Paint colours to avoid in the bedroom

Choosing the right paint colour for your bedroom can make all the difference in how you feel in that space. Since it’s where you start and end your day, comfort and relaxation are key. That’s why some colours just don’t work well in bedrooms. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to paint colours you should avoid in your bedroom, and why they might not be the best choice.

Bright red and fiery oranges can feel too intense

Ever notice how some colours just make you feel wired instead of relaxed? Red and bright orange fall into this category. They’re energetic, attention-grabbing colours. And sure, that’s great for living rooms or gyms, but not so much for bedrooms.

• These colours raise your heart rate and stimulate your brain. 
• They can cause restlessness and make it harder to fall asleep.
• The boldness can overwhelm a small space, making it feel claustrophobic.

If you love fiery colours, consider them as an accent instead — maybe a pillow, artwork, or a small feature wall.

Dark brown and muddy greens can make the room feel heavy

While earth tones can create a cozy vibe, some shades go too far and make your bedroom feel dark or gloomy.

• Dark browns can absorb light, making the room feel smaller and less inviting.
• Muddy or olive greens sometimes look dull and lifeless, draining energy from the space.
• These colours might contribute to a feeling of sadness or lethargy over time.

Better to choose lighter, fresher tones if you want that natural, grounded feeling.

Neon and fluorescent colours distract and disrupt sleep

Neon pinks, greens, and yellows are bright and flashy — perfect for a party, not your sanctuary.

• These colours reflect a lot of light and can be visually overwhelming.
• They keep your brain on high alert, not winding down.
• The unnatural glow can feel harsh and unwelcoming.

Avoid these in any large area of your bedroom.

Cool grays can feel cold and uninviting if overdone

Gray is trendy and neutral, but in bedrooms, it can sometimes backfire.

• Too much gray, especially the cooler tones, can make a room feel sterile or depressing.
• It lacks warmth, which is important for creating a restful atmosphere.
• Pairing gray with the wrong lighting or furniture can intensify the cold feeling.

Use gray as a secondary colour or in combination with warmer accents.

Pure white might feel too stark and clinical

White can be fresh and clean, but an all-white bedroom can sometimes feel more like a hospital room.

• Pure white walls can reflect harsh light and cause eye strain.
• Without warmth or texture, white can feel empty and uninspiring.
• It can highlight flaws or create a cold atmosphere that isn’t cozy.

Try off-whites, creams, or whites with warm undertones instead.

Colours that clash with your natural light can ruin the mood

Every bedroom is different — the way natural light enters your space can change how paint colours look.

• South-facing rooms get warm light and can make cool colours look dull or washed out.
• North-facing rooms have cooler, blue light that can make warm colours feel intense or overwhelming.
• East and west-facing rooms change throughout the day, so test paint samples at different times.

Always test a sample on your wall before committing.

Some final tips to pick the right bedroom paint colour

Avoiding these paint colours will get you started, but here are some quick tips for the best bedroom vibes:

• Choose soft, muted colours — blues, greens, lavenders, and warm neutrals help you relax.
• Think about mood — calming, restful shades support better sleep.
• Consider finish — matte or eggshell finishes reduce glare and feel softer.
• Test samples — live with them on your walls for a few days to see how they change.

Picking paint for your bedroom is about balance. Skip the colours that excite or drain you, and focus on creating a space that feels calm, cozy, and inviting. 

Your bedroom is your retreat — the right colour can help you make the most of it.

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