Choosing the right wallpaper color for your bedroom is an important decision that can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space. The color of your wallpaper sets the tone for the room and influences factors like mood, energy level, and ambiance. As you consider different wallpaper color options for the bedroom, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of popular bedroom wallpaper color choices and provide tips to help you select the best shade for your needs.
Calming Colors
Soothing, calming colors like blues, greens, and lavenders are very popular for bedrooms because they promote relaxation and sleep. Here is an overview of these recommended calming color choices:
Blues – Blue is one of the most popular wallpaper color options for bedrooms. Different shades of blue can range from cool and calming to bright and uplifting. Light blues like sky blue create a peaceful, airy feel. Navy blue is classic and sophisticated. Blue also represents tranquility, so it sets the tone for a restful sleep space.
Greens – Green is another go-to for bedroom wallpaper. Nature-inspired greens like sage and olive are known for their calming, zen-like qualities. They bring the soothing essence of the outdoors inside. More vivid greens can provide an energizing pop of color. Overall, green hues complement bedrooms nicely.
Lavenders – Soft, mellow lavender and lilac purple tones are often used in bedrooms because they evoke feelings of harmony and relaxation. Pastel shades of purple help create a dreamy, romantic vibe. The inherent calming attributes of lavender make it one of the best wallpaper colors for restful sleep.
Grays – Different shades of gray are popular for bedroom wallpaper, ranging from cold grays with blue undertones to warm grays with tan or brown tones. Cool grays have a relaxing, soothing effect that encourages unwinding and sleep. Warm grays create a cozier, more inviting bedroom environment. Overall, gray is a versatile neutral option.
Energizing Colors
While calming colors may be preferred for better sleep, some homeowners opt for more uplifting, energizing wallpaper hues in bedrooms. Here are some top options:
Yellows – Cheerful, sunny yellows are associated with freshness, happiness and optimism. Soft buttery or daffodil yellows provide an uplifting dose of color without being overpowering. They create a welcoming bedroom environment. Be aware very pale yellows can read “lifeless” on walls.
Oranges – Certain orange hues like peach, terracotta, or burnt orange can add a pleasant energizing element to a bedroom’s wallpaper. Warm oranges evoke sunrise and help create an inspiring, motivational mood. Just avoid overly bright orange tones.
Reds – Red is bold and lively. When used sparingly, a vibrant pop of red on one accent wall can enliven a bedroom. But covering all four walls in red may feel too energetic for a sleep sanctuary. Look for mellow reds with brown or pink undertones.
Pinks – Rosy pinks produce gentle energy with a feminine, romantic vibe. Soft pinks and magentas can brighten up a bedroom without being too overwhelming. Just avoid neon bright pinks.
Neutral Colors
For homeowners who want a versatile wallpaper color that won’t strongly influence the ambiance one way or another, neutrals are a smart choice. Here are some top neutral colors for bedrooms:
Whites/Creams – Pure white or ivory/cream wallpaper imparts a light, airy feel. White bedrooms seem more spacious and relaxed. White also allows you to decorate with colorful bedding and furniture as bold focal points. The downside is white can read “clinical” or “unfinished.”
Grays – As mentioned earlier, grays are extremely versatile bedroom wallpaper colors that range from cool and calming to warm and cozy depending on their undertones. Light grays work well for smaller rooms while darker charcoals make a dramatic impact.
Taupes – Taupe is a warm gray-brown shade that provides a pleasant neutral backdrop. It’s a great choice for those seeking a muted, earthy, cozy bedroom environment. Beiges and tan colors offer similar benefits.
Browns – From dark chocolates to light sand colors, earthy browns offer an organic, grounded neutral option. Browns complement wooden furniture nicely. Just be wary of brown hues with too much gray, yellow, or red, which can read “dreary” or “dated.”
Consider the Lighting and Size
When selecting a wallpaper color for your bedroom, also factor in the room’s lighting conditions and size. For example:
– North-facing rooms with little natural light may benefit from lighter, brighter wallpaper colors to prevent gloominess.
– Smaller rooms can use lighter wallpaper colors to make the space appear more open and airy.
– Large rooms can handle bolder, darker wallpaper colors without closing things in too much.
Be sure to choose a sample paint swatch and view it in the room’s actual lighting at different times of day to make the best decision.
Complement the Furniture
The existing furniture, bedding, and decor in your bedroom should also help guide the wallpaper color selection. Some tips:
– Match cool-toned furniture with cool blues, grays, and greens. Warm wood furniture pairs nicely with warm reds, oranges, yellows.
– Wallpaper and bedding colors don’t need to match exactly. Often different shades of the same hue look cohesive.
– Neutral wallpaper allows you to easily swap out pops of color from bedding, art, accessories.
Select a wallpaper sample and hold it up to the room’s furniture and decor to preview the overall coordinated look.
Create a Mood Board
Making a bedroom inspiration mood board collage with fabric swatches, paint color chips, furniture photos, and room images can help zero in on the perfect wallpaper color. Notice which sample colors you’re most drawn to for the desired mood. A mood board also helps you visualize the palette and decor.
Test Samples on the Wall
There’s no better way to confirm your wallpaper color choice than testing swatches on the actual wall. Paint several 2-3 foot squares in your top color contenders. Observe them at different times and in natural versus artificial light. Note how they make you feel. You may be surprised by how a color looks on a full wall vs a small chip.
Consider Resale Value
For homeowners concerned about resale value, it’s generally wise to avoid personal color choices like bright fuchsia or black wallpaper in favor of more widely appealing neutral and muted cool hues. This provides greater flexibility when selling. But your own happiness during your time in the home is most important.
Top Wallpaper Color Choices for Bedrooms
Here is a summary of popular wallpaper color choices commonly used in bedrooms, along with the mood they evoke:
| Color | Mood |
|---|---|
| Light blue | Peaceful, relaxed, airy |
| Navy blue | Classic, sophisticated,restful |
| Green | Calming, zen, renewing |
| Lavender | Soothing, romantic,dreamy |
| Gray | Versatile, tranquil, balanced |
| Yellow | Cheery, fresh, upbeat |
| Neutral | Simple, flexible, subtle |
Conclusion
Choosing wallpaper color for your bedroom is an exciting process that can refresh the whole look and feel of your sleep sanctuary. Focus on colors that relax, inspire, or energize you. Cooler blues, greens, and lavenders promote restfulness, while warm yellows, oranges, and reds create a more lively ambiance. Neutrals like white, gray, and brown offer flexibility. Consider the room’s size and lighting. Visualize colors with your existing furniture and decor. And don’t forget to try out samples directly on the wall before fully committing. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find your ideal bedroom wallpaper color.