Home
Features
Struggling to sleep? Colour experts say this paint shade could make bedtime feel less of a battle

Struggling to sleep? Colour experts say this paint shade could make bedtime feel less of a battle

An art expert reveals the calming shade that could help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

Getty

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: July 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Save

This feature was first published on our Apple News channel. Follow us on Apple News to see content like this first.

If bedtime feels like a nightly battle, you are not alone. Between juggling busy days, late-night scrolling and middle-of-the-night wake-ups, it's easy to feel like proper rest is out of reach.

While we often focus on mattresses, blackout blinds or lavender pillow sprays, there is another factor that could be quietly affecting your sleep: the colour of your bedroom walls.

According to a colour psychology expert, one simple paint swap could make a noticeable difference to how quickly you drift off and how rested you feel by morning.

The best bedroom colour for sleep

According to Jessie Brooks, colour expert at Davincified, colour psychologists that make custom paint-by-numbers kits, muted blue is the standout shade for creating a sleep-friendly space.

This is not about bold navy or bright turquoise. Instead, think soft, dusty blues with a grey undertone that feel calm rather than vibrant.

Muted blue bedroom

“Muted blue has this incredible ability to create a sense of peace and lower feelings of stress,” explains Brooks. “When you look at these gentle blue shades, your mind associates them with evening skies or calm water. It’s a visual cue that encourages your body to wind down.”

Unlike punchier blues, these softer tones help signal that it is time to rest.

“Bright, electric blues can actually feel stimulating. You want those dusty, muted tones that remind you of a calm evening sky or gentle ocean waves. These shades create a soothing atmosphere that naturally prepares your mind for rest.”

Muted blue has this incredible ability to create a sense of peace and lower feelings of stress.

Jessie Brooks, colour expert at Davincified

Why colour affects your sleep

It might sound surprising, but colour has a powerful psychological impact. Brooks explains that our brains are wired to respond to certain shades in ways that influence mood and energy levels.

What to see more MadeForMums in your search results? Tell Google!

From parenting news to expert advice and trusted product recommendations, make sure you don't miss the MadeForMums content that matters to your family. Add MadeForMums as a Preferred Source on Google.

“Cool colours like soft blues and gentle greens signal to our brain that it's time to rest,” says Brooks. “These are the colours we see in nature as daylight fades, the sky softening, shadows growing longer. Our minds naturally read these as cues to wind down.”

On the flip side, warmer and brighter shades can have the opposite effect. Reds, oranges and strong yellows are linked to energy and alertness. They can work beautifully in kitchens or playrooms, but they are less helpful in a bedroom designed for switching off.

Blue vs red bedroom

“I've seen people struggle with sleep for months, only to discover their bright red accent wall was keeping them wired,” Brooks notes. “The moment they switched to muted blue, their sleep noticeably improved.”

The bedroom colours to avoid

If you are planning a bedroom refresh, Brooks warns that some trendy shades could be sabotaging your sleep.

“The biggest mistake I see people make is choosing bedroom colours that actually work against their sleep. Bright reds are the worst offenders, since they're like having an energy drink for your walls. Your brain sees red and thinks ‘danger’ or ‘excitement’, which is the last thing you want right before trying to drift off.

“Neon tones are equally problematic. Those electric greens, hot pinks, and fluorescent yellows might look trendy, but they're sending wake-up signals to your brain all night long. Stark, clinical whites can be tricky too, as they feel cold and unwelcoming.”

If your room currently features bold feature walls or high-impact shades, it might be worth considering a softer alternative.

Four simple design tweaks for better rest

Painting your walls is a great starting point, but Brooks says the overall look of your bedroom matters too.

ChatGPT Image May 20, 2026, 09_49_04 AM

1. Pair blue walls with neutral bedding

Brooks recommends cream, soft white or pale grey bedding to create a cocooning effect. Busy patterns and clashing colours can feel visually noisy, which is not ideal when you are trying to switch off after a long day.

2. Choose warm, dim lighting

“Even with perfect wall colours, harsh overhead lighting can undo all your good work,” warns Brooks. “Install dimmer switches and use warm-toned bulbs. Table lamps with soft shades create pockets of gentle light that complement your blue walls beautifully.”

3. Add natural textures

Wood, cotton and other natural materials can enhance the calming feel of a muted blue scheme. Think wooden frames, soft throws or a simple houseplant to make the space feel grounded and cosy.

4. Keep artwork subtle

“Choose artwork in soft, muted tones that complement your blue walls. Avoid anything too stimulating or emotionally charged. Gentle landscapes, abstract pieces in calming colours, or even simple line drawings work perfectly.”

Creating a sleep sanctuary

While proper sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury, small changes can add up. As Brooks puts it, “The beauty of muted blue is that it works with almost any decorating style. Whether you prefer modern minimalism or cosy cottage vibes, there's a shade of muted blue that will transform your sleep quality. Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, and colour is the foundation of creating that peaceful atmosphere.”

If you are already planning your next home update, this might be the simplest place to start, and one that could pay off every single night.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.