In the end, there is no distinct solution, and there are pros and cons to both sides of the color spectrum – so what does this mean for you? If you’re wondering how to sleep better, it’s inevitable to tackle your bedroom color ideas—from sheet shades to bedroom paint ideas that encourage peaceful rest.
But with no clear answer as to which is better, it is inevitably difficult to navigate. So, what do the experts say: Should a bedroom be light or dark?
Should the bedroom be light or dark?
Light and dark bedrooms have separate advantages, so knowing which direction to go can be tricky. Here’s how to find the tone that works best for you.
light bedrooms
(Image credit: Future/Alecia Neo)
If you have read about the best color for the bedroom, you will likely see that light blue prevails. So, perhaps not surprisingly, Greg Dean, CEO of Layla Sleep (Opens in a new tab)Light shades are recommended in the bedroom.
“A cool environment is ideal for a good night’s sleep. This is why blue is the perfect wall color for sleeping. However, it does encourage you to use light colors with caution. While a room that is too dark can cause stress to the body, The intense lighting of the room will make the body feel as if it has to stay awake.”
The solution comes in the form of neutral tones—which Gregg suggests will keep the room cool and result in a good night’s sleep. He recommends injecting blue bedroom ideas across your walls before painting your furniture in soft neutral colors.
“Blue is the best wall color because it evokes feelings of relaxation and allows the body to plunge into a deeper sleep,” he adds.
dark bedrooms
(Image credit: Future)
On the other side of the debate, co-owner and CMO of Nolah Mattress (Opens in a new tab)Stephen Light explains that bedrooms should be painted in dark colors to encourage a healthy sleep pattern.
The body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, operates based on the signals of day and night. That’s why we tend to feel energized with sunrise and more relaxed as the sun goes down, he says. “Incorporating dark colors on your walls can help synchronize your inner clock with your outdoor environment for healthy sleep.”
Therefore, darker tones may be less therapeutic than lighter tones, but as the expert suggests, your body clock may help you settle into a better routine.
(Photo credit: Crown Prince)
Stephen also recommends trying blue, but urges you to opt for darker alternatives. “Dark blues and soft purples encourage drowsiness,” he says. However, he cautions against using strong tones on your walls. Instead, you should use them as accent colors.
“Remember, you’ll still need to access items in your room during the day, and if there’s no direct light coming in, you’ll have a hard time getting through without turning on the lights,” he adds.
So, should the bedroom be light or dark? Editor in Chief Homes and gardens Offers a compromise:
While experts have a hard time coming up with an overall verdict, here’s what I recommend: Choose the muted colors you love—light, blue, or otherwise—for your bedroom walls, bedding, floors, and furnishings, and enjoy it to the fullest in broad daylight.
But also invest in beautiful-looking and effective bedroom window treatment ideas that not only block light through the night and into the morning, but reduce outside noise as well. A dark, quiet bedroom in which you feel comfortable and comfortable goes a long way to ensuring a good night’s sleep.