Using Colour Theory for a Good Nights Sleep
Who doesn’t want to feel well rested, contented and relaxed after a good nights sleep? You can – with the help of colour theory.
The bedroom has a very distinct purpose. It should be a place of refuge where you can relax, unwind and calm a racing mind. Creating the perfect bedroom space isn’t just about decoration. It’s the balance of textures, shapes, finishes and (arguably) most importantly – colour. It is imperative to get the colour scheme right to ensure a peaceful nights sleep.
Colour theory is an interesting concept. Certain hues can evoke particular feelings and moods, colour can even affect primary sensory functions so incorporating colour theory when designing a space is an important element to consider. There is an art behind matching colours for a harmonious result. Colours combinations should be visually pleasing, relaxing or exciting to the mind at view.
Along with the hue (colour), it is important to consider depth of colour when creating a certain ambience. Shades and tones that are too dark can make the room feel oppressive and heavy, whilst having a room that is too light can feel stark and sterile. An injection of colour, either with change of hue, tone or tint is necessary to balance all spaces efficiency and achieve the desired visual and mental result. Although it also depends on the occupant of the space as to which colours should be used. For example, a master suite will want more muted tones vs a child’s bedroom, which may suit a more vibrant colour palette!
There are also other things to consider when choosing colours for a bedroom, such as room orientation. For example: a south facing room receives sunlight throughout most of the day, for this reason you might want to add cool hues and accent colours such as blues and greens. For a north facing room which receives little sunlight, it’s beneficial to warm up the space visually with the addition of colours such muted reds (think rose, as a red in the bedroom is not a good idea due to the negative energy in implies) or soft yellow and oranges.
COLOUR THEORY CONCEPTS
There are three tried and tested approaches to colour that are commonly used when choosing supporting hues for a space. These are analogous (colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel), complimentary (colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel) and a monochromatic scheme (one single colour, used with differing tints and shades).
These colour concepts and combinations can be used with great results, creating a harmonious and serene, peaceful bedroom scene.
ANALOGOUS
A successful analogous scheme can benefit from a neutral base colour, such as beige or taupe. Neutral colours create feelings of warmth and comfort thanks to their low saturation of colour. These colours are uncomplicated and easy for the brain to process.
Include varying tints of beige and taupe, along with off-white, to create depth within the main hue. The addition of colour accents such oranges, greens and yellows will add a certain vibrancy to the space due to the psychological effects of mixing cool and warm hues. These hues can be softened with a tonal difference from the main colour, try adding peach oranges, soft yellows and light botanical greens that will lift the space without creating too much energy. These colours invite feelings of self-confidence and vitality, finishing off the mood with an overall cheerful, yet peaceful ambience. Add natural fibres and green foliage, along of artwork alluding to nature that will create a truly natural look.
The below setting shows hues with a low saturation colour such as beige are uncomplicated and easy process visually. Accessorise with colourful accents to finish the space.
COMPLEMENTARY
Another concept to try is a complementary scheme where the colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Because of what can be an extreme contrast of colours, a great base for this concept would be a colour such as grey. Grey is seen as a achromatic hue (without colour) and is the perfect balance between black and white, making it extremely versatile. The view of grey has been known to create a balanced mind, which lends itself well to be bedroom environment. The addition of pastel or muted shades of pinks and greens create a subtle, delicate, ethereal finish, whilst also enhancing vitality.
When choosing complementary colours for a bedroom, try to avoid hues with high saturation such as reds and very dark greens. These colours are in too much conflict with each other to calm a space, and will drag the ambience down, resulting in feelings of anger, despair and confusion.
MONOCHROMATIC
A monochromatic scheme involves using one hue as the main colour, adding complexity to the space by using tints and tones to create depth and interest.
Blue is a pleasing choice for a monochromatic scheme as the hue can differ greatly depending on the tone added. It can seem weightless when used in a lighter capacity, immediately bringing to mind blue skies and fluffy clouds. A darker shade adds a stark contrast, changing the scene entirely and employing feelings of thought and decisiveness. Overall blue is known to soothe, cool and calm the mind making it a great option for a bedroom where the aim is always a peaceful sleep.
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