There’s A Good Reason Why Experts Say To Never Paint Your Bedroom These Two Colors
Choosing a bedroom color feels like a personal choice. You might love a bold shade in a store or online, but experts often say there are some rules you should follow when painting a bedroom. This is the room where your body is supposed to slow down, not stay alert. Some colors fight against that goal without you realizing it. Two shades come up again and again as the biggest sleep disruptors, and the reasons go deeper than simple personal style preferences.
Why Color Affects Sleep More Than We Think
Color doesn’t just decorate a room, it actually influences our mood and energy levels. Our brains respond to certain hues by becoming more alert or more relaxed. In a bedroom, that response matters more than you might think. Experts say overstimulating colors can raise heart rate, increase mental activity, and make it harder to fully unwind at night. You might not connect restless sleep with the color of your walls, but the environment shapes how your body behaves once you crawl into bed.
The Problem With Bright Red Bedrooms
Red is bold, passionate, and energetic. That’s exactly why experts advise against using it in bedrooms. Red stimulates the nervous system and can increase feelings of urgency or tension. While it works well for an energizing boost in social spaces like dining rooms, it sends the wrong signal in a place meant for rest. People often report feeling unsettled or overstimulated in red bedrooms, even if they loved the look at first.
Why Bright Yellow Can Be Too Much
Yellow feels cheerful and sunny, which sounds nice for a bedroom in theory. But bright yellow reflects a lot of light and keeps the brain in a more alert state. Experts say this can make it harder to relax at night and easier to wake up too early in the morning. In bedrooms, yellow often feels restless instead of calming. What energizes you during the day can work against you when it’s time to go to sleep.
What To Use Instead Of Red And Yellow
If you love warmth, softer alternatives work better. Muted terracotta, blush, or warm taupe give color without being too overstimulating. For yellow lovers, creamy off-whites or soft sand tones offer warmth without the intensity of brighter hues. These shades still feel welcoming but help the room create a calmer mood. Experts often recommend colors that feel grounded and gentle rather than bold and demanding.
How To Add Bold Color Without Painting The Walls
If you’re drawn to bold shades of red or yellow, you don’t have to give them up entirely. Use them in smaller doses through pillows, artwork, or a throw blanket. This way, you get to add some of your own personality without overwhelming the space. Accent colors are easier to change and don’t interfere with sleep the way wall color can. It’s a safer way to enjoy bold shades without committing your entire bedroom to them.
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Your bedroom doesn’t need to be boring, but it should support how you want to feel at the end of the day. Experts aren’t trying to limit creativity, just protect your sleep and comfort. By avoiding overstimulating colors like bright red and yellow, you give your body a better chance to relax. And when a room feels calm, everything else tends to fall into place more easily.
Bliss Donahue-Power
