Choosing a modern color for a bedroom can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to consider, it’s important to think about the mood you want to create, how the color will look at different times of day, and how it will pair with other decor elements in the space. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular modern bedroom colors and help you select the right hue for your space.
Cool, Calming Blues
For many people, blue is an inherently calming color that evokes feelings of relaxation. Light and mid-tone blues like sky blue, powder blue, and periwinkle can create a tranquil, spa-like retreat in the bedroom. These cooler hues pair beautifully with crisp white trim, linens, and accessories. Pale blue walls also make an ideal backdrop for artwork and can lend an airy, open feel to small bedrooms.
Deeper shades of blue like navy and cobalt bring dramatic flair to a bedroom. Dark blue walls create an enveloping, cocoon-like effect around the bed and add striking contrast when paired with white bedding. Navy blue also beautifully complements many other colors, making it a versatile choice. Just be mindful that very dark blues may feel imposing and overwhelming in a small room.
Soothing Greens
For a bedroom with a relaxed, natural vibe, green is a wonderful color choice. Light greens like sage and seafoam have a calming, spa-like quality, especially when used on all four walls. Pair these tranquil hues with rattan and wood accent furniture and plenty of plants for a true oasis. Vibrant lime green delivers energizing yet cheerful flair. Use it sparingly on one accent wall or in decor accents. Deeper emerald greens lend sophistication and grace to a master bedroom, creating a refined retreat.
No matter which shade you choose, green combines seamlessly with neutrals like white, cream, and tan. For added visual interest, team green walls with bedding in complementary hues like yellow, blue, or purple. Green also pairs beautifully with wood furniture and touches of black metal or matte black fixtures.
Warm, Inviting Tans and Browns
For a cozy, welcoming bedroom retreat, consider a neutral tan or brown. Warm hues like beige, sand, and khaki create a soothing, peaceful atmosphere, especially when used on all four walls. Darker browns like chocolate, coffee, or caramel lend a sense of intimacy and sophistication to a master suite. Use them in moderation on just one accent wall. To keep things from feeling too dark, pair rich browns with light woods and plenty of windows to let in natural light.
No matter which neutral brown or tan shade you select, add visual interest by layering in different textures like wood furniture, sisal rugs, linen bedding, and cozy knit throws. Metallic accents in copper, bronze, or gold also pop beautifully against neutral backdrops. For a serene, monochromatic look, stick to varying shades of brown and tan. To add contrast, pair these earthy neutrals with sky blue, sage green, or creamy white.
Modern Metallic Accents
While all-over metallic walls can feel overpowering in a bedroom, a touch of shimmer used judiciously can add modern flair. Consider copper or champagne gold walls in a small accent area or on the ceiling. Or go bold with a metallic wallpaper mural on a single focal wall. Brushed brass and nickel finishes on lighting and hardware also lend sleek contemporary style. Pair your metallics with neutral walls and bedding for an elegant, glamorous look.
In small doses, muted metallics like pewter, steel gray, and silver create an edgy but still livable vibe. Complement these cooler tones with purple, blue, or charcoal gray paint colors and bedding. Avoid pairing metallic grays with warm wood tones, which can feel mismatched. For a really modern look, paint the ceiling silver and keep the walls bright white – the contrast will be subtle yet striking.
Vibrant, Saturated Accent Colors
While it may seem counterintuitive for a relaxing retreat, bold, saturated color on one accent wall can really make a bedroom pop. Vibrant hues like fuchsia, orange, lime green, or electric blue create an energetic focal point when used sparingly. Pair bold walls with plenty of neutral textures and materials like wood paneling, rattan furniture, linen sheets, and cozy rugs to keep the look livable.
Using a deep color like eggplant purple, red, or teal in a painted accent wall behind the bed creates drama and intimacy. For smaller bedrooms, stick to lighter, more vibrant shades so the dark colors don’t overwhelm the space. No matter what vibrant hue you choose, pair it with light woods, white trim, and furniture in complementary neutrals and natural materials for a modern yet balanced look.
Soothing Neutral Backdrops
Sometimes the best wall color for a restful bedroom is no color at all. Neutral backdrops in white, off-white, warm ivory, or very light gray allow you to add pops of color through art, bedding, and accessories. All-white walls, trim, and ceilings feel spacious and airy, creating a clean slate for creative layering. Warm grays and greiges (a blend of gray and beige) are more relaxing than bright white and don’t show scuffs as easily.
Consider painting your headboard wall in a darker neutral like charcoal for drama and grounding impact. Focal walls in deeper shades of gray, brown, and taupe add subtle interest while still remaining neutral. Pair your neutrals with natural wood tones and finishes for organic texture. Crisp white bedding pops beautifully against neutral backdrops, as do prints and patterns in bold colors.
Soothing Pastels
For a soft, dreamy bedroom, pastel hues can’t be beat. Colors like powder pink, pale yellow, lavender, and baby blue evoke images of distant skies, clouds, and daydreams – perfect for a restful retreat. Use pastels on all four walls or mix and match multiple pale hues for a whimsical, eclectic look. Keep the rest of the scheme neutral, with white trim, natural wood, and touches of greenery.
Pale pink and peach are especially relaxing choices for bedrooms. Pair them with white accents and plenty of natural light for a bright yet soothing feel. Dusty rose and mauve create a romantic, vintage vibe when used on accent walls or bed frames. Pale sage green and buttercream also beautifully complement many pastel paint colors.
No matter which pastel hue you choose, look for colors marketed specifically for bedrooms to avoid ending up with bright, juvenile-looking walls. Stick to mute, organic pastel colors rather than highly saturated ones. And pair your pastels with plenty of crisp white for balance.
Choosing Your Colors
When selecting bedroom colors, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind for the most successful, livable scheme:
Lighting
Test your colors at different times of day when the lighting changes. Some hues can shift dramatically in appearance throughout the day. Cooler north-facing rooms may require warmer paint colors.
Furniture and Bedding
Pull out key pieces like your headboard, artwork, and area rugs to see how they pair together. Don’t forget to try coordinating paint chips next to any existing fabrics.
Add Accents
Purchase a colorful throw pillow or piece of art in potential accent colors to see the scheme come together.
Collect Inspiration
Gather inspiring images from magazines and Pinterest to hone in on the mood and style you’re after.
Live With It
Buy a quart of paint to brush onto posterboard and move it around the room at different times. Or use painter’s tape to sample sections of wall.
Think Long Term
While bold colors are exciting, remember you’ll live with this choice for several years. Focus on colors that feel enduring rather than trendy.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you select a color scheme you’ll still love years from now. Most importantly, choose bedroom hues that make you feel relaxed, happy, and able to rest.
Bedroom Color Scheme Examples
Here are some inspiring examples of popular modern bedroom color schemes:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Light blue walls with white trim and natural wood accents | Serene and airy; perfect for small spaces |
| Navy blue wall behind bed with white and linen bedding | Bold, dramatic, and elegant |
| Sage green walls with antique bronze sconces and tan area rug | Natural and peaceful for relaxing retreat |
| Beige walls and bed with lavender accent pillows and artwork | Soft, soothing, and romantic |
| Bright white walls and trim with neon art and vibrant bedding | Crisp, fresh, and modern |
| Charcoal feature wall with cream walls, brass accents, and emerald bedding | Rich and glamorous for dramatic flair |
Tips for Accessorizing Your Bedroom Colors
While paint may seem like the most crucial decision, remember that well-chosen accents and accessories make all the difference in pulling a color scheme together. Here are some tips for completing your bedroom colors:
- Pick one vibrant accent hue and carry it through pillows, throws, art and other accents.
- Repeat your wall color in the bedding for a pulled-together monochromatic look.
- Incorporate natural textures like linen, cotton, wool, rattan, and wood to warm up colors.
- Add in black and white art, photos, prints or ceramic pieces to add sharp contrast.
- Layer in metallic touches like brushed gold, nickel, or matte brass for sheen.
- Include greenery and flowering plants to bring life and freshness.
By keeping colors cohesive from your walls to linens to decorative details, you can create a polished, designer look. Mix in plenty of natural elements and textures to enhance your color palette for a livable modern bedroom.
Conclusion
The key to choosing the perfect modern color for your bedroom is focusing on the mood you want to create. Cool tones like blues and greens evoke relaxation and tranquility, while neutrals like beige and gray lend a peaceful, cozy feel. For drama, consider deep jewel tones or a bold accent wall in a saturated color. Pastels create a soft, dreamy atmosphere. Just remember to pair vibrant shades with plenty of neutral textures and natural materials.
Try out colors at different times of day and with your key existing furniture and fabrics. Look for hues marketed as “bedroom colors” for more muted, livable shades. Consider timeless color trends that will last, rather than something too bold or trendy. Most importantly, select colors that make you feel happy and relaxed. This is your personal sanctuary, after all. Keeping these tips in mind will help you create a modern bedroom color scheme you’ll love.
