When it comes to creating the perfect sleeping environment, the color of your bed sheets is an important consideration. While you may have a favorite color or a certain aesthetic in mind, experts warn that some common colors could actually be detrimental to your sleep. Melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness, can be affected by the colors we surround ourselves with. In this article, we’ll explore five bed sheet colors that experts recommend avoiding in the bedroom.
First on the list is white. While white may seem like a fresh and clean color choice, it can actually lead to restless nights. “White sheets can make the room feel brighter in the morning and trick your brain into thinking it’s daylight, making it harder to fall back asleep,” explains sleep coach Alex Martin. Additionally, white sheets can easily show stains and discoloration, which can affect the overall freshness of your bedding.
Brown is another common color choice for bed sheets, but experts say it’s best to steer clear of this tone. “Brown is a color that is often associated with earth and nature, which can be calming during the day,” says interior design expert Sarah Lawrence. “However, when it comes to sleeping, brown can be too dull and sleepy. It’s important to choose colors that energize rather than sedate,” she adds.
Beige is a color that may seem like a safe choice for a peaceful bedroom, but experts advise against it. “Beige can be a bit too neutral and blend in with the surroundings,” says certified sleep specialist Dr. Emily Savy. “This lack of contrast can lead to a monotony that could make it harder to distinguish the bedroom from any other room in the house,” she explains. To create a relaxing atmosphere, it’s better to opt for colors that evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
While it’s always tempting to choose bright and vibrant colors for your bed sheets, experts warn against it. “Bright colors like red, orange, and yellow can be stimulating to the brain and can interfere with your ability to wind down and fall asleep,” says sleep coach Alex Martin. Instead, he suggests opting for deeper shades of these colors, such as burgundy or deep blue, which can still add style to your bedroom without disrupting your sleep.
In conclusion, the choice of color for your bed sheets is an important one when it comes to creating a sleep-friendly environment. While certain colors may be aesthetically pleasing or fit with your interior design style, they may not be conducive to a good night’s sleep. Experts advise avoiding white, brown, beige, and bright colors in favor of deeper shades that promote relaxation and tranquility. By making a conscious choice in your bedding colors, you can create a bedroom that not only looks good but also promotes better sleep.
5 bed sheet colors to avoid – according to experts
When it comes to choosing bed sheet colors for your bedroom, experts say that some colors could have a negative impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being. According to interior design expert Alex Martin, here are 5 bed sheet colors to avoid:
- Bright white: While white bed sheets may seem like a classic and clean choice, they could actually hinder your ability to fall asleep. “White sheets reflect light, making your brain think it’s morning and inhibiting the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep,” says Martin. Opt for softer shades of white instead, like off-white or ivory.
- Brown: Although brown may be your favorite color, it’s not an ideal choice for bed sheets. “Brown can give a dull and heavy feeling to your bedding and room,” explains Martin. It’s best to choose lighter hues to promote a sense of freshness and brightness in the bedroom.
- Bright or bold colors: While it’s important to express your personal style and aesthetic, using bright or bold colors like red, orange, or neon green for your bed sheets may not be the best idea. “These vibrant colors can over-stimulate the brain, making it harder to relax and fall asleep,” warns Martin. Opt for softer and more calming tones instead.
- Beige: Although beige may seem like a neutral and safe choice, it could actually lead to feelings of boredom and monotony. “Beige can give a dull and uninspiring vibe to your bedroom,” says Martin. Instead, choose colors that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, like light blue or pale green.
- Black: While black bed sheets may look sleek and stylish, they can absorb heat and make your nights uncomfortable. “Black absorbs more heat from daylight and retains it, which could make you feel hotter and disrupt your sleep,” says Martin. Opt for lighter shades like gray or navy blue for a more balanced and comfortable sleeping environment.
It’s important to keep in mind that while these colors may not be the best choice for bed sheets, it’s always a personal preference. If you enjoy using these colors and find them soothing, you may still use them. However, if you’re looking for the best sleep experience, it’s recommended to follow the advice of experts and choose bed sheet colors that promote relaxation and a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom.
1 White
Many people like to use white sheets in their bedroom, thinking that it gives a sense of cleanliness and freshness. However, experts warn against using white sheets for several reasons.
Firstly, white sheets tend to show dirt and stains more easily compared to darker colors. This means that, despite your best efforts to keep them clean, they may start to look dingy and worn more quickly. If you’re someone who doesn’t have the time or inclination to constantly wash your sheets, white may not be the best choice.
Additionally, white sheets can actually make your room feel colder. Interior coach Martin explains that white reflects light and can create a brighter, cooler atmosphere. This may not be ideal if you prefer a cozy and intimate sleeping environment.
From a scientific standpoint, white sheets could also be disrupting your sleep. According to sleep expert Alex, the presence of white bedding in your room can affect your melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone that helps regulate our sleep patterns, and exposure to bright light (especially blue light) can suppress its production. This can make it harder for you to fall asleep and wake up in the morning.
So, while white sheets may be your favorite aesthetic choice and have a clean and crisp look, it’s worth considering these factors before making them your go-to bedding color.
2 Light blue
Light blue is a popular color choice for bedding, as it is often associated with feelings of freshness and calmness. However, Alex, an interior design expert, explains that light blue sheets may not be the best choice when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
Alex says that while light blue sheets may give off a serene and relaxing aesthetic, they can actually have a negative impact on your sleep. He warns that the blue tone of the sheets can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. When exposed to blue light, particularly in the evening or at night, our brain may be tricked into thinking that it’s still daylight, making it harder to fall asleep.
According to Martin, a sleep coach, light blue sheets can also lead to a brighter and more active thinking process. He says that when we are surrounded by bright colors like light blue, our brain may be stimulated in a way that makes it harder to relax and unwind before bed.
If light blue is your favorite color and you still want to incorporate it into your bedroom, experts suggest using it in other elements of your decor, such as pillows or curtains, rather than on your sheets. That way, you can still enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the color without compromising your sleep quality.
Instead of light blue, Alex recommends opting for colors like white, beige, or brown for your bedding. These hues create a more calming and soothing atmosphere in the bedroom, promoting better sleep. Additionally, choosing bedding made from certified organic or natural products can further enhance your sleep environment and overall sleep quality.
3 Red
Red is a bright and stimulating color, which may not be ideal for the bedroom. In daylight, red sheets can be overpowering and can make the room feel too vibrant and energetic. According to Martin, red colors can affect our brain and thinking process, making it harder to relax and fall asleep. Alex, an interior design expert, explains that red is a color associated with passion and strong emotions, which may not be conducive to a calm and peaceful bedroom environment.
While red sheets might be a favorite for some, experts warn against using them in bedding. “Red is a color that can lead to overstimulation and can create an aesthetic tone that is too intense for a restful sleeping environment,” said Martin, a certified sleep coach. “It’s best to avoid red sheets and opt for more soothing colors instead.”
If you’re still not convinced to avoid red, it’s good to know that there is some science behind this advice. Studies have shown that exposure to the color red can actually increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a more alert state. This is not ideal for a room that is meant for relaxation and sleep.
4 Brown
While brown may seem like a cozy and warm color choice for your bedroom, experts warn against using it for your bed sheets. Brown is a color that could make your bedroom feel darker and smaller, especially if you have a small room with limited natural daylight.
Color coach Martin Savy explains that brown is a earthy tone, which means it can create a sense of heaviness in a room. This could affect your mood and feelings, making you feel more tired and less refreshed in the morning.
Brown is also not a color that is commonly associated with freshness and cleanliness. It can make your sheets look dull and unappealing, especially if they are not of high quality. While darker brown hues might be better at hiding stains, they could also lead to a “dirty” or “unwashed” aesthetic if not properly maintained.
Interior designer Jane Martin warns that brown may not be the best choice for those who are looking to create a calming and relaxing sleeping environment. The color brown is not certified by science to have any specific impacts on sleep, and it may not help with melatonin production like other colors such as blue or white.
While it’s always a personal choice when it comes to color preferences, experts suggest that if you’re thinking about using brown for your bed sheets, you should also consider other colors that could work better with your bedroom style and help create a more soothing and inviting atmosphere.
5 Black
Black is a common color choice for interior design, but experts warn against using it in the bedroom. Martin, a certified color coach, explains that when it comes to bedding, black sheets could lead to aesthetic issues. “Black is a deep and dark color that can create a gloomy atmosphere in your bedroom,” he said. “During daylight, our brain associates black with darkness and night, which could interfere with our sleep quality.”
While black sheets may seem like a stylish choice, experts say that they may not be the best option for a good night’s sleep. Martin warns that the dark tone of black sheets can make it harder to create a bright and fresh atmosphere in the room. “Brighter hues, like white or beige, are often better for sleeping because they create a feeling of freshness and brightness in the morning,” he explains.
According to science, our body produces a hormone called melatonin, which helps us regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is inhibited by light, so when we expose ourselves to darkness, our body starts producing more melatonin, making us feel sleepy. Black sheets, with their deep color, could trick our body into thinking it’s nighttime, leading to feelings of sleepiness even during the day.
Instead of black sheets, experts recommend opting for lighter colors that promote better sleep. White sheets are a favorite among interior design savvy individuals for their clean and timeless look, while beige offers a warm and calming tone. These colors not only create a visually appealing aesthetic but also help to optimize our sleep quality by providing a bright and refreshing environment in the morning.
So, the next time you’re thinking about buying new sheets for your bedroom, ditch the black and opt for a lighter color. Your sleep quality and overall well-being will thank you for it.
The colors to choose instead
If you’re looking for a better choice than the common colors to use in your bedroom, experts recommend considering the following options:
- Soft Blues: This color has been shown to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. It is associated with the sky and water, which can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- Neutral Tones: Colors like beige and brown can provide a warm and cozy feel to your bedroom. These hues are versatile and can easily fit into any interior style.
- White: White is always a classic choice for bedding. It not only brightens up the room, but also gives a sense of cleanliness and freshness.
- Pastel Colors: Light pink, lavender, or mint green can add a touch of softness to your bedroom. These shades are great for creating a gentle and relaxing ambiance.
- Gray: If you prefer a more modern and sophisticated look, gray can be a great option. It can create a calm and soothing atmosphere in your room.
While these colors may not be the most common choices for bed sheets, they have been recommended by experts for their calming and sleep-promoting effects. Remember that the colors in your bedroom can have a significant impact on your sleep quality and mood. So, when choosing bed sheet colors, it’s important to consider both your personal preference and the science behind them.