We asked 10 interior designers to share the colors they always tell clients to use in a bedroom – these were the shades that came up top

When decorating a room with color, turning to the expertise of interior designers is always a good idea, and that's especially the case for bedrooms. Since these rooms need to feel restful as well as look chic, the right color can be one of the most important choices you'll make.

And so, we asked ten interior designers for their tried and true bedroom color ideas that they continually recommend to their clients. If you're looking to give your sleep space a refresh, these colors, which range from light neutrals to soothing blues and greens, are timeless and strike the perfect balance between being restful and interesting.

When incorporating these colors into a bedroom, you don't always need to commit to painting the walls. While a fresh coat of paint will have the biggest impact, making some smaller decor changes can be just as effective.

1. Blue-green

'We're often asked to design bedrooms using shades of blue,' explains Gina Valenti, Director of Interior Design at Michael Abrams Interiors. 'We're drawn to the soft and serene tones that create a spa-like environment. Stepping into a bedroom of soft blues or blue-greens offers a transition to rest and reflection – perfect for our clients with fast-paced and active lifestyles.'

Here, the blue-green upholstered wall creates a refined and sophisticated look with its dark tones. If you want to create a relaxing bedroom but with more depth than light neutrals, embrace the 'in-between' hues of decorating with teal, whether through the wall color or soft furnishings.

2. Warm white

Warm white paints are one of the most failsafe choices for a bedroom, providing a light and airy feel with just the right amount of warmth.

'A bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, and time after time, I turn to warm whites to create that restful foundation,' explains interior designer Marie Flanigan. 'Soft, creamy whites without blue undertones offer a timeless and versatile backdrop, making a space feel inviting yet sophisticated. These hues work beautifully with layered neutrals, natural wood tones, and rich textiles, allowing the room to evolve effortlessly over time.'

'Warm whites have an inherent coziness that makes them perfect for bedrooms – they offer a sense of calm while complementing everything from antique furnishings to modern silhouettes,' adds Marie.

3. Pink

Soft pink paints are a great color for bedrooms with their gentle, calming tones and warmth. Here, the pale pink walls add softness to the dark wood furniture, achieving a sense of contrast and balance.

'I love incorporating a peachy-pink tone in the bedroom,' explains designer Amanda Jacobs of Amanda Jacobs Design. 'While it can lean feminine, it balances beautifully with a variety of other hues. Bedrooms often feature wood, metal, and darker materials, so a soft, enveloping shade creates a sense of warmth and tranquility. It also carries a timeless elegance while remaining versatile enough to complement any interior design style.'

4. Blue

Decorating with blue in a bedroom will always be a good choice for its calming qualities. While dark blues can create a moody vibe, lighter blues feel restful while offering more color than neutrals.

'Blue is at the top of the list of colors I recommend to clients,' says interior designer Rosanna Bassford, founder of Memmo Interiors. 'Usually, it is a lighter, softer shade of blue. Blue never goes out of style, and it is a calming, serene color that is perfect for rest and relaxation in a bedroom.'

Designer Lisa Shaffer of Lisa & Leroy also recommends blue bedroom ideas. She adds: 'We find ourselves consistently drawn to blue for bedrooms and we recommend it often – it’s a color that effortlessly evokes relaxation and tranquility. Research supports its calming effects, showing that blue helps reduce stress and promote restful sleep, making it an ideal choice for a serene retreat.'

'While we love exploring different shades, we tend to avoid overly pale pastels, which can feel a bit cold. Instead, we gravitate toward deeper, richer hues or muted, moody blues that add warmth and sophistication while maintaining the soothing qualities that make this color a timeless favorite in bedroom design,' says Lisa.

5. Taupe

'A warm, earthy taupe is my go-to bedroom color – a timeless hue I return to time and again for its rich depth,' says designer Christina Kelley. 'It strikes the perfect balance of nature-inspired comfort and quiet luxury, transforming any space into a serene haven. Unlike cold grays, taupe offers a subtle, grounding charm that seamlessly adapts to different styles and palettes – eternally chic.'

In addition to their comforting appeal, decorating with neutrals such as taupe works well with plenty of decorating styles. 'Paired with dark furnishings and accessories, they can feel moody and cozy. In contrast, bright whites and colors can make them feel fresh and light,' says designer Bridget Tiek of TIEK BYDAY.

Designers also recommend taupe and warm neutrals for bedrooms for their anti-trend quality, meaning they're more likely to maintain their appeal for years to come.

'These types of neutrals are timeless because they don’t chase trends. They invite comfort and quiet luxury, and they adapt beautifully to the seasons – cozy in the winter, and breezy in the summer. It’s the kind of palette that makes a space feel lived-in, relaxed, and deeply personal year-round,' adds interior designer Jessica Whitley.

6. Light beige

Decorating with beige offers a versatile blank canvas if you're drawn towards a light bedroom scheme. For interior designer Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design, creams and beige tones are often used as a backdrop, allowing other colors to be incorporated through decor:

'We love to use a blend of creams and beiges, with hints of cooler colors brought in through pillows and accents. We like the neutral base but feel that it works because of the texture – bedrooms should feel sumptuous but not overpowering. Layering textures in a relatively monochrome palette gives bedrooms a feeling of refuge, but additions of color keep them from being too boring.'

Take inspiration from this bedroom which uses Portola Paints' Piano Room on the walls. 'Piano Room is the perfect shade of beige for a bedroom,' says Jamie Davis, founder of Portola Paints. 'It feels cozy yet fresh at the same time.'

7. Blue and green together

For a more colorful, yet equally relaxing bedroom, the color combination of blue and green is expert-approved. 'I always lean towards blues and greens when working in clients' primary bedrooms,' shares interior designer Alexis Warren.

'These are calming colors that create an oasis, which is the main goal of your primary. Blue and green also play very nicely with other colors on the color wheel making it easy to add in more bold colors like red, orange, pink, and purple. When you start with a good base it is easy to start layering more fun colors into the design,' says Alexis.

If you're in the process of decorating a bedroom, these colors are a great place to start. If you want to ensure timelessness and a pared-back look, go for warm-toned neutrals, but if you enjoy a more colorful look then soft blues, greens, and pinks are all great choices for a bedroom.

For more ideas, the best bedroom colors for sleep offer plenty of inspiration to ensure a relaxing space.