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Home is more than just a physical space—it’s a reflection of your personality, a sanctuary for relaxation, and a hub for connection. The colours you choose for your walls play a pivotal role in shaping the mood, energy, and functionality of each room.
Colour psychology isn’t just art—it’s a blend of biology, physics, and design theory. By understanding LRV, undertones, and environmental factors, you can craft spaces that are both beautiful and functionally attuned to human behavior.
At Painters Link, we understand that selecting the perfect paint colours goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about harnessing the power of colour psychology to create spaces that inspire, soothe, and energize. In this guide, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of room colour psychology, share bedroom paint colour ideas, decode living room colour strategies, and reveal the best interior painting colours for every space.
Understanding Colour Psychology in Interior Design
Colour psychology explores how different hues influence human emotions, behavior, and well-being. By strategically using colour in your home, you can:
- Boost productivity in workspaces
- Enhance relaxation in bedrooms
- Encourage social interaction in living areas
- Create visual harmony throughout your home
The psychological impact of popular interior paint colours:
Yellow: Energy and Optimism
Sunny yellows in interior painting radiate positivity and warmth, perfect for kitchens or entryways. However, avoid overly bright shades, as they can cause visual fatigue.
Bedroom Paint Colour Ideas
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Here are bedroom paint colour ideas backed by colour psychology:
Soft Blues for Serenity
Opt for muted blues like Sherwin-Williams “Sleepy Blue” or Dulux “Whisper Blue” to lower stress levels and promote restful sleep. Pair with crisp white trim for a fresh, coastal vibe.
Why soft blues is recommended paint for serenity bedroom:
LRV: ~65-70 (High reflectance, ideal for small rooms or low-light areas).
Undertones: Subtle gray or green undertones prevent the colour from feeling too "cold."
Colour Temperature: Cool (5000-6500K wavelength range), which slows heart rate and promotes calm.
Technical Tip: Pair with warm whites (LRV 80+) on trim to balance coolness.
Why It Works: Blue’s short wavelength suppresses cortisol production, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Best Finish: Low-sheen (e.g., matte or eggshell) to minimize glare and enhance serenity.
Warm Neutrals for Comfort
Warm greige (gray + beige) or soft taupes, such as Taubmans “Misty Moon”, create a cocoon-like atmosphere. These hues pair beautifully with textured bedding and wooden accents.
Why warm neutrals is recommended paint for comfort bedroom:
LRV: ~50-55 (Mid-range reflectance, versatile for most lighting).
Undertones: Balanced warm (red/yellow) and cool (gray) undertones adapt to both natural and artificial light.
Munsell Colour System: Sits between N7 (light gray) and 10YR (yellow-red) for earthy neutrality.
Technical Tip: Use in south-facing rooms to counteract cool, bluish light.
Why It Works: Greige’s neutral base aligns with the human eye’s chromatic adaptation, reducing visual fatigue.
Best Finish: Satin or low-lustre for durability in high-traffic areas like living rooms.
Lavender for Gentle Relaxation
Lavender’s subtle purple undertones inspire calmness and creativity. Try British Paints “Lilac Hint” for a gender-neutral, soothing aesthetic.
Why lavender is recommended paint for relaxation bedroom:
LRV: ~10-15 (Low reflectance, absorbs light for dramatic contrast).
Undertones: Slight purple or violet undertones prevent flatness—test swatches to avoid a "muddy" look.
Application Science: Use on accent walls to leverage the horizontal-vertical illusion (dark vertical surfaces make ceilings feel higher).
Technical Tip: Balance with 30% lighter adjacent colours (e.g., soft whites) to maintain equilibrium.
Why It Works: Dark colours recede in perception, adding depth to open-plan spaces.
Best Finish: Semi-gloss for reflective contrast against matte walls.
Deep Greens for Luxury
Dark green shades like Resene “Jewel Beetle” add depth and elegance, especially in master bedrooms with ample natural light.
Why deep green is recommended paint for luxury bedroom:
LRV: ~40-45 (Moderate reflectance, adds depth without gloom).
Undertones: Muted yellow undertones mimic natural foliage, enhancing biophilic design.
Colour Harmony: Analogous to blues and yellows; pairs well with terracotta (complementary contrast).
Technical Tip: Use in north-facing rooms to harmonize with warm, golden Australian sunlight.
Why It Works: Green’s medium wavelength (520–570 nm) is easiest on the eyes, reducing strain in home offices.
Best Finish: Matte to replicate organic textures like linen or stone.
Pro Tip: Avoid high-energy colours like red or bright orange in bedrooms—they can disrupt sleep patterns.
Advanced Technical Considerations for colour
What It Is: A scale (0–100) measuring how much light a color reflects.
High LRV (70+): Expands spaces, ideal for ceilings or small rooms.
Mid LRV (40-60): Balances light absorption/reflection for walls.
Low LRV (<20): Adds drama but requires ample artificial lighting.
Undertones: Hidden hues (e.g., a gray might lean pink or green) that shift under different lighting.
Metamerism: When colors appear differently under varying light sources. Test swatches with:
Natural light (daytime).
Incandescent (2700K – warm/yellow).
LED (3000–4000K – neutral to cool).
North-Facing Rooms (Cool Light): Warm colors (reds, yellows) counteract bluish tones.
South-Facing Rooms (Warm Light): Cool colors (blues, greens) prevent overheating.
Matte/Flat: Hides imperfections, absorbs light (ideal for low-LRV colors).
Satin/Semi-Gloss: Reflects light, enhances LRV (use for trim or small spaces).
Living Room Colour Psychology
The living room is where families gather, guests mingle, and memories are made. Use colour psychology to strike the right balance between warmth and sophistication:
Pro Tip: Open-plan living areas benefit from a cohesive colour palette. Use a single neutral across connected spaces, then add room-specific accents.
Best Interior Painting Colours for Every Room
While personal preference matters, some colours consistently rank as crowd-pleasers. Here are the best interior painting colours for Australian homes:
FAQs: Colour Psychology in Interior painting
Any interior paint "Natural White" (LRV 85) – neutral undertones adapt to most lighting without clashing
Final Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Colour in Interior Design
- Consider Lighting: North-facing rooms suit warm tones; south-facing spaces benefit from cool hues.
- Test Samples: Colours shift under different lighting conditions.
- Think Long-Term: Neutral walls offer flexibility, while bold accents add personality.
- Consult Professionals: Find your nearest local painter to help you navigate undertones and finishes.
To know more a bout the best interior paint, visit this page.
