Our bedrooms are our safe space, the place to unwind, let go of the day and wake up refreshed, so we need to show it some love too. But choosing the right paint colour for your bedroom is more than just picking your favourite shade, it’s about understanding your space and the mood you want to create. So let’s break things down with some expert-approved bedroom decorating ideas. These tips certainly aren’t to be slept on.
Consider the light.
Let’s start with a biggie: directional light. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as you think, promise. We’ll keep it simple for now, so let's stick with ‘bright’ and ‘shady’ rooms.
Shady rooms (or likely north facing rooms if you want to get technical) tend to get cooler, more muted light. Colours can read a little bluer or greyer, even if they looked warm on the paint chart. To avoid an unintended chill (unless they make you feel good of course), look for shades with warm undertones to bring balance and comfort. Some great contenders to warm up north facing bedrooms are our Restful Yellow, Graceful Peach or Secluded Green paint colours.
Bright rooms (or likely south facing rooms), on the other hand, are sun-drenched and forgiving. Colours often appear warmer and brighter, so this is your chance to try out softer blues, lilacs, or even bolder, more saturated shades without them feeling too heavy. As a starter for 10, our Nostalgic Blue, Secluded Lilac and Serene Pink paint colours would be great places to start for your bedroom decorating ideas.
Once you understand how light works in your room, it becomes much easier to pick a palette that feels “just right.” But that’s only part of the puzzle.
Set the mood.
Now you've factored in your lighting, it's time to think about how you want the room to feel.
Want to create a restful bedroom haven? Lean into soothing shades like muted greens (such as our Graceful Green paint colour), soft greys (Restful Grey), or dreamy mauves (Dirty Lilac). These tones are perfect for winding down after a long day.
After a playful, energising feel? Opt for paint colours with bright saturation. Think sunshine yellows similar to our Mellow Yellow paint, or joyful pinks along the lines of our Friendly Pink paint colour for that instant dopamine hit.
Paint isn’t just decoration, it’s a feeling, so choose accordingly.
The fifth wall.
Once your wall colour is sorted, look up! Ceilings often get left behind with a hasty coat of white. But why? You're literally staring at it when you're in bed, so don’t leave it out.
For a cosy cocoon that blurs the lines of dimension, take the wall colour all the way up. This “colour-drenching” technique can make the room feel more seamless and immersive, not to mention eliminating the faff of cutting in. A winner in our book.
Feeling brave? Try a contrasting ceiling by pairing our Serene Blue paint above a Serene Neutral-coloured room. Even our deliciously rich Loving Orange paint colour adds interest without overwhelming the entire space. This paint placement idea is great for more dynamic schemes where playfulness is key.
Trust us, a painted ceiling is your secret weapon to an elevated and unique bedroom.
Don’t skip the skirting (or the doors).
These often-overlooked features are actually secret styling tools. Paint them the same colour as the walls to visually stretch the space and create a calm, expansive feel or go bold with contrast like a deep green skirting under pale plaster walls. Chef’s kiss. Just be sure your contrast works with the room's overall palette and, most importantly, the mood.
Remember:
Bold contrast = energy
Soft tonal contrast = more calm.
Samples, Samples, Samples.
Now you’ve got the hang of this decorating lark, it’s tempting to go all-in and buy those paint litres, but please try to resist doing this right away. Sample your paint colours in situ first, look at them in different lights, against your furniture, and with your flooring too. A little testing now can save a lot of regret later.
So whether you’re going full cocoon or just brightening things up, remember: your bedroom should work with you. From ceiling to skirting, there's power in paint and the right colours can change how your space feels (and your mood too).
And, in case you still need some help with choosing the paint colours for your bedroom, feel free to book a colour consultation with us and we’ll sort your colour puzzle in no time. Free option is available too!
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