Decorating a bedroom in creative, colorful ways can breathe new life into the space and make it a relaxing retreat. From bold wall colors to fun bedding prints, there are many options to add personality and vibrancy. Here are 13 ideas to inspire a colorful, creative bedroom design.
Choose Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper is making a major comeback and allows for amazing creativity on the walls. Choose a bold, colorful print or geometric pattern to make the wall an artistic focal point. Florals, animal prints, or abstract designs work beautifully. Opt for a statement wall behind the bed or on one accent wall. Use removable wallpaper for easy application and later changes. This transforms the room instantly and adds a pop of color.
Wallpaper ideas include:
- Black and white graphic print
- Tropical floral patterns
- Midcentury modern geometric shapes
- Whimsical animal prints like birds or butterflies
- Shimmery metallics for glamour
Paint the Walls a Vibrant Color
Painting the walls an energetic, saturated hue is an easy DIY way to add major color and personality. Opt for primary shades like cobalt blue, cherry red or golden yellow for striking effects. Paint just one wall as an accent or go bold with color all around. Keep bedding and furnishings simple if using vibrant paint colors.
Recommended colorful paint options:
- Sapphire blue – Inviting and tranquil ambience
- Coral pink – For a warm, feminine vibe
- Mint green – Crisp and refreshing palette
- Lavender purple – Sophisticated and calming
- Turquoise – For coastal, relaxed aesthetics
Display Vibrant Art & Photography
Framed artwork and photography allow you to customize with colors you love. Opt for brightly colored prints that complement the room’s palette. Black and white prints pop beautifully against colorful walls. Group similar color frames together for a cohesive gallery wall display. Choose meaningful images and subjects that inspire you.
Artwork ideas:
- Botanical and floral prints
- Unique geometric designs
- Vintage film or band posters
- Canvas paintings in primary hues
- Custom colorful maps of special locations
Add Patterns with Soft Furnishings
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns through soft furnishings like duvet covers, pillows, rugs and curtains. Pair prints in similar color palettes for a coordinated mismatched look. Florals, geometrics, stripes and paisleys all combine beautifully. Aegean blue and white Greek key patterns add a graphic pop.
Patterned accessories to brighten the room:
- Paisley and ikat print pillows
- Moroccan trellis rug in warm tones
- Painted patterned headboard
- Sheer curtains with colorful stripes
- Bohemian style tribal or batik prints
Choose Colorful Fabrics & Textiles
Fabrics and textiles like blankets, throws, cushions and bedding can infuse bright personality. Choose pure cottons or linens in vivid jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue and magenta. Turkish tassels, pom poms and embroidered designs add artisanal flair. Layer different prints and textures for depth.
Fabric & textile ideas:
- Vibrant quilted bedding sets
- Woven cotton throws in aztec designs
- Floor cushions in bold hues
- Rainbow colored tassel garlands
- Sheepskin or faux fur rugs
Showcase Collections of Color
Make displays of favorite colored items as fun collections. Arrange them artfully together on shelves, bookcases, side tables or wall ledges. Glass bottles, vases, framed photos, book collections and treasures from travels can make attractive vignettes. Incorporate lights for dramatic effect.
Collections to showcase:
- Glass jars filled with candy in rainbow hues
- Stacked books grouped by color
- Framed travel photos from colorful destinations
- Glass vases or bottles in aqua blues and greens
- Painted ceramic pieces in bright glazes
Install Colorful Shelving
Creative shelving and bookcases provide both storage and great ways to add pops of color. Paint shelving in bright lacquers like cherry red or cobalt blue for an eye-catching statement. Multi-colored book collections make for fun rainbow displays. Or group decorative objects together by color. Add lighting for dramatic effect.
Bright shelving ideas:
- Bookcases painted in pastel hues
- Wooden crates in primary colors for display
- Glass shelving with colored LED lights
- Paint the back wall a dark color to contrast objects
- Metallic gold and silver shelves for glam
Use Cafe-Style Curtains
Bistro-style curtains hung from the ceiling add dimensionality, color and privacy. Choose brightly hued fabric curtains to frame windows in a casually chic way. Opt for lightweight linen, cotton, or lace fabrics that filter light beautifully. Pair with sheer white panels or wooden blinds underneath.
Curtain display ideas:
- Airy pink or peach lace
- Mediterranean-inspired azure blue
- Botanical patterned fabric in greens
- Bohemian tapestry-style fabrics
- Gauzy muslin in marigold or cherry red
Select Colorful Furniture
From sofas to chairs, ottomans and headboards, furniture is available in all types of vibrant colors to mix and match. Choose hues that complement your wall colors. Midcentury modern furniture in azure blues, citrus yellow and grassy greens lend a retro flair. Painted wood furniture also adds quick pops of color.
Fun colorful furniture ideas:
- Pastel hued upholstered chairs
- Glossy mint green side tables
- Vibrant patterns on ottomans and stools
- Sunny yellow upholstered headboard
- Painted dressers in cherry red or navy
Add Whimsical Lighting
Lighting fixtures that incorporate color, shapes and whimsical details lend playful personality. Try pendant lights, lampshades or sconces in your favorite jewel tones. Opt for lighting with art glass, mosaic patterns, or handpainted ceramic bases. Accent walls and displays with LED tube or strip lighting.
Playful lighting options:
- Hanging birdcage pendants
- Sweddish Olle mushroom lamps
- Mosaic patterned stained glass table lamps
- Handpainted porcelain globe string lights
- Raindrop acrylic chandelier
Use Colorful Accessories
Fun accents and accessories in bright hues add those finishing touches of color. Try vases, trays, baskets, organizers, clocks, candles, plants, poufs and bookends in rainbow hues. Coordinating sets keep things neat and organized while adding color.
Accessory ideas:
- Decorative jewelry boxes in fuchsia pinks
- Ceramic honeycomb trays in turquoise blues
- Woven seagrass baskets in lime green
- Glass terrariums with succulents
- Candlesticks in contrasting colors
Add an Unexpected Splash of Color
Sometimes just a small pop of unexpected color can enliven a space beautifully. Try painting the ceiling sky blue, adding a neon art print, or displaying trendy hairpin legs in bright hues on a dresser. Use caution not to overdo it, but a single bold splash can give that fun punch.
Splashy ideas:
- Paint inside dresser drawers a happy hue
- Display a brightly colored vintage typewriter
- Add a fluorescent pink faux fur pillow
- Use a vibrant throw blanket at the end of the bed
- Place a kelly green desk chair in the corner
Embrace Colorful Bohemian Style
For free-spirited bohemian flair, layer on colors, patterns and textures for an eclectic mix. Try Turkish harem pants as canopy draping, pile on patterned pillows, and mix lush indoor plants for an exotic feel. Vintage items like brightly colored lamps, two-tone dressers and abstract art prints add retro flair.
Boho chic elements:
- Tapestry pillows and wall hangings
- Distressed brightly painted furniture
- Vintage colorful urns and vases
- Wood bead or macrame wall decor
- Patterned glass lanterns and lamps
Conclusion
With so many options for adding spirited color, you can easily transform your bedroom into a creative oasis. Combining colorful wall paints, prints, textiles, accessories and artwork allows you to infuse your unique personality. Follow your instincts and mix complementary hues that delight the senses. The result will be a joyful, rejuvenating sleep space. Sweet dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about designing a colorful, creative bedroom:
What are good color combinations for a bedroom?
Some popular color combinations for bedrooms include analogous colors like blue and green, complementary colors like orange and blue, or soft neutrals accentuated with pops of vibrant color.
How do I pick bedding that matches my colorful walls?
Aim for bedding in similar color families as your wall color, but don’t match exactly. Layer in patterns and textures in coordinating hues. White bedding also pops beautifully against colorful walls.
What paint finish is best for a colorful accent wall?
Flat or matte finishes are ideal for highly saturated wall colors as they minimize imperfections. Eggshell is also lovely for adding color while avoiding excessive shine.
How can I add color to a rental bedroom?
Use removable wallpaper, switch out brightly hued bedding and pillows, rely on lighting and accessories, or hang colorful fabric from ceiling hooks to add color. Always check with landlords first.
What colors promote relaxation in a bedroom?
Blue, green, lavender, and peach are considered calming, tranquil bedroom colors. But any hue you love can be relaxing. Just opt for softer, muted shades rather than neon brights.
Should I match all the furniture to the walls?
No need to match all your furniture to the wall color. In fact, opting for one or two complementary bright or neutral toned pieces can keep the room from feeling overwhelming.
How do I bring colorful walls together into a cohesive look?
Tie everything together through bedding and soft furnishings that incorporate similar accent shades to the walls. Repeat colors in your artwork and accessories. Paint the ceiling or trim a coordinating color.
What color curtains pair well with a gray bedroom?
Vibrant curtain colors like yellow, green, coral or blue complement gray beautifully. Or stick with different shades of gray and layer in colorful bedding and artwork instead.
Can I use darker colors like eggplant or navy in a small bedroom?
Yes, deep colors like eggplant and navy can look amazing in small bedrooms, especially when accented with crisp white. Just opt for them on accent walls or use sparingly. Lighter versions also work.
How can I add colorful personality without overdoing it?
Stick to one or two statement wall colors, then layer in prints and patterns more subtly on bedding, curtains, rugs and accessories. Add colorful accessories sparingly for pops of color.