Discover how to choose the perfect bedroom paint color to match your style and create a restful retreat.
Choosing the perfect bedroom paint colors for your space can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Your bedroom is your sanctuary — a space to relax, recharge, and reflect your personal style. Whether you're going for cozy and calming or bold and inspiring, the right color can transform your space completely.
Here are eight practical tips to help you pick the perfect paint color for your bedroom:
1. Start with the Mood/Theme You Want to Create
Think about the vibe you want your bedroom to have. Are you going for a peaceful retreat or something more fun and energetic? Soft blues, greens, and warm neutrals give a calm, relaxing feel, while deeper jewel tones or warm terracottas can add a cozy, dramatic touch.
When I was designing my kids' rooms, I wanted each space to have its own theme. My oldest daughter was all about that boho vibe, so we leaned into soft textures and earthy tones. My middle daughter wanted a black room — which was a bit of a challenge, but we made it work with creative accents and pops of contrast. And for our little buddy, I went with a look that felt playful but also something he could grow into over time.
2. Consider Natural Light When Choosing Bedroom Paint Colors
Lighting can dramatically alter how a color appears. South-facing rooms get warm, bright light that intensifies colors, while north-facing rooms tend to make colors look cooler and more muted. Always test paint samples on your walls and observe how they look at different times of day.
For my master bedroom, I wanted it to feel light and bright. I went with light-colored walls and added some textures and complementary tones to give the room a bit more depth. Then I brought in a bold rug to ground the space and tie it all together.
3. Coordinate with Your Existing Decor
Look at what you already have in the room — things like furniture, bedding, art, and flooring. If you’re keeping those pieces, pick a paint color that works well with them.
It doesn’t all have to match perfectly, but you want everything to feel cohesive. In my daughter’s room, her black wallpaper mural is pretty neutral, so I brought in pops of color through accessories in pink and green to liven up the space.
4. Use the Rule of Three
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the paint color options out there (and let’s be honest, it happens to the best of us), try starting by narrowing your choices down to just three shades. Pick colors that catch your eye and seem to align with the mood or style you're going for in the room — whether that’s soft and serene, warm and cozy, or bold and dramatic.
Taking this extra step helps you make a more confident decision and ensures the final result feels just right. It's a simple but super effective way to cut through the indecision and find the shade that really works for your space.
5. Sample Before You Commit
Always test samples! (great tutorial here) Paint large swatches directly on your walls or use peel-and-stick samples. Look at them in natural daylight and artificial light. What looks good in the store might not look the same in your home.
Case in point, I painted little buddies bed and ceiling in Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. In this picture the color doesn't exactly match the sample.
6. Go Neutral — or Don’t
Neutrals like whites, grays, beiges, and taupes are safe bets that allow for more flexibility with changing decor. But don’t shy away from bold colors if they bring you joy. A deep navy, forest green, or rich burgundy can make a big statement in the right setting.
A dark green is a safe and bold color. In my daughter's room she wanted a boho feel, adding a bold green walls was the perfect way to bring the space together.
7. Think About Finish
The finish of your paint impacts the final look. Flat and matte finishes offer a soft, sophisticated feel but can be harder to clean. Eggshell and satin finishes are more durable and provide a subtle sheen that works well in bedrooms.
In my home my walls are eggshell and my moldings are satin. It adds a little bit of contrast but it is still easy to clean without being shiny- like a semi gloss.
8. Trust Your Instincts
Trends come and go, but your bedroom should feel like you. If a color makes you feel happy, relaxed, or inspired, that’s probably the right choice. Don’t overthink it — follow your gut.
Picking Bedroom Paint Colors is About More Than Just Aesthetics
At the end of the day, choosing a paint color isn’t just about trends or what looks good on a Pinterest board — it’s about creating a space that truly supports how you want to feel when you walk into your bedroom. Maybe you want a calming escape at the end of a long day, a cheerful and energizing space to start your morning, or something that feels cozy and personal.
Give yourself time to explore different options. Don’t rush the process — grab a few samples, live with them for a few days, and see how they look in different lighting throughout the day. Trust your instincts and pick the shade that speaks to you. The right color is the one that makes your bedroom feel like a place you want to be — restful, personal, and totally your own version of home.
Happy Decorating
Brooke
Leave a Reply