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41 Stylish Bedroom Color Schemes to Inspire You

by Holly Antoine | Published 7/26/22 (Updated 7/29/22)

Creating a serene and magazine-worthy look in the bedroom isn’t as hard as you think. It’s all about color schemes, and when it comes to the bedroom, you need to think about balance. All parts of the bedroom need to harmonize with one another. If you already have your bed, consider what style and color tones are in the furniture before you choose your color scheme.

If you’re starting from scratch and a blank canvas, you have the freedom to go with whatever color scheme you like. It’s crucial to consider elements like walls and flooring and then right down to small decorative accents.

white black and emerald green bedroom with low bed hanging lamp
Photo Credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz via Canva

Where to Start When Choosing a Color Scheme

So you want to re-do your bedroom but are unsure where to start. The key to a well-designed bedroom or any space is a well-thought-out color scheme, but where do you start?

Most people already have a bed and bedroom furniture. As we briefly mentioned above, you will want to ensure the chosen colors will complement the tones in the furniture you already have.

You want to choose your color scheme by first pulling the most prominent color in the space — this could be color from a large area rug, bedding, or a large piece of artwork. 

Next, to choose your complementing colors, use the color wheel to help you. Typically in analogous color schemes, the colors opposite each other on the color wheel are complementary. This is not to say that you cannot use different colors together. It’s just a general rule and a safe bet for unsure people.

You will also want to consider colors for the bedroom that suit the space. Different colors evoke different feelings and emotions, so not all colors are suited for the bedroom. Blue and green, for example, are most casual and relaxing, so they are great colors for the bedroom, whereas red promotes energy and can even raise blood pressure. Hence, it’s usually a big no-no in a space we want to keep serene and relaxing.

Take cues from your clothes. That may sound strange, but most people buy clothes in the colors they love. Likewise, you should dress your rooms in colors that flatter you and that you genuinely enjoy. You can also look to trends, but do not entirely rely on them to makeover your space. While something may be trendy, it doesn’t mean that you are going to love it absolutely.

There is also a designer rule that is extremely helpful in creating a color scheme, which is the Rule of 60-30-10. Divide the colors into components of 60 percent of a dominant color (walls), 30 percent of a secondary color (upholstery), and 10 percent of an accent color (accessories).

If you’re ready to start compiling your color scheme, here are some inspiring examples that may give you a good head start:

Light and Natural Color Schemes

Bold and bright colors aren’t some people’s tea, so let’s start with some light and natural color schemes. Going natural in the bedroom allows for a serene and airy environment, and you still can add in color; you may just choose to add in little pops of pastels or creams.

Pink, Grey, and White

Pink and grey have been trending for a while now, and we don’t see this color combo going out of style anytime soon. For a light and airy bedroom, it’s perfect. Plus, there are so many options for a third complementary color.

pink and gray theme bedroom white bedding pink chaise lounge wood floors
Photo Credit: Lee Owens Design

When it comes to using pink in your color palette, there are so many different shades to choose from. There is sure to be a shade that will work with your color scheme.

Related Article: Pink Room Decor: How to Beautify Your Home with Pink

pink and grey white beige bedroom with large double bed nightstand with lamps
Photo Credit: Elements of Style

Grey, White, and Cream

If you really want a natural palette, try a mix of whites, creams, and light greys. You can also throw in light blues when working with this color palette.

gray and cream theme bedroom with wall mirror post bed with chandelier
Photo Credit: Karen B Wolf Interiors

Blush Pink, Grey, and Beige

Placed a top a rippled wood nightstand with white tassel pulls, a blush pink lamp lights a carved wood bed. The bed is accented with a pink throw blanket and gray and pink pillows complementing pale pink walls and a gray rug.
Photo Credit: Karen B Wolf Interiors

Black, White, and Cream

Even though we have a pop of color from the greenery in this room, the black, white, and cream color provide a neutral combination that is perfectly complementary.

Warm bedroom interior with a comfy bed, patterned blanket and pillows, plants and modern graphics
Photo Credit: bialasiewicz via Envato Elements

Light Blue, Yellow, and Grey

Yellow doesn’t always have to be a bold and bright color. When working in a yellow pastel, you can keep your room on a more neutral side and add a hint of subtle color.

blue velvet scalloped headboard pleated bedskirt and finishing a bed dressed in white bedding topped with yellow pillows white nightstands lit by glass and brass globe lamps with yellow pleated shades
Photo Credit: Marea Clark Interiors

Blue, Blush Pink, and Light Brown

Kid's bedroom features a wood and cane headboard with blue and pink bedding atop a taupe rug.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm

Bright and Bold Color Schemes

Bright and bold color schemes make for a fun and refreshing space; if executed correctly, you can add some pizazz to a boring bedroom. While you will want to consult the color wheel to see which colors complement each other, you can certainly experiment with colors that aren’t directly across from each other, as seen in the examples below.

When trying to use bold and bright colors in the bedroom, sometimes it’s easier if you have a piece of art or bedding to refer to for inspiration. Choosing bedding, curtains, or art first may help you in the color choosing process.

Turquoise, Yellow and White

turquoise yellow theme bedroom with desk and chair roman shades modern animal art lamp
Photo Credit: McCann Design Group

Green, Blue, and White

We love the pop of bold green in this room. It works perfectly with the navy, and then you toss in white to keep everything balanced.

blue and green bedroom design with valance on window master bed with throw and ottomans two nightstands with lamps
Photo Credit: Blakely Interior Design

Purple, Orange, and Fuchsia

Don’t be afraid of orange and fuschia! While these colors are a daring choice when used together, you would think they overwhelm a space but act in harmony.

pink orange and purple theme bedroom with chaise lounge wood dresser roman blinds big window
Photo Credit: Sam Allen Interiors

Pink, Blue, and White

Bold pops of pink and blue take this room up a notch.

white bamboo chair sits at a turquoise blue desk topped with a blue chinoiserie lamp and placed beneath an ice cream art piece hung from a blue painted wall
Photo Credit: Caitlin Jones Design

Purple, Blue, and Green

Even though the olive green here is just the slightest touch with the floor pouf, it makes a bold statement and adds to the purple and blue in a delightful contrasting way.

purple and blue color scheme bedroom with double bed ottomans at foot of bed purple wallpaper blue accent chair
Photo Credit: Andrew J Howard

Black, Pink, and White

hot pink and white girl's bedroom two black and white striped cube ottomans positioned in front of a bed ot pink tufted head board and a hot pink bolster pillow
Photo Credit: Perkinson Homes

Dark and Moody

Bedrooms don’t always have to be places of light and airy styles. Sometimes a dark, dramatic bedroom can be quite the stunning look. When working with dark colors, it’s best to have a large space. If you have a smaller bedroom, you may want to avoid darker colors, making your small room appear even smaller.

Emerald, Green, and Black

contemporary green and black bedroom stands out with green walls and a green velvet tufted sleigh bed dressed in white and black bedding topped with gray pillows. The bed is flanked by black and white bedside tables illuminated by black lamps.
Photo Credit: 22 Interiors

Black, White and Yellow

Sometimes all you need is just a few pops of color. The yellow lamps and throw add a bright, cheery element to this sophisticated bedroom.

yellow black and white bedroom color scheme with lamps and nightstands mirror above bed zebra carpet
Photo Credit: Jan Showers
Bedroom features a gray channel tufted wingback bed with a yellow throw blanket, a black and white marble top nightstand lit by a brass lamp and black walls.
Photo Credit: Raili Ca Design

Purple, Blush Pink, and Dark Grey

Lamp above copper table with flowers next to bed with violet bedding in purple bedroom interior
Photo Credit: bialasiewicz via Envato Elements

Black, Red, and Burnt Orange

black eclectic bedroom is lit by a wicker lamp placed on a black nightstand beside a black vintage bed positioned on a natural woven rug in front of a black framed window covered in a tan grosgrain roman shade. The bed is dressed in black striped bedding accented with a burnt orange throw blanket and a tan pom pom lumbar pillow. Walls are clad in red and black wallpaper.
Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Designs

Blue, Grey, and Green

There’s just a slight hint of a faded darker green in the plaid wallpaper, but it totally adds to the room and infuses just another dimension of color.

A two-tone nightstand lit by a brass swing arm sconce is placed beside a reclaimed wood bed and placed against a wall clad in green and brown plaid wallpaper leadup to a wallpapered sloped attic ceiling. Perimeter walls are covered in a gorgeous blue paint.
Photo Credit: Jill White Designs

Teal, Yellow, and Grey

yellow and teal bedroom with velvet tufted headboard striped bedding and gold nightstand
Photo Credit: Melanie Turner Interiors

Fun and Playful

For fun and playful bedroom color schemes, think of primary colors as well as bold and bright. While we mainly reserve playful-looking bedrooms for kids and teens, it’s not to say that adults cannot create fun bedroom spaces, too. Playful colors like teal, pinks, and yellows are great to pair together.

Teal, Mustard, and Pink

When thinking of a playful space, don’t just think of the colors; think of the bedroom accents, too. Poms and tassels add so much to a bedroom and make your space fun and cozy.

White nightstands accented with peacock blue bottle lamps are placed in front of a vertical shiplap wall on either side of a vintage spindle poster bed accented with a blue pom pom garland. The bed sits on a colorful rug beneath a blue painted ceiling. A white desk is located beneath a heart art piece and stacked white floating shelves.
Photo Credit: Railil Ca Design

Red, Teal, and Yellow

Brightly colored wallpaper sets the room up with a fun backdrop and gives you a color scheme. Pick the colors out of the wallpaper and match your bedding and furniture accordingly.

Colorful wallpaper complements a charming kids' bedroom featuring red spindle beds placed beneath stacked art pieces and flanking a yellow lamp topping a green French nightstand.
Photo Credit: Coats Homes

Mustard, Pink, and Blue

If you want a playful space but aren’t too keen on bold colors, you can tone down the same colors, and just use them in a different hue.

Stylish eclectic girl's bedroom tan and yellow abstract art piece hung beneath a ceiling clad in pink wallpaper and over a gray dresser lit by a wooden lamp. A pink chair sits in a corner on a pink, green, blue, and yellow rug and in front of a window dressed in pink and blue curtains.
Photo Credit: Corteny Bishop

Turquoise, Fuschia, and White

blue and pink girl's bedroom white wood bed dressed in pink and blue suzani style bedding accented with a blue lumbar pillow placed in front of pink and blue suzani style shams white flower light hangs from a blue vaulted ceiling above a blue nightstand pink trellis rug sits in front of the bed and behind a white faux fur chair placed at a blue desk
Photo Credit: Hendel Homes

Mint Green, Fuschia, and Yellow

calloped bedding topped with a red and purple blanket accents a turquoise blue canopy bed finished with a yellow headboard complementing pale yellow walls. The bed is flanked by green lamps placed on gray nightstands beneath windows dressed in yellow and blue roman shades
Photo Credit: Cameron Design

Purple, Yellow, and White

purple and yellow twin beds with valance and curtains behind
Photo Credit: Ash Street Interiors

Boho Chic

Beyond rattan and fringe accents, this eclectic aesthetic calls for a mix of contrasting textures and vibrant wallpapers. While this easygoing aesthetic works well in living rooms and other places in your home, boho bedrooms tend to be more challenging to put together.

Think of earth tones when creating your color palette for a more subdued boho bedroom, or take it up a notch with more daring colors and create a bold vibe boho space.

Green, Terracotta, and Brown

green terracotta brown color scheme bedroom with wood rattan bed pots amber glass
Photo Credit: FollowTheFlowStudio via Envato Elements

Teal, Blue, and Orange

While this may not seem like a typical boho bedroom, the bold pattern wallpaper and curtains lean this space toward a more eclectic boho vibe.

large art piece hangs from a wall clad in gold and blue trellis wallpaper over a tan wood and fabric bed complemented with orange and blue pillows complementing an orange and blue blanket. The bed is flanked by orange gourd lamps placed on grasscloth nightstands located under round mirrors.The bed sits on an orange and blue rug under a pecky cypress ceiling. White shiplap frames windows coved in long blue curtains.
Photo Credit: Geoff Chick

Green, Blush, and Cream

Plant and rattan lamp in green cozy bedroom interior with wooden bed against the wall with poster
Photo Credit: bialasiewicz via Envato Elements

Black, White, and Mustard

lack and gray boy's bedroom black dressers topped with oil rubbed bronze task lamps and placed beneath windows on either side of an iron bed. The bed is dressed in black and white bedding and sits on gray carpeting in front of a gray wall. The window beside the bed is covered with yellow striped pom pom curtains.
Photo Credit: City Homes
yellow and black contemporary bedroom boasting a mustard yellow velvet bed placed on a gray shag rug and dressed in black border hotel bedding topped with black monogrammed shams. A taupe nightstand lit by black and gold lamp is positioned in front of a wall clad in Fornasetti Nuvole Wallpaper.
Photo Credit: Katie Rosenfeld and Co.

Classic and Traditional

Classic and traditional bedrooms never go out of style, and the color palette is more laid back and simple. Patterns and different textiles can be used, but if you’re after something more traditional, be careful not to get carried away with too many patterns.

Grey, Blue, and Navy

charcoal grey navy and blue color scheme bedroom with velvet headboard checker wallpaper
Photo Credit: Kara Adam Interiors

Mint Green, Peach, and Mustard

The slightest bit of mustard in the curtains adds a nice pop to the room without overwhelming the space.

Pastel-colored bedroom is accented with spring green walls and a white coffered ceiling Three art pieces hang over a white canopy bed finished with a white upholstered headboard and white bedding accented with a peach-colored throw blanket
Photo Credit: Andrew J Howard

Navy, Red, and Grey

Under a row of windows covered with a single white and blue roman shade, a blue dresser is palced facing a bed dressed in red and blue bedding and placed on a blue rug. A gray rug sits in a corner in front of a black and gold floor lamp lighting light gray bedroom walls.
Photo Credit: Kristina Crestin Design

Light Blue, Black, and Grey

gray and blue bedroom boasts white nailhead stools placed on a blue and black geometric rug at the foot of a heather gray bed complemented with black geometric pillows. Art hangs over the bed from a blue wallpapered wall finished with white moldings. Blue double gourd lamps sit atop a white waterfall nightstand located beneath windows.
Photo Credit: James Michael Howard

Blue, Peach, and White

blue French bed accented with blue French bed linens and placed in front of a blue textured wallpapered wall and between cream and blue French nightstands lit by cream gourd lamps. A brown wooden bench sits at the foot of the bed and is lit by a white and blue lantern. Sliding doors opening to a sunroom are covered in white and blue curtains.
Photo Credit: Andrew J Howard

Bright and Colorful Patterns

If patterns are your thing and you’re not afraid to experiment, we say, go for it! Mixing different patterns together can seem impossible, but if your color palette is correct and they blend together nicely, the sky is the limit on what you can do.

Peach, Blue, and Brown

Geometric and floral patterns blend nicely together here because the geometric pattern is one color on a white background, and the color in the pattern matches the same color in the floral curtains.

Orange and blue shared bedroom features orange and blue French headboards fitted behind beds topped with orange pillows and paired with orange suzani benches
Photo Credit: Creative Tonic

Green, Blue, and Gold

There is just something about a gold brass bed paired with a bold wallpaper. Maybe that Victorian style goes so well together, but we can’t deny that the designer nailed this color combination.

green wallpaper features a brass vintage bed topped with a gray fringe throw blanket and a white and blue lumbar pillow tall white nightstand lit by a glass and brass lamp and a white desk placed beneath a Greek key pin board
Photo Credit: Sarah Hillery

Blue, Yellow, and White

Blue, white, and yellow are fabulous color combinations, especially for a coastal vibe room.

yellow and blue bedroom features an oar art piece hung from a wall covered in blue trellis wallpaper and mounted above a blue wingback bed. The bed, flanked by brass sconces mounted over white oval nightstands, is dressed in blue medallion bedding accented with yellow pillows
Photo Credit: Blakely Interior Design

Navy, Red, and White

Even though this bed and carpet are both bold patterns, they hold their own and complement each other quite nicely. Navy, red, and white is a classical color combo, and as long as you have the right shades, you can’t go wrong.

A white sheepskin throw accents the white and red bedding covering a blue geometric bed positioned on a black and white striped rug between windows. Facing a red knitted pouf, a white corner chair is placed beside a white champaign nightstand lit with a silver lamp.
Photo Credit: Two Fold LA

Choosing a Primary Color

When it comes to choosing a color palette, you will want to make sure that you select your primary color correctly. The Rule of 60-30-10, 60 is your primary color and will make up for 60% of the room, so the importance of this color should not be overlooked. 

Here is a color guide that narrows down colors into groups and may help you decide which color to choose for the most significant part of your palette.

Soft Neutrals

Neutral colors are always safe and traditional choices for a bedroom. Popular neutral colors include:

  • Ivory
  • Taupe
  • Black
  • Gray
  • White

    Neutral colors are great because they act as backdrops for bedrooms and work with other bright colors in bedding, curtains, carpeting, and artwork. Neutral bedroom walls allow you to be flexible in accenting vivid colors and patterns to transform your space.

    Learning to choose neutral bedroom colors means considering the paint’s underlying tones. For instance, white paint is rarely just pure white. Paints are often mixed with other hues to create slight undertones of pink, blue, yellow, or brown. The undertone should match your furnishings, carpet, and bedding, or the room could feel distasteful. Paint experts at your paint store can help you choose the best neutral shade and undertone for your bedroom if you are unsure.

    Delicate Pastels

    Pastel colors are peaceful and relaxing, making your space a place of serenity. The best pastel colors for bedrooms include:

    • Soft blues
    • Lavenders
    • Greens
    • Yellows
    • Pinks

      A bedroom with a pastel wall color can look graceful and refined. Find the elegant side of pastels by combining and corresponding a few washed-out colors that you’d find in a favorite blanket, artwork, or even furniture. Add light gray or cream bedding and accessories into your interior design, as this will always complement a lovely pastel.

      Bright Colors

      If bold and bright colors make you content, bring these colors into your bedroom. If you’re energetic, enthusiastic, and love to be surrounded by popping colors, embrace your look. If you love bright, fresh interiors, try deep spring green walls. Experiment with vibrant combinations, such as coral and teal or yellow and turquoise.

      Bright and bold colors that look great in the bedroom:
      • Teal
      • Yellow
      • Green
      • Turquoise
      • Fuschia
      • Purple

      Dark and Moody Colors

      There are a few approaches to remember when choosing dark paint colors for bedrooms, such as black or navy blue. This is especially important if the space is small.

      • Don’t box yourself in with dark colors. You don’t need to paint every wall the same color — try just a dark accent wall.
      • Accentuate length with color. If you have a deep, narrow bedroom, paint one of the longer walls to highlight the room’s length.
      • Don’t do too many contrasting dark colors. If you want to go dark, stick with one dark shade and add in some neutrals.

      Dark colors that look great in the bedroom:

      • Black
      • Navy
      • Deep Purple
      • Emerald Green
      • Dark Teal
      • Dark Grey

        Remember that light colors make a space look bigger, and darker colors make a bedroom seem smaller. The room can also appear more significant if you have a lot of natural light pouring into the bedroom, making choosing a darker color easier and more attainable.

        Best Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme

        • Leverage a focal point in your room, such as bedding or a piece of art.
        • Set a mood for your color scheme.
        • Consider color context.
        • Refer to the color wheel.
        • Use the 60-30-10 rule.
        • Draft multiple designs.

        Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

        What are the best colors for a bedroom?

        While trends are constantly changing, if you want to make sure your bedroom will be in style and on-trend for a longer amount of time, always choose a neutral or light color for the walls of your bedroom. This way, when trends change, you can switch out items like bedding and curtains easier than having to re-paint.

        What colors make a room look bigger and brighter?

        If you really want to make your bedroom appear more extensive, you will want to go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens. Brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting, so stay away from darker colors.

        You can also try painting your wall trim and moldings in a lighter color than your walls; this will help your room appear larger.

        Are there any colors you should not mix?

        While you can experiment with most colors, I would say it's more about the hues and shades of colors that should not be mixed. Two dark contrasting shades should be avoided, especially in the bedroom, and try avoiding using warm and cool tones together as this is hard on the eyes.

        What is the most relaxing color?

        According to scientists, blue is the most relaxing color; this is why we often see it in bedrooms and bathrooms. This also makes a great starting color for your color palette since so many colors complement blue.

        What are the 6 neutral colors?

        The six neutral colors are beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray, and shades of white. These are all colors you can use as your starting point for your palette. Use these as the most prominent color in your room if you want a light, airy bedroom. They are also great supplementary colors since they are effortless to match.

        If you want more bedroom decor inspiration, check out these related articles:

        Holly Antoine

        Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]

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