Choosing colors for every room in your house can be difficult enough, but where on earth do you start when choosing colors for a guest bedroom?
Are guest room ideas an opportunity to be a little braver and daring? Or should we keep them simple and serene? Should the space flow naturally from the rest of your home or make a striking statement?
While color choice is of course a personal preference, there are a few things we should all keep in mind before we pick up a paintbrush and start renovating a guest room. You may need to consider its purpose first, as many guest rooms are also a work in progress home offices, laundry-hanging utility room or even a small living room for the kids.
To get some real insight into choosing colors for a guest room, we enlisted the help of some of the industry’s top color experts to share their advice. So in just a few minutes of reading you will be ready to transform the space of your guest bedroom choosing the perfect paint color.
1. Think about the color tone
(Image credit: YesColours)
‘When using colors in a guest room, it’s best to think about the tone rather than the actual color itself,’ advises Emma Bestley, co-founder and creative director of YesColors.
‘Any color can be used color schemes for bedroomsbut softer, lighter, muted versions of the color work best at creating a soothing and neutral environment, ideal for welcoming different types of guests.”
‘Neutral tones lend themselves well to natural materials such as rattan, wood and linen, and match beautifully with brass details and warmer details. If you pay close attention to the undertone, a warmer tone creates a welcoming and comforting place for everyone to fall asleep.”
2. Create a soothing retreat
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
‘Choosing the right color for a guest bedroom is about creating a welcoming and soothing retreat for your visitors,’ says interior designer Sophie Robinson. ‘Soft blues and soft greens are always a safe choice as they evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, leaving guests feeling calm and rejuvenated.’
‘Neutral tones such as warm taupe or beige create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while soft blush tones add warmth and a nourishing appearance.’
‘If you’re feeling bold, deeper shades such as navy blue or forest green can create a luxurious, cocoon-like effect when combined with warm lighting and tactile textures. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that feels serene and inviting.”
3. Consider the power of your home
(Image credit: Future/Dominic Blackmore)
Before you start choosing colors for a guest bedroom, you may also want to think about how you have already decorated other bedrooms. bedrooms in your home, and you may choose to join a similar schedule.
“Think about the purpose of the space,” suggests Anna Hill, Brand Director and Color Consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘It should feel like a retreat, yet fit in with the overall style of your home and not stick out like a sore thumb!’
‘Consider factors such as natural light, the size of the room and any furniture you plan to use, along with any art or fabric that will be in the finished room, as the colors in these items can very often help beginning of a color scheme, it all together.’
However, if you fancy creating a space that feels a little more exciting, Anna shares the following advice below…
4. Make a serene statement
(Image credit: Fenwick & Tilbrook)
“Guest rooms offer a great opportunity to be a little more daring than you might be with rooms you use every day,” Anna explains. ‘Because the space is meant to provide a soothing retreat, you can choose colors that make a statement, yet still feel soothing.’
‘Green tones are an excellent choice: even mid or deep earthy tones can add depth while promoting relaxation. You want the space to feel inviting and serene, yet special to your guests. The key is to balance personality and comfort.”
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Deluxe agrees green bedroom ideasespecially Sage Green, are a good choice for a guest room.
“The versatility of sage green lends itself well to creating a spacious and airy feel in a guest room,” she says. ‘The receding quality – due to shorter visual wavelengths – makes it appear softly distant, subtly expanding the space and making it feel open and breathing. This quality increases comfort because guests do not feel confined and can completely relax.’
‘The spatial feeling of the color encourages relaxation and gives visitors a sense of privacy and personal space, perfect for a refreshing stay. Even if you are working with a slightly smaller room, this is a great color choice.’
5. Dare to water
(Image credit: Future/David Giles)
If you’re feeling even bolder: Gemma Gear, interior stylist at That’s so Gemma and podcast host of How to home advises ‘When choosing colors for a guest room it’s all about creating a cheerful, cozy and relaxing space that everyone will want to stay in.’
‘Soft pastel colors such as soft pink, dusty blue or soft sage green work wonders for a soothing atmosphere, while warm tones such as terracotta or butter yellow can add a sunny and inviting feel.’
‘Try it for a more modern touch though infuse colorwhat I did in my guest room! Paint all walls, ceiling, woodwork and door the same shade for a cocooning and cohesive effect.’
6. Combine things with accessories
(Image credit: Pooky)
If you’re not sure about painting color on the walls of your guest room, Gemma recommends other ways to choose colors for a guest room.
‘Don’t be afraid to add personality with contrasting accent colors through statement cushions, patterned curtains, artwork and lampshades. And mix and match different patterns, so that it feels playful and homely.’
‘The key is to create a space that feels stylish yet not too overwhelming. Ask yourself, “Would I like waking up here?” and if so, then you are on the right track! Most of all, enjoy the process of choosing colors to make the space feel fresh and cozy, like a mini retreat for your guests!’
Marianne adds: ‘Adding details such as woven fabrics, soft bedding and wooden accents to a guest bedroom provides texture and warmth, subtly enhancing the feeling of comfort.’
‘Textured throws, plump cushions and perhaps a few natural wood accents enhance the organic feel of the space, enhancing the charm and comfort of an environment designed to make guests feel truly at ease. Together, these elements transform the guest bedroom into a sanctuary where visitors can relax and recharge, providing a space that feels rejuvenating, peaceful and welcoming: a true home-away-from-home, designed to provide a memorable and restful stay. ‘
Frequently asked questions
Which color suits a guest room best?
Anna says: ‘Some of the best colors for guest rooms are soft, muted tones that create a soothing atmosphere. In addition to shades of green, which work beautifully to add warmth and depth, you can also consider shades such as soft blue, pale blush or soft taupe. These colors are versatile and match most styles, so they’re easy to personalize.”
“You can also try a two-tone palette, with a lighter color on top and a richer color on the bottom, to create interest without overwhelming the space.”
‘Sage green is always a fantastic choice for a guest bedroom as it is soothing, versatile and mimics a connection with nature, making it ideal for creating a relaxing space,’ says Gemma.
‘It is also an excellent base for transferring other colours. Add an earthy, warm terracotta to keep it cozy, or use metallic accents for a more refined touch.’
‘Sage green has a timeless quality that will never feel outdated and can easily be renewed with different accessories and furnishings in the room! It’s a great option for anyone (like myself!) who often wants to freshen up a room without spending a lot of money!’
Marianne agrees that sage green is a perfect choice if you’re not sure how to choose colors for a guest bedroom. ‘For a guest bedroom, sage green is a striking choice that strikes a delicate balance between warmth and serenity, creating a welcoming environment in which visitors can truly feel at home.’
‘Soft, muted greens, like Quiet dawn And Green ivyare reminiscent of natural environments such as forests and meadows, evoking a sense of calm and stability. The soft, nature-inspired hue of the color has a grounding effect, leaving guests feeling relaxed and settled, as if they were in their own personal sanctuary.”
‘By reflecting the tranquility of the outdoors in the comfort of a home, sage green provides a sense of familiarity and calm that makes guests feel both at ease and warmly welcomed, creating a true ‘home away from home’.’
But Sophie adds: ‘Eventually the “best” color for your bedroom depends on what you feel most comfortable with. But from a psychological perspective, shades that promote calmness – such as soft blues, grays and greens – are always a safe bet.”
‘Combine that with the current trend for natural, earthy tones and you have a bedroom that not only looks stylish, but also supports your well-being. So whether you choose a soothing pastel color, a grounding neutral shade or a richer, deeper shade, it’s ultimately about creating a space that feels like a sanctuary, a place where you can truly unwind at the end of the day come.’
Hopefully now you know what color to use in your guest room and grab your brush!
