Blues are washing through our bedrooms and greens are flourishing. Earthy tones ground us, and blush pinks are great for creating soothing, womb-like spaces. Soft whites and neutrals allow us to change up the bedlinen, and misty greys give a restful backdrop. There are some colours that are conducive to creating a restful bedroom – and there are some that are not. Take red or other strong, warm colours, for example. These are known to increase our heartrate and stimulate appetite so may keep you awake right when you’re keen to sleep. If they are a personal favourite and a must-have in your bedroom, then consider using them as accents, say as a throw or cushion on the bed. Or use them on the bedhead wall so that you see your favourite shade when you enter the room but not when you’re lying in bed.
If you're stuck for colour ideas, use the bedlinen, an artwork, window fabrics or a rug as a starting point. Study the types of colour that appear in these items and use one or more to inspire your Resene paint colours for your walls. Try the handy Colour Palette Generator on the Resene website – simply load a favourite photograph or image of an artwork, fabric or wallpaper and the generator will suggest a paint colour palette for you.
Neutral territory
Whites and neutrals are by far the most popular bedroom colour choice as they can often lead to a nice relaxing space.
Colours of the earth
Our current love affair with soft earthy colours is not surprising as we seek respite and nurture.
Nurturing green
Virtually the full gamut of greens is good for bedrooms. Green is nurturing, relaxing and harmonious.
Soothe with blue
Blue for bedrooms is a match made in design heaven. It's a soothing colour, it's reassuring and timeless.
Pretty in pink
Pinks are known for their calming abilities so are well suited to bedrooms. Tread with care, however.
Dark colours
If you feel like just crawling into a hole at the end of the day, dark colours will make your bedroom feel like a true retreat.
Sweet like chocolate
Dark brown might seem an unlikely bedroom colour, but its warm and smoky cocoon-like qualities make it a great choice.
Going grey
Grey is the sort of colour that suits any bedroom be it for male, female, young or older, contemporary or traditional.
Striped blue photo: (top of page) Horizontal stripes help widen a narrow room. Get creative by varying the thickness of stripes and use masking tape to achieve crisp lines. Wall base colour in Resene Alabaster, thick stripe in Resene Frozen and hand-painted soft stripe in Resene Quarter Frozen. Flooring in Resene Colorwood Natural and side table in Resene Kashmir Blue.
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