If you want a restful atmosphere, there's nothing better than keeping things neutral in the bedroom, but that doesn't mean you have to line your space only in beige. Yes, you can add color to a neutral bedroom, but it just has to be the right color.
After all, you don't want to ignore the reason you chose neutrals in the first place. “The use of timeless tones provides a backdrop that not only highlights the quality of materials, textures and design elements, but also conveys a feeling of understated elegance that lasts over time,” explains Dominique Bonet, senior designer at LD&D. “Neutral tones, by their nature, never go out of style and are chosen for their lasting appeal, making them a reliable foundation for luxurious interiors.”
However, most neutral bedroom ideas can really benefit from some color to give the room a sense of personality and individual style. If you're not sure where to start, we asked interior designers and color experts to tell us which hues work with neutrals and also give us their best advice on how and where to use them. Here are the recommended colors.
1. Whimsical shades of pink
(Image credit: Nicole Franzen. Design: The 1818 Collective)
Pink is probably one of the most romantic color ideas for the bedroom. But forget about flashy Barbie pinks or roller-disco fluorescents and instead focus on seamlessly layering your neutral scheme with dusky tea rose tones and hues that offer just a gentle hint of blush.
“Over the last few seasons, we’ve started to see neutrals with pink and red undertones gradually displacing our traditionally popular grays and beiges,” reveals Helen Shaw, head of marketing at Benjamin Moore. “Plaster pinks like Whispering Peach 2014-60 and Venetian Portico AF-185 are perfect as a blank canvas for a bedroom. The soft, dark rose tones in both give the bedroom a wonderfully earthy and grounded atmosphere, perfect for a room where we can relax and rejuvenate.
2. Shades of green
(Image credit: Sean Litchfield. Design: Justin Charette Design)
Soft, neutral, nature-inspired tones work best with green bedroom ideas as this space is intended for rest and therefore you want a calming color palette.
“When it comes to our decorating plans this year, more and more of us will be exploring the relationship between subtle hues in captivating color combinations to create a more restful environment,” suggests Benjamin Moore's Helen Shaw. “Combine lighter shades of ice cream green to continue this subtle, neutral scheme while creating a fresh and optimistic look.
“Alternatively, experiment with a rich touch of sage green by highlighting architectural details,” she recommends. “This creates a focal point while still looking soft and whimsical when paired with plaster pink tones.”
But when combining green tones in an otherwise simple bedroom palette, it's important to consider your undertones, says interior designer E. Norton, principal at Norton Interiors. “If you want to add a touch of green, look for a green with a warm undertone that will complement a cream beige wall. A super cool green in the light makes the walls look yellow instead of soft and natural.” Just as there are colors that complement beige, there are also colors that shouldn't be combined with beige.
3. Tones inspired by nature
(Image credit: Genevieve Garrupo. Design: Lara Apelian Studio)
In a room where you want to convey a feeling of peace and calm, it makes sense to look to nature for color inspiration. Therefore, keep an eye out for bedroom ideas in earth tones that can help create a grounded feeling in the room.
“Colors found naturally in nature work well with neutral tones,” explains interior designer Lara Apelian of Lara Apelian Studio. “For inspiration, think of your favorite beach landscape, for example.”
Anything from greens and blues to stormy grays and rocky yellows can work well in this room when paired with neutrals – especially when paired with some textures for a bit of depth.
“We love adding layers of texture to a neutral palette to add variety,” adds Lara. “Adding raffia wallpaper or a Venetian plaster wall treatment softens the edges and captures natural light.”
4. Yellow ocher
(Image credit: Davide Lovati)
While there's no reason why a neutral color scheme should ever feel cold or sterile, it never hurts to pair these hues with a few warming hues to enhance your cozy bedroom ideas – including vintage ocher yellows and clayey reds.
“If your bedroom gets lots of natural light, choose bolder colors—for example, rust, mustard, or terracotta,” suggests Jodi Peterman, owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs. “These shades thrive in sunlight and create a warm, inviting space. For rooms with less natural light, stick to softer hues like sage green or lavender to make the room feel bright and airy.”
5. Charming Blues
(Image credit: Paul Craig)
There's always a place for a little touch of blue – not just in blue bedroom ideas, but practically anywhere in the house. The reason? There is a wide range of shades to choose from, each capable of offering something different and versatile enough to be paired with all types of neutrals.
“I personally enjoy seeing bright colors with neutrals, things like blues,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of painting company Improovy. “Or you could use a variety of neutrals, like grays, if the majority of your color scheme favors neutrals like beige and off-white. In my experience, using some lighter colors can help make a bedroom look more airy and bright, and that can help. Either take advantage of the natural light in your bedroom or create the feeling of light in a bedroom that doesn't get much .
When choosing shades of blue for your bedroom, think about calming rather than cool colors – rich navy, cozy indigo and those with a slight green tinge work well.
6. Earthy brown tones
(Image credit: Irida Mete. Design: Sagrada Studio)
Rich brown is all the rage right now, be it as a color for kitchen cabinets, for wooden floors or as a shade for all types of furniture, from upholstered beds to sofas. Within a neutral bedroom color scheme, decorating with brown can be a really easy way to add a touch of elegance, especially when combined with cream and off-white tones.
“Lately we’ve been loving chocolate, ivory and texture in neutral bedroom settings,” says Sarah Latham, director at Latham Interiors. “For bedding, rugs, upholstered furniture or window coverings, these hues add an earthy and relaxing feel to the bedroom.”
7. More neutrals
(Image credit: Par Bengtsson. Design: Nina Magon Studio)
What shades could possibly pair better with neutrals than with other neutrals? When it comes to bedroom ideas, using layers of muted and easy-to-enliven hues offers a quick route to an extremely stylish and calming space.
“Choosing color schemes where natural tones complement each other allows the design to flow seamlessly and enhances the overall feeling of serenity,” explains Dominique Bonet. “In addition, choosing timeless neutrals ensures that the space retains its elegance without being influenced by passing trends.
“Combining earthy, natural tones with high-quality materials such as marble and European wood creates a cohesive, sophisticated environment where the neutral color palette emphasizes the overall harmony of the design without overwhelming the space,” adds Dominique. “By choosing timeless and versatile colors – such as soft beiges, warm taupes and muted grays – they create a calm, luxurious ambience that will remain inviting and relevant for years to come.”
FAQs
How can you add a pop of color to a neutral bedroom?
While you may not want to create a psychedelic, eye-catching decor scheme in your bedroom, there is still some scope to introduce some bright colors into the bedroom without it being overwhelming.
“If you're a neutral color lover at heart but want to add a pop of color, stay flexible with accents,” recommends Hema Persad, interior designer at Sagrada Studio. “A colorful throw blanket, colorful books or artwork can liven up the room without changing the overall palette. Add a metallic touch by using gold accents to give the room some sophistication if that's your thing.”
“If you want a pop of color that feels sophisticated, invest in a chair or ottoman in a rich jewel tone like emerald green or deep navy and place it in a reading nook or at the foot of the bed,” adds Jodi Peterman. “It is functional while also serving as a statement piece that enhances the entire space.”
And don't forget what impact your bedroom lighting ideas might have on the color in your bedroom. “Lighting is a game-changer. A colorful pendant light or lamp base can add just the right amount of vibrancy without overwhelming the space,” says Jodi. “You can mimic the tone of the decor in the bedding, accent pillows, or window coverings to reinforce the look throughout the room.”
Although the colors you use when decorating your bedroom play a big role in how it looks and feels, don't forget to consider the design of your bedroom to make sure you're using the space wisely.