A good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. When this is disrupted we’re more likely to function below par, becoming more susceptible to clumsiness and over time, illness.
As we spend around 25 years of our lives in the land of nod, it’s a given that top quality kip is highly coveted, not least by insomniacs who struggle to achieve the elusive rest required. And in the current climate, perhaps uncertainty will lead to an increase in sleepless nights for many more.
Our immediate environment will certainly play a part in whether we get the recommended 7-8 hours per night that adults need. Experts advise us to treat our bedrooms as sanctuaries; spaces to retreat to that are free from work paraphernalia and screens-essentially anything that might distract us from enjoying complete rest and relaxation. Some spell this out even more clearly; bedrooms should be reserved solely for sleep and sex. Cue to declutter any junk that has found its way into the bedroom and instead create a tranquil haven using optimal colours designed to guarantee a restorative night. The human brain is especially receptive to the colour blue, equating it with a calm environment which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure. A pale blue that reflects the colour of the sky on a crisp, clear day is perfect.
And according to House Beautiful, a soothing soft blue feels like fresh air when you walk into the room. It’s said to add an ethereal, dreamy quality to every space while still offering versatility, making it particularly well-suited for the bedroom.
(Farrow and Ball-Luluworth Blue)
While we often opt for bright whites and crisp, light hues when trying to open up a smaller space, there's also a strong case for going darker. In fact, inkier tones are known to amplify smaller spaces and importantly, they help set the right mood in the bedroom. So although it may seem counter-intuitive, selecting a shade such as the soft black in this bedroom will make it feel special and intimate in ways that can be trickier to achieve with a lighter hue.
As it’s easy on the eye, green is considered to be the most restful of colours. It combines the refreshing quality blue provides along with the cheerfulness of yellow, meaning it’s suitable for almost any room in the house. It encourages us to unwind but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.
Interior designer, Alice Chiu, acknowledges the calming presence that a Hazel hue brings to a room. She notes; "It is a beautiful shade of bluish-green that is peaceful and relaxing, perfect for a bedroom." In a chaotic world, retiring to a bedroom painted in this soothing colour makes it easier to unwind to after a long day at work. It can also transform a small space by appearing to make it larger, brightening up a room with its vibrancy. At the same time, its restful quality means it’s ideal for a nursery too.
The right shade of yellow conveys a sense of freshness and can breathe new life into a gloomy space. For this reason it can work well in a bedroom that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, basically by creating the impression of the real thing.
So, are there any colours we should steer clear of when it comes to painting the bedroom walls? Red is certainly a passionate colour but can ultimately increase blood pressure and feelings of restlessness. It probably goes without saying that neither of these are physical sensations that promote sleep.
And while a restful lavender shade may be conducive to a good night’s sleep, a more vivid purple is a definite no-no. A survey by Travelodge revealed this to be the worst possible colour for promoting sleep with participants managing a mere 5 hours and 56 minutes in rooms painted this hue. It’s a mentally stimulating colour and contributes to more vivid nightmares!
You have been warned!
More great tips include -
using the lighter, pastel, or most muted shade regardless of which colour you choose. Neutral, earth- or skin-based tones are calming, and promote positive energy flow according to the principles of feng shui.
Remember that very bright or bold colours stimulate, creating a sense of alertness instead of a sense of relaxation. They recommend saving the
statement walls for your living room and keeping your bedroom serene. Sounds sensible to us.
A flat paint instead of an eggshell or glossy finish is preferable too. This is because glossy finishes reflect light, while flatter paints absorb more colour and feel softer. The latter effect works best in a bedroom.
These should complement each other and be parallel to each other on a colour wheel, rather than contrasting. As we’ve already established, contrasting colours stimulate the eyes and mind-the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.
So, with the level of sleeplessness in the UK reported to be at an all-time high, it’s worth considering how revamping the decor in the boudoir could help turn this around. Counting sheep should no longer be necessary!
