19 Ways to Add Color to Boring White Bedroom Walls

published Oct 29, 2019
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Credit: Lauren Kolyn

Come on, you can do it: Go beyond the typical white and beige we see in many bedrooms and experiment with a paint color that is oh-so-you instead. Your bedroom is one of the best places to represent and you and your style—so why not paint it a hue that’s as colorful as you are?

Whether you’re drawn to calming bedroom paint colors like grey and blue or dare to be bold with brights, we hope you’ll draw inspiration from the stunning rooms below. Need some guidance? Don’t worry: We’ve gathered tips from designers on how to select the perfect shade as well as what to keep in mind during the paint shopping process.

Keep scrolling for our crash course in color theory.

Credit: Miks Riggs

1. Embrace Your Green Streak

A boho Dallas space is full of life, thanks to the gorgeous emerald green hue. Skeptical of selecting such a bright color? An accent wall is sure to make a statement without enveloping your entire room in emerald. Grab a can of Behr Exquisite Emerald and get started!

Credit: Kevin O'Gara

2. Think Pink

This Atlanta home features all sorts of paint colors, including a sweet light pink (which is Behr One to Remember) that’s perfect for this adorable shared space. It looks stunning when paired with darker accents such as a wooden desk, oriental style rug, and brown throw blanket.

Credit: Monica Wang

3. Pick a Powder Blue

Is it just us, or does this Los Angeles rental‘s light blue hue immediately turn the room into a sleeping sanctuary? This airy color, which is Dunn Edward Worn Denim, isn’t too intense, so it’s easy to incorporate shades and patterns into the space. Now that’s what we call beauty sleep.

4. Back to Black

What’s black, white, and chic all over? This colorful Australian house tour. While we do appreciate soothing colors, there’s nothing like a bold black when done right (Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a similar option). Plus, the ornate white headboard adds the right amount of drama. Like what you see? Take a look at some of our other favorite black rooms.

Credit: Erica Van Slyke

5. Go Gray

Blogger Erica Van Slyke of Designing Vibes used Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams in her master bedroom. “I was looking for a lighter gray with a hint of warmth and softness,” she says. “Not only does this shade provide softness and slight warmth, but it also reflects the ample natural light in this room beautifully.”

6. A Sunny Shade Bring on the Sun

A cheery, California bungalow shines bright with sunny yellow paint (which is close to Sunflower from Benjamin Moore) and pops of colorful bedding. While yellow may not be for everyone, when done right, it easily becomes one of our favorites.

7. The Softer Side

Love the idea of yellow walls but want to keep your space looking subtle? Opt for Benjamin Moore’s lighter Jasper Opal, which Dana Dore of Adored House used in her daughter’s room. The yellow nightstand and cute hanging pennants are the perfect finishing touches.

Credit: Casey Finn

8. A Midnight Blue Marvel

Valspar’s dreamy Dutch Licorice stands out even more, thanks to the gorgeous wall paneling in this guest bedroom. Blogger Casey Finn of DIY Playbook examined many different shades before settling on an option she liked best. “When it comes to choosing the perfect paint color, it’s all about the samples,” she shares. “But it’s always worth the extra effort to try out the colors in your home and to see them in person.

9. A Splash of Seafoam

When it comes to picking from many bedroom paint colors, select a hue that you naturally gravitate to. (Yes, even if it’s not the popular choice.) Light greens like this one aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but your bedroom should reflect your personality. As this Australian house tour proves, going with your gut certainly pays off. This color is close to Behr Seafoam Green.

10. Pick a Pastel

Moving into a space with a paint color that isn’t within your usual palette? You may enjoy keeping it around nonetheless! That’s exactly what happened when Kim Hazel of Styled With Lace purchased a lake cabin with pre-painted pale green walls (the color is close to Behr Cabbage Leaf). “I wasn’t sure I liked it at first, but since this is just a weekend summer house I haven’t changed it but just decorated around it using bedding and furnishings I already had,” she notes.

Credit: Apartment Therapy

11. Opt for Aqua

Love calming bedroom colors? The aqua hue in this artful home is kid and adult-approved. If you’re looking to expand beyond shades of blue, add cheery, yellow accents such as a light pendant or set of curtains. Add a splash of Blue Ground by Farrow and Ball to your own space.

12. Tangled up in Blues

We love the idea of using this playful shade in a kid’s room, but it look just as nice in an adult space, too. If knew any better, we would’ve thought this bold blue was used in a beach bungalow, not in this charming Scottish house tour, which features B&Q Valspar range Porthole Blue.

13. Get Olive Green Happy

Olive green isn’ just for rain boots, promise! As this Oakland loft proves, the shade can look just as good in a sleeping space. The accent wall dresses up the otherwise industrial space, but doesn’t detract from the room’s unique bones. Get the look with Glidden Olive Green.

14. Show Your Spunk With a Pinky Orange

There’s no need to design a serious-looking space if cheekier hues are calling your name! Strike a balance between sophisticated and spunky by pairing a bright orange hue with French-styled side tables. Let this bold bedroom show you how it’s done! Get the look with Behr Juicy Passionfruit.

Credit: Nicola Broughton

15. Favor A Funky Hue

Love a gallery wall as much we do? Take a cue from this Victorian house tour and splash your walls in a moody shade. Frames and other accessories will stand out more against a dramatic backdrop. It looks beautiful paired with mostly black, white, and green pieces. The color used here is Farrow and Ball Forrest Green.

Credit: Lauren Kolyn

16. Bring on the Blues

A grayish-blue—as seen in this Ontario house tour— works with both dark or light furniture. Whether you choose to paint the entire bedroom or just do an accent wall, we bet this color choice will continue to make you happy for years to come. The color reminds us of Valspar Copacabana.

Credit: Lauren Kolyn

17. Make it Magenta

Bright magenta will certainly make you feel extra positive every time you walk into your sleep space. This Toronto-based bedroom does an excellent job of tying the wall color into accessories like the lumbar pillow and woven art piece. To replicate the look, try using Artful Magenta by Behr in your own space.

Credit: Lana Kenney

18. Welcome to the Red Room

Exposed brick painted red adds an old-school touch to this South African space. Not sure how to decorate around your own red walls? Black and gold pieces make great companions for bright red spaces. We love Sherwin Williams Red Tomato, which is a similar shade to what’s pictured above.

19. A Peachy Keen Crib

A peach bedroom is the design equivalent to sugar, spice, and everything nice. Valeria of Rebecca & Genevieve painted her bedroom in Behr’s Spiced Brandy, and we think it looks like the most darling cozy spot.