Newest paint colors for bedrooms
12 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas (2022)
by Andre Kazimierski | May 20, 2022
What are the best bedroom paint color ideas for a calm and cozy sleep? Our interior design experts rank their top 12 bedroom wall color choices of 2022!
According to leading design experts, the best wall colors for a bedroom are warm pastels, soft white paint shades, and neutral-leaning blues and greens.
Moreover, we’ve listed our favorite soft light gray paint colors as well as rosy off-whites with light pink and terracotta undertones to create a naturally inviting bedroom design.
Indeed, this year’s list includes designer favorites from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams or Farrow & Ball and Behr Paints. From master bedroom accent walls to tranquil color palettes best for sleep, our top picks will help you find the perfect color scheme. Not to mention, we’ve included a photo of how each color looks in a bedroom to help you visualize better.
Accordingly, we’ll also cover the best two-tone bedroom wall combinations for a calming effect in your master or guest bedroom look and interior design. Let’s kick off our top 12 bedroom paint color ideas list with our best, trendy hue of the year for the most important room in your home.
1. Benjamin Moore White Dove
The best paint color to paint your bedroom walls is White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore. No question, this classic creamy-white with warm gray undertones is an incredibly popular wall color for bedrooms. Moreover, the warmth of this bright white color creates a cozy environment. Furthermore, it’s light enough of a white wall color to make small bedrooms look larger.
Your best bet is to pair White Dove with dark or medium wood floors that won’t bring out slightly yellow undertones in this wall hue. This means that you should avoid pairing it with natural or honey oak wood flooring finishes or warm-toned carpeting.
Lastly, White Dove looks great paired with flat ceilings and semigloss white trim, making it versatile.
No question, popcorn ceilings look plain bad these days. Visit our popcorn ceiling removal guide to learn about the 3 best ways to get rid of those pesky textured ceilings.
Interior Bedroom Color Advice
In general, we recommend an eggshell finish for any bedroom paint hue as opposed to a flat or matte sheen. Whether you have a small bedroom or larger space, headboards and nightstands or dressers often scuff the walls. Hence, using an eggshell finish on your bedroom’s walls is more resilient and easier to clean than flatter paint finishes.
2. Sherwin Williams Origami White
Without question, we love Sherwin Williams Origami White for bedrooms. This is another smooth and creamy wall color that’s perfect for your bedroom walls. Like White Dove, it is a warmer neutral off-white that is both versatile and exudes tranquility.
It also has a tinge of gray as an undertone so it blends nicely with any bedroom decor. Indeed, these characteristics ensure that your bedroom furniture and home decor are easy to coordinate with this popular shade of white paint.
Another reason we love Origami is that it’s not as pure of a white as Alabaster or Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. Unfortunately, pure white or almost white paint tones can make a bedroom look cold and sterile.
Not to mention, stark whites often come with a high LRV (light reflective value). This means you will have trouble covering previous bedroom wall colors in two or three coats.
In contrast, Origami White has an LRV of 76 which is still on the high end but manageable nonetheless. All in all, this neutral bedroom color is neither too creamy nor too crisp, which makes it a great choice for a room where balance is important.
Small Bedroom Wall Color Ideas 2022
The best wall color ideas for small bedrooms are to use off-white, light gray, and brighter shades of neutral paint hues. Certainly, you can paint a small bedroom blue or green. In this case, most design experts recommend sticking with the two lightest shades of a particular paint swatch color sample.
If you fall in love with a particular wall bedroom color like a soothing sage green or coastal blue, opt to go one shade lighter if possible. The reason for this is that lighter paint colors will open up a small bedroom, making it look larger. Another trick is to strategically position mirrors to make the space look bigger. Likewise, you can also play around with different lighting to make a small bedroom appear larger.
3. Behr Light French Gray
Next on our top bedroom wall color ideas list is Light French Gray by Behr Paints. Again, we love the versatility of this neutral gray which leans a bit cooler with slight undertones of blue and brown.
Not to be confused with Sherwin-Williams’ Light French Gray, this calm and serene wall color from Behr works much better for bedrooms. It can open up a smaller room’s look and feel while offering enough contrast against stark white trim and white bedroom ceilings.
Unlike the previous two off-white bedroom shades, Light French Gray matches beautifully with natural or honey oak wood floors in a bedroom. Accordingly, its cool properties help tone down the yellow undertones of lighter wooden floors. If you are looking to go lighter with your gray bedroom hue, check out Behr’s Reflecting Pool, which is featured further down this list.
4. Upward By Sherwin-Williams
The best blue wall bedroom color of the year is Upward by Sherwin Williams. This lovely hue is more of a blue-gray or a neutral light blue that oozes tranquility.
Both clean and calming, Upward is a pure blue that’s light and fresh. This is what makes it the perfect pale blue bedroom paint color with subtle hints of gray. However, it can make a room feel too cold if matched with gray or cooler-toned flooring, so plan accordingly.
Likewise, you can pair this shade with a crisp white for a gorgeous two-toned bedroom accent color. In a similar fashion, it can still stand on its own as a main color for the entire room.
On the other hand, this calming blue tone can be tricky to coordinate with stronger color palettes. Moreover, Upward can look different depending on how much natural light your bedroom gets.
Furthermore, Upward can be a solid blue paint option when painting a master bathroom or guest room the same color. Lastly, it pairs effortlessly with cherry floors or medium-toned wood trim with red or champaign undertones. Given the right conditions, this trending blue wall color can appear lighter when painted on a bedroom wall versus how it looks on a color wheel.
5. Linen White By Benjamin Moore
Yet another soft and creamy off-white paint color that works exceptionally well in most bedrooms is Linen White by Benjamin Moore.
Certainly, this is a warm white with slight yellow undertones that reminds us of fresh, clean sheets. Linen White creates a relaxed and inviting space that can cheer up any bedroom that receives enough sunlight.
Our painting experts love this hue for bedroom walls because of its versatility. In effect, Linen White can work in modern, cottage, farmhouse, traditional, and transitional interior house color schemes. This makes it easy to coordinate with living room and hallway colors.
Coordinate this warmer white wall color with a sage green or earthy beige with clay undertones. Above all, you should pair warm colors like this with cooler-leaning floors and decor to create a balanced feel in your space.
Wondering what a painter would charge to paint your bedroom? Get an idea of Denver home painting costs in our newest price guide.
6. Breezeway by Behr Paints
A neutral and inviting wall color that’s a designer favorite for bedrooms is Breezeway by Behr. Indeed, this is a grown-up minty green-blue with hints of gray. No question, Breezeway is a serene and delicate bedroom color that’s both elegant and timeless.
Inspired by the sea, you can characterize this as a silvery green shade that’s perfect for small bedrooms or nurseries. Actually, many believe this is a better teal wall color than Sherwin William’s ever-popular Sea Salt.
As you may have heard, Breezeway is Behr’s 2022 paint color of the year. While we love this calm green paint in a bedroom, be careful what flooring or lighting tones you pair it with. Breezeway has hints of yellow as an undertone so avoid pairing it with natural or warmer toned flooring.
Instead, match it with gray floors or cooler lighting temperatures to ensure the yellow does not come through. In the end, this tranquil green bedroom shade works wonderfully in a coastal farmhouse vibe with just enough coolness to offset bedrooms with too-warm lighting or decor.
Get help matching wood floors and wall colors in our expert’s latest guide.
7. Farrow & Ball All White
Putting aside the latest color trends, sometimes it’s good to start with a blank slate in your bedroom. All White by Farrow and Ball is the perfect clean and crisp white wall color to build your interior decor preferences around.
Accordingly, it contains no pigment other than white so you can pair it with a dark blue accent for a distinctive contrast. Neither cool nor warm, it is a brilliant, graphic white that looks great on bedroom walls, trim, or ceilings.
While Farrow and Ball paint is super pricey compared to other paint stores, the quality of their product has increased recently. In the past, painters have harped on the value you get for such an expensive paint so they upped their game in terms of quality.
This bedroom color is so darn white that you can pair it with a slight off-white like Simply White by Sherwin Williams and still afford some contrast. You can also pair it with darker DIY wallpaper for a striking statement wall shade in the bedroom.
8. Calm (Benjamin Moore)
When it comes to painting bedroom walls, Calm by Benjamin Moore is a warm gray that is serene and versatile. In our experience, homeowners and designers love this soothing off-white with hints of lilac and lavender-gray. Calm is simply the perfect shade of light gray to help take the stress away after a long day.
Looking to mix things up? Try using chalkboard paint in a room for a creative decor choice!
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s Calm vs White Dove, the former has purple undertones and tends to show more as a gray than an off-white. Of course, this is affected by the lighting temperature and the amount of natural sunlight your bedroom gets.
While Calm is warmer-leaning, it remains quite neutral in terms of wall hues. So it works with a variety of flooring tones and decorative items like colorful throw pillows or textured duvet bedding covers.
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9. PPG Olive Sprig
The bedroom paint color that gives the most natural vibe on our list is PPG’s Olive Spring. This warm green wall shade helps bring the serenity of the outdoors into your bedroom. Both authentic and earthy, Olive Sprig is in line with recent trends toward sustainability. This lush green is organic in nature and best paired with soft rose tones.
What’s more, you can find PPG paint colors at your local Home Depot. Certainly, this is a huge perk for homeowners that live nearby.
Not only is this natural green trending, but it was also named PPG’s 2022 wall color of the year. In like fashion, you can use this with reddish cherry flooring or cooler wooden floors for an organic-based interior bedroom design scheme.
All in all, Olive Spring is relaxed when you need it to be, as you wind down late at night. But also bright and airy for an energy boost when you wake up in the early morning. Two factors that make it a wonderfully organic bedroom paint shade.
10. Reflecting Pool by Behr
Reflecting Pool is one of Behr’s most popular paint colors in bedrooms for a reason. Many call it the perfect cool mix of blue, green, and gray hues. Certainly Reflecting Pool is a neutral gray, like a number of other colors on this list. However, what we love most about this bedroom color is when it’s paired with warm-toned or natural flooring.
Cooler leaning gray-blue wall tones like Reflecting Pool are perfect for modern designs and sleek, upscale bedroom decor. Especially when you combine it with dark stained wood headboards, nightstands, and bedroom dressers.
It’s actually just a touch lighter than Behr’s Light French gray, the third-best bedroom color ranked this year. As a result, you can combine both paint hues in the same bedroom as an accent and body-color combo.
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11. Intimate White by Sherwin-Williams
Indeed, the perfect pink bedroom color has to be Intimate White by Sherwin-Williams. As a refreshing and pretty pink bedroom paint color, it’s both lively and relaxed. Use this airy wall hue in a kid’s bedroom or nursery for a cheery and light vibe.
Despite being pink, Intimate White is still a neutral pastel which makes it a versatile bedroom tone for walls. If you are nervous about adding color to a bedroom, this airy pink will help you ease into it. Likewise, it can be used in traditional room decor as well as a farmhouse-infused, warm, and inviting neutral bedroom color.
Looking to ditch the blue or green bedroom trend? No problem, this blush-toned pink can help you add some soft warmth to any space, including guest bathrooms or master bedrooms.
Wondering what Improovy is all about? Learn more about the expert team that is revolutionizing the paint industry.
Favorite Bedroom Colors For Couples
The best bedroom color for couples is Intimate White by Sherwin Williams. This neutral pink hue works wonders in creating a romantic and relaxing bedroom atmosphere. A few more favorite bedroom colors for couples include neutral shades of pink, soft blue-grays, and earthy greens. For a little spice, you can add a toned down shade of terracotta or even a regal purple shade as an accent color.
Accordingly, warmer whites and natural, soft tones can help make a master bedroom feel comfortable and tranquil for couples. Given that we’re spending more time at home these days than ever, this has never been more important. Luckily, each of these colors helps promote wellness, leading to a restful night of sleep.
12. Neutral Ground (SW 7568)
Simple and ultimately warm, Sherwin’s Neutral Ground (SW 7568) is another popular bedroom color that is worth mentioning. One of our favorite beige bedroom wall shades, it artfully bridges the gap between warm and cold hues.
Another super versatile tone for bedroom walls, Neutral Ground actually has slight green undertones. Although in a certain light, you can actually spot gray undertones in this soothing beige color choice.
By the same token, the most important factor that affects the look of Neutral Ground in bedrooms is lighting conditions. In a south-facing room with plenty of sunlight, it looks creamy and tan. In north-facing darker bedrooms with shorter walls, the hints of gray really come out.
Consequently, we recommend using this chameleon-like wall shade in northern facing or smaller bedrooms. This is because it can look a bit washed-out in a south-facing bedroom with a ton of natural light or vaulted ceilings. On the whole, this transformative neutral beige can work wonders for a bedroom under the right conditions.
Two Color Combination For Bedroom Walls
One of our favorite two color combinations for bedroom walls is pairing Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog with Neutral Grounds. Not only is Evergreen Fog Sherwin’s 2022 paint color of the year, but it also brings out the best undertones in Neutral Ground. No question, the undertones brought out when pairing two bedroom wall colors affect how your coordinate your space.
Two-tone bedroom painting colors are achieved in multiple ways. First, you can use the lighter hue of the two as a main color and the dark color as an accent. Oftentimes, the best wall to paint an accent color on in a bedroom is the wall adjacent to the headboard of your bed. Think a navy blue accent like Naval paired with a crisp neutral like All White by Farrow and Ball.
Secondly, to pull off a two color idea in a bedroom you can paint the bottom half of a wall one color and the top another. Typically this involves walls with chair railing trim or wainscoting. In this two-tone bedroom color scheme, you can paint the top half the darker color and the bottom half a lighter or neutral shade. In rare cases you can coordinate the opposite color sequence, often if they are similar colors on the same paint swatch.
Ever wonder why painters wear white? Find out what to wear when painting your interior bedroom in our new article.
Two-Tone Painting Tip For Bedrooms
Another neat painting trick in a bedroom is to paint the wall opposite a window your accent color depending on if you want to open up a small bedroom or vice versa. So paint a lighter color opposite the windows to reflect more light or a darker shade to absorb it. Believe it or not, there are instances where bedrooms are too-bright. This two-tone wall color tip can help diffuse some of the brightness to help you sleep better.
Looking for a painter in St Louis? Check out Improovy’s Saint Louis location to get a free interior or exterior home painting quote now.
Bedroom Wall Color FAQs
Below are the most asked bedroom wall color questions from homeowners like yourself. We hope this guide helped you narrow down your favorite bedroom painting color tones. Now, let’s get to painting!
What colors should I avoid when painting my bedroom?
You should avoid bright reds, yellows, and dark brown wall colors when painting a bedroom. These vibrant tones can ruin a serene space and make you anxious when you should be relaxed and sleepy. Also, avoid pops of color on ceilings or crazy dark trim paint colors in bedrooms. Rarely have we found bedrooms that are able to incorporate yellows or red without looking terrible. Indeed, red walls are the opposite of calming colors you’d want in a room where people sleep.
Which is the most peaceful color for a bedroom?
Blue or indigo hues give you the most peaceful sleep according to a Travelodge study. A great night’s sleep can also be had with soft greige or warm, earthy sage green wall bedroom colors.
Should bedrooms be painted dark or light?
Small bedrooms should be painted light and large bedrooms can be painted dark colors. Typically a dark color in a bedroom works best as an accent. However, we have seen homeowners pull off bolder main wall colors that are darker on all four walls. Even with large bedrooms, high ceilings and plenty of sunlight are needed for darker hues. Certainly, a dark paint shade can help you sleep better which is essential for any bedroom color palette.
45 Best Bedroom Paint Colors 2023
1
Deep Red
Heidi Caillier
In this warm yet polished bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier, bewitching red walls set a romantic mood. The accent pillow features a more neon shade of red that brightens up the space while still keeping it calm, cozy, and just a touch mysterious.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Cascabel Chile, $99
2
Red Lacquer
FRITZ VON DERSCHULENBURG
High-energy yet calming, bold yet timeless, this jaw-dropping bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy is serious goals. For a similar effect, stick to a tight two-color story with the walls in a show-stopping super high gloss paint and your ceiling in a flat white paint. "This finish feels fresh for a guest room, and the surprising pop of color is both warm and chic," he says.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Blazer, $110
3
Bright Red Accents
ALISON GOOTEE
Or, reverse the look and opt for bright white walls and bold red bedding, artwork, and floors. The high-impact combo in this bedroom by Anthony Baratta is all the convincing we need.
BUY NOW Backdrop Negroni, $45
4
Bubble Gum Pink
Anna Spiro Design
Too outrageous? No such thing. Bright bubblegum pink is a fearless choice. In this bedroom by Anna Spiro, it asserts a youthful spirit to balance out the traditional pieces, like the dresser and tight floral patterns.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Deep Carnation, $47
5
Blush Pink
Francesco Lagnese
If this whimsical bedroom doesn't make you blush, we don't know what will. "Exuberantly feminine, yet resolutely chic" was designer Jonathan Berger's motto for decorating this Brooklyn townhouse. Berger found the suzani on eBay, while and the curvy Venetian-inspired headboard is covered in Nouvelle Orleans, a cut velvet from Clarence House that resembles ironwork but, of course, is much softer to the touch. The antique Napoleon III rope ottoman covered in an Aubusson tapestry adds a French country chic feel to seal the deal.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Pink Ground, $110
6
Petal Pink
Gaines
Here's another beautiful bedroom making a strong case for blush. Designed by Chip and Joanna Gaines, one of the primary goals of this home renovation was to honor its historical significance. One of the ways they did so was by preserving the existing fireplaces. In this bedroom, the original fireplace remains, but the room gets a fresh update with pretty petal pink paint. A classic oil painting and antique decor nod to the past while the flower sconce embraces the present.
BUY NOW Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines for KILZ Rosy Pink
7
Peach
Stephen Paul
"The bedroom gets great light throughout the day, so we wanted to go for a peachy color on the walls that would give it a nice glow with the sunlight," Ring explains. The bedroom "feels layered in a comfortable way but not too busy—[you] feel very serene when you’re in the room," Ring says. She also wove some of the client's existing pieces into the design. The pillow, for example, was custom-made out of one of her old vintage quilts and the plexiglass butterfly artwork brings a tough of whimsy.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Serene Peach, $28
8
Salmon
Avery Cox
The missing piece for this room was the rug, designer Avery Cox says. It helps tie together the paint colors, a light blue for the walls, and a sort of star-fish orange tone for the moldings and door. Deeper and more saturated shades of blue and yellow as well as ruddier shades of pink help contrast, too.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Salmone Run, $99
9
Coral
Amy Neunsinger
Nothing quite radiates like joy like coral (as far as paint colors are concerned, at least). In this bedroom by Nicky Kehoe, it picks up the bright tones featured in the gallery wall while the trimming, which is a darker gray color, reflects the cooler neutrals in the bedding and accents. Under direct light, it appears brighter, while it mimics the more muted shade of terra cotta in dimmer or less direct light.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Red Earth, $110
10
Cream
Matthew Millman
Who says beige and cream are boring? Dependable, versatile, warm, and subtle, these neutrals are some of the best paint colors for a bedroom. A super light taupe shade will contrast just enough with crisp bright interiors while also injecting some warmth into the space. It also brings to mind long walks on a sandy beach. Add pops of cheerful colors with decor and throw pillows or keep it classic, as designer Richard Beard did here.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dimity, $110
11
Caramel
Danielle Colding Design
Take a cue from this bedroom designed by Danielle Colding and match your upholstered headboard to the walls. Here, the studded boarder adds a touch of intrigue but blends right into the beige color behind it for a timeless look.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Gingerbread Man, $43
12
Terracotta
Paul Raeside
A Canadian townhouse's guest bedroom exudes warmth with terracotta walls. A large, statement piece of art helps break up the dark color. Though brown isn't exactly the most obvious paint color when decorating a bedroom, this warm nook makes a strong case for it. The fact that it's unexpected makes it perfect for anyone who likes to experiment with color but doesn't love bright neons and playful pastels.
BUY NOW PPG Timeless Deep Russet, $39
13
Chocolate Brown
Amelia Stanwix
With slightly less of the red clay undertone than the brown paint in the previous room, this color is more calming than it is energizing. Designer Fiona Lynch felt it was perfect for a bedroom. She used Rich Biscuit by Dulux and then mixed in some offbeat accents for an eclectic elegance.
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14
Ochre and Teal
SIMON WATSON
Designer Peter Dunham created a custom curtain wall and installed bedside sconces to give this small bedroom a regal feel. The mustard accent wall mirrors the upholstered headboard and warms up the room.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball India Yellow, $110
15
Cornsilk
Heidi Caillier
A pale yellow door sets the tone for the warm and neutral bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier. The other door is painted a light sage green tone, while the moldings are given a coat of chocolate brown. Because the colors are kept contained to smaller surface areas, they work together instead of clashing.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Cornsilk, $99
16
Marigold
Joshua McHugh
This bedroom proves just how beautiful marigold can look with navy blue and olive green. This sunny shade also works nicely when you incorporate accent pieces with metallic finishes for a glamorous aesthetic. Think bronze pendant lights and stools with interesting frames. These finishes accentuate yellow's shining personality.
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17
Lemon Yellow
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
It's always a good idea to consult the color wheel at every step of the decorating process. Knowing which colors complement one another will make everything easier, from ideating to shopping, and, of course, living within the final result. A good example of a job well done? This gray and yellow bedroom designed by Juan Carretero. There's no doubt that yellow represents cheer, so if you want to spread warmth and energy, this is the color for you. You'll love how the bright striped ceiling brings in a more playful element to the more traditional guest room.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Ultra Bicycle Yellow, $36
18
Butter Yellow
James Merrell
Designed by Kathryn M. Ireland, these white-painted wicker twin beds are topped with mosquito net canopies for an ethereal touch. The rose-printed canopy toppers offer a slight contrast in pattern but keep the color story consistent, and the yellow walls anchor the entire space.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Farrow's Cream, $110
19
Green and Gold
Roland Bello
Instead of paint, consider lush green upholstery and illustrious wallpaper. Miles Redd makes a strong case for the design combo in this breathtaking and colorful bedroom. De Gournay's hand-painted silk Sans Souci wallcovering lays the foundation for a bright green paradise to come alive.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Verdigris Green, $110
20
Sage Green
2LG Studio
Instead of painting your walls, add a statement ceiling in the bedroom, as the design duo at 2LG Studio did here. It draws the eye up and keeps things interesting. This shade of sage green is also a lovely color that's at once grounding, calming, and fun.
BUY NOW Behr Marquee Fern Leaf, $46
21
Light Gray-Green
Shade Degges
"I wanted to create a bedroom full of personality," designer Jae Joo says of the main bedroom in this Boston Rowhouse. Though classic and understated, the room brims with character thanks to a shrunken photo gallery, curved furniture, and colorful accents. The light gray walls look blue in some lighting and green in others; either way, they're a welcome departure from the go-to white canvas most bedrooms feature.
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22
Khaki Green
Heidi Caillier Design
In this cabin designed by Heidi Caillier, the guest bedroom is painted a soothing, nature-inspired shade of green. It's fitting for the environment, and speaks to all the other accent colors used throughout the space for a nice cohesive whole.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Calke Green, $110
23
Deep Earthy Green
Gieves Anderson
David Frazier took a moody and earthy approach in his New York City apartment bedroom. While the color (Studio Green from Farrow & Ball) is worth praising, it's also the texture-rich finish that elevates the walls. "We wanted to showcase the movement in the plaster, so we had the walls painted in a satin finish it gives a certain depth that we wouldn’t have been able to achieve with a flat paint.”
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Studio Green, $115
24
Matte Marine
Stephen Kent Johnson
A matte version of that moody marine hue is also a great option and creates a softer atmosphere. Studio Shamshiri enveloped the entire room in the color, including the ceiling.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, $115
25
Dark Teal
Landed Interiors
A calming and rich shade of paint inspires rest in this San Francisco bedroom designed by Landed Interiors. If you're looking for a warmer shade of blue or wondering how to warm up cooler blue, look no further.
BUY NOW Backdrop Surf Camp
26
Deep Navy
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
Paint your walls a nice deep shade of navy and then punctuate the depth with crisp white accents and vibrant bedding for a balanced bedroom. In this space designed by Mally Skok, the playful patterns contrast nicely with the deep blue walls, giving the room a touch of levity.
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27
Steel Blue
Read McKendree
In a room by Elizabeth Cooper, this steel blue gray paint color brings a posh sensibility to the more whimsical floral details for a nice balance. The color will flatter a variety of styles and designs as bedding and decor are swapped out over the years, too. she used Farrow & Ball's Hauge Blue.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, $115
28
Cobalt Blue
PHOTO: Bjorn Wallander; DESIGN: Alisa Bloom
High gloss paints are a surefire way to make a bold statement. In this bedroom designed by decorator Alisa Bloom, the rich, liquidy sheen of the finish bounces light around a dark room. She used Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blue 4003 in Hollandlac Brilliant to illuminate the entire bedroom.
BUY NOW Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant, $45
29
Crisp Light Blue
Eric Piasecki
Here's definitive proof that primary colors go together nicely. This bedroom designed by Robin Henry is a breath of fresh air, thanks to the invigorating blue paint—the varying shades of blue throughout the room make it look like it's glowing.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Crisp Morning Air, $50
30
Mint Green
Trevor Tondro
Paired with a slightly more pistachio-hued upholstered headboard and a retro-style crocheted coverlet, this bedroom designed by J. P. Horton belongs in the summer getaway home of our dreams. The traditional landscape painting and warm wood side chair ground the space and work beautifully with the mint green paint.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Ultra Soft Mint, $35
31
Sky Blue
Eric Piasecki
Though this shade of blue in a bedroom by Ellie Cullman definitely makes a statement, it doesn't overpower the space nor overwhelm the eye—that's because it's consistent and surrounded by classic accents and refined furnishings. We love how it mimics the sky applied ina high gloss on the ceiling.
BUY NOW Behr Marquee Skylark, $58
32
Baby Gray Blue
Mikael Axelsson for Fantastic Frank
A soothing soft blue is a key ingredient for a peaceful bedroom. It adds an ethereal, dreamy quality to every space but also offers a ton of versatility, making it particularly well-suited for the bedroom. The linen bedding and makeshift side table accent chair contribute to that easy, undone elegance.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Lulworth Blue, $110
33
Crisp White
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
This bedroom is a showstopper, but it's also simple and timeless. And though some may say white is the absence of all colors, we'd argue this one is making quite a statement. In fact, sometimes neutral hues give the space a more timeless and open feel while also allowing other design highlights to stand out more. This bedroom by Tamsin Johnson marries classic architecture with contemporary style and the walls are painted in a pure, cool shade of white that really energizes the entire space.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball All White, $110
34
Greige
David Mitchell
If you think crisp all-white interiors look too stark but still like the look and feel of light neutrals, opt for warm oat-y creams or layers of soft, smoky grays. The results are edgy and industrial yet gentle and understated. Take note of this beautiful neutral bedroom designed by Rupp Studios.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, $110
35
Light Lilac
Annie Schlechter
This lavender oasis designed by Cathy Chapman is proof that you can decorate with color while still being understated. Though it's bursting with shades of lavender, this little nook also exudes a calm, serene energy. The key is to stick to a color story of muted pastels. In this case, the designer worked within a purple spectrum while keeping things interesting with contrasting textures, shapes, and finishes.
BUY NOW Farrow & Wall Great White, $110
36
Deep Beige
WERNER STRAUBE
To warm up a bright bedroom without painting all the surfaces something other than classic white, cover one wall in a printed covering and another in a warm, neutral color. In this versatile bedroom designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the far wall is painted in a light sandy beige hue, marrying the cooler blues, whites, and grays with the warmer wood and cream tones as well as the brass accents.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back, $110
37
Dusty Purple
Kingston Lafferty Design
Though purple and black don't seem like the most obvious pair for a grownup, calming bedroom, they actually work together brilliantly here. Kingston Lafferty Design accentuated the purple details in the shelf and bedding with a dusty, gray purple tone and then played up the cooler undertones with sharper black metal accents.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Raspberry Ice, $47
38
Royal Purple
Bjorn Wallander
Window treatments will make a bedroom more comfortable for lazy morning sleep-ins, but if your room is super bright, a deep shade of royal purple on an accent wall like Krsnaa Mehta did here will help absorb light while still adding vibrant personality.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Mystical Grape, $43
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Violet
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
If you want to keep color from overpowering your space or you simply want to give your room a little more shape, color blocking is your solution. There are plenty of ways to play with this design trend, from more subtle and simple toning treatments to full on murals. This bedroom designed by GRT Architects is somewhere in between. If you like what you see, try painting your paneling and leaving the walls light. Then opt for a low-to-the-ground bed to show it off even more.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Purple Potion, $33
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Light Pink and Lavender
Ngoc Minh Ngo
A sweet lavender hallway frames the pink floral bedroom beyond for a sweet foundation while the black and white floors, dark mahogany table, and red bedding polish and ground the space by decorator David Kaihoi.
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Deep, Dark Purple
Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside
For a thoroughly special bedroom paint color, look no further than this bedroom designed by Atelier ND, where the walls are painted in Pontefract by Paint & Paper Library. The unique hue defies definition (but if we had to try, we'd say it's a purplish-reddish black)—which is one of the many reasons the design team chose it. The pendants were sourced from an old church and a Vispring bed is upholstered in pink Pierre Frey mohair.
BUY NOW Paint & Paper Library Pontefract $42
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Gray
Mali Azima
The blue ombre curtains embolden the romantic ceiling paint and emphasize the purple undertones of the gray base color in this bedroom designed by Janie Molster.
BUY NOW Bejanmin Moore Adagio, $50
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Light Gray
Stephen Karlisch
An ultra pale shade of gray flatters the green and indigo tones in this bedroom designed by Jean Liu. Opt for a similar shade if you're looking for a subtle neutral that'll be a little less jarring on the eyes than a bright white.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dimpse, $110
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Grayscale
Tim Street-Porter
And for our final stop on this tour of bedroom colors, we're presenting you with a whole new world of options: Wallpaper. This bedroom isn't just a living space, it's a work of art. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the hypnotizing black painted stripes that trace the architectural DNA of the house itself, beautifully modernizing the bones of the Victorian home decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The moody, lush throw pillow and end blanket add just a splash of color, which is really all you need in a space like this.
BUY NOW Graham & Brown Indian Ink Striped Wallpaper, $98
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Soft Black
Farrow & Ball
While we often think of bright whites and crisp, light hues when trying to open up a smaller space, there's also a strong case for going darker. In fact, inkier tones are known to amplify smaller spaces. Not to mention, it sets the right mood in the bedroom. The soft black paint color in this bedroom makes it feel special and intimate in ways you'd never be able to achieve with a lighter hue.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Railings, $110
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
How to choose paint for the bedroom and living room?
Recently, many people are abandoning wallpaper in favor of painting bedrooms and living rooms. At first glance, this method of finishing seems simple, but in fact, those who want to paint a wall with paint can face a lot of difficulties. We will tell you about what you need to know when choosing paint for the bedroom and living room in this article.
Benefits of painting the bedroom and living room
The use of paint as the primary finish has several advantages.
- A wide range of shades - the range of wallpapers is large, but it still does not cover the richness of shades that is found among paints and varnishes. Painting will allow you to come up with and implement almost any interior.
- Easy to clean - A painted wall can be easily washed to remove dirt and stray stains. With wallpaper, this is much more difficult to do. nine0016
- Scratch resistant - the paint is not afraid of accidental scratches and pet teeth. Cats and dogs are simply not interested in a painted wall, and defects caused by children can be easily corrected.
- Simple repainting – Unlike wallpaper, which must first be peeled off, paint with the same chemical composition can be applied in several layers.
Of course, the painted variant also has disadvantages. These include the difficulty of preparing the foundation. The wall and ceiling must be leveled, all cracks covered and flaws removed - only in this case the surface will look attractive. Another important point is the technique of applying the paint itself. nine0003
What to choose?
When painting the living room and bedroom, the balance of colors and the style of the entire interior play a significant role, in addition, you should pay attention to the paint itself. Depending on the composition of the paint are divided into types. It is difficult for an unprepared buyer to choose the right tool from all this variety.
The most popular type of paint for bedrooms
and living rooms are water-based
If we simply disassemble the composition of all paints, then they have two main components. They are pigment and solvent. The pigment determines the color of the ink composition. The solvent gives a liquid consistency, water, oils and alcohols can be used as a solvent. After painting, these substances evaporate and the composition dries.
For interiors, water-based (water-dispersion) paints are the most popular. In them, the role of the solvent is played by water, so the drying is fast enough, and the process itself does not lead to the release of various harmful substances into the environment. nine0003
Let's take a closer look at the main types of paints that can be used in the living room or bedroom.
- Paints based on PVA - the most budget composition based on water and polyvinyl acetate. The paint belongs to water-based. The composition passes steam well and does not emit harmful substances during the drying process. A negative feature of compositions with PVA glue is low resistance to water, therefore, in most cases, this paint is used only for the ceiling. nine0016
- Acrylic paints is a composition in which acrylic resins are the main component. After drying, they form a dense film that does not allow moisture to pass through and is resistant to mechanical damage. A wall covered with acrylic paint retains its original color for a long time and does not show scuffs. In most cases, such compositions are used for painting walls, and the coating also tolerates high humidity.
The advantage of acrylic paint is that it hardly changes color after drying
- Latex paint is based on latex polymers and has good water and vapor permeability. This prevents condensation from forming between the base and the paint, which can cause peeling of the finish coat. Latex paint is successfully used both indoors and outdoors. If large companies often gather in the living room, then latex paint will be a good option. Also, the paint tolerates temperature extremes well. Latex paints can be applied in a thin layer, so they are used for painting decorative plaster or textured wallpaper. A thin layer of latex composition does not violate the texture of the base. Due to the strength of the latex film, the surface can be washed with non-abrasive detergents. nine0016
- Alkyd enamels - compositions based on alkyd resins, these paints are similar in properties to acrylic paints. They dry quickly, form a film that protects the base from moisture. The maximum hardening of the composition occurs within a few days, but the initial solidification occurs within an hour. At the same time, they do not dry out as a result of evaporation of moisture, but due to oxidation as a result of contact with air. This creates an unpleasant odor in the room.
Alkyd compounds are used for painting
metal elements to protect them from corrosion Alkyd paints are inferior to acrylic paints in terms of service life. With intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the surface may lose its original color, so it is better not to use alkyd compositions in sunny living rooms. Enamels are well suited for painting metal elements, they provide them with reliable protection against corrosion.
Please note that not all colors are equally well combined with each other. For example, it is not recommended to mix layers of alkyd and acrylic compounds. Due to the difference in chemical components, blisters and other defects may appear in these places. At the same time, if you cannot do without such an overlay, you need to carefully clean the base. nine0043
- Oil paints - compositions in which various artificial oils (linseed oil, drying oil or oxol) are used as a solvent, and not water. For this reason, the surface painted with oil paint dries for a very long time. At the same time, an unpleasant odor will be present in the room for a long time. The advantage of such coatings is high wear resistance. Due to this property, oil paints were previously used for painting floors. At the same time, the coating of the hardened oil paint has poor vapor permeability. This can lead to delamination, condensation and flaking of the paint, which can be observed in various establishments where oil paints are still used to paint doors and jambs. nine0016
For interior work, oils are rarely used, as there are many more practical alternatives. When working indoors, it is important to ensure good ventilation. |
- Silicone paints are based on silicone emulsion. They have water repellent properties. Good vapor permeability protects against blisters and peeling of the finish coat. In most cases, silicone paints are used for facade work, but in living rooms they can also be used to paint individual elements that may be exposed to moisture. nine0016
Color selection for the bedroom and living room
When the paint is selected, you can proceed to the direct selection of colors. We recommend that you read the articles on our website: "Choosing paint for different interior styles", "Tips for choosing colors". In this section, we will give simple questions to answer when choosing a color.
The choice of color is not an easy task and must be approached responsibly
What mood do you want to create in the room? One of the main questions to be answered. The bedroom is a place of relaxation, so active colors there will be distracting and tiring. More options are possible in the living room. Here the choice depends on how the owners like to spend their free time. If these are noisy parties, then bright warm colors will be appropriate, pastel colors are more suitable for a measured rest. nine0003
The green color scheme is relaxing and soothing, it will be a good choice for the living room
, this color will remind you of nature
Which side do the windows face? If the room faces north, then it is not recommended to use dark cold colors, since there will be a shortage of light anyway. On the south side, on hot summer days, relaxing blue or blue will make the living room or bedroom more comfortable.
If it's hard to find "your" color, it's best to stop
on neutral shades of beige or gray
It is not recommended to paint all the walls in one color at once. It must be understood that under different lighting conditions, the color has new shades, while on the walls of the living room or bedroom, the color that seemed ideal in the store may no longer seem so suitable.
What size is the room? For small rooms, it is better to choose light shades or white, as these colors will visually enlarge the space. Warm colors in a small living room will create a soothing cozy atmosphere. Dark blue color, on the contrary, will reduce the space. There are exceptions to all the rules; for the style of an English living room, you can use a noble dark brown color. The lack of a lot of light only emphasizes this interior. nine0003
Samplers can be used to experiment with color. Paints can be applied to individual sections of the wall. You can also take small square pieces of drywall. By painting them in different colors, you can see how the painting will look in different lighting conditions. |
Are there any stylistic preferences? Interior style has a significant impact on colors. Some areas gravitate towards monochrome painting, in others a combination of colors is welcome. For example, one paint with a neutral tint is applied to three walls, and the fourth wall is painted in a bright color. nine0003
An example of a combination of several colors in the living room
If there are children in the family, it would be useful to involve them in the choice of colors for the living room. Small children love to draw on the walls, so a separate place can be painted with slate paint, on which the child can safely let his creativity unfold. Read more about the choice of paint for the nursery in the article "Choosing paint for the children's room."
Conclusion
Painting allows you to give the interior of the living room or bedroom a neat and effective appearance. In this case, we must not forget about the preparation of the base for painting. For finishing the interior, you should choose water-based paints, for walls, acrylic and latex paints are the best options, for the ceiling, you can use PVA-based paints. Places exposed to moisture can be coated with silicone paints. nine0003
views, how to choose, ideas for interiors
The right choice of wall paint will make repairs more comfortable and faster. To date, there is a huge variety of paints in composition, color, as well as the effect that you want to get in the end. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is necessary to take into account the individual properties, pros and cons of each material. Our article will talk about the most relevant types of wall paint, their advantages, application in different rooms, as well as the criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing. nine0003
Colors
If you decide to find a worthy alternative to wallpaper or renovate already painted walls, then it's time to find out about the most popular types of paints offered by manufacturers:
Silicone Wall Paint
A unique type of wall covering that has the ability to self-clean. This has a positive effect on the absence of stains, dirt and dusty streaks. Silicone paint is used in different rooms of the house or office because it has a high environmental friendliness and proven durability. Such a coating often masks scratches up to 3 mm in size. The composition of this paintwork material may contain antibacterial elements, which is also a distinctive characteristic. nine0003
Acrylic wall paint
She became famous for her elasticity and high moisture resistance. The external variety of colors is very rich in interesting shades. Another significant advantage is the fact that if you wish, you can create your own original shade right in the store. A special machine mixes different pigments, and you become the creator of an interesting new tone for your home.
Latex Wall Paint
This is a very good option for painting old wallpapers. This is evidenced by low vapor permeability, ease of washing, as well as durability. Appearance may differ in brightness or neutral tones. Because of its durability, latex paint is popular in kindergartens, schools, and other educational or recreational settings. nine0003
Water based wall paint
One of the most budgetary types of wall covering. The composition includes a combination of different pigments that dissolve in water. The advantages of water-based paint include environmental friendliness, brightness, and ease of care (simple detergents are used for cleaning).
Alkyd enamels
The design of this type of wall paint may vary. There are matte, semi-gloss and glossy options. Among the distinctive properties are resistance to abrasion and aesthetic appearance. Alkyd enamels dry quite quickly (compared to other types of paints and varnishes), but have a slightly pungent odor that takes some time to fade. nine0003
Paint in the interior of different rooms
The choice of paint and varnish material for the wall surface should depend not only on the properties and appearance of the product, but also on the purpose for different rooms.
Bedroom Wall Paint
An emulsion and silicone base is great for a cozy sleeping corner. The first one perfectly masks any irregularities, cracks and scratches on the walls, absorbs excess moisture, and the second, with its environmental friendliness, is suitable even for allergy sufferers. As for the structure, it is best to give preference to matte paints for the bedroom. nine0003
Living room wall paint
Here it would be optimal to use bright alkyd enamel, latex or acrylic paint. A latex product can well cover the remains of an old repair, acrylic paint will delight you with moisture resistance, and alkyd enamel will perfectly fit into a bright design that is filled with rich colors.
Children's room wall paint
For this room, it is very important to use acrylic paint, which is easily washed off. The composition must be characterized by zero emission. This indicates the absence of any harmful components. Another good option for decorating a child's room is to use glue paints, which are also beautiful and safe. nine0003
Kitchen Wall Paint
The kitchen space is often the hardest thing to keep perfectly clean, so you should look at acrylic paint (walls can be touched up and refreshed at any time) or silicone product, which has become famous for its high durability.
Hallway wall paint
The best choice would be acrylic-latex (combined) or latex paint, which is resistant to chemical and mechanical damage, easy abrasion and has a huge variety of colors. nine0003
How to choose wall paint
Expert advice will help you choose your wall covering twice as fast and with confidence. The first thing to consider when choosing wall paint is that you first need to decide on the color scheme of the furniture, and only after that - on the tone of the finish. It also does not hurt to recreate the room of your dreams in the form of a computer or paper drawing using the colors you like. This will help you look at the big picture from the outside and understand whether you want to give this appearance to a particular room. It is worth remembering that the color of the floor and wall covering should not differ by more than half a tone. Then the interior design will look aesthetically pleasing and elegant, and not flashy. nine0003
For those who have not yet decided on the right option, it is worth buying several washable probes of different shades and painting different parts of the room in order to look at the result and make the right decision.
A matte base can easily hide all wall imperfections, while a glossy base can emphasize them. Therefore, the first coating is good to use on already painted walls, and the second will be relevant for primary repairs or for a completely flat and cleaned surface.
The palette should be harmonious not only in one selected room, but throughout the whole house.