different colors can impact moods:

• Blue – Evokes feelings of tranquility, peace and relaxation. Blue light has been shown to boost serotonin and lower stress hormone levels. Darker shades of blue are especially sleep-promoting.
• Green – Represents harmony, balance and hope. Green is thought to relieve anxiety and introduce a sense of renewal. Sage green is a very calming bedroom hue.
• Purple – Symbolizes spirituality, creativity and luxury. Light purples like lavender elicit feelings of nostalgia and romance. Violet shades are known for their relaxing qualities.
• Pink – Exudes warmth, sweetness and unconditional love. Soft pinks create a gentle, comforting bedroom ambiance.
• Yellow – Uplifting, optimism-boosting and confidence-building. Pale yellows work nicely in bedrooms, but avoid dark or neon shades.
• Red – Stimulates passion, appetite and excitement. Red enhances energy but can also increase anxiety and agitation. Best avoided in bedrooms.
• Orange – Represents enthusiasm, cheerfulness and vitality. Oranges are vibrant and energetic – too stimulating for restful bedrooms.
• Neutral – Whites, grays and beiges project balance and calm. Neutrals provide flexibility in design and are relaxing as bedroom colors.

Most Soothing Color Schemes

When selecting bedroom colors to induce tranquility, look to soft, muted tones from the cooler end of the color spectrum. Combining just the right bedroom wall colors and decor creates an oasis of relaxation ideal for unwinding and recharging.

Serene Blues

From pale sky blue to deep navy, shades of blue offer perhaps the most restorative hues. The cool tones are psychologically linked to calmness and relaxation. Blue bedroom color schemes are ideal for:

• Lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate
• Reducing anxiety and easing tension
• Promoting deep, restorative sleep
• Inspiring feelings of tranquility and inner peace

Some of the most popular soothing blues for bedrooms include:

• Baby Blue – Sweet, innocent, dreamy
• Sky Blue – Airy, peaceful, refreshing
• Periwinkle – Soft, romantic, nostalgic
• Powder Blue – Calming, ethereal, misty
• Cadet Blue – Understated, subtle, restful
• Navy Blue – Abundant, enveloping, mystical

Paint your bedroom walls a pale blue or use deeper shades of blue in moderation on accent walls or bedding. The constant visual exposure promotes lowered stress levels and restful slumber.

Calming Greens

Representing renewal and harmony, green is considered one of the most restorative colors. Green bedroom color schemes are stabilizing and cheerful, but also deeply restful. Greenery and green light have been shown to reduce depression and anxiety.

Some of the most serene green hues for bedrooms include:

• Mint – Soothing, cooling, rejuvenating
• Seafoam – Tranquil, refreshing, peaceful
• Sage – Earthy, balancing, healing
• Jade – Lush, zen, renewing
• Emerald – Vibrant, luxurious, reassuring
• Forest – Grounding, stabilizing, organic

Paint a cool mint green accent wall or add layers of green bedding in natural cotton and linens. The varied tones and textures create a relaxing oasis. Increase the zen factor with rattan and bamboo furnishings.

Sleep-Enhancing Neutrals

Neutral bedroom colors like white, beige and gray create a blank canvas effect, allowing for flexibility in design. The muted, subtle hues are inherently calming and perfect for those seeking a cool, crisp, monochromatic color scheme.

Some popular neutral bedroom color combinations include:

• Crisp White – Clean, bright, minimalist
• Warm Beige – Understated, organic, Approachable
• Dove Gray – Sophisticated, subtle, soothing
• Tan – Light, airy, neutral

Paint walls in neutral hues then layer in personality with bedding, art and accessories in bolder accent colors. Keep the ambiance relaxed with natural fiber rugs, cozy textiles and sheer, billowing curtains.

Soothing Accent Colors

While blues, greens and neutrals form tranquil bedroom foundations, consider weaving in accents of:

• Lavender – Evoke feelings of nostalgia, romance and old-world charm.
• Blush Pink – Soft, sweet, feminine energy perfect for relaxation.
• Butter Yellow – Cheerful yet calm accent color. Avoid neon brights.

Use these colors sparingly in bedding prints, throw pillows, area rugs or artwork. Bold punches prevent an overly somber or monotonous color story.

Two-Color Combinations

Some of the most popular two-color combinations for serene, spa-like bedrooms include:

• Pale Blue & White – Crisp, dreamy, ethereal
• Seafoam Green & Tan – Organic, earthy, zen
• Lavender & Dove Gray – Chic, sophisticated, romantic
• Mint Green & Beige – Retro, cheerful, relaxed

Start with wall colors in a muted neutral or pastel then add contrast with bedding and decor accents. Varying shades and tints of your two colors adds depth and dimension.

Creating a Relaxing Ambiance

Achieving a soothing vibe requires pulling together the right combination of tranquil bedroom wall colors, textiles, window treatments and decorative touches.

Choosing Paint Colors

When selecting bedroom wall paint colors, opt for muted versions of cool blue, green or neutral hues. Here are some favorite paint shades for relaxation:

Benjamin Moore

• October Mist – pale green gray
• White Heron – soft white
• Wickham Gray – warm neutral
• Hinting Blue – pale, understated blue
• Silver Sage – soothing green-gray

Sherwin-Williams

• Rainwashed – pale sage green
• Repose Gray – warm gray
• Tradewind – faint blue green
• Naval – deep navy blue
• Rock Crystal – mineral gray

Visit paint stores to sample strips of colors on the wall before fully committing. Ensure the shade appears relaxing in both daylight and artificial light.

Bedding & Textiles

Layer lush bedding and textiles in soothing hues and natural fibers:

• Cotton sheets – Breathable and comforting
• Light duvet – Choose a soothing color like sky blue
• Linen pillowcases – Textural and hygge
• Throw blanket – Fuzzy alpaca or mohair in neutral
• Area rug – Jute berber or woven seagrass

Up the cozy factor with fabric like muslin, velvet and cashmere in muted solids or patterns.

Window Treatments

Maximize privacy and block out light pollution with:

• Blackout curtains – Allow complete darkness for improved sleep
• Sheer curtains – Soften sunlight when drawn during the day
• Curtain lights – Twinkle lights interwoven with sheer panels

Ethereal, floor-length panels in natural linen or cotton cultivate tranquility. Opt for neutral solids or layer patterns spar

Decor Touches

Incorporate natural elements and soothing decor accents like:

• Plants – Air-purifying greens with tranquil vibes
• Wood tones – Natural wood nightstands and headboards
• Crystals – Calming stones like amethyst, turquoise and quartz
• Essential oils – Light aromatherapy diffusers with lavender or eucalyptus
• Earthy ceramics – Handmade mugs, vases, candleholders
• Woven baskets – For storing linens, displaying blankets
• Picture ledges – Display relaxing nature photography or artwork

Remove electronic devices and replace with lantern lights, woven mirrors and inspirational quotes.

Expert Insights and Recommendations

Interior designers offer the following tips for using color to cultivate the ultimate in relaxation and restoration in the bedroom:

Limit Saturated Colors

“Use muted, dusty or softened versions of colors rather than their bold counterparts. The less saturated a color, the more soothing and subdued the ambiance.” – Sarah Sherman Samuel, Interior Designer

Prioritize Cooler Tones

“Cooler shades of blue, green and purple will always be more sleep-conducive than warm reds, oranges or yellows. Think of cool tones associated with serenity, like the sea, mountains or sky on the horizon.” – Kelly Wearstler, Designer

Highlight Whites

“Crisp white walls serve as a perfect anchor point for layers of soothing neutrals and pastels. White reflects ambient light, opening up smaller spaces.” – Joanna Gaines, Designer

Employ Layers

“Don’t use just one or two colors. Layer in shades, tints and tones of your preferred palette for a multifaceted, lived-in look. Varied textures also impart coziness.” – Nate Berkus, Designer

Define Your Goals

“Explore the mood you want to achieve and choose colors that invoke those feelings – relaxation requires cooler greens, blues, grays and neutrals over warm or energizing hues.” – Laurel Bernstein, Designer

Case Studies & Examples

Here are some real-life bedrooms designed using colors and elements for supreme relaxation:

Serene Oasis

• Softest blue-gray paint reflects gentle light
• Textured linen bedding in white and dove gray
• Natural jute rug overlapped with sheepskin
• Rattan nightstands and woven lampshades
• Floor-to-ceiling drapery filters sunlight

Spa Retreat

• Matte neutral paint and white trim
• Cool-toned bedding in lavender and sage
• Mirrored furniture adds dimension
• Velvet pillows and linen throws
• Glass vase with eucalyptus bundle

Sleep Sanctuary

• Smokey blue paint and billowing curtains
• White linens topped with throw blanket
• Wood platform bed frame with rattan headboard
• Floating wood shelves display curated memorabilia
• Fuzzy throw rug beside the bed