18 Best Paint Colors for the Bedroom

Choosing the right paint color for your bedroom can make all the difference in how the space feels. It’s not just about picking a pretty shade—it’s about understanding how light transforms it throughout the day. A color that looks cozy and inviting under morning sunlight might feel dull at night under artificial lighting.

In this guide, I’ll share 18 standout bedroom paint colors from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, while explaining how light affects their appearance.

How Light Impacts Bedroom Colors

Lighting is the unsung hero of paint selection. Here’s how different light conditions influence the colors in your bedroom:

• Natural Light:
  • North-Facing Rooms: These tend to have cooler light, which can make colors appear muted or blueish.
  • South-Facing Rooms: Warm, golden light enhances rich, vibrant tones.
  • East-Facing Rooms: Bright, soft light in the morning fades to cooler tones later in the day.
  • West-Facing Rooms: Morning light is dim, but the warm, golden glow in the afternoon adds depth to warmer shades.
• Artificial Light:
  The type of bulbs you use changes how a color looks:
  • Warm LED or incandescent: Amplifies warm tones.
  • Cool LED: Makes colors appear sharper and cooler.

Tip: Always test paint samples at different times of day and under various lighting conditions.

18 Best Bedroom Paint Colors

1. Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015)
   • Why It’s Great: A soft, neutral gray that feels calm and versatile.
   • Light Effects:
     • North-facing: May lean cooler.
     • South-facing: Warmer undertones come through.
   • Works with both natural and artificial light for a balanced look.
2. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
   • Why It’s Great: A warm white with just enough softness to avoid starkness.
   • Light Effects:
     • South-facing: Feels creamy and warm.
     • North-facing: Looks crisp but not too cold.
3. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
   • Why It’s Great: An elegant off-white with subtle warmth.
   • Light Effects: Maintains warmth in all lighting conditions, making it ideal for any room orientation.
4. Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20)
   • Why It’s Great: A gentle, light greige.
   • Light Effects:
     • East-facing: Soft and neutral in the morning.
     • West-facing: Warm and inviting in the evening.
5. Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244)
   • Why It’s Great: A deep navy blue perfect for accent walls.
   • Light Effects:
     • South-facing: Vibrant and rich.
     • North-facing: Subtle and sophisticated.
6. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154)
   • Why It’s Great: A timeless, deep navy.
   • Light Effects: Holds its depth under both warm and cool lighting.
7. Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
   • Why It’s Great: A warm beige with subtle gray undertones.
   • Light Effects: Shifts between gray and beige based on light, adding depth.
8. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
   • Why It’s Great: A versatile greige loved by designers.
   • Light Effects: Adapts well to all room orientations.
9. Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211)
   • Why It’s Great: A soothing greenish-blue.
   • Light Effects:
     • South-facing: Brighter and warmer.
     • North-facing: Softer and subdued.
10. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
    • Why It’s Great: A clean, bright white with subtle warmth.
    • Light Effects: Works wonderfully with both natural and artificial light.
11. Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204)
    • Why It’s Great: A muted green with blue undertones.
    • Light Effects:
      • South-facing: The green stands out more.
      • North-facing: Cooler blue tones are enhanced.
12. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52)
    • Why It’s Great: A true, soft gray.
    • Light Effects:
      • North-facing: Cooler and crisp.
      • South-facing: Slightly warmer and softer.
13. Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205)
    • Why It’s Great: A serene gray-green.
    • Light Effects: Looks restful and balanced under warm light.
14. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
    • Why It’s Great: A bright white perfect for modern bedrooms.
    • Light Effects: Maintains brightness without feeling harsh.
15. Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069)
    • Why It’s Great: A dramatic, near-black shade for a moody bedroom.
    • Light Effects:
      • West-facing: Warm highlights in the evening.
      • North-facing: Cool and bold.
16. Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue (HC-143)
    • Why It’s Great: A fresh, light blue-green.
    • Light Effects: Stays crisp and inviting in all orientations.
17. Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
    • Why It’s Great: A balanced greige for modern or traditional bedrooms.
    • Light Effects:
      • South-facing: Warm and welcoming.
      • North-facing: Neutral but never cold.
18. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
    • Why It’s Great: A soft gray-beige.
    • Light Effects: Shifts between warm and cool depending on light exposure.

Light and Room Orientation: A Closer Look

• North-Facing Rooms: Opt for warm tones like beige or soft white to counteract the cool light.
• South-Facing Rooms: Consider cooler or deeper shades since the natural warmth can balance them.
• East-Facing Rooms: Soft neutrals or light blues enhance the bright morning light.
• West-Facing Rooms: Bold colors like navy or deep green look stunning in the warm, golden evening glow.

Tips for Choosing Paint Colors

• Test paint swatches on multiple walls.
• View them at different times of the day and under artificial light.
• Use larger sample boards or paint directly on the wall for better visualization

Best Bedroom Paint Colors for Each Type of Lighting

Lighting plays a critical role in how paint colors appear in your bedroom. To help you navigate your options, here’s a quick guide to the best paint colors for each type of lighting condition.

Best Colors for North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms have cooler, indirect light that can make colors look muted or even a little gray. To balance this, choose warmer tones that add depth and coziness.

• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) – Warm off-white for a soft and inviting look.
• Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20) – A light greige that brings subtle warmth.
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) – A beige with gray undertones for modern warmth.
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172) – Versatile greige that adapts beautifully to cooler light.
• Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) – Balanced greige that feels cozy.

Best Colors for South-Facing Rooms

South-facing rooms are bathed in warm, golden light for most of the day. This enhances vibrant tones and makes even cooler shades appear more balanced.

• Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) – A bold navy that glows with rich warmth.
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) – A classic deep blue that complements sunny rooms.
• Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) – Muted green with blue undertones that pop in warm light.
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) – A soft gray-beige that stays neutral.
• Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211) – A calming green-blue that looks luminous.

Best Colors for East-Facing Rooms

East-facing rooms benefit from bright, warm light in the morning and cooler light in the afternoon. Soft, versatile colors work best here to balance this shift.

• Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) – A warm white that adapts to changing light.
• Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205) – A serene gray-green that shifts beautifully.
• Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52) – A soft gray that stays balanced throughout the day.
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015) – A neutral gray that adapts effortlessly.
• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue (HC-143) – A refreshing blue-green that brightens mornings.

Best Colors for West-Facing Rooms

West-facing rooms have dim, shadowy mornings but come alive with warm, golden light in the afternoon and evening. Deeper, richer colors shine here.

• Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) – A dramatic near-black that glows under evening light.
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) – A bright white that doesn’t feel harsh in dim light.
• Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211) – Reflects evening light beautifully with its green-blue tone.
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) – Rich navy that becomes vibrant in the golden hour.
• Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) – Subtle and inviting, perfect for warm evening light.

How to Use These Suggestions

While these lists offer a great starting point, remember that each room has unique lighting and surroundings. Always test a few swatches in your space and observe how they look throughout the day before making a final decision.

By understanding your room’s lighting and how it affects paint colors, you can create a bedroom that feels just right no matter the time of day.

Picking the right paint color is about more than what looks good on a swatch. It’s about understanding how light shapes the mood and feel of your bedroom. Take your time, test colors, and remember that the perfect shade will feel just right no matter the time of day.

Which of these colors is catching your eye?

Let’s make your bedroom a place you’ll love to wake up to every day.