The Reds, Greens, and Blues of Your Bedroom... and What They Say About You

We’ve all thought about it at one point, right? You know, the meaning of colors and all that jazz! Besides playing a purely functional role in creating (and highlighting) areas of distinction, colors are vital to aesthetics. And when we say “aesthetics,” we mean the artistic principles that set apart clothes, accessories, tech, furniture, and – in relation to today’s topic – the rooms in which our daily happenings go about.

But what ‘are’ the hidden meanings behind the colors of our bedrooms? It’s a broad topic, that’s for sure. In order for us to start from somewhere, we need to take a gander at the term “simulation.” You see, colors simulate all sorts of things, playing a pivotal role in nature in various forms of natural camouflage, primal attraction, and dissuasion. “What does this have to do with anything?” you may ask. Everything, dear reader. Everything.

Colors awaken all sorts of subconscious feelings within us. They can stimulate our senses, make us happier, and maybe even allow us to concentrate easier. But that’s just the surface – and we haven’t even scratched it! So, put on your fancy beret and call upon your inner art major, because we’re about to dive into a world of palettes!

Yellow and Orange

Starting off the article, we have two very lucent, warm colors that are related to one another. Admittedly, it would be more accurate to say that orange is like the “spin-off” of yellow, being its half-red child. Digressions aside, these colors’ similarities can often end up differentiating them more than you’d think. Get used to oxymorons, folks!

While yellow is cheery and warm, orange’s similar warmth can be seen as more adventurous. Less-intense shades of yellow can be energizing and promote innovation. Why “less intense?” Because vivid, harsh shades of yellow can actually aggravate people, believe it or not. Naturally, oranges can share that problem, so you should stick to more subdued oranges that promote that aforementioned adventurous feeling without being annoying.

Pink and Lilac

We’re sure you’ve already spotted the soon-to-be pattern of this article. We’re splitting colors into two sets on purpose, focusing on two similar yet opposing colors. Again, oxymorons and all that. As for lilac and pink – they’re both delightful, soft, emotionally-engaging colors. But, again, that’s surface-level.

Shades of purple are often associated with serenity and creativity, and are more commonly seen as the “elegant” alternative to bubbly pink shades. On the other hand, pink – while sharing some of those subconscious ideas – is generally less busy, demanding, and formal. It’s a fun alternative that conjures feelings of sentimentality and, well – romance, duh!

Green and Teal

Both of these wonderfully versatile colors offer a world of possibilities. Green often signifies a balance within the room, naturally, thanks to its rustic quality. Teal combines that aspect with typical blue traits such as depth, complexity, and the illusion of space and magnitude.

It goes without saying that green goes a long way in helping you achieve that ‘nature look.’ What’s also awesome about it is that you can use it as a “bridge” between warmer and cooler tones, giving you plenty of options when it comes to furniture. Teal is a lot more experimental in comparison, meaning you’d have to focus more so on combining it with unintrusive, unassuming colors like beige and white.

Red and Brown

This might seem like the oddest choice of colors to put in a pair. After all, brown is only like, what – one part red to two parts green? Nevertheless, you’ll find many similarities in this unlikely duo, as they both evoke warmth, confidence, and elegance. Crimson cherries with a touch of milk chocolate, anyone?

One super obvious difference between them is that red exudes dynamic and impulsive themes; a color that fits intense, emotional people who like a bit of spice, even in their sleeping quarters. Brown is considerably more “neutral,” thanks partly to its rustic similarity to green. They’re both colors suited for independent go-getters, but brown is definitely for the “low-key” crowd.

Aqua and Navy

Whose blues will thou choose? The bluest of blues or the blues that aren’t quite blue? Too much? Fine, we’ll tone it down a little. As for our choices of blue and cyan, we’ve narrowed it down to navy blue and aqua blue, as they’re the most timeless shades for any occasion, be it bedroom or otherwise.

These two variations share a few things in common, such as feelings of peace and comfort. They also boost creativity and concentration, but for different reasons. While navy and similar blues are quiet and almost “thoughtful,” cyan and aqua are expansive and open, yet still serene in their own way. At the end of the day, if you want depth and imagination, your choice will inevitably fall on these two.

And while we can’t possibly go over every color in the spectrum, this article will hopefully awaken your color-perceptive spirit in the long run. You might have also spotted some reoccurring elements that each color type channels, meaning you can “fill in the blanks” for typical bedroom palettes such as beige, light gray, and white. Hint – it has to do with soft warmth and serenity, yet again!