The colour of zen: relaxing bedroom colours

Our ability to relax is directly related to our environment, so it’s important that your bedroom is somewhere you can find peace.

Overt influences like noise and bright lights significantly affect the body and brain, but colour and tone also play a role in our ability to reach a state of zen.

Together we’re going to uncover the colour of serenity and introduce the best calming bedroom colours to achieve maximum bliss in your slumber palace.

What is the most calming colour for the bedroom?

Blue is widely considered the most calming colour. Evoking the sense of blue skies, calm seas, and peace, it’s no surprise that interior designers often choose it for rooms where relaxation is the central mantra.

According to research undertaken by World’s Favourite Colour, in partnership with G F Smith, navy and royal are the most calming shades of blue.

The study required several thousand participants to describe colours and they analysed which words were used most frequently for each of them. Ultimately, words which indicate calmness were most commonly used when describing blue.

Other calming shades of blue

Classic blue

This shade is all about calmness and connection.

Timeless and elegant in its simplicity, classic blue will bring a sense of quietness to your bedroom. No wonder it was named Pantone’s Colour of the Year in 2020 when the need for stress reduction was at its highest amongst peak pandemic conditions.

This colour pairs well with other calming shades when painting, or can be introduced using soft furnishings.

It’s also considered great for improving concentration and focus. If you have a bedroom office, we highly recommend considering this colourway. Try a feature wall or start to introduce this shade with a classic blue divan base.

Baby blue

A soft and muted pastel tone, baby blue is perfect for creating a sense of calm in interior spaces.

Consider baby blue bedding and pillows to provide a subtle, understated contrast against eggshell walls for your bedroom.

Baby blue is equally popular because of its link to creativity. If you’re a designer, writer, or just like to get crafty in your bedroom space, this relaxing tone will also double up to help get your creative juices flowing.

As quoted by Science Daily, here’s what Juliet Zhu, who authored a study into colour’s impact on the brain, had to say about how blue helps creativity.

Through associations with the sky, the ocean and water, most people associate blue with openness, peace and tranquillity. The benign cues make people feel safe about being creative and exploratory.

Ultra-marine blue

Deep and complex, ultra-marine blue is the king of the ocean palette.

It brings that mystical sense of the deep blue sea: silence, contemplation, otherworldliness – ideal for turning your bedroom into a haven of escapism.

However, a light touch is essential – an accent wall or simple accessories at most. Going too hard with this tone can quickly become all-encompassing and stifle other design elements.

And it’s fantastic features don’t stop there. A secondary quality of this shade of blue is its space-boosting properties. Ever since the 18^th century, this tone has been used to make smaller spaces feel bigger. The sense of openness can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of zen and relaxation.

Cosy colours for inducing sleep

image of an earthy bedroom with dark green walls, brown bedding and dark carpet.

1. The natural palette

Greens, blues and browns instil a sense of the natural world within a master suite.

Opt for earthy and grounded colourways but be careful not to overdo it. Balance against soft whites and consider the addition of bedroom plants to help purify the air.

pink bedroom with light pink bedding and pink curtains and an autumnal, tree-lined scene visible through the window

2. A hint of pink

Lavender, pastel pinks and rose quartz create a truly soothing, slightly feminine palette. And remember, no two pinks are the same!

Layering one over the other can help soften harsh tones or add a burst of colour without taking over the space.

For maximum relaxation, go all in with the Tempur Duke Velvet-Finish Bed Frame in a calming lilac tone.

3. Warming metallics

While you wouldn’t typically expect to see metals described as warming, there are ways to embrace industrial décor styles without losing warmth and cosiness.

Opt for rose gold, copper or brass and pair with sumptuous velvets for balance. Our Addison Metal Bed Frame is the ideal partner with its gold finish edging and luxury deep blue fabric inserts.

Tips from the experts

Ella James – Interior Designer at Ella James Interiors

When I design any room in the house, but especially bedrooms, I want to understand the character and preferences of the person. The bedroom is the one room in the house that is completely personal to each individual. Whereas the kitchen or living room is more welcoming to guests, the bedroom is a place of serenity, of relaxation and revitalisation.

When planning a new design, think about your favourite places, perhaps a certain holiday destination or certain memories that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Grace Baena, Interior Designer of Kaiyo Used Dressers

Pastel purples and lavenders are excellent choices for creating a serene backdrop. Sage green and dusty pinks are also great options and will pair well with the warm neutrals that are likely to be popular in 2023.

Alex Capozzolo – Property Expert of SD House Guys

Embrace colour theory by using a colour wheel. To create a relaxing space, you can use the principles of colour theory to harmoniously combine colours in a room.

Try using shades of blues and purples on walls and furniture for a calming effect, or use warm tones such as oranges and yellows for an energizing yet relaxing atmosphere. A good strategy is to use analogous colours, meaning those that are next to each other on the colour wheel. This helps create a sense of unity in the room and also creates a balanced look.

Matt Teifke – Property Investment Advisor of Teifke Real Estate

Consider the way colours are distributed throughout the space. Creating areas of contrast with light and dark shades can help to make a space seem more inviting, while monochromatic colour schemes can create a more tranquil atmosphere.

It is also important to consider how colours interact with each other, as bold hues can be overpowering if used improperly.

For added relaxation in your sleep sanctuary, browse our recommendations for the best bedroom plants to help you sleep better.