How Colour Psychology Impacts Your Sleep: Choosing the Right Bedding Shade

Getting a restful night’s sleep isn’t just about the softness of your sheets — it’s also about the colours surrounding you. Colour psychology suggests that different shades can directly influence our mood, stress levels, and even how deeply we sleep. When it comes to bedding, choosing the right colour can transform your bedroom into a true sleep sanctuary.

Let’s explore how bedding colours like white, grey, and other tones can impact your rest and how to choose the perfect shade for you.

Why Does Colour Affect Sleep?

Humans naturally respond to colour on a psychological level. Some colours stimulate the mind and body, making us feel more alert, while others calm the senses and signal it’s time to rest.
This isn’t just a theory, research published in Frontiers in Psychology has shown that colours impact heart rate, blood pressure, and even brain activity.¹

When you’re selecting bedding, thinking about colour isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about how you want to feel when you get into bed every night.

The Best Bedding Colours for Better Sleep

1. White: Purity, Calm, and Clarity

White bedding is one of the most popular choices for a reason. It symbolises cleanliness, simplicity, and peace, everything you want when you're unwinding.
In fact, hotels often use crisp white sheets to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort.

Benefits of white bedding:

  • Creates a fresh, clean visual space that feels relaxing

  • Helps the mind "declutter" before sleep

  • Reflects light, making rooms feel bigger and airier

  • Pairs beautifully with any decor style

→ Explore our White Bamboo Bedding Collection.

2. Grey: Sophistication and Stability

Grey bedding brings a modern, serene feeling to the bedroom. It’s a neutral that helps balance emotions, creating a grounded, composed atmosphere.

Light grey promotes softness and relaxation, while darker greys introduce a cocoon-like feel, ideal for people who want to feel secure while they sleep.

Benefits of grey bedding:

  • Evokes a cool, calming ambience

  • Provides a timeless, elegant aesthetic

  • Reduces overstimulation from overly bright colours

3. Earthy Neutrals: Warmth and Comfort

Although not part of our primary colour offerings yet, earthy tones like soft beiges, taupes, and muted greens are gaining popularity for their ability to create a grounded, nature-inspired bedroom.

Benefits of earthy tones:

  • Promote feelings of warmth and safety

  • Remind the body of natural, organic environments

  • Help reduce anxiety and promote better REM sleep

Colours to Avoid for Restful Sleep

Not all colours are bedroom-friendly. Some shades may seem attractive, but they could negatively impact your ability to switch off.

Colours to approach with caution:

  • Red: Stimulates adrenaline and heart rate, not ideal before sleep.

  • Bright orange: Can feel energising rather than calming.

  • Bold yellows: Might induce restlessness if overused.

Instead, save these vibrant shades for daytime living spaces and keep your bedding palette soft and muted.

How to Layer Colours for the Perfect Sleep Space

You don’t have to stick to one flat colour, thoughtful layering can enhance the calming effect of your bedding setup.

Tips for layering:

  • Start with a white or grey base for sheets and duvet covers.

  • Add depth with textured throws or accent pillows in muted complementary colours.

  • Stick to a cohesive palette (no more than 2–3 colours) to maintain a serene look.

→ Browse Duvet Covers, Sheets, and Pillowcases to complete your colour story.

Why Bamboo Bedding Makes the Perfect Base for Colour Psychology

At TheLushLiving, our bamboo bedding collections don't just look beautiful, they support your sleep on every level.

Benefits include:

  • Natural softness that reduces friction on skin and hair

  • Breathable fabric that regulates body temperature

  • Hypoallergenic properties, perfect for sensitive skin

  • OEKO-TEX® certified for safety and sustainability

Choosing calming colours on top of these functional benefits creates a powerful combination for your best night's sleep.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Shade, Shape Your Sleep

Your bedroom should be a true retreat from the outside world.
By selecting calming, sleep-friendly bedding colours like white and grey, especially crafted from soothing bamboo fabric, you’re giving your mind and body the best possible chance at deep, restorative rest.

Ready to create your perfect colour sleep sanctuary?
→ Shop Bamboo Bedding Collections today and bring peace home.

References

  1. Frontiers in Psychology, “Colour and psychological functioning: a review of theoretical and empirical work,” Elliot & Maier, 2014.