White and Pastel Bedroom Paint Colors
This bedroom by designer Lucy Penfield wears Benjamin Moore Simply White, known for its brilliance that’s neither too warm nor too cool. It’s the blank slate she prefers for a bed stacked with layers of neutral textiles and bright colors she can change with the seasons. Designer Anita Yokota is also firmly on Team Pale Paint for its light, mood-boosting properties. “Light reflects light,” she says. “And I mean that physically and emotionally. Lately, I’ve wanted the comfort of creamier whites, like Sherwin-Williams Snowbound. It’s crisp yet warm without yellow undertones.” For a little more color, choose pastels, taupes, or warm grays, which can make a space feel spa-like and meditative. Suggested bedroom paint colors: Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams; Pink Bliss by Benjamin Moore; Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore; Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball
Dark Bedroom Paint Colors
Consider going with a dark bedroom paint color if you’ve got natural light pouring in or want to be enveloped by cozy, velvety richness. Dark paint is versatile. Depending on the rest of your decor, it can feel traditional, modern, or playful—it mirrors the personality of what’s happening around it. This bedroom, designed by Amie Corley, wears Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue on the walls. The style leans preppy thanks to the headboard’s nailhead trim; ikat bedding gives it a lively spark. “Chocolate browns, forest greens, and blues with hints of black are built for comfort,” says designer Linda Hayslett. Deep mossy greens are also comforting and flattering to most skin tones. Suggested bedroom paint colors: Railings by Farrow & Ball; Mahogany by Farrow & Ball; Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore; Studio Green by Farrow & Ball; Naval SW 6244, Sherwin-Williams
Neutral Bedroom Paint Colors
Neutral bedroom paint colors are popular for a reason. Creamy white walls let you play with any color combination for bedding and accessories. They also have a soothing, recessive quality, which is helpful in a room where you want to relax. But that doesn’t mean neutral tones have to be dull or boring. A mix of textures helps give bedroom paint colors such as ivory, taupe, gray, or tan a boost. Choose a glossy paint or add a paint finish that is shimmery or opalescent. You can also use contrast to add interest to a neutral scheme. Paint the walls a cappuccino brown and the trimwork a pale café au lait, for example. Or, in a gray bedroom, put dove gray on the walls and choose dark charcoal carpeting. Suggested bedroom paint color: Tin Foil N500-3, Behr
Trendy Bedroom Paint Colors
The bedroom is more private than other living spaces, so it can be a safe place to experiment with hot hues as wall paint colors. Give thought, however, to how an of-the-moment palette would suit a bedroom. The resurgence of 1980s neon brights, for example, would create a dynamic, energizing sleeping space if you splashed them across the walls. On the other hand, the popular combination of dove gray and millennial pink is ideal for a soothing room. For other current combinations, look to fashion as inspiration. What appears on runways and clothing stores is quickly translated to home goods and bedding. Suggested bedroom paint color: Pacific Grove Pink 889, Benjamin Moore
Bright Bedroom Paint Colors
A clean, clear, and bright primary bedroom paint color can be invigorating. If the space doesn’t have much natural light, turquoise blue or jade green can give the room energy. If the room is flooded with light, a cheerful yellow will really sing in the morning rays. To find a bright hue, look for color shades that are not influenced by brown or red. If you aren’t sure, arrange several chips together and hold them against a white piece of paper. The brown- or red-tinged ones will look muddy. Suggested bedroom paint color: Jamaican Dream PPG1151-7, PPG Paints
Spa-Like Bedroom Paint Colors
The right bedroom paint colors can give your sleeping space the serene feel of a spa. Emulate the soothing paint colors often used in spas for bedroom paint ideas that will create a relaxing, pampering environment. Some spas utilize dark shades to create cozy confines, while others create open, airy environments with layers of cloudy whites. Watery blues and greens can also contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. Any color is fair game as long as it makes you feel relaxed. Suggested bedroom paint color: Winter Ice 866, Benjamin Moore
Jewel-Tone Bedroom Paint Colors
Rich, jewel-tone bedroom paint colors can always create an inviting atmosphere. Explore colors like sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green for a luxe look bursting with personality. In this bedroom, rich teal walls marry well with light, lavender-accented floral bedding. White curtain panels and wall art help soften the bold color scheme. Suggested bedroom paint color: Deep Breath S460-7, Behr
Classic Bedroom Paint Colors
While trends come and go (sometimes as quickly as one season to the next), classic color combinations remain steadfast. For no-fail bedroom paint color ideas, look to contrasting yet complementary hues, such as blue and yellow or red and green. Especially when used in muted tones, these distinct shades create balance in room. The iconic pairing of red and green, for example, works in almost any rendition, including cranberry and pine, coral and mint, and cherry and lime. Use a color wheel to find color combinations for bedrooms that oppose each other on the circle for other natural pairings. Suggested bedroom paint color: Neighborly Peach SW 6632, Sherwin-Williams
Patterned Bedroom Paint Colors
Use various shades of paint with a fun stencil or pattern to add custom flair to a bedroom wall. By taping off sections, for example, it’s easy to create geometric patterns on an accent wall. In this bedroom, painters tape was used to create a chevron accent wall with modern bedroom colors for a striking focal point. Smart taping and painting can also be used to create stripes, diamonds, or a gingham pattern. For a challenge, use four colors to create a buffalo check pattern. For a bold look, choose one light and one dark color for the paint combination on the walls. Go for two pastels or similar shades for a more subdued look. Suggested bedroom paint color: Moody Sky PPG0993-7, PPG Paints
