The psychology of bedroom colours: Expert tips for a perfect mood

Bedroom decor: Your bedroom’s furniture, flooring, and decor should influence your colour palette (Image: Canva)

The colours in your home influence its aesthetics and also shape your mood, energy, and comfort. This is also true for your bedroom, a personal haven where colour choices can promote relaxation, intimacy, or even productivity. From calming neutrals to vibrant accent shades, finding the right balance can make your space truly yours.

Bedroom colours impact how you feel in the space, says Principle designer Tushar Joshi of Utkarsh Vastukarn, an interior designing company in Mumbai. “Choosing the right palette can set the tone for restful sleep, boost positivity, and reflect your unique personality. A calming bedroom bring a sense of peace, while vibrant tones lend energy to the space,” says Joshi, adding, “The interplay of light and colour is important. Even the best colours lose their charm if the lighting doesn’t complement them.”

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Joshi shares tips to choose the right colour for your bedroom:

What’s your mood: Think about the emotional atmosphere you want to create in your bedroom. Soft neutrals like beige, cream, or pastel shades help evoke calmness and peace, making them ideal for restful sleep. If you prefer a cosy and inviting space, warm tones like terracotta, caramel, or burnt orange create a sense of comfort and warmth. On the other hand, for a bold, energetic, or sophisticated vibe, colours like navy blue, emerald green, or burgundy are excellent choices, adding depth and character to your space.

Consider natural light: The natural light your bedroom receives plays a big role in how colours appear during the day. For rooms that get plenty of sunlight, darker shades like charcoal, forest green, or plum can work beautifully without making the space feel closed in. For dimly lit bedrooms or those with smaller windows, choose lighter hues like off-white, pale yellow, or pastel blues, which reflect light and make the room feel larger and brighter. Don’t forget to check how your chosen colours look under artificial lighting in the evening to see that they maintain the desired effect.

Coordinate with other elements: Your bedroom’s furniture, flooring, and decor should influence your colour palette. For example, earthy tones like sage green or warm beige pair well with wooden furniture, enhancing a natural and harmonious look. Cool shades like icy blue or slate gray complement metallic or modern finishes, creating a sleek, contemporary vibe. If your decor includes bold patterns or textures, a neutral wall colour can balance the space, while solid-coloured furniture can be paired with vibrant or patterned walls for visual interest.

Add accent colours: Accent colours can breathe life into your bedroom and personalise the space. Introduce pops of colour with throw pillows, area rugs, artwork, or curtains. A neutral room can come alive with bold accents like mustard yellow, teal, or coral. Alternatively, use metallic accents in gold or silver to add a touch of luxury. Be mindful not to overdo it; a few well-placed accents can create visual interest without overwhelming the room.

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Test colours before committing: Always test your chosen colours before painting the entire bedroom. Apply paint swatches to your walls and observe how they look at different times of the day under varying natural and artificial lighting conditions. This step helps you confirm that your selected colours harmonise with the room’s size, lighting, and other elements, giving you confidence in your final choice.

Prioritise your preference: Trends may come and go, but your bedroom should reflect your personal style and preferences. Choose colours that make you feel relaxed, happy, and at ease. Whether it’s a calming pastel palette or a vibrant and bold look, your comfort and connection to the space should always take priority.