What color blue is best for sleeping? The exact shades experts use in the bedroom

If you're interested in wellness and psychology, you may be unsurprised to know that blue reigns supreme in the bedroom. But what color blue is best for sleeping? 

This hue is admired by sleep experts and designers alike, who agree that blue bedroom ideas can help you sleep better – but as with all tones, some are even more impactful than others. 

Knowing specifically what color helps sleep can come down to personal preference – with some experts opting for lighter blues and others going darker. However, if you're looking for a safe starting point, you could do far worse than following these expert suggestions. 

Whether you desire a cocooning navy or a light and airy blue space, these are the shades that are backed by professionals. 

What color blue is best for sleeping?

Almost all blue bedroom color ideas have a positive influence over sleep – but which tones are the very best?

1. Sherwin Williams – Atmospheric (SW 6505)

The only thing better than an expert-approved color is a color that is approved by experts twice. This is the case with Sherwin Williams' Atmospheric, the shade seen in the sunroom above. 

'When looking for the right shade of blue for your bedroom, opt for a lighter, airy blue, similar to the sky on a bright day. atmospheric is a great option and will fit perfectly in a room as an accent wall,' says Gregg Dean, the CEO of Layla Sleep.

The expert explains that this shade not only promotes feelings of calmness in the body – but also links to feelings of 'trust and stability' that will help you stay asleep for longer. 

And Mar De Carlo from Parenting Health Institute agrees. In her admiration of Atmospheric, the sleep expert adds that the shade mimics a 'soothing daytime sky or the calming waters of a peaceful tropical ocean.' Perfect for a therapeutic, sleep-inducing space. 

2. Benjamin Moore – Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)

'We think that the shade of blue which works best with a bedroom is closely related to whether the homeowner is a night owl or a morning person,' says Stefan Bucur from Rhythm of the Home. 

He explains that if you often stay awake at night, it is best to choose a medium-dark blue or navy blue like Benjamin Moore's Van Deusen Blue. Meanwhile, a bright or dusty blue (much like Atmospheric) is a good choice for the morning. 

3. Sherwin-Williams – Resolute Blue (SW 6507)

While Mar De Carlo does recommend Atmospheric, there is another Sherwin-Williams shade that sits at the very peak of her bedroom color ideas: Resolute Blue. 'If I had to choose just one, it would be Resolute Blue because I feel it beautifully falls right in the middle of the blue shade spectrum – not too light or too dark,' she says. 

4.  Sherwin Williams – Naval (SW 6244)

As Stefan suggests, Van Deusen Blue is a great option for those who crave a cocooning feel overnight. However, his suggestions don't end there. 'The Naval shade from Sherwin Williams are perfect for most bedrooms because they create a moody appearance that encourages sleep at later hours of the night,' he adds. 

5. Sherwin Williams – Vast Sky (SW 6506)

'Studies show that any blue bedroom color promotes relaxation, calms the nervous system, and supports a tranquil atmosphere,' Mar De Carlo says in her discussion of the peaceful color. Following this, she also recommends Vast Sky, the subtle, sky-resembling shade that will send you to a restful sleep. 'When our eye registers blue, it causes the hypothalamus to produce more melatonin and the adrenal glands to reduce cortisol,' Mar adds.