Does Bedroom Color Affect Sleep? | Top 5 Best & Worst Colors (2025)

Let me ask you something—have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer? Or, on the flip side, walked into a space so loud in colour that it almost made you anxious? Yeah, me too. That’s the power of bedroom colors.

Some colours help your mind relax and make it easier to drift off, while others can actually keep you awake. If you’ve tried everything for better sleep and nothing’s worked, changing your bedroom colour could be the simplest fix you’ve missed.

Your sleep, your mood, and even how quickly you drift off—can all be influenced by the color of your bedroom walls. 

Surprising? Maybe. But when you think about how colours affect our brain chemistry, it actually makes perfect sense.

How Colors Impact Sleep Quality, Mood & Relaxation

The Psychology Behind Bedroom Colors

Let’s not overcomplicate this: calm colors for bedrooms = calm brain = better sleep. Your brain reacts to colour in much the same way it reacts to music or scent. Certain shades will tell your brain it’s time to wind down. Others? Not so much.

Cool tones like light blue, sage green, and soft greys are known as soothing colors or sleep colors. They help lower blood pressure, steady the heart rate, and relax the muscles—exactly what you need before bed.

On the other hand, bright bedroom color ideas like neon yellow or deep red? Your brain reads those as "wake-up" signals.

Best colors for relaxing bedrooms aren’t just trendy—they’re backed by sleep science and colour psychology. If you're after bedroom colors for better sleep, you’re going to want to stick to those cool, calming tones.

Light vs Dark: Why It’s Not Just About Shade, But Also Intention

Here’s the deal. When people talk about light bedroom colors vs dark ones, they tend to think in extremes. But it’s not about dark = bad and light = good. It’s about the intention behind your space.

If you go for an all-black bedroom, you better pair it with soft, warm lighting and minimalist decor. Otherwise, it starts feeling like a cave—cozy for some, claustrophobic for others.

But when done right? Bedrooms with black accents or black-and-white schemes can actually look super modern and serene. It’s about balance.

Now let’s talk about the most relaxing light color for sleep.

Think soft. Think ambient. Think not-white. White light tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime—awful for your circadian rhythm. Go for warm LED lights, low blue light bulbs, or even better: amber or red-toned light in the evening. They promote melatonin production—aka the sleep hormone.

In Image: Ocushield Blue Light Blocking Light Bulb

Colour + Lighting = Double Impact

You can have the best bedroom color in the world, but if your lighting screams “office cubicle,” you’re not going to sleep well.

It’s why bedroom paint color and bedroom lighting should always be planned together. For example, a light blue bedroom paired with white LED lights feels cold and clinical. But pair it with soft, amber lighting? Now you’ve got a peaceful room color scheme that invites sleep.

Best LED Light Colors for Sleep

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

What Colour Light Is Best for Sleep and Relaxation?

Short answer: red or amber. These mimic the hues of fire and sunsets—natural signals that it’s time to sleep. So if you’re creating a sleep sanctuary, ditch the bright white LEDs and switch to warm colors for bedrooms.

In Image: Bagby CLASSIC - Silent Alarm Clock

Pro tip: Pair these calming hues with tech-free routines. I use the Bagby CLASSIC Silent Alarm Clock to start and end my day without phone lights blaring in my face.

Top 5 Best Bedroom Colors for Sleep (Science-Backed Picks)

So, let’s get practical. Here are the top 5 bedroom colors for sleep—based on research, design psychology, and personal experience.

1. Soft Blue – The Sleep King 👑

If I had to pick just one, this is it. Soft blue is hands down the best colour for sleeping room. It reduces tension and slows your heart rate. It’s not just a popular bedroom color—it’s a science-backed sleep booster.

Best light blue paint colors for bedroom walls:

• Benjamin Moore "Clear Skies"
  

• Farrow & Ball "Light Blue"
  

• Sherwin-Williams "Sleepy Blue"
  

Blue & White Bedroom Ideas That Feel Like the Sky

Imagine this: light blue walls, white bedding, sheer curtains, and a soft beige rug. Add a few grey or blue decor accents and you’ve created a cloud.

This combo isn’t just gorgeous—it’s a classic among the best paint color for bedroom.

2. Sage Green – Nature’s Calm in a Color

Green bedrooms are having a moment—and for good reason. Sage green is one of the most calming bedroom colors for adults. It reminds your brain of forests and nature. That’s instant Zen.

Calming green bedroom paint options:

• Dunn-Edwards "Aloe Plant"
  

• Behr "Soft Sage"
  

• Benjamin Moore "October Mist"

Pair it with earthy wood tones and you’ve nailed a feng shui bedroom color that supports balance and rest.

3. Pale Lavender or Mauve – The Gentle Snoozer

Now here’s one most people don’t consider: mauve bedroom or pale lavender walls. These are excellent calming bedroom colors for anxiety. Light purples promote relaxation without feeling too cold.

Mauve color bedroom decor ideas: Combine mauve walls with cream furniture, soft blush throws, and warm lighting for a subtle yet effective bedroom color for sleep.

4. Light Grey – Modern, Minimal, Mellow

If you love neutral vibes, go grey—but not just any grey. The best ones for sleep are warm greys, not the cold, steely ones.

Cozy grey bedroom combinations:

• Grey and beige ("greige") for warmth
  

• Grey and sage green for earthy balance
  

• Grey and blush pink for subtle charm
  

These combos aren’t just great bedroom colors, they’re timeless and perfect for relaxing bedroom decor.

5. Soft Pink – Surprising Sleep Aid

Yep, pink made the list. But not the hot Barbie pink you’re picturing. Think muted rose, dusty pink, or blush.

Pink bedroom paint color ideas:

• Farrow & Ball "Setting Plaster"
  

• Behr "Pink Posy"
  

• Valspar "Rose Quartz"
  

It’s one of the most underrated bedroom colors for better sleep—especially when paired with soft neutrals.

And to overcome it up? I use the Bagby NIGHT Eye Mask every night. Total blackout + calming colour = deeper sleep.

In Image: Bagby NIGHT - Sleep Mask

Top 5 Worst Bedroom Colors for Sleep (Backed by Psychology & Sleep Science)

Now, let’s talk mistakes. Some bedroom color ideas might look cool on Pinterest—but in real life? They could be the reason you’re tossing and turning.

1. Bright Red – Too Stimulating for the Brain

Red bedrooms are bold—but bold doesn’t equal better sleep. Red increases heart rate and blood pressure. It literally activates your brain. Not ideal when you’re trying to wind down.

Red and Black Bedroom Decor = Mood Disruption

Love the drama of a red and black bedroom sets? It’s stylish, sure, but for sleep? That colour combo is like caffeine for your eyes.

2. Neon Orange – Energy Overload

Orange color bedroom ideas can look energetic and vibrant—but that’s the problem. Orange stimulates mental activity. Not what you need before bed.

If you must use orange, tone it down. Pair it with earthy neutrals or sage green to mellow it out.

3. Jet Black – Sleek But Suffocating

I personally love a good moody room—but bedrooms in black can feel heavy if you overdo it. All black bedrooms absorb light and can feel more like a bunker than a sleep retreat.

White Black Bedroom Ideas That Balance Better

Contrast black with soft creams or light grey to keep things breathable. It’s how you turn a “bad bedroom” into a calming bedroom color palette.

4. Vivid Yellow – Not So Mellow

Yellow isn’t always a villain—but bright, sunshine yellow is a no-go for sleep. It’s too intense and keeps your mind alert. Definitely not a soothing bedroom color.

Yellow and Black Bedroom Pitfalls

This combo is visually jarring and creates too much contrast for a resting space. It belongs in your workout area, not your sleep zone.

5. High-Contrast Multi-Colour Schemes

Lastly, stay away from too many clashing shades. Bedroom color combinations that use three or more bold hues? Sensory overload.

Why? Your brain needs visual rest before sleep. Too many colours can spike mental activity and disrupt your ability to settle down.

If you’re already stuck with a chaotic palette, try restoring balance with healthy habits. I use the Bagby ORIGINAL Sleeping Bag for Your Phone so I don’t doom scroll before bed.

In Image: Bagby ORIGINAL Sleeping Bag for Your Phone

Choosing the Best Bedroom Color for Sleep: What Experts Say

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re trying to figure out the best color for bedroom walls, you’re probably overwhelmed by endless swatches and Pinterest boards. But let’s get back to basics—what color help you sleep?

What’s the Ideal Color for Bedroom Walls?

Sleep specialists will tell you that the ideal color for bedroom walls is one that promotes calmness, lowers stress, and doesn’t overstimulate your senses. Think calming bedroom colors like sage green, soft grey, muted lavender, and of course, light blue.

In fact, according to colour psychologists, light blue paint for bedroom not only slows your heart rate but signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down. So, if you're looking for good paint colors for bedrooms, that’s a solid place to start.

And if you’re into energy flow, Feng Shui bedroom colors like earthy greens, warm neutrals, and gentle blues are considered excellent for harmony and deep rest.

H3: The Most Relaxing Bedroom Paint Colors for Couples

Now, if you're sharing your sleep space, things get a bit more nuanced. You want colours that appeal to both of you—while still keeping the mood peaceful and romantic.

Best Bedroom Colors for Couples

From what I’ve seen and felt personally, these are the best bedroom colors for couples:

• Sage green for grounding energy
  

• Beige and mauve for a soft, romantic vibe
  

• Warm greys with dusty pink accents
  

Romantic but Calming Color Palette Ideas

Try this combo: light mauve bedroom walls, creamy bedding colors, a few touches of gold or brass, and a soft pink throw. You’ll create a cosy, connected environment without sacrificing sleep quality.

Want a bold but soothing statement? Try a color drenching bedroom approach with calming shades like sage or lavender for an immersive effect.

Top 10 Bedroom Colors (With Sleep Scores)

Here’s a quick sleep-ranking list—because who doesn’t love a good chart?

Want to enhance your space even more? Try the Bagby PEACE – Classic Sleep Sanctuary Bundle. It works with all bedroom color ideas and helps build a truly digital-free rest zone.

In Image: Bagby PEACE - CLASSIC Sleep Sanctuary Bundle

How to Balance Bedroom Colors with Lighting, Decor & Sleep Habits

You can paint your walls the best color for sleeping, but if your lighting or habits don’t support that vibe—you’re sabotaging yourself.

Bedroom Color Ideas That Work With Your Current Decor

You don’t need a full redesign. Match soft bedroom colors to your existing style:

• Minimalist? Go with light grey and white walls.
  

• Boho? Think earthy greens, terracotta, and beige.
  

• Modern? Try light blue and grey bedroom ideas with clean black decor.
  

• Cosy? Use warm color bedrooms with amber lighting and wood accents.

These color suggestions for bedrooms aren’t just pretty—they work with all lighting types, making them super practical.

Matching Bedroom Colors with Sleep-First Habits

You could have the best colors for bedroom walls, but if you're scrolling Instagram under harsh white lights, none of it matters.

So, what color helps you sleep? It's not just the walls—it’s the behaviour. And trust me, doom-scrolling at midnight will sabotage even the calmest space.

Make your bedroom color work harder for you by pairing it with sleep-focused habits.

Colour + Behaviour = Sleep Nirvana

When I started winding down with softer lighting and calming rituals, my sleep changed completely. I stopped relying on my phone and started using tools that encouraged rest.

Bagby MAT – No-Phone Desk Pad

This sits on my nightstand as a physical reminder: no screens here. It aligns perfectly with my calming blue paint color for bedroom—and my new habits.

In Image: Bagby MAT – No-Phone Desk Pad

Bagby MINIMALIST Silent Alarm Clock

Instead of blinding phone lights, this minimalist clock wakes me gently. It’s sleek enough to match any best bedroom color you choose.

In Image: Bagby MINIMALIST - Silent Alarm Clock

Common FAQs: What Color Should You Paint Your Bedroom?

Q. What’s the Best Color to Sleep With?

A. Light blue still takes the crown. It’s the most studied and most loved among the best sleeping colors.

Q. What Bedroom Colors Are Calming?

A. Sage green, soft grey, mauve, and blush pink rank high as calming paint colors for bedroom. These good bedroom colors are ideal if you struggle with anxiety or overstimulation.

Q. What Colours Should You Avoid in a Bedroom?

A. Avoid bright red, neon orange, and vivid yellow—these colours are stimulating and interfere with your sleep cycle. They are far from calming bedroom colors for adults.

Q. Does Black Bedroom Paint Affect Sleep?

A. Black bedroom paint colors can either feel cocoon-like or claustrophobic, depending on lighting. Bedrooms with black need contrast and warmth to be sleep-friendly.

Q. What Color LED Light Is Best for Sleeping?

A. Stick to amber, red, or warm white LEDs. These are the best light color for sleep and won’t mess with your melatonin.

Colour Alone Isn’t Enough—Build a Sleep Sanctuary

Choosing the best paint for bedroom colours is powerful—but it’s only part of the story.

Pairing your bedroom colors for sleep with mindful habits is the secret sauce. You’re not just decorating; you’re creating a system that supports mental rest.

With the Bagby LOVE – Couples Bundle, you can build a romantic and calm space together.

The Bagby DEEP WORK Bundle helps separate focus time from sleep time.

And if your family struggles to disconnect, the Bagby FAMILY – Phone Organizer helps keep distractions out of the room—for good.

Because at the end of the day, your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. It should be your sanctuary.