Choosing the right colour for your bedroom is an important decision for any couple. The colour you choose can have a real impact on your mood, energy levels, and even your relationship. When decorating as a couple, you need to find a colour you both love that will make your bedroom feel like a relaxing sanctuary. In this article, we’ll look at the different factors to consider when choosing a colour and explore the best bedroom colours for couples based on scientific research and colour psychology. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for compromising if you and your partner have different colour preferences. Read on to discover the perfect hue for your shared sleeping space!
Consider Your Colour Preferences
When choosing a colour with your partner, start by having an open discussion about both of your likes and dislikes. Here are some key questions to ask:
– Do you have a favourite colour or colours you’re drawn to?
– Are there any colours you strongly dislike?
– What mood are you hoping to create in the bedroom – relaxed, romantic, sleek?
– Do you have a colour scheme in mind or want to stick to a theme like modern, traditional, beachy, etc?
Be honest about any strong aversions and try to find colours you both think you could enjoy. Compromise is key! If your colour preferences are very different, you may need to find a neutral colour you both find palatable.
Factor In The Room Size and Lighting
The size and layout of your bedroom should factor into your decision about what colour to paint it. Here are some considerations:
– Small rooms feel more spacious painted lighter tints of colours versus deep bold shades. Pale blue, green, gray and taupe are great light colours for small bedrooms.
– Big rooms can handle bolder or darker paint colours without feeling closed in. Deep reds, chocolates, navy and forest green work well in large bedrooms.
– Rooms with minimal natural light should be painted lighter colours that won’t make the space feel dim and cavelike. Soft grays, lavender, light greens and creamy whites reflect light well.
– South facing rooms with plenty of sun can handle deeper hues without feeling too dark and dramatic.
Take stock of how much natural light your bedroom gets and adjust your colour choice accordingly. Don’t be afraid of bold colours in a larger, brightly lit space!
Consider The Mood You Want To Create
Colour can profoundly affect mood and emotions. Think about the vibe you want your bedroom to have and choose colours that will set that tone. Here are some examples:
– Soft pinks, peaches and creams promote a romantic, feminine feel.
– Cool tones like pale blues, grays and greens create a relaxing, Zen-like retreat.
– Neutrals like beige, taupe and pale gray encourage restful sleep.
– Warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows bring excitement and energy. Save these for other living spaces, not restful bedrooms.
– Dark dramatic colours like deep purples, navy or chocolate brown can feel sensual and intimate.
Decide on the mood you want to achieve together and select colours that will bring about that ambiance. You’ll both rest easiest in a space designed with the right tone in mind.
Consider The Science Behind Colour Psychology
Research has uncovered how different colours impact mood, feelings, and behaviours. This colour psychology is useful to understand when decorating a shared bedroom. Here’s an overview of common bedroom colour associations:
Soothing Green – Green is associated with harmony, balance and growth. Different shades can be stabilizing, refreshing or rejuvenating. Dark greens may feel too masculine for some couples. Light sage greens are tranquil and work well in a bedroom.
Peaceful Blue – Blue is thought to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Light sky blues are calming and perfect for bedrooms. Don’t choose a icy, electric blue which can feel cold. Dark navy blues also encourage good sleep.
Happy Yellow – Cheerful yellows boost optimism and self-esteem. However, too much yellow can overstimulate the mind, so use sparingly in bedrooms. Pale buttery yellows work nicely for an uplifting effect.
Passionate Red – Red stirs up excitement, passion and intimacy. It’s best used as an accent colour, as too much red is overstimulating for restful sleep. But a red feature wall could spice things up!
Regal Purple – Purple promotes imagination and creativity. However, darker purples can feel brooding or romantic. Lavender is a lighter, soothing take on purple fitting for a bedroom.
Keep these colour associations in mind as you choose a hue. Opt for ones with calming, romantic connotations.
Look At The Meaning Of Colours In Feng Shui
Feng shui principles for colour selection also provide guidance. According to feng shui colour meanings:
– Blues encourage relaxation and positive energy flow. Darker shades like navy promote better sleep.
– Greens relate to health and vitality. Avoid neon bright greens. Sage greens are great for bedrooms.
– Purples enhance romance and passion. Deep purples can feel sensual while lavender is calming.
– Pink cultivates romance and emotional intimacy. However, too much pink can feel childish.
– Yellows foster optimism and confidence. Mustard yellows encourage intellect. Again, use yellows sparingly.
– Gray is a neutral that promotes tranquility and balance. Use lighter grays to avoid gloominess.
Look for feng shui-approved colours that nourish your relationship and promote rest. Combining principles of colour psychology and feng shui assures you choose the most auspicious hues!
Get Input From An Interior Designer
If you and your partner are feeling stuck on selecting a bedroom colour, consider consulting a professional interior designer. They can assess your space and suggest colours that work best given the room size, lighting and layout.
Provide the designer photos of your existing bedroom furniture and decor. Explain what style you’re drawn to and the mood you hope to achieve. They can then suggest on-trend, harmonious colours tailored to your unique space and needs as a couple.
Many designers offer virtual consultations, so you can get expert colour advice conveniently online. Invest in a short session with a designer to discover shades you may not have considered that perfectly suit your bedroom.
Find Samples And Test Out Colours
Once you’ve narrowed down colour options, purchase sample pots of paint, get fabric swatches, or print out colour tiles to test out your top choices. Tape them to the wall and view them at different times of day when lighting changes.
Don’t judge a colour solely based on the tiny paint chip. Seeing a decent sized swatch of it on your wall gives a much better impression.
Also, paint companies now offer peel and stick removable paint strips. Purchase some colour strips and stick them directly on your wall to get a true sense of the shade in your space before fully committing.
Trying out samples helps ensure you don’t end up with a colour you regret once it’s on every wall. Take your time testing colours to make the best decision.
Agree On A Neutral Compromise
If after discussing all factors, you and your partner are still drawn to very different colours, you may need to compromise on a neutral shade you both find generally acceptable.
Neutrals like off-whites, beiges, pale grays and soft taupes aren’t overly stimulating colours. They provide a soothing backdrop that allows you to add more exciting pops of colour through decor and bedding.
Just don’t select an ultra-boring white or beige by default. Look for neutrals with a subtle hint of colour like a warm greige (gray-beige), cozy almond, or relaxing aloe to add interest.
Landing on a neutral compromise allows you both to feel content with the background colour and express your individual styles through other elements like bedding, art, accessories and more.
Select Paint Finishes Strategically
The right paint finish can make a major impact on how a colour appears and make it work better in your space. Consider these tips:
– Eggshell or satin finishes add gentle glow and work well on walls. They withstand washing too.
– Flat finishes mute colours. Great for bold dark walls or disguising imperfections.
– Semi-gloss makes colours crisp and vivid. Use it sparingly on trim or doors. Too shiny for whole walls.
– Matte finishes lend a velvety richness and light absorbing quality.
Don’t automatically default to eggshell. Discuss finishes and use them strategically to customize your colour selection to your bedroom.
Factor In Future Changes
Tastes change over time. The perfect colour choice today may not thrill you forever. If your bedroom colour needs to stand the test of time, consider these sage options:
– Neutrals like white, gray, taupe and beige are extremely versatile and unlikely to feel dated or limiting. They let you easily update other elements down the road.
– Classic blue is universally appealing and always in style. Navy, sky blue and robin’s egg blue work for many decor styles.
– Green is associated with renewal and rarely goes out of favour. From mint to emerald, green adapts well over trends.
– Avoid picking trendy limited edition colours or going too bold. Stick to more flexible choices.
While you want a colour you love now, also think about how it will weather changing styles and preferences in the future. Aim for long-lasting versatility.
Pull Inspiration From Your Clothing
Think about the colour palette present in your wardrobes. Coordinate your bedroom wall colour to key tones you both frequently wear and enjoy seeing together.
Scan your closets for colours that complement both of your complexions and personalities. Your clothing colour preferences offer helpful insight into bedroom shades you’ll resonate with.
Just make sure to avoid “matchy matchy” perfection. Contrast the wall colour slightly with bedding or decor to create visual interest and dimension.
Choose Colours That Complement Your Skin Tone
Certain colours naturally harmonize with your skin tone, making you look vibrant and healthy. Make sure to choose bedroom wall colours that provide this flattering effect.
Check your skin’s undertones by looking at the veins on your wrist. Greenish veins means warm undertones while bluish veins indicate cool undertones.
Those with warm undertones look great in warm colours like peach, yellow, terra cotta and mossy greens. People with cool undertones shine in cool colours like blue, gray, mauve and dusty pink.
Aim for bedroom colours within your undertone family. You’ll both look refreshed and radiant against colours calibrated to your complexion.
Consider Colour Combinations
Rather than choosing one colour for all four walls, consider using a colour combination for added interest. Two popular options are:
Accent wall – Paint one wall a different colour to add a bold pop. Use a colour from your bedding or artwork so it ties together. This creates a focal point.
Two colour walls – Paint two adjoining walls one colour and the other two walls a different hue. Keep colours in the same family for cohesion.
Adding a second colour prevents the room from feeling one dimensional. But stick to two colours maximum so it doesn’t feel busy or overwhelming.
Summary of The Best Bedroom Colours for Couples
Here is an overview of the top bedroom colour recommendations for couples based on all the factors discussed:
| Colour | Paint Finish | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sky blue | Eggshell | Promotes relaxation and harmony. Beautiful in both traditional and modern bedrooms. |
| Pale gray | Matte | Soothing neutral that allows accent colours to pop. Looks great with both warm and cool decor. |
| Sage green | Satin | Calming, versatile nature inspired colour. Light greens aid restful sleep. |
| Lavender | Eggshell | Evokes romance and tranquility. Very restful colour that sets an intimate mood. |
| Warm taupe | Matte | Relaxing neutral alternative to beige. Works with modern and bohemian decor alike. |
| Robin’s egg blue | Satin | Vibrant, uplifting alternative to navy. Promotes honesty and strong communication. |
| Butter yellow | Eggshell | Happy, optimistic accent. Use with neutral walls. Boosts morale and energy. |
This covers the top colour recommendations for couples bedrooms drawn from scientific research and interior design principles. Keep these harmonious, mood-enhancing hues in mind as you collaborate to create your ideal shared sanctuary.
Conclusion
Choosing the right colour for your couples bedroom requires some thoughtfulness, compromise and consideration of each other’s preferences and needs. Research shows that colour can profoundly affect your mood, feelings and relationship. So take time to weigh all the factors at play in order to select a colour that will nurture intimacy and keep both partners content and relaxed. With the right colour choice and coordination, you can craft a bedroom environment you both cherish that reflects your unique relationship style and celebrates what you share together.
