8 Incredible Paint Colors for Your Bedroom
According to a
2014 Sherwin-Williams survey, three in four homeowners have at least one room that needs paint—and the bedroom tops the list. Try these expert-picked shades for a truly restful space.
By Jade Copple
A Newer Way to Do Gray
"Gray is not going away," says Jackie Jordan, director of Color Marketing for
Sherwin-Williams. Yes, it's been trending as a bedroom color for years, but she notes that people have recently been gravitating to those with opal and violet undertones.
Why You'll Love It: It obviously goes well with metallics, but it also pairs nicely with natural elements like driftwood or wool.
What to Watch Out For: Gray isn't as neutral as you might think, says Jordan. Warmer tints can be much easier to work with and won't give off that cold, industrial feel.
Shades to Try: Sherwin-Williams Mink (pictured) or
Special Gray
Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
A Vintage-Inspired Room You'll Adore
With a new batch of more-sophisticated pastels hitting the market, people are opting for softer colors in the bedroom, says Jordan. A pale pink or coral can be fresh and feminine, with a little Audrey Hepburn style.
Why You'll Love It: Pink is a great option for someone who wants just a hint of color. It's beautiful in warm light.
What to Watch Out For: Too much pink can give a room that "Barbie's Dreamhouse" vibe. If you're going with this choice, add gray or white accents, such as the white chest under the TV, above.
Shades to Try: Sherwin-Williams Abalone Shell or
Blushing
Photo: Courtesy of BEHR Paints
A Relaxing Retreat
Looking for a soothing place to escape at the end of the day?
BEHR Paint's Director of Color Erika Woelfel suggests a deep, tropical green.
Why You'll Love It: This green works with light wood furniture or floors and bright bedding, says Woelfel. Greens are also ideal for enhancing a room without natural daylight.
What to Watch Out For: Cool colors work best in north-facing rooms that get mostly filtered light. If your space has full sun, you may find the color is washed out.
Shades to Try: BEHR Verdant Forest (pictured)
Photo: Courtesy of BEHR Paints
The Romantic Shade That Makes You Look Great
Reds are known to be very stimulating, Woelfel says, and many people don't like that in a bedroom. Still, if you want a strong pop of color, Woelfel recommends a burnt brick red, which is less intense and won't keep you up at night.
Why You'll Love It: Warmer colors—like this deep red—are more flattering to skin tones, says Woelfel.
What to Watch Out For: Avoid heavily saturated or neon reds, and, as with all new colors, test the biggest swatch you can before committing.
Shades to Try: BEHR Rich Brocade (pictured) or
Carpe Diem
Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
An Unexpected Look
"People are afraid black will make the bedroom look like a cave," says Jordan, "but it can actually have the opposite effect." Jordan suggests using black on the ceiling or an accent wall to evoke the spacious, infinite feel of the night sky.
Why You'll Love It: This couple-friendly shade can be both masculine and feminine and balances beautifully with grays or whites.
What to Watch Out For: Avoid pairing black with bright colors, as the effect can easily go over-the-top, says Jordan.
Shades to Try: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black,
Peppercorn or
Black Fox (pictured)
Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
The Seaside Hideaway
This dusty aqua has become a Pinterest favorite, says Jordan. It works in just about any room, but its spa-like feel can be particularly soothing in the bedroom.
Why You'll Love It: Coastal shades bring the essence of nature indoors and can really brighten up an otherwise dreary space.
What to Watch Out For: Bright colors can overwhelm this subtle neutral, so stick with pastels, whites and grays.
Shades to Try: Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt
A Serene Spot to Rest Your Head
Julie Richard,
Ace Hardware's Design Expert, suggests a light cocoa. A down-to-earth brown with a gray tint can make for an intimate, enveloping space.
Why You'll Love It: This shade of brown is exceptionally versatile, and can work in just about any style of bedroom, from a contemporary loft to the most traditional colonial. One of Richard's favorite combinations is to add a few cream accents such as a large rug or an upholstered headboard similar to this one.
What to Watch Out For: Too much brown in a room can look drab, says Richard.
Shades to Try: Clark+Kensington Pebblestone
Photo: Courtesy of BEHR Paints
A Space That Always Feels Like Home
According to a Travelodge survey, yellow ranks second in sleep-inducing colors; Woelfel recommends a nice balanced gold between lemon yellow and brown.
Why You'll Love It: A toned-down gold transitions well: Its sunnier daylight shade becomes more subdued in evening light.
What to Watch Out For: The wrong gold can be very energetic and too bright for a bedroom. Woelfel suggests starting a couple of shades lighter than you think you want.
Shades to Try: BEHR Harvest Home (pictured)
Published 09/02/2014
