The Best and Worst Paint Colors for Every Room

Colors have a proven psychological effect on our moods. And the colors we choose for our homes have a proven influence on our overall quality of life. Using color psychology, we can create a home that relaxes, energizes and focuses us where and when we need it most. It just takes knowing which colors to use in which room — and which colors to avoid.

The Best and Worst Colors for Bedrooms

For the bedroom, it’s best to choose peaceful, relaxing colors that will help you get a good night’s sleep.

Best — Blue and Green

The color blue evokes a sense of calm. In fact, all shades of blue are said to bring down a person’s blood pressure, respiration rate and anxiety levels. And light greens are said to make people feel serene, comforted and refreshed. Interestingly, the color green is also said to stimulate fertility.

Worst — Dark Purple, Orange and Yellow

Dark purple is said to stimulate vivid dreams and nightmares. This is especially true for deep, dark mauve and eggplant shades. If purple is your color of choice, consider a soft lavender. This will bring the bedroom a sense of calm, the same way blue does. Bold orange is said to make people feel excited or energized — making it a better match for an exercise room than the bedroom. And yellows are said to make people feel angry, frustrated and hungry, which is an undesirable combination for the one room dedicated to sleep.

The Best and Worst Colors for Kitchens

The kitchen is a place for happiness and community. Choose a color that will inspire you to cook for and spend quality time with loved ones.

Best — Yellow, Earth Tones, White

Yellow makes people feel happy, optimistic and inspired. What’s more, yellow is said to activate the metabolism and make people feel hungry. Rich browns emulate the color of the earth, which can be associated with the fresh food we eat. And crisp whites will help give your kitchen a clean, airy feel.

Worst — Bright Orange and Red

Stay away from bright orange and red if you’re watching your weight. These colors are said to stimulate appetite.

The Best and Worst Colors for Bathrooms

Your bathroom is a place for self-care and self-love. Go with colors that make you feel relaxed, refreshed and confident.

Best — Light Green, Light Blue and Blush

The calming effect of light green and blue make them great choices for the bedroom as well as the bathroom. And blush pinks are not only flattering to all skins tones, but they are also said to make people feel warmer after stepping out of the tub.

Worst — Neon; Dark Purples, Blues and Reds

Neon colors, such as hot pink and lime green, are too bold for the bathroom; they won’t stand the test of time. And dark purples, blues and reds are considered oppressive colors. They will make a small bathroom feel even smaller.

The Best and Worst Colors for the Office

The office is meant to make you feel productive and undistracted. Here, you want to choose colors that put you “in the zone.”

Best — Gray and Green

Gray tones are detached and steady, which may help you feel less distracted and more organized. And green is considered to be a color of concentration, as well as one of the best colors to look at over a long period of time. As a bonus, green represent tranquility — something you want to feel when your work becomes frustrating.

Worst

Red is said to be physically stimulating and anger-enhancing — the opposite of how you want to feel when you’re trying to get some work done.

Bonus: The Best and Worst Colors for Resale

When it comes to selling your home, you have to consider which colors will appeal to the majority of homebuyers.

Best — Warm, Neutral Colors

According to a report conducted by Zillow Real Estate, homes with kitchens painted in warm yellow hues sold for approximately $1,400 more than homes with kitchens painted white.

Furthermore, the report revealed that homes with light green bedrooms sold for $1,332 more than asking price.

Worst — Dark, Style-specific Tones

According to Zillow’s report, homes with dark or style-specific wall colors — such as slate gray or terracotta — sold for as much as $1,100 less than expected.