The best bedroom colors for a good night's sleep

Although color ideas for bedrooms are generally chosen for aesthetic reasons, it's still important to discover how to promote good sleep through the choice of colors in a bedroom, whether it's the color of walls, furniture or bedding. The psychology of color plays a decisive role in the quality of our night's rest and our general well-being.

The best bedroom colors for a good night's sleep

Let's start with the most relaxing colors that will transform your bedroom into a true haven of peace conducive to restorative rest.

1. Light blue

Light blue is at the top of the best bedroom colors, as it is recognized in all cultures as being associated with peace due to color psychology and its association with the color of the sky and the ocean.

Light blue will turn your bedroom into a true "sleep sanctuary", relaxing during the day and refreshing at night. According to sleep experts, light blue is calming and soothing to the conscious mind, so it will encourage you to feel soothed long before you fall asleep. This color also promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it easier to fall asleep naturally.

To incorporate light blue into your bedroom, opt for walls painted in this soft hue, or choose powder-blue bedding. You can also add touches of light blue through curtains, cushions or wall art.

2. Sage green

Like light blue, green rooms, and sage green in particular, are loved for their association with nature's palette, an aesthetic that will never go out of fashion. But its qualities go far beyond its aesthetic appeal. Sage green often symbolizes nature and is often associated with peace and tranquility, making it an ideal color for bedrooms.

More generally, green is considered a relaxing and soothing color, making us forget our everyday worries. This hue evokes natural spaces and serene environments, instantly creating an atmosphere of relaxation. For this reason, a combination of green and blue is frequently used in modern bedrooms.

Sage green can be used on an accent wall behind the headboard, or subtly integrated through textiles such as plaids or cushion covers. This color pairs perfectly with natural materials like light wood or rattan.

3. Light gray

It's perhaps not surprising that light-gray rooms are admired by designers. This color has set color trends for many years, thanks to its versatility and timeless aesthetic.

However, this tone is also loved beyond the world of design. Gray is a fantastic option for those looking for quality sleep above all else. Although this color may seem dull, it's not at all aggressive and is very soothing. Light gray creates a neutral, cocooning ambience, particularly recommended for those sensitive to visual stimuli.

This shade adapts to all decorating styles and creates a neutral base on which you can add brighter touches of color in your accessories, while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

4. Beige and nude tones

Beige and nude tones create a warm, enveloping atmosphere, ideal for promoting relaxation. These soft, neutral colors are reminiscent of skin tones and earth tones, providing a sense of security and natural comfort.

Beige is particularly recommended for those seeking a cocooning ambience without opting for overly dark colors. This hue promotes a serene environment while adding a touch of sophistication to the decor.

5. Lavender and pale mauve

Lavender and pale mauve are renowned for their relaxing properties and ability to reduce stress. These colors, inspired by lavender fields, naturally evoke relaxation and serenity.

Studies have shown that exposure to these hues can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, easing the transition to sleep. Use these colors sparingly, in small touches in textiles or decorative accessories.

Colors to avoid in the bedroom

Knowing which colors to avoid is just as important as knowing which colors promote good sleep. Avoid these colors if your priority is to have a soothing, restful bedroom.

1. red

According to sleep experts, red rooms should be used with caution. Studies have shown that the color red has such a powerful pigment that it can even provoke annoyance and anger, which is the opposite of what we want when we go to sleep.

Red is too energetic and powerful a color for a bedroom. Since the primary purpose of a bedroom is to promote a sense of tranquility, this stimulating color can keep the mind alert and delay sleep. If you like this color, reserve it for living spaces such as the living room or dining room.

2. Bright yellow

Bright yellow rooms may have cheerful connotations at first glance, but in all its positivity, this is a color best left outside the bedroom. While it's perfect for a cheerful wake-up call, color psychology has shown that this shade can put you in a psychological state of "alertness", meaning you'll have trouble falling asleep after turning off the light.

Like red, yellow is an overly energetic, attention-grabbing color. These two characteristics can have the opposite effect of what you're looking for in a relaxing, restful bedroom. Bright yellow stimulates mental activity and can disrupt natural sleep cycles.

3. Bright orange

Bright orange, like red and yellow, belongs to the family of warm, stimulating colors. This energetic hue can increase brain activity and make it harder to fall asleep. Bright orange is associated with energy, enthusiasm and action, emotions that are hardly compatible with sleep preparation.

4. Dark brown

Because of its dark color, dark brown can give a room a gloomy atmosphere, which can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. What's more, it can be harder to find motivation in the morning, especially in colder seasons.

Very dark tones can create an oppressive atmosphere and reduce the feeling of space, particularly problematic in small bedrooms. If you like brown tones, opt instead for lighter shades such as taupe or beige.

5. Deep purple

Although lavender tones are recommended, deep purple can have the opposite effect. This powerful color stimulates imagination and creativity, which can keep the mind active at bedtime. Reserve the purples to creative spaces such as an office or workshop.

How to choose the right colors for your bedroom

The importance of lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in color perception and its impact on sleep. A naturally well-lit bedroom can support slightly darker tones, while a dark room will require lighter colors to maintain a serene atmosphere.

Room size and colors

In a small bedroom, prefer light colors that visually enlarge the space and create a feeling of openness. For a large room, you can afford slightly darker tones, while maintaining the soothing aspect.

Combine colors harmoniously

The art of combining colors in a bedroom lies in balance. Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% a soothing dominant color, 30% a complementary secondary color, and 10% color accents in accessories.

Which color promotes restful sleep?

According to sleep experts, the best bedroom color for restful sleep is light blue, which, as we've already said, creates a sense of calm and is more conducive to rest than other colors. This color acts directly on our nervous system, slowing heart rate and lowering blood pressure, creating the ideal conditions for a natural fall asleep and deep sleep.

By following these tips and carefully choosing the colors for your bedroom, you'll create an optimal environment for restful nights and energized waking. Don't forget that the choice of colors is only one element among others in promoting good sleep: the quality of bedding, room temperature and the elimination of blue light sources also remain essential.