7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why

Choosing paint shades for your bedroom is an extremely important task. Not only does color contribute the overall design of the room, it also affects your mood and emotions. Ensure your bedroom is a space of rest and relaxation by steering clear of these seven paint colors – all of which may prevent you from catching some much-needed shut-eye.

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Red

Zillow Digs home in Lorton, VA

Red raises the energy level in a room, evoking feelings of excitement, passion, or anger. These inflammatory emotions may activate the mind too much before bedtime, and you might find yourself struggling to fall asleep. If you’re absolutely set on a red-hued bedroom, opt for a soft, muted shade instead of a vibrant one.

Related: The 8 Best Paint Colors for a Restful Sleep

Orange

Zillow Digs home in Phoenix, AZ

Orange bursts with brightness and vitality, making it an ideal paint color for a playroom or exercise space. In the bedroom, however, homeowners should pick a more calming color. They can also select a softer shade of orange, such as peach.

Yellow

Zillow Digs home in Ocean City, MD

Lively, vibrant yellow stimulates the senses. While sunny tones will provide a cheerful wake-up call for starting your day, they won’t help you unwind in the evening – possibly contributing to lack of sleep. Always opt for muted yellow shades in the bedroom, or choose another color altogether.

Related: 7 Ways Your Paint Picks Affect Your Mood

Dark Brown

Zillow Digs home in Truckee, CA

Chocolate brown and mink are becoming trendy colors for home interiors, but their heaviness leaves a bedroom looking gloomy and confined. What’s more, the dark shades may make you feel unmotivated to get up in the morning. If you have your heart set on a brown bedroom, select a very light shade instead.

Lime Green

Zillow Digs home in Greenwood Village, CO

Since green elicits tranquility, hues of sage, sea foam, and mint work well in the bedroom. But lime green, on the other hand, is much more vibrant and bright. The color should be left for a space that creates more energy, like the kitchen or living room.

Related: The Best Paint Colors for Low-Light Rooms

White

Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA

Many homeowners paint their bedrooms white, since the color reflects light and makes a space feel airy. However, a predominantly white room will look sterile and cold. Achieve a neutral aesthetic with tones of tan or beige instead, both of which are more warm, relaxing, and serene.

Steel Gray

Zillow Digs home in Excelsior, MN

While warm gray walls can create a soothing neutral space, steel gray usually appears cold and confrontational. Avoid using cool darker grays in the bedroom, so the space doesn’t end up invoking an inhospitable mood.

Related: 10 Unusual Tricks for Your Easiest-Ever Paint Job