What Color of Draperies Are Best for Bedrooms?

TLDR;

The best drapery colors for bedrooms are soft blues, greens, neutral tones like beige and cream, or deeper shades like navy and charcoal for blackout benefits. These colors promote better sleep, match most design styles, and enhance relaxation.

How to Choose Bedroom Curtain Colors That Truly Work

The color of your draperies can make or break the atmosphere in your bedroom. It affects how you sleep, how the room feels, and how well your decor ties together. Simply Windows recommends choosing curtain colors based on mood, lighting, and your bedroom's existing design.



Let’s walk through everything you need to know—from psychology and aesthetics to cultural influence and expert tips—to help you confidently choose the best drapery colors for your bedroom.

Psychology Behind Drapery Colors in Bedrooms

Curtain colors directly impact how we feel in a space, especially in a room designed for rest. Here's how:

Cool vs. Warm Tones

• Cool tones (like blue, green, lavender) calm the mind and slow the heart rate
• Warm tones (like red, orange, yellow) can energize and excite—not ideal for sleep

Light vs. Dark Shades

• Light colors make a room feel airy and spacious, reflecting more light
• Dark shades create intimacy, provide better light blocking, and feel cozier

Color Psychology for Sleep

• Blue: Universally known as the most relaxing color; promotes deeper sleep
• Green: Natural and soothing, reduces anxiety
• Lavender: Gentle and soft, perfect for winding down
• Gray and Beige: Neutral and stable, allow other elements to shine

If sleep is your priority, stick to calming tones and avoid high-saturation hues.

Cultural and Regional Influence on Drapery Color Choices

Color meanings vary across the globe and may influence personal preferences:

• Scandinavian Design: Focuses on whites, soft grays, and muted tones to reflect light during long winters
• Asian Feng Shui: Emphasizes balance; blues for calm, green for renewal, earth tones for grounding
• Mediterranean Interiors: Rich blues and whites dominate to mimic sky and sea



Always consider the cultural symbolism of a color before using it heavily in personal spaces.

What to Consider Before Choosing Drapery Colors

Choosing the best drapery color for bedrooms isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, mood, and flow. Here’s what to think about:

Natural Light & Room Size

• Small bedrooms: Light colors like cream or pale gray help expand the space visually
• Rooms with low natural light: Avoid dark drapes unless paired with sheer underlayers
• Sun-heavy rooms: Go for darker or lined curtains to block heat and glare

Existing Decor & Wall Color

• Match or complement your current palette:
• Match with walls: Creates a unified, soothing appearance
• Contrast with walls: Adds visual interest and drama
• Coordinate with:
• Wall colors
• Bedding
• Rugs and furniture

Personal Style & Mood Goals

• Modern or Minimalist: Go with gray, white, or soft neutrals
• Rustic or Farmhouse: Earthy greens, creams, and soft browns
• Boho or Eclectic: Muted jewel tones like teal or mustard (in moderation)

Keep the room’s emotional goal in mind—whether it’s serenity, coziness, or brightness.

Popular Drapery Color Options That Work in Any Bedroom

Here are the most popular colors used by Simply Windows clients, broken down by mood and design compatibility:

Blue Drapes

• Known for: Serenity, trust, sleep enhancement
• Works with: White, gray, or light wood furniture
• Best for: Anyone who wants a calming, timeless bedroom look

White or Cream Drapes

• Known for: Clean, bright, versatile
• Works with: Nearly any decor style
• Best for: Minimalists, small bedrooms, or spaces that need light

Gray Drapes

• Known for: Modern sophistication
• Works with: Industrial, contemporary, or classic styles
• Best for: Neutral lovers who want an edge

Green Drapes

• Known for: Earthiness, renewal
• Works with: Wooden elements, beige walls, plant-filled spaces
• Best for: Nature-inspired or rustic designs

Dark Drapes (Navy, Charcoal)

• Known for: Privacy, depth, drama
• Works with: Light-colored walls, large windows
• Best for: Bedrooms needing blackout or insulation

Warm Tones (Red, Orange, Yellow)

• Known for: Energy, boldness
• Use with caution: These colors can be stimulating, so use them sparingly or in muted tones
• Best for: Accent drapes or layered designs with neutrals

Pro Tips for Choosing Bedroom Curtains From Interior Designers

At Simply Windows, we’ve worked on hundreds of bedroom window treatments. Here’s what interior experts suggest:

• Always test curtain swatches against your wall during different times of the day
• Layer curtains (sheer + blackout) for flexibility
• Use matte fabrics for a softer, non-reflective look
• Avoid glossy or metallic tones—they disrupt the calming effect

Smart Curtain Colors and Fabric Choices for Modern Homes

Modern bedrooms often include automation, climate control, and energy-saving features. Here’s how curtain color plays into that:

Smart Features and Color

• Darker curtains: Better for thermal insulation and privacy
• Lighter curtains: Work well with motion-sensor lights or ambient lighting setups

Best Fabrics for Smart Homes

• Polyester blends: Durable and automation-friendly
• Linen: Light-filtering, elegant, works with most smart rods
• Thermal-backed: Ideal for energy efficiency and UV protection, and often recommended for sunroom drapery fabrics where managing sunlight and heat is essential

Make sure your curtain fabric works with motorized systems and doesn’t bunch up or wrinkle easily.

Checklist to Pick the Best Drapery Colors for Bedrooms

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• What mood do I want this room to create?
• How much light control do I need?
• Does this color match my current bedroom design?
• Will I need blackout capabilities or layered curtains?
• Am I choosing a color that promotes rest and relaxation?

When in doubt, start neutral and layer with colorful accessories.

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