When it comes to small guest bedrooms, the right paint color can make a world of difference. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that feels welcoming and well-thought-out. With careful color choices, you can enhance the room’s charm, making it feel larger, cozier, or even more sophisticated.
I’ve picked eight of my favorite shades to help you transform your tiny bedroom into a perfect retreat for your guests.
Let’s explore how colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore can bring out the best in your space.
Why Color Choice Matters for Small Bedrooms
The size of a room can feel very different depending on its colors. Light shades can make a room feel open and airy, while darker tones add depth and personality. For a guest bedroom, the goal is to balance style with comfort. You want your guests to feel at ease, no matter the size of the room.
Natural light, furniture placement, and accent choices all play a role, but the paint color sets the stage. That’s why choosing the right hues—whether they’re calming neutrals, cheerful pastels, or dramatic darks—is so important.
Light and Airy Colors for Tiny Bedrooms
Small rooms can benefit from light colors that reflect natural light and create an open feel. Here are my top picks:
Sherwin Williams Recommendations:
- Alabaster (SW 7008): A soft, warm white that doesn’t feel stark. It creates a clean and airy vibe perfect for small spaces.
- Eider White (SW 7014): This is a very pale gray with a touch of warmth. It’s neutral enough to pair with various furniture styles.
- Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light, muted green that feels fresh and soothing.
Benjamin Moore Recommendations:
- Simply White (OC-117): One of Benjamin Moore’s most popular whites. It’s bright without feeling clinical.
- Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A warm gray-beige that works beautifully in compact spaces.
- Healing Aloe (1562): A soft blue-green shade with a hint of gray, perfect for a peaceful bedroom.
Warm Neutrals for Small Guest Bedrooms
Neutrals bring warmth without overwhelming the space.
They’re an excellent choice for guest bedrooms because they suit a wide range of styles and preferences.
Sherwin Williams Recommendations:
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036): A versatile beige with a hint of gray for a modern touch.
- Natural Tan (SW 7567): A rich yet soft tan that adds depth without making the room feel small.
- Shoji White (SW 7042): A warm greige-white that feels timeless and blends beautifully with both cool and warm-toned decor.
Benjamin Moore Recommendations:
- Revere Pewter (HC-172): A balanced greige that adapts well to changing light.
- Ballet White (OC-9): A warm off-white with creamy undertones, great for subtle elegance.
- Manchester Tan (HC-81): A soft tan with a hint of warmth, ideal for creating a cozy yet airy feel.
Pastels That Work for Tiny Bedrooms
Pastels add a hint of color without being too loud, making them a great choice for compact guest bedrooms.
Sherwin Williams Recommendations:
- Misty (SW 6232): A gentle blue-gray that creates a restful atmosphere.
- Romance (SW 6323): A barely-there blush pink that adds a touch of warmth and softness.
- Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light, muted green with subtle blue undertones that feels fresh and soothing.
- First Star (SW 7646): A delicate, cool gray with subtle hints of warmth that pairs beautifully with pastel accents.
Benjamin Moore Recommendations:
- Palladian Blue (HC-144): A calming blue-green that works beautifully in small rooms.
- Wickham Gray (HC-171): A light gray-blue that feels clean and crisp.
- Soft Fern (2144-40): A pale green with a touch of gray, perfect for adding subtle color to tiny bedrooms.
- Pink Damask (OC-72): A soft, creamy pink with warm undertones, ideal for creating a cozy, inviting space.
Can Dark Colors Work in Small Bedrooms?
It might sound counterintuitive, but dark colors can work wonders in tiny bedrooms. They add depth and character, making the room feel more intimate and stylish.
Tips for Using Dark Colors:
- Pair them with light furniture or accents to create contrast.
- Use them on a single accent wall for a dramatic focal point.
- Make sure the room has adequate lighting to prevent the space from feeling closed in.
Sherwin Williams Recommendations:
- Tricorn Black (SW 6258): A true black that’s bold and elegant. Perfect for a statement wall.
- Naval (SW 6244): A rich navy blue that’s versatile and calming.
- Iron Ore (SW 7069): A deep, moody charcoal that works beautifully with metallic accents.
- Peppercorn (SW 7674): A dark gray with warm undertones, perfect for adding depth without feeling harsh.
Benjamin Moore Recommendations:
- Hale Navy (HC-154): A classic navy that pairs beautifully with lighter accents.
- Wrought Iron (2124-10): A deep charcoal gray that feels modern and chic.
- Kendall Charcoal (HC-166): A rich, sophisticated gray that balances warmth and boldness.
- Mysterious (AF-565): A dark blue-gray with a moody, luxurious feel.
Choosing Colors for Basement Guest Bedrooms
Basements often lack natural light, which can make them feel cold and uninviting. The right colors can change that entirely.
Tips for Basement Bedrooms:
- Opt for lighter shades to brighten the space.
- Use reflective finishes to help bounce light around.
- Consider warm tones to counteract the coolness of concrete or brick walls.
Sherwin-Williams Recommendations:
- Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A warm gray that creates a bright yet cozy feel.
- Creamy (SW 7012): A soft cream shade that adds warmth without being too yellow.
- Misty (SW 6232): A gentle blue-gray that introduces a calming and restful vibe, ideal for creating a serene atmosphere.
- Shoji White (SW 7042): A warm greige-white that feels timeless and adds subtle sophistication to basement spaces.
Benjamin Moore Recommendations:
- White Dove (OC-17): A warm, soft white that works beautifully in low-light spaces.
- Vanilla Milkshake (OC-59): A creamy white with subtle warmth to combat the starkness of basement lighting.
- Pale Oak (OC-20): A gentle greige with a touch of warmth, perfect for adding a soft, inviting feel.
- Healing Aloe (1562): A light blue-green with gray undertones, providing a fresh and peaceful vibe in darker spaces.
Choosing the right color for a small guest bedroom isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about creating a space where your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Whether you go for light neutrals, gentle pastels, or even daring dark shades, the key is to balance the color with the room’s size and lighting.
Before committing, always test a few samples on the walls and observe how they look at different times of the day. With these eight versatile options, you’re sure to find the perfect shade to transform your tiny bedroom into a cozy retreat for your guests.