How to Add Color to a Bedroom

Pick a color scheme for the bedroom. The rules of color theory will help you out with this. Color schemes can be based on the relationship that colors have on the color wheel or can be based on sets of colors found in nature. For example, complementary colors are two colors found on opposite sides of the color wheel. When complementary colors become the basis for a color scheme, they create dramatic, high contrast interiors. Colors found side by side on the color wheel are known as analogous colors. These low contrast color schemes are known to be more peaceful and calming. Color schemes found in nature are often useful for interior designs that are based on a theme, such as a rainforest theme, that might involve a lot of deep greens and browns. Note that warm colors tend to excite emotions, while cool colors tend to relax and calm. The colors you choose for your room should be based in part on the type of environment you want to create.

Select which color out of the color scheme that you planned in Step 1 will be the dominant color. The dominant color will be the color that you see the most of in the room. This might be the color you paint the walls, the color of the carpet or the color of the bedspread. Do not put the dominant color in all three of these places, or the room will become overwhelming.

Select accessories for the room that match with the accent colors in the color scheme. The accent colors are the other colors in the color scheme — those colors that are not the dominant color. Accessories will include curtains, pillows, figurines, pots for plants, a lamp and other items.

Pick a neutral color to go with the room's color scheme if the color scheme starts to feel too bright or just like it's too much. For cool color schemes, a gray neutral will work well. For warm color schemes, try a beige, tan or cream.

Add little touches like flowers in a vase or glass ornaments hanging in a window to give the room a little extra color and a warm homey touch.