We spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, so creating an optimal environment for resting and sleeping is essential for our well-being. Some of the most important factors that affect the quality and quantity of our sleep are the mattress, the pillows, the sheets, the environmental temperature, the lights, the surrounding noise, the ventilation, and the colors.
Sleep experts and clinical psychologists looked into the effects different colors have on our nervous system in preparation for sleep, evaluating the quality and quantity of sleep, the ease of falling asleep, and the level of activation versus relaxation, and most agree on a set of colors that favor a better sleep, and a group of colors less recommended to be used in a bedroom.
What are the Most Recommended Bedroom Paint Colors?
Pastel, light, and cool colors are generally the best options when it comes to choosing the paint colors for your bedroom.
Blue
The color of the sky and the sea, blue has a calming, serene, and relaxing effect on our bodies. Its association with calmness and tranquility makes light tones of blue the favorite color for painting your bedroom.
Green
The color of nature, green is also one of the favorite paint colors for a good sleep. Similar to blue, opt for pastel nuances, like sage or mint green, to de-stress and promote a better quality of sleep.
White
A simple and effective choice, white relaxes our nervous system, having a calming and serene effect. Choose off-white nuances for a friendlier effect and compliment your white wall paint with small pastel decorations.
Beige
Similar to white, beige is another neutral color that induces a calming effect, being a great option for your bedroom. Choose beige for a warm, calm, and balanced effect.
Light Pink
Unlike the brighter tones, light pink has a cozy and relaxing effect, being commonly associated with positivity, gentleness, and even naive sweetness. Opt for the soft shades of pink for a non-threatening, tender effect.
What Paint Colors Should Not Be Used in a Bedroom?
When it comes to bedroom paint colors, experts typically do not recommend dark and heavy colors, which are usually associated with negative emotions, or stimulating and energizing colors, making winding down more difficult and disrupting your falling asleep cycle.
Red
A very activating color, red stimulates, encourages aggression, and energizes, and it’s often associated with danger and alertness. To avoid making it more difficult to fall asleep, limit the amount of red used in your bedroom or use a more dull version of it.
Black
Although it is recommended to keep your bedroom dark for a better quality of sleep, using black to paint your bedroom doesn’t have the same effect. Black is usually associated with negative emotions, sadness, anger, and fear, and should be used with caution in a bedroom. If you choose to incorporate black into your bedroom, use it as an accent color on the wall or furniture, and always be mindful of the room lighting to avoid evoking negative emotions.
Dark Brown
Similar to black, dark brown gets associated with negative emotions and coldness, and its use in the bedroom seems to correlate with fewer hours of sleep. To avoid the dreary, depressing effect of dark brown, opt for a lighter shade, like beige.
Bright Orange
An energizing color, bright orange is attention-grabbing and exciting, making you feel awake and alert. If you are fond of this color, you can still add highlights of orange to your bedroom through paintings, rugs, pillows, and other decorations.
Purple
Sharing some of the effects of red, purple is a stimulating color usually associated with creativity, mystery, and intensity. To avoid having too vivid dreams or even nightmares but still keeping the purple, you can opt for pastel tones, like lavender.
What Type of Paint is Best for Your Bedroom?
Flat colors are recommended over glossy, shiny colors that reflect light, as these tend to increase alertness, making it harder to fall asleep. Choose matte and soft colors for your bedroom.
You might also want to choose accessories and furniture in the same color scheme for your bedroom. To skip the hassle of testing and having to redo your bedroom wall paint and to avoid the typical interior painting mistakes, you can confidently contact one of the best interior designers in Lafayette, LA, at Albarado’s Fine Furnishings. Our interior designers can help guide you through picking the perfect bedroom paint color that will guarantee you a good night’s sleep.