If you’re eager to experiment with the best bedroom paint colors to create a serene environment but aren’t quite ready to dive into the color drench paint trend, an accent wall offers a great middle ground. Once you decide to add a splash of color, the real challenge begins: choosing the right shade. Fortunately, in an exclusive conversation with Onions Australia, experts Erika Dale, interior designer and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, and Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager and interior designer at Dutch Boy Paints, offer their expertise on selecting the perfect accent color for your bedroom.
While they suggest several specific colors, both Dale and Parada offer tips for narrowing down your options and ensuring you choose a shade that sets the right mood. “Consider the ambiance you want to create in the space. Your bedroom is a retreat, so think about colors that reflect how you want to feel — whether relaxed, energized, or cozy,” Parada advises.
Dale offers similar guidance: “When designing a sophisticated bedroom accent wall, the goal is to make a design statement while maintaining tranquility, as it is a restful space,” she explains. Therefore, it’s wise to reserve bright, bold colors like red, orange, and bright yellow for more dynamic areas, such as home gyms or playrooms. Instead, consider soothing tones inspired by nature, like subtle blues and greens. These shades add interest and color without being so stimulating that they disrupt your sleep.
Set a relaxing tone with soothing blue shades
Incorporating blue into your home decor is a simple way to create a calming atmosphere, making it a safe choice for a bedroom accent wall. In their exclusive interviews with Onions Australia, both Erika Dale and Lisbeth Parada recommend blue paints that are sure to impress. For a true cool tone, consider Dale’s suggestion of Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball or Parada’s pick, Midnight Bliss by Dutch Boy. “Midnight Bliss is a deep, cool blue with subtle gray undertones, offering a tranquil environment ideal for bedrooms. Its dimension and warmth create a serene atmosphere, elevating the bedroom’s design with a touch of luxury comfort,” Parada describes.
Another option from Parada is Whale’s Tail by Dutch Boy, ideal for those who want blue undertones while keeping the space feeling neutral. “Whale’s Tail is a deep, cool gray with blue undertones, providing a modern style for bedrooms. Its depth and richness create a luxurious mood, making it a great choice for an elegant bedroom,” she explains.
Although these blue shades are generally reliable, it’s crucial to ensure they complement your existing decor. “The undertones of your bedding, furniture, and flooring should tell a cohesive color story. A well-chosen accent wall should enhance the room rather than compete with it,” Parada advises. Therefore, it’s best to stick with shades that have a warmer undertone if you naturally lean toward those colors.
Bring in a touch of the outdoors with green tones
Blue and green paint colors are two sides of the same coin — they both evoke colors found in nature, sit on the cooler side of the spectrum, and can be the perfect choice for an accent wall color in your bedroom. Speaking exclusively to Onions Australia, designers Erika Dale and Lisbeth Parada recommended a few shades that toe the line between the two colors — ideal for those who can’t quite decide. Two of Dale’s choices, Still Water by Sherwin-Williams and Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball, are lovely mixes of green, gray, and blue that can provide the best of both worlds.
Parada also highlighted a similar shade, Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy. “Mapped Blue is Dutch Boy Paints’ 2025 Color of the Year and is a medium-toned blue with a slight yellow undertone, which brings a sense of warmth into interiors. This shade offers a classic yet contemporary feel, bringing a timeless, yet sophisticated, appeal to any bedroom,” she says.
Dale recommended a few other colors that lean more into true green territory. Rosemary by Sherwin Williams, Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball, and Pigeon by Farrow & Ball all include a touch of gray to help make the color more subtle, while Backwoods by Benjamin Moore is a great option for those who still want to embrace some warmth in their space. For an ultra-dramatic look, Dale also mentioned Salamander by Benjamin Moore — a deep, moody tone that sits on the border between emerald and teal and has the flexibility to transform depending on the space’s lighting.
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