Monochromatic Style in the Bedroom: One Color, Many Meanings

Color is an amazing thing. Regardless of the décor or style of a bedroom, color alone has the capacity to increase the energy of an otherwise yawn-worthy room or bring a much-needed element of restfulness into an otherwise hectic one. In fact, color has been found to influence people’s thoughts and moods, which is why it is so important to choose the right color for the bedroom, particularly if you’re decorating it in a monochromatic (single color) way.

Kind of ombre bedroom color

While not everyone has the same reaction to every color, it has been found over time that certain colors typically evoke certain reactions from the majority of people. Of course, the hue or tone (lightness or darkness) of a color plays a significant role in its effect, so it’s important to consider this as well, particularly in a monochromatic space.{found on priceharrison}.

monochromatic orange style bedroom

It is exactly for these reasons – the fact that colors have definite psychological effects – that you must choose your color palette wisely if your bedroom is to be the space you want it to be.

Before you decide on a color, ask yourself: What mood do I want to create in my bedroom? And then consider: What color(s) will help me to create that mood?

Bold monochromatic bedroom

To help you make a better decision about your future monochromatic bedroom, we’ve compiled this article with plenty of inspiring photos and descriptions about the potential of many colors – their typical effect, aura, and use in a bedroom setting. Let’s find out more about specific colors you may be considering, shall we?

NEUTRALS

Neutrals the most popular choice for monochromatic

Probably the most popular choice for monochromatic color schemes for the bedroom (or any room, for that matter) is something neutral. We’re talking white, cream, grey, brown, and black. These are the basics and staples of decorating with color, largely because of their flexibility to remain timeless. While they easily absorb colorful décor to create a livelier space if you want, monochromatic neutrals also just as easily stand on their own for a soothing, inviting getaway.{found on farchitects}.

Grey Sophisticated bedroom color scheme
Monochromatic neutral master bedroom

STYLING TIP:

Due to the many variations of neutral tones, this is a straightforward way to enter into the monochromatic decorating realm – just remember that texture and pattern, especially in one-color spaces, become paramount in creating an appealing and inviting bedroom space.

ORANGE

Bold Orange Bedroom

Orange in and of itself is an energetic, enthusiastic color. It’s not surprising, then, that its vibrancy and boldness foster a sense of inherent confidence and joy. In fact, many associate the color orange with laughter and celebration – two joyful things that would make a monochromatic orange bedroom a happy place to be.

brown teenage room

STYLING TIP:

Because bright orange is associated with youthfulness, it might be better to use softer, deeper tones (maybe even throwing in some brown) for a grownup bedroom.

YELLOW

Style a monochromatic yellow bedroom

Similar to orange (its color wheel sister, in fact), yellow is sunny and bright and inherently exudes cheer. A happy color, yellow naturally brings happiness into a space – and who doesn’t want their bedroom to be a place of joy? But did you know that yellow has also been linked to increases in mental agility and intelligence? Something about the bright color increases the focusing capacity of our brains. It also has been associated with stimulating conversation…can we say pillow talk?

Yellow Wall Stickers For Bedroom
Yellow Accents for a bedroom

STYLING TIP:

We recommend using the color in smaller doses in the bedroom, though, so as to not be overwhelming or overstimulating.

BRIGHT RED

Bright Beutiful Red for Bedroom

Red is associated with inspiring courage and fearlessness while also drawing people together. The person who wants a bright red bedroom will likely have plenty of inherent self-confidence, but in case this isn’t true, red will help to increase that characteristic. One thing is for certain – a monochromatic red bedroom will be energetic, stimulating, and fortifying.

Red bedding color
Wall behind the bed in red

STYLING TIP:

Many people feel that true (bright) red is generally too stimulating to be a good bedroom color choice. But for those who are only in their bedrooms in late evenings, after it’s already dark, the muted, lamp-lit crimson tones transform into rich and sophisticated hues.

DEEP RED

Romantic deep red bedroom design

Red roses symbolize passion, and it’s no coincidence that this is the case. Deep red is a passionate color that awakens and arouses our emotions. Some have said that deep red enables us to forego inhibitions and, consequently, express ourselves freely. This could be quite a bedroom benefit!

Floor to ceiling deep red
Low ceiling romantic bedroom in deep red

STYLING TIP:

Deep red encourages us to really live life and to love deeply – both yourself and those around you. It seems an obvious choice in the bedroom. Decorate with passion!

DEEP, DARK BLUE

Deep dark blue bedroom
Monochromatic deep blue bedroom

Blue is well-known for its soothing capacity; physiologically, it has been shown to reduce blood pressure and slow respiration. This is an excellent choice for bedrooms in which restful sleep is the primary goal of the space. Blue is also connected with efficiency and purification in thought process (get rid of that mental clutter!) and, as such, a great color to aid in making wise decisions. Deep blue in particular can help to increase perspective. It’s important to remember that darker colors typically have a warm and sophisticated aura, which is helpful to know if you want your large bedroom to feel more intimate and cozy.

Deep dark blue behind bed

STYLING TIP:

Too much dark blue can evoke feelings of sadness, so be sure to balance the dark blue colors with lighter tones.

DARK PURPLE

Dark purple bedroom

The color of royalty for a reason, dark purple exudes luxury, sophistication, and drama. The rich tones are also associated with creativity and add an unspoken aura of importance to the bedroom. Overall, deep purple provides depth to a monochromatic bedroom, although you should be careful not to go too dark, as it is also the color of sadness.

Deep purple bedroom
Dark purple bench at end of bed

STYLING TIP:

We wouldn’t recommend doing the whole bedroom in dark purple, as it might start to resemble a cave.

LIGHT BLUE

Light blue bedroom design

Almost inevitably, when one thinks of things that are lighter blue – the sky on a sunny day, the ocean waves, even cotton candy at a fair – an almost immediate feeling of calm and serenity follows. In fact, harmonious light blue has been shown to foster tranquility and peace while simultaneously soothing aggression and reducing tension. Quite a nice choice for a monochromatic bedroom, we think. It is helpful to remember, however, that light blue has the tendency to appear cooler than one might think, especially in larger doses.

Full blue master bedroom

STYLING TIP:

When using light blue as your monochromatic bedroom color base, be sure to incorporate other tones of warmth and depth for balance.

AQUA

Smooth bedroom color

As a bluey-green or a greeny-blue, aqua combines the best of both colors: it’s the perfect blend of soothing and restful coloring with just enough brightness to keep things fresh. Aqua is known for its ability to evoke relaxation (think of the gradients of ocean water on a gorgeous day at the beach) and to inspire trust. It’s actually been found to encourage sleep and dreams – why you wouldn’t want more of that in your life (and, thus, in your bedroom), it would be hard to imagine.

Roche Bobois Bedroom

STYLING TIP:

As a benefit to going monochromatic with aqua in the bedroom, you can easily incorporate shades of blue AND green as well, increasing a meditative effect on your chi.

GREEN

Fresh green monochromatic bedroom

As nature’s primary color, green is known for being the most restful color on the eyes. As such, a monochromatic green bedroom is an excellent choice – lovely for unwinding after a long day, and retaining the aura of warmth and comfort. In fact, some people believe that, with its relaxing vibe, green has the ability to reduce stress, rejuvenate, and enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Green is connected with growth and new beginnings and is believed to promote wealth (both monetarily and the riches of a happy life). As the poster color for nature, green is also associated with balance, healing, and nourishment…and fertility. If you love it anyway, choosing this hue for the bedroom seems like a no-brainer!

Versatile Green bedroom
Monochromatic green bedroom

STYLING TIP:

Green is versatile, and if you choose to go with a monochromatic green bedroom, make sure to branch out into the bluer and/or yellower shades to add depth and visual interest.

LIGHT PURPLE

Monochromatic Light Purple

Lavender and other shades of lighter purple tend to be associated with enhanced spirituality and compassion. Surrounded by these softer tones, experts believe our thinking processes and thoughts themselves will be elevated as we receive new inclinations and fresh perspectives with regard to emotional issues, in particular. In a light purple bedroom, we are more likely to have the desire to be present in life itself.

Dream teenage purple bedroom
Incorporate plenty of purple deeper

STYLING TIP:

Because light purple can read as fairly juvenile (just as any pastel can), it’s important to incorporate plenty of deeper and greyer tones, to create a more grownup space.

PINK

Monochromatic pink bedroom

A monochromatic pink bedroom will inherently read as feminine and gentle. Pink is the color of love, so its use in the bedroom can’t be all that bad! Pink tends to soothe while enhancing feelings of tenderness and empathy – which are excellent qualities for a bedroom retreat to foster. The soft shades are also known for promoting comfort during times of turmoil, whether they be physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Teenage Girl Pink Bedroom Design

STYLING TIP:

Remember that lighter colors tend to feel airy and expansive, which is important if you want to make your bedroom seem larger and brighter than it actually is.