Find it hard to wind down at night? Feel like your bedroom isn’t as cozy as it should be? If so, it might be due to the colours in your sleep environment!
Curating your sleeping space is vital to getting a good night's sleep. However, creating a warm, peaceful environment with low lighting and quality bedding is just the start!
Indeed, the hues we use in our bedroom decor can have a real impact on your ability to rest, relax and unwind from the day! Whether you’re planning a renovation or just want to add a few touches for a fresh new look, read on to find out everything you need to know about the best colours for sleep!
What you will learn:
Can colours really impact my sleep?
So, just how important is it to choose calming colours for your bedroom? Well, the impact of different shades on our mood, outlook and emotional state is so well-documented it’s the basis of a whole field of study called colour psychology.
Colour psychology is still a relatively young field, yet it’s already become clear that many of us experience colour in a similar way. For example, purple has long been connected with royalty and gives an impression of luxuriousness, power and wisdom, while red draws associations to strength, love and anger.
What’s more, research has shown that the shade of the room we’re in can significantly alter our emotional state. In one study, participants reported light and muted hues, like grays, greens and blues, made them feel the most serene, while yellows caused feelings of joy and oranges and pinks created a sense of excitement.
Therefore, your bedroom decor can have a real impact on the way you think and feel, so making sure you select calming colours for your bedroom is vital to getting a great night’s rest!
Choosing your perfect bedroom colour
Before we get started, here are some handy tips to keep in mind when choosing a shade for your bedroom decor!
Firstly, don’t forget to explore a wide variety of tones and hues! For example, you might not have ever considered pink for your room before, but a dusty rose could just be perfect for you!
Additionally, it’s best to avoid overusing dark colours, such as black, browns and grays, in your bedroom. Deeper shades can cause a room to feel smaller and less airy and even bring down your mood. If you’d like to use these hues, consider using them sparingly.
It’s also usually best to avoid too many vibrant colours like crimson red, sunflower yellow or royal purple. Bright shades can make you feel alert and energetic, which could make it harder to unwind and prepare your mind for sleep at the end of the day.
At the end of the day, however, this is your space, so design it how you like! If you truly find deeper or brighter shades relaxing, use them as much as you like when putting together your ideal bedroom!
The best colours for sleep
Blue
Blues are one of the most popular colour choices for bedrooms, and it’s not hard to see why! Reminiscent of both water and the sky, many people find these shades bring about a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Popular hues include deep and soothing navies, airy and spacious sky blues and sedate, dusty powder blues.
Green
Tones of green bring to mind trees, grass and other natural environments, so it’s not surprising they’re another trendy choice for sleep environments. These shades are said to help reduce stress and distractions while creating an atmosphere that’s both restful and refreshing.
There are also a huge variety of calming colours to choose from in this range, including comforting, rich forest tones, cool and classy pistachios, and dreamy, softening sage.
Pink
Pink is probably not the first shade that springs to mind when it comes to relaxation, but this range actually has a variety of benefits. Researchers describe the colour as being soothing to the mind and body, and it’s even so calming that it’s been used to reduce aggression in prisons!
While hot pink is probably not the best choice, you can still find an excellent option for your bedroom makeover. Consider using a deeper tone, like terracotta or rosewood, a lighter shade, like blush or powder pink, or even an orangey muted hue, like dusty peach!
Yellow
Yellow is another option many of us wouldn’t think of when planning a sleep environment. However, by choosing the right shade, you can enjoy the many benefits of this joyful, energizing hue!
Rather than choosing something sunny and vibrant, try to opt for a darker shade, like gold or amber. Alternatively, look for pale pastels like lemon and cream or dusky tones such as straw and sepia.
Purple
The purple family is known to stimulate creativity, which might not make them appear an ideal choice for a bedroom. However, there are some relaxing hues you can explore to enjoy this fun, artsy colour in your own sleep environment.
For example, you could select a deep, calming option such as plum, mulberry or mauve, perhaps even opting for a dusky hue to create a more muted effect. Alternatively, lighter tones like lavender and lilac can bring a sense of freshness and calm to your bedroom decor.
Neutrals
Of course, neutrals such as white and beige are classic colours, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked! Indeed, these tones can minimize distractions and create a clean and serene environment, which is why they’re some of the best colours for sleep!
If you want to go beyond the classic eggshell white, you can mix things up by choosing from a wide range of warm, inviting beiges, including tan, sand or caramel. For a cozier vibe, check out deeper options like taupe and olive, while tinted off-whites like champagne or almond can give your room a classy edge.
How to add colour to your bedroom
Now that you’ve explored your shade options, it’s time to plan your new sleep environment!
If you’re not ready to commit to a full renovation, there are some quick and easy ways you can still achieve a fresh new look!
For example, you might consider updating your bedding, such as with a quality duvet cover set or some throw pillows. You can also explore adding some exciting new bedroom decor like wall art, rugs, and curtains to make your space feel more cozy and inviting.
If you’re ready for a complete overhaul, painting your room a calming colour is a great place to start! For bedrooms, it’s a good idea to go for matte paint rather than one with a gloss finish, which will reflect more light and could make it harder to fall asleep.
Want more tips on creating your ideal sleep environment? Check out our master bedroom ideas or discover extra fantastic ideas and advice on the Polysleep Blog!
Polysleep’s Takeaway
- Colour Matters for Sleep: The colours in your sleep environment play a crucial role in influencing your mood and emotional state, highlighting the importance of thoughtful colour selection.
- Choose Calming Hues: When designing your bedroom, opt for calming colours like blues, greens, pinks, yellows, purples, or neutrals, keeping in mind the impact of different shades within each colour family.
- Personalization is Key: While general guidelines exist, your sleep space is personal. Feel free to experiment with colours that personally relax and comfort you, creating a bedroom that suits your preferences.
- Small Changes, Big Impact: Even without a complete renovation, simple updates like changing bedding, adding throw pillows, or incorporating wall art can introduce calming colours to your bedroom and refresh the overall ambiance.
- Matte Finishes for Serenity: When painting, choose matte finishes to avoid excessive light reflection, contributing to a serene atmosphere that enhances the chances of a good night's sleep.
