When it comes to calming and quiet bedrooms, there’s really only one colour that you should consider painting: blue. There are a million reasons why this colour has become associated with still waters, slow rivers and sleepy summer twilights – and it’s precisely that reputation for tranquility and calm that makes it the ideal shade to choose for your sleeping space.
So without further ado, keep on reading to take a look at some blue bedroom ideas that can transform your sleeping quarters into a calming and relaxing environment. Blue bedrooms easily allow you to achieve the balance between a bright and airy room and a warm and cozy haven to rest in.
1. The Psychology of Blue in Interior Design
Blue comes in many different tones and intensities so it is no wonder that it can carry a variety of different meaning and emotional overtones. The lighter blues tend to be more peaceful and tranquil whereas some of the darker blues can have a sense of stability and sophistication. When choosing a hue for your bedroom, knowing more about the blue ones can help you pick the most suitable one.
Light Blue: Airy and Serene
Light blue tones, such as sky blue, pastel blue, and lighter shades of blue, are second on our list of calming bedroom colours. They are not so deep as to be dark, but not so light as to be greyish. These shades would work for a small bedroom or a room that gets little natural light. When light blue colours are used on the walls along with white or light colour furniture, they can create the illusion of a room that is larger than it actually is.
Dark Blue: Cozy and Sophisticated
Dark blue shades, such as navy or indigo, can bring depth to a bedroom for a warm and intimate feel. Use metallic accents or warm textiles for balance against the colour.
2. Blue Bedroom Color Schemes
A main and important aspect of the bedroom decorating is perfect colour styling. Blue can be a versatile colour to combine; therefore it will be very easy to mix it with other shades to create a coherent and consistent colour scheme. In fact, there are so many variations with this colour that you could easily go wrong while choosing the right shades. However, this depends on your taste and style; it all comes to your personal ergonomics that would reflect your unique personality. Take a look at some of the most popular living room colour schemes:
Blue and White
Blue and white is a classic combo that never looks dated Cool, crisp and spa-like, this scheme is reminiscent of nautical and coastal style; it looks particularly peaceful and restful in the bedroom. Paint your walls white and then bring in splashes of blue with bedding and accessories. Or go all out and cover your walls in blue cladding and hang white furniture from it.
Blue and Gray
Blue and grey is a sophisticated and contemporary colour pairing – it works as well in light shades as it does in dark ones. Light blue and grey creates a soft, calming environment, while navy and charcoal grey add a touch of sophistication, offset by bold drama.
Blue and Yellow
For a bright and cheery bedroom, blue and yellow can work especially well together. Add in a sunshiny glow with pops of yellow through pillows, throws or artworks against blue walls or linens.
Blue and Green
Blue and green are analogous colours, which means that they sit next to each other on the colour wheel. This means that they are a natural combination, able to work together harmoniously. Paint your walls green or bring in plants, textiles and other decorative items in order to achieve a refreshing, nature-inspired bedroom.
3. Blue Bedroom Furniture and Accessories
Bringing your blue bedroom vision to life also hinges on the type of furniture and accessories included, so here are a few suggestions for them:
Blue Furniture
Careful not to overdo blue furniture: a blue upholstered headboard, a navy dresser, blue nightstands can all be great options that work well when paired with neutral walls and bedding.
Textiles and Bedding
Bedroom decor relies heavily on textiles, so start with blue bedding (duvet covers, sheets and pillows), then sprinkle it throughout to make the shade feel intentional. Mix patterns and textures for depth and interest, and layer a few different shades of blue.
Rugs and Curtains
Dark blue rugs and a curtain can ‘anchor’ the room and complement the colour scheme, as shown in one of the above illustrations; choose a rug that can accompany the design of the room be it a plain bluish-grey colour, a dainty pattern, or a bold piece that merges navy, sky, turquoise, and blue-grey colours altogether. With windows as a small yet significant component of a room, it’s advisable to get dark-blue curtains to add some colour to those windows as well as the room as a whole.
Decorative Accessories
Add accents of blue through accessories, such as vases, table lamps, wall art or throw pillows, which are easier to replace as styles come and go. If you want to revitalise your bedroom without overhauling it, contrast this shade with metallic or natural elements.
4. Blue Bedroom Design Styles
While blue is commonly used to anchor the colour scheme of a room with other colours. This makes it perfect for any décor style, from modern to traditional. A few trendy blue bedroom design themes.
Coastal Retreat
A coastal inspired bedroom would suit those who love the sea, the beach, and the surrounding hues and materials. Use light blue and white as the main colours, combined with natural materials, such as wood and rattan, to complete the look. Accessorise using sea themed items, such as seashells, driftwood and nautical artwork.
Modern Minimalist
If your style is modern and minimalist, the colour scheme for your bedroom should be light monochromatic blue with clean lines and simple straight edges. Go with accessories that only enhance the quality and Zen-like simplicity of the furnishings.
Traditional Elegance
You won’t go wrong with a classic blue bedroom. Stick to dark blue shades such as navy or royal blue, and create a luxurious look with classic pieces of furniture: try a tufted headboard or an antique dresser. Add some sophisticated textures, such as velvet or silk, and finish off the look with some showy pieces of decor, such as a chandelier or a gold-framed mirror.
Bohemian Chic
If my described setting sounds like an elaborate women’s shower gift to you, then I’d call that space a poppy blue bedroom. But stretch it across a large space and fill it with a mishmash of whimsical elements and eclectic patterns, and we have a bohemian blue bedroom. One with a lot of personality (let’s not lie to ourselves). Create a bohemian (‘boho,’ as hip beatniks say) blue bedroom by mixing and matching different blue shades with vibrant textures and patterns. Mix in global-inspired elements such as Moroccan lanterns, pattern rugs, and colourful pillow accents. Throw in as many greenery and natural elements as possible (plants can even be faux!).
5. Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
A blue bedroom is supposed to be a comforting haven for relaxation; here are some tips to ensure the mood is right:
Soft Lighting
Lighting is important – low, ambient lighting is best, so use lampshades such as bedside lamps, string lighting or a dimmable ceiling light. Avoid overhead lighting and use candles or fairy lights.
Comfortable Bedding
Invest in good-quality bedding: pure cotton or linen sheets and a plush mattress topper. Layer bedding with blankets and throws.
Minimal Clutter
A bedroom should encourage you to relax and rest so having clutter can affect how calm your mood is and how you want to spend time in that room. Make sure surfaces are clear and that everything is neat. If there are several items, consider using storage solutions that can keep it off work surfaces and out of sight. Keep your décor minimal, which can help create a Zen feeling in a room, and stick to key pieces that create a homey feel.
Natural Elements
Incorporate natural features to enhance the peaceful spirit of your blue bedroom. Bring in plants to blur the border between the indoor and the natural world, and to boost indoor air quality. Choose pieces of furniture and accessories made from natural materials, such as wood and stone, to help create a cosy and embracing atmosphere.
6. Blue Bedroom Ideas for Kids and Teens
It is also a versatile colour, especially when used as an accent, and a bedroom in blue can work for kids and teens, too. Here are some ideas to make it more fun and functional:
Themed Bedrooms
You could decorate your bedroom in a blue theme, with blue everywhere: a nautical theme, with blue walls, blue white furniture, and all sorts of maritime accessories; a space theme, where the room encompasses the blue universe and other planets; an undersea one – the list goes on.
Functional Furniture
Pick functional furniture that’s both space-saving and age-appropriate, such as a blue bunk bed, or a loft bed with a desk underneath it. Some pieces come with drawers or shelves underneath, acting as a great storage mechanism for the room.
Personalized Touches
But you can personalise what you do so the room seems more targeted to them: use their favourite shade of blue; have them choose some of the accessories; create a gallery wall of their artwork or photos; install some removable wall decals to create wall ‘decor’ that is one-of-a-kind.
Study and Play Areas
Create a spot for study and a spot for play to keep the room from getting cluttered. Despite the different purposes of these areas, pull the colour scheme together by adding blue accents to the study area (blue chair for your desk? blue lamp? blue reading rug?) and the play area (blue baskets for toys? a blue play rug?)
7. DIY Blue Bedroom Projects
If you like to do-it-yourself, here are some ways to add some DIY pizzazz to your blue bedroom:
Painted Furniture
Get some old furniture and paint them blue. A coat of paint can transform a dresser, nightstand or headboard. Pick a shade of blue to coordinate with your design and add new knobs or pulls to update a piece of furniture.
Custom Artwork
Have a go at painting a piece of artwork of your own preferably in blue to fit in with the colour theme of the room. If you are not too successful at this, you can always download a scene to your computer and print it out, frame it and hang it on the walls.
Handmade Textiles
If you know how to work a sewing machine, go ahead and make your own blue textile products. Sew some pillow covers or a quilt or a curtain in your favourite blue tints. Hand-woven textile products bring a personal dimension to your bedroom décor.
Decorative Accents
Get creative and paint decorations for your bedroom such as vases, candle holders, picture frames etc, using different sort of blue paint, fabric or paper.
Conclusion
Creating a blue bedroom can turn your bedroom into your own personal oasis and private getaway. Whether you want to turn your bedroom blue with light or dark shades, there are so many options to create your dream bedroom with blue hues. From picking out the right colour palette and furniture, to adding personalisations and DIY projects, there are limitless options when it comes to decorating your blue bedroom. With these blue bedroom ideas, you can create the most dreamy and calm bedroom for you to return to at the end of the day.
