Design Experts On The Best Colors For The Bedroom + How To Use Them

The right bedroom decor can set the stage for restful sleep and uplifting mornings. Since this is typically the last room you see before drifting off at night and the first you see when you wake up, you want to be intentional about what you bring into it and what you leave out.

According to the field of color therapy1, colors should play an important role in bedroom decor as they can affect our emotions and mood states. "We interact with color constantly—knowingly and unknowingly. It's such a beautiful, powerful tool that we all have that we kind of forget about and take for granted," color therapist Walaa AlMuhaiteeb tells mindbodygreen.

Before making any big decisions about your bedroom's color story, IKEA U.S. interior design manager Barry Reidy says you'll want to get clear on your goals for the space.

"Firstly, I would recommend asking yourself, what is the atmosphere and mood you want to create?... What does a soothing space mean for you?" Reidy tells mbg. "A bedroom can be your superpower. We all need a space to relax in, to feel comfortable and safe in, and recharge."

Seeing as many of us want our bedrooms to help us calm down, filling them with bright, stimulating colors will be counterintuitive. "If we put in colors that are exciting and stimulate the mind—such as yellow, for example—it won't give us restful sleep. It won't really help the goal of the space," says AlMuhaiteeb.

These light, more muted shades tend to be easy on the eyes and less stimulating to the senses than bright, loud colors. As such, most people will find them relaxing to look at.

As for what other parts of the bedroom can usually handle some more color, Reidy is a fan of layering different shades on the bed. "Your textile choice can transform your existing space and make it feel brand-new. It's the quickest way to add color or simply change it up for the season," he says. Think thicker, chunkier blankets in warmer tones in winter that can give way to lighter bedding once spring hits. "Your pillows and throws can add color and pattern. It's important to think about how each element of your interior comes together to create the look you want. It's like a great outfit."

And don't underestimate the power of the right window treatments, he adds. "You can choose to make a statement or simply have them blend with your wall color. Layering your window treatment will also improve the functionality." For example, he says you can start with dark blackout blinds to promote sleep. From there, layer with a sheer curtain to let in soft, dappled sunlight during the day, and introduce more color with your top curtain. "Just change out this top layer to introduce a new color," Reidy says. "Small change, big impact."