Decorating a small bedroom comes with its own unique set of challenges. With limited space, every design choice you make has an outsized impact. This is especially true when it comes to color selection. The right hues can make a small room feel tranquil and spacious, while the wrong tones can make it feel dark and cramped.
That’s why we turned to the experts – interior designers who specialize in small spaces – for their recommendations on the best small bedroom colors. Keep reading to discover their top picks and how to use color to transform your cozy bedroom into a relaxing retreat. From fresh whites to soothing neutrals to pops of bold accent colors, we’ll explore the palettes that designers swear by for making small bedrooms stylish and serene.
The Science of Color: Why It Matters in Small Spaces
Before diving into specific colors, it’s helpful to understand the science behind how color interacts with light and space. Interior designers rely on this knowledge when selecting palettes for any room, but it becomes especially critical in a small bedroom where every detail is magnified.
How Light and Color Work Together
The way a color appears is directly related to the amount and type of light in a space. Bright rooms make hues pop, while dark spaces mute colors. Cool natural light produces a different effect than warm artificial light. So the first step in choosing a small bedroom color is assessing the room’s lighting.
North-facing rooms with limited natural light take on a cooler cast, so warm tones like peach and yellow create a cozier feel. South-facing rooms awash in sunlight can handle cooler hues like soft greens and blues. For artificial lighting, opt for bulbs with a warm 2700K temperature which make walls appear creamier.
The Psychology of Color in the Bedroom
Beyond just illumination, color selection taps into psychology and emotions. Designers think about how different hues impact mood, relaxation, and sleep when picking a palette.
Cool blues and greens have a calming effect perfect for winding down and sleeping. Warm reds and oranges feel energizing and inviting but can also amp up anxiety, so use them sparingly. Bold tones like fuchsia and electric blue can feel invigorating but might make it harder to relax at bedtime.
Addressing Small Bedroom Challenges Through Color
Two of the main complaints in small bedrooms are lack of light and a cramped, closed-in feeling. Color choice directly influences both issues.
To counteract darkness, consider lighter colors which help reflect and bounce light around the room. Soft whites, pale grays, and subtle pastels open up the space instead of absorbing light.
To create an airy, spacious vibe in a cramped room, avoid bold saturated hues on every wall. Instead, use them as accents against light neutral backdrops. Monochromatic schemes also expand a room by avoiding color contrasts which emphasize boundaries.
Finding the Right Color Temperature
When selecting a color palette, pay attention to its temperature – whether it leans cool or warm. As a general rule, warm earthy tones help create a cozy sanctuary, while cool hues have a more relaxing effect perfect for sleep. Neutral white and gray strike a balance.
With lighting and spatial considerations in mind, let’s look at interior designers’ top color recommendations specifically for transforming small bedrooms.
Top Small Bedroom Color Picks from the Experts
Neutrals with Depth and Dimension
Interior designers overwhelmingly turn to neutral colors as the backdrop for small bedrooms. Choosing a white, gray, beige, or taupe base adds lightness and expands the space visually. But modern neutral paints come in endless shades with more depth than just flat white. Here are some designer favorites.
Sophisticated Whites
Crisp clean white may seem ubiquitous, but modern paint formulations put a luxurious spin on this classic. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace has a hint of cream for warmth. Farrow & Ball Pointing is an off-white with subtle grey undertones for a contemporary feel. Decorators White by Sherwin Williams adds the slightest warm undertone.
Whites reflect light beautifully and feel fresh yet grounded. Ivory and cream tones provide added warmth while still opening up a small bedroom. Behr Silver Drop is a light greige (grey/beige hybrid) white that flatters any room. Decorators especially recommend white on ceilings to make them appear higher.
Warm, Welcoming Taupes
For small bedrooms with cool lighting, taupes add coziness without going too dark. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray reads as a soft oatmeal that pairs well with whites. Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige is a popular light taupe with grayish undertones. Behr Biscotti is a creamy latte-colored taupe perfect for bedrooms.
Compared to beiges which can look dated, today’s taupes have an inviting vibe. Paint them in matte finishes to avoid looking too formal. Pair with warm wood accents and cream trim for a serene retreat.
Soothing Grays
Gray is the new neutral of choice for modern minimalist spaces, and for good reason. The right soft gray can serve as a stylish, zen backdrop for sleeping. But not all grays are created equal. Greige grays have subtle brown/beige influences, while blue grays take on a cooler cast.
Benjamin Moore Silver Lake is a pale blue gray that reads as bright white in some lights. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray is a popular greige with warm undertones. Behr Pewter Tankard is on the deeper side for small bedrooms seeking drama. Go for matte finishes and pair grays with white trim for crisp contrast.
Light, Airy Pastels for Tranquility
While neutrals form a flexible foundation, pastels add a pop of color without going too bold. Soft lavender, sage green, and powder blue impart a dreamy, ethereal quality perfect for rest and relaxation. Here are some designer picks for pastel hues.
Soothing Lavender
For centuries, lavender has been associated with serenity and sleep due to its calming properties. In a bedroom, a pale lavender wall color sets a soothing mood without overwhelming. Behr Lilac Blossom is a brighter, playful purple. Benjamin Moore Wisteria is more muted and restrained.
Decorators recommend limiting lavender to one wall as an accent instead of saturating the whole room. Pair with creams and grays to balance the palette. Lavender also works nicely with peaceful blue-green shades. Just steer clear of busy patterns and excess clutter.
Natural and Relaxing Sage Green
Sage green has a natural, earthy quality inherently linked to rest and well-being. Benjamin Moore Naturel is a light muted green with subtle gray undertones perfect for small bedrooms. Behr Quiet Willow hits the same soothing notes but with a hint of yellow.
Pair sage greens with botanical accents and natural textural elements – think linen bedding, rattan fixtures, woven wall hangings. Sage also complements whites and creams found throughout the space like trim and furniture. Use sparingly as an accent wall or on bedding and decor pieces.
Airy Powder Blues
Serene and subtle, powder blue imparts a sense of calm ideal for winding down in a bedroom. Different undertones drastically alter the look, so sample first. Benjamin Moore Powder Blue has touches of gray, while Behr Lilac Fields is more purplish.
Use powder blue sparingly on an accent wall or as a featured headboard wall. Blend with whites and grays found elsewhere in the bedroom. Metallic silver and chrome accents pop nicely against soft powder blue backdrops. Just avoid looking too “baby” blue.
Bold Color Accents for Personality
While neutrals and pastels make up the bulk of small bedroom colors, bold brights bring life when used strategically as accents. Here are some vivid hues designers recommend to spice things up.
Sophisticated Emerald Green
Deep jewel-toned emerald green instantly elevates a space. Benjamin Moore Nightfall is sophisticated and dramatic for an accent wall. Behr Greek Isle a few shades lighter for a relaxer effect.
Pair emerald greens with gleaming gold accents and cream neutrals. Use on a single focal feature wall or on the headboard wall behind the bed. Emerald also shines when used on throw pillows, artwork, and decorative objects against a neutral backdrop.
Cheerful and Energizing Mustard Yellow
Yellow seems tricky for bedrooms, but trendy mustard yellows strike an upbeat yet mellow note. Behr Branded Mustard has rustic character, while Sherwin Williams Mustard Seed is bold and contemporary. Benjamin Moore Sundance is more subdued.
Mustard adds youthful flair when used judiciously – limit it to accent walls, decorative pillows, and artwork. Pair with white trim to keep the look refined. Gray, blue and green accents work nicely with mustard’s vibrant attitude.
Cozy, Inviting Terracotta and Burnt Orange
For small bedrooms craving a dose of warmth, terracotta and burnt orange tones fit the bill. Behr Terra Cotta Pot is a rich reddish brown that pairs well with creams and grays. Sherwin Williams Renwick Beige is lighter and more subtle. Benjamin Moore Caliente makes a bold, fiery accent wall.
Use terracotta and burnt orange thoughtfully, limiting it to one wall or decorative accents. Too much can feel overwhelming. Bring in natural textures like woven woods, rattan, jute rugs, and linen. White trim keeps it from going too dark. Terracotta loves southwestern and boho chic decors.
Designer Tips: Making Colors Work in Small Bedrooms
Color selection is only part of designing a stellar small bedroom. Interior experts also rely on smart spatial strategies to make hues sing. Here are some of their top tips.
Ceiling Color for the Illusion of Height
Don’t neglect the fifth wall! Painting ceilings white or a lighter shade than walls tricks the eye into seeing a higher space. Behr Silent White is ideal for opening up low ceilings without going too bright. Benjamin Moore Cloud White offers the same effect with a hint of coziness.
Consider painting ceiling trim the wall color so it blends seamlessly. Use matte finishes to avoid glare. Add ceiling-height curtains and hang rods higher to reinforce the impression of loftiness. Painting ceiling beams white also draws the eye up.
Contrasting Trim for Definition
In small rooms, crisp contrast between walls and trim adds definition. White or cream trim really pops against deeper gray, green, or blue walls. For light wall colors, charcoal black trim can be striking. Dark wooden trim also delivers definition.
Don’t forget door trim and baseboards too! Outline architectural features in lighter or darker tones – this guides the eye to appreciate these details. Just don’t overdo high-contrast accents which can feel jarring in a small space.
Patterns Create Visual Interest
When used thoughtfully, patterns like subtle stripes, organic prints, or geometrics make for vibrant accent walls full of visual appeal. Covering every wall can get dizzying, so use patterns sparingly on feature walls or focal points.
Incorporate natural patterns like botanical prints and organic textures for a relaxed yet lively vibe. Simple vertical stripes visually elongate short walls and ceilings.Damasks, geometrics, and abstract prints make artsy neutral backdrops more dynamic.
Lighting Brightens Things Up
Proper lighting is especially crucial in small dim bedrooms. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting to create both overall brightness and a cozy ambiance. Wall sconces flanking the bed add stylish illumination.
Cool overhead lighting balances warm lamp lighting. Install dimmers to control mood and save energy. Place mirrors strategically to bounce and amplify light. A mix of lighting creates a welcoming, multi-dimensional look.
Furniture Should Lighten, Not Weigh Down
Bulky imposing furniture overwhelms and shrinks a small space. When choosing furnishings, favor light colors, visually airy silhouettes, and multipurpose pieces. Metal and glass often appear less imposing than wood.
For beds, go with an open, airy frame and avoid heavy headboards. Floating shelves save floor space while displaying books and treasures. Nesting tables also keep surfaces clutter-free until needed. Minimal, modern pieces keep things light and bright.
Final Thoughts on Colors for Small Bedrooms
Decorating a bedroom under 100 square feet or with limited natural lighting provides unique design challenges. But armed with interior designer expertise on color pairings, placement, and synergy, even the coziest bedroom can take on a relaxing yet stylish feel.
The top small bedroom color palettes rely on luminous neutrals and whites as a base upon which to build. Cool pastels and warm earth tones provide soothing contrast. Pops of saturated jewel tones and brights add just the right amount of personality when used strategically as accents.
Finish the look with proper lighting techniques, ceiling and trim colors, patterns, and furniture tailored to small spaces. Experiment with different hues, textures, and accents until you find your own perfect sanctuary. Sweet dreams!
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