The Best Bedroom Paint Colors for a Restful Retreat

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
It’s important for your primary bedroom to feel cozy. It’s the one room in the house that should always be a reprieve from the everyday chaos. But painting the bedroom can feel like a tall order. You want your space to feel as comfortable as possible, and your wall color can change everything. Stark white and flat gray just won’t cut it—you don’t want the room to come across sterile or bare, and of course, you want your unique style to shine through as well. If you’re looking to turn your primary suite into the most restful retreat, then you’ll be happy to find these soothing bedroom paint colors will do the trick.
Styled with high-quality bedding, layered window coverings (like a mix of roman shades and light-filtering curtains), and dreamy decor, these relaxing shades will help turn your bedroom into a luxurious haven almost overnight (pun intended). Incorporating soft colors with warm, subtle undertones can be the perfect Goldilocks look, and luckily, there’s plenty of variety to choose from when it comes to the best bedroom paint colors.
The Science Behind Paint Color
No, really, it’s a thing! Color psychology is a deeply interesting topic, utilized by everything from fast food companies to retailer design and more—and the reason why? Color is shown to have a deep impact on our decisions, feelings, and even our emotions.
According to ColorPsychology.org, “When it comes to communication, color is unbeatable. Unconscious or otherwise, color can evoke emotions, inspire reactions, and change modes of thinking. It can excite or soothe your mood, raise or lower your blood pressure, and even whet your appetite! Whether it’s innate or learned, it’s undeniable that color has a vital impact on how we go about our lives.”
However, the scientific exploration of the subject is fairly new, and many scientists also note that the emotional impacts of certain colors could differ depending on culture, personality, and situation. With that in mind, opt for a bedroom paint color that channels how you want to feel in the space. If red reads more energetic to you, for example, that might not be the best shade to encourage sweet dreams. Blues and greens, however, often remind us of nature and a sense of calm, which may align better with catching Zzzs.
Most Relaxing Bedroom Paint Colors
Pale Blue
Light-toned blues are tranquil and calming, and they can do very well in a bedroom, especially for promoting relaxation. Paired with neutral bedding, dark wood, and textured curtains, it would look very luxe.
Creamy White Neutrals
Stark whites can feel sterile and cold, but warm-toned whites are exactly the opposite! These warm undertones can completely transform your space, softening your room and making it feel more relaxed. It’s also the perfect neutral backdrop to add in wall decor like framed art or open shelving.
Blush Pink
Another light-toned color with some added warmth is blush pink. If you’re worried about it looking too feminine for a primary bedroom, don’t! Trust us—it’s a gorgeous neutral that can create a more dynamic contrast in your space. Add in dark wood furniture, natural materials like wicker or marble, and plush fabrics for a styled look.
Cozy & Warm Bedroom Colors
Soft Yellow
Pale-toned yellows are a great way to add subtle cheer and comfort to your bedroom without feeling childish. The right shade can make your oasis brighter and airier, even if you’re working with a smaller square footage.
Earthy Green
Sage green and pistachio are two earthy green hues that will surely bring cozy, relaxing vibes to your room. Its natural hue helps create a sense of balance and harmony. (Green is also one of our favorite colors to incorporate in the kitchen, too.)
10 Best Travel Backpacks
Make packing for your 2025 vacations a total breeze.
Trending Bedroom Paint Colors
Rich Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown is having its moment—especially since the 2025 Colors of the Year were released. Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is everywhere (they even collaborated with Joybird!) and we can see why. We all want our bedrooms to feel serene and cozy, and brown colors, even dark tones, can help provide rich contrast to our space.
Navy Blue
Another dark tone that’s getting its kudos for its dynamic, contrasting tones is navy. It provides that same calming aspect that light blue does, but with a moody aesthetic that could make your space feel a touch more sophisticated.
Warm Gray
Warm gray is another neutral we’re loving for its subtleties. There’s a rich, robust look to these grays that can completely transform your room—especially if you’re going for a neutral, streamlined look but still want your primary to feel its coziest. Layer in luxe fabrics like linen or chenille, and drape a chunky knit blanket over the corner of your bed to complete the look.
Bonus: Consider Wallpaper or a Wallpaper Mural
An accent wall is another great way to give your primary bedroom a quick upgrade without adding any paint to the walls. Go for relaxing patterns in colors that complement your decor. Paired with the perfect paint color, an accent wall or wallpaper mural can create that designer look quick and easy.