The Best Bedroom Color For Sleep Isn't Beige, Says Study

In the design world, the color beige is about as basic as it gets. The ubiquitous neutral is a go-to paint color for many homeowners in the bedroom and beyond—and for good reason. It pairs well with just about any color and style and can transition with the trends. But while beige may have a reputation as a use-it-anywhere hue, a new study suggests there's one room in the home where you might want to reconsider. According to Sleep Junkie, a website designed to deliver tips and data to support a better night's sleep, beige in the bedroom might not be as soothing a hue as it's painted out to be. We'll tell you which colors do seem to soothe and what else you can do to get a good night's sleep.

How Do Neutral Paint Colors Affect Sleep?

The site surveyed more than 1,000 homeowners on their sleep habits and bedroom aesthetics, which included everything from furniture layouts to paint colors. Through their research, they found that people with bedroom walls painted certain colors reported better sleep, on average, than those with walls splashed in other hues.

Beige, a popular bedroom shade thanks to its versatility (it was the second most likely wall color for respondents), was surprisingly associated with some of the poorest sleepers. Of those who catch their Z's surrounded by the sandy neutral, nearly a third reported not sleeping well (the same went for beige's close cousin, brown).

Among neutral hues, all-purpose white was reported as the most restful shade. Only a quarter said they slept poorly in a white bedroom, despite it being the most popular bedroom paint color of all. So if you prefer an unassuming, neutral shade on your bedroom walls, white may be the best choice. After all, this brighter shade is often used to evoke a peaceful, spa-like environment associated with relaxation.

Which Bedroom Colors Promoted The Best Sleep?

So which bedroom paint colors do promote better sleep? According to Sleep Junkie's data, snooze-worthy hues are more likely to fall on the cooler end of the color wheel, with the most well-rested respondents sporting bedrooms in blue and purple. If you pay attention to color psychology, this actually makes sense. Because of its connection to nature, blue evokes feelings of calmness and serenity. It also bring to mind stability and order, both reassuring qualities that can help banish pre-bedtime stress. Purple, meanwhile, is often associated with wealth, wisdom, creativity, and magic, which can make for some dynamite end-of-day inspiration (and perhaps some pretty interesting dreams).

What Other Factors Promote A Good Night's Sleep?

While color is a factor in creating a restful atmosphere, it's not the only bedroom characteristic that can contribute to better sleep. Those who make the bed every morning, for instance, are more likely to sleep better that night. Bedroom cleanliness is also an important factor, with nearly three-quarters of tidy warriors typically sleeping well (in contrast, just 50 percent of those with messy bedrooms report the same).

Ready to revamp your room in the name of better sleep? Check out 43 of our favorite blue bedrooms as inspiration.