5 colors that make a bedroom look more expensive – according to interior designers

There are lots of things you can do to create a space that looks expensive without going way over budget, and for many interior designers, color is always key. 

Along with the right furniture placement, characterful decor, and plenty of streamlined storage, your chosen bedroom color ideas can also have a transformative effect in helping your bedroom look more expensive. 

We know that working out which color is best for your bedroom can be a real challenge, but remember that it's just paint, and if it totally doesn't work, you can paint over it. So, to create a luxe, high-end space filled with plenty of character, consider these five colors that make a bedroom look more expensive.

5 colors to make a bedroom look expensive

Whether you want your bedroom ideas to feel moody or light and fresh, these are the shades that will give that luxury hotel feeling.

1. Teal

Paint walls in teal, the always-on-trend blue-green that works in any space. It's nature-inspired but also feels lavish, and actually gets its name from the shiny, colored area around the eye of the Eurasian teal duck. 'When designing a luxury bedroom scheme, I am particularly drawn to the use of teals and blues to create a serene, yet vibrant space,' comments Kati Curtis, an interior designer based in New York. 

'These shades offer a rich palette that can transform a room into a luxurious retreat,' says Kati. When decorating with teal, Kati recommends covering your walls in a deep teal shade, like the ones below. She says it's an excellent base because it evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication.

Then, you can layer in plenty of plush textiles, such as a velvet navy bedspread, or throw pillows in varying shades of turquoise and royal blue. This adds depth and comfort. You can also look at colors that go with teal, such as coral, copper and light wood tones to bring in more interest.

Kati Curtis

Kati Curtis is the founder of Kati Curtis Design, an design firm based in New York City specializing in classic design with a global influence. Kati founded the studio in 2005 after 12 years of working with international architecture and engineering firms. 

2. Purple

You may also like to consider purple bedroom ideas when creating a more expensive-looking space, as purple has royal connotations and can lend a room a traditional, old-world feel. Of course, it's all about the tone you use, so steer away from anything too vivid and seek out more muted, 'adult' versions, from eggplant to heather.

'Introducing hints of purple through lavender or plum accents – whether in decorative pillows, a statement rug, or even delicate floral arrangements – adds a touch of opulence and warmth,' says Kati Curtis. 

Brassica, by Farrow & Ball is a beautiful option for walls and would look great on tongue and groove wainscoting paired with a soft white paint on the upper walls, such as Great White, also by Farrow & Ball.

3. Warm neutrals

Neutral bedroom ideas are like the 'no makeup makeup' of interiors, and can create an effortlessly stylish scheme. Neutrals are also calming as they aren't as stimulating on the eye as more saturated colors: 'I love warm neutrals for a bedroom,' says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. 'They just set the tone for feelings of rest and comfort. 

You can always introduce more color through bedding, rugs, bedroom window treatments, and so on, if you feel the space needs it. For instance, we recently wrote about the blue and white color trend and shared ways to make this classic combination work in your home.

As for what kind of neutral to go for, Kathy recommends using a beautiful oat milk shade: 'Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee is one of my favorites for a really lovely light color that offers both warm and cool undertones. It's luxurious, versatile, and very soothing.'

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

4. Earth tones

Katie Winnington, principal designer and creative director at C&E Furniture recommends using the 60-30-10 rule with one main color, one secondary color, and an accent color. Her favorites are earth tones, so think warm shades like camel, terracotta, mocha, and leather.

'The 60-30-10 ratio is a great design rule of thumb. For example in a bedroom, our base color would be Tres Naturale (SW 9101) by Sherwin Williams, utilize bedding in a Greek Villa (SW 7551), and accent pieces in Uber Umber (SW 9107).' The key is to keep the color palette sophisticated and to be consistent with it.

5. Soft green

Choosing a color palette that draws from nature will always give you a classic, timeless bedroom. Use nature's neutral with green bedroom ideas for a luxe space that will never date. 

'The most sophisticated bedrooms I see tend to be decorated in neutrals and sumptuous fabrics, but I also think you can never go wrong with a soft green tone,' says Homes & Gardens' head of interiors, Hebe Hatton. 'Much like teal and earth tones, green is a restful and grounding choice for your sleep space. 

'I love Palm by Farrow & Ball, which is fairly desaturated, making it versatile, but it also brings to mind the leafy palms that dot the LA skyline. Combine gentle green tones on the wall with a curved headboard upholstered in green and beige striped fabric and velvet throw pillows in soft sage for a space that's easy on the eye.'

Hebe Hatton

Hebe is the head of interiors at Homes & Gardens, and has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism. With a passion for renovating small spaces, Hebe loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Homes & Gardens has always been an inspiration, influencing her style since she moved into her first rental and continues to shape her design style today in her London apartment.

FAQs

Are there any colors to avoid if you want a high-end look?

Interior designer Kati Curtis argues that color in general gives your bedroom a more expensive look, and while grays and whites are popular choices in modern interior design, they often risk making a space look less high-end, and generic. 'These neutral tones, while versatile, can strip a room of character and individuality if not used thoughtfully,' says Kati. 

'Over-reliance on gray and white can result in a sterile environment that lacks warmth and personality. Moreover, as these colors have become ubiquitous in “trendy” designs, they can make a home feel unimaginative. Instead of creating a unique and inviting atmosphere, the excessive use of these shades implies a lack of creativity, rather than a unique and personal taste.'

To avoid this pitfall, Kati says it's essential to infuse rooms with varied hues, textures, and personal touches that reflect your style and create a more bespoke environment.

What bedding colors are best for an expensive feel?

'Think of your most upscale hotel experience – the bedding was probably white!' says Katie Winnington at C&E Furniture. 'Always go for crisp clean bedding, you'll never feel like checking out of your room.' You can head to our guide for the best white bed sheets.

For an added layer of luxury, incorporate some metallic elements. Kati Curtis suggests having bedside lamps or picture frames in silver or gold to enhance the overall aesthetic (we love these cordless metallic bedside lamps from Amazon.) This adds a touch of glamour without overwhelming the soothing atmosphere. Blend cool paint tones with warm gold, or warm paint with cool silver to create a balanced and inviting bedroom that feels both luxurious and invigorating.