Black paint will transform your small bedroom – and psychologists approve

Black bedrooms are a provocative choice, especially in a small space. However, color experts have revealed that this tone’s benefits stretch beyond its space-enhancing qualities. 

Alongside the ability to make your small bedroom appear bigger, psychology suggests that black bedroom ideas will make you feel more grounded – and may improve your sleep. However, it should be used with caution. 

Before you pick up the brush, it’s important to understand the power of this audacious paint idea. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why you should paint your bedroom black – according to psychology

‘When it comes to our sleep environments, we want them to be dark, cool, and calm, so you would think that black would be a great choice for amplifying that darkness and coolness that helps us to sleep,’ explains Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant Lee Chambers. 

While the color does accentuate the cool darkness, the Psychologist explains that the color is ‘synonymous with sadness and mystery.’ It is therefore important that you use it to gain the benefits while negating the downsides. 

‘Both warmer and cooler blacks can be used to powerful effect, but being mindful of the lighting and the textures within the room can really help to take the edge off and create a feeling of coziness and style that bring the elegance of black to the fore,’ Lee says. 

He warns that (in a small room particularly) you must remain mindful with your lighting ideas to prevent evoking negative emotions. But when used with intention and thought, black can have a grounding effect and be an excellent choice for a stylish and functional bedroom.

‘When used with intention and thought, black can have a grounding effect and be an excellent choice for a stylish and functional bedroom,’ Lee adds. 

How will black paint accentuate your small room?  

Your black bedroom may be good for your wellbeing, but they are equally sought after amongst color experts too. Farrow & Ball’s Brand Ambassador Patrick O’Donnell praises the color’s power in a small and naturally poorly lit room where darker walls tend to recede. 

‘Black bedrooms may seem a rather dramatic departure from the perceived norm, however it can be a surprisingly successful option,’ he says. Benjamin Moore’s UK Director Helen Shaw adds that black can ‘cleverly absorb the light of a space’ to blur the division between walls – that consequently makes the space feel bigger. 

‘This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making the space appear larger rather than more cramped as some may fear,’ Helen adds.

To fully immerse yourself in its benefits, Patrick urges you to experiment with one of the biggest interior design trends of the moment: color drenching. ‘Paint your woodwork in the same color - especially if the room has quite low ceilings as this will help accentuate the height of the room,’ he suggests. 

It’s a color that both our wellbeing and interior design scheme will benefit from… we’re reaching for the paintbrush as we speak.