10 Calming Colors to Paint Your Walls, According to Interior Designers

You probably know by now that stress can have physical, mental, and social consequences, but what if the call is coming from inside the house? The color of your walls, in particular, could be exacerbating your stress and making it harder for you to fully relax at home.

Home should be a place where you can unwind and feel at peace, and your design choices can play a big part in that. Since the walls are some of the largest surfaces of your home, the paint colors you choose makes a big difference. Opting for calming colors that are known for their soothing effects—and that interior designers love and recommend—is a good place to start. So here’s some designer-backed advice on choosing the right calming colors for your home.

What Makes a Color Calming?

While the research behind color psychology is still developing, a general consensus finds that some colors have more calming effects than others. According to Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, “Colors that calm the nervous system are cool and neutral tones. Examples include blue, green, white, gray, and beige. These colors give a sense of calmness, serenity, and tranquility, creating a peaceful environment in any home.”

However, using calming colors in your home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal taste. “While some colors, like soft blues and greens, are universally recognized for their calming effects, individual preferences also play a big role,” Barry Bordelon, one half of The Brownstone Boys, says. “Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can influence how someone reacts to a particular color. So, while soft, natural hues tend to be broadly soothing, the specific shade that makes you feel calm might be unique to you!”

So, if deeper shades are your thing, nobody’s stopping you! In fact, both Jordan Slocum and Bordelon of The Brownstone Boys agree that you shouldn’t shy away from darker, moodier colors, which can still create a relaxing yet luxurious feel.

When and Where to Use Calming Colors

Certain spaces benefit from calming colors more than others. Meagan Macievic, creator of Meagan Rae Interiors, highlights areas that tend to be chaotic, like mudrooms and laundry rooms. She also notes, from personal experience, that teen bedrooms are a good choice for soothing hues. “There is an underlying stress to being a teenager,” she says. “Home should feel safe and comforting for families.  As a parent of 4, I know life is more manageable when kids are doing well and are happy.”

Guyton adds that, in general, all bedrooms can benefit from a calming color. “It’s very important to include calming colors in one’s bedroom that will help the person relax and prepare to rest, while also waking up feeling refreshed,” she says. “I think it’s also important to create a peaceful environment in one’s home office as well, to prevent stress and anxiety, while keeping one alert and productive.”

Calming Paint Colors

Grove Green by Farrow and Ball

As The Brownstone Boys both assert, dark colors can achieve the same serene setting as lighter tones. This deep green shade by Farrow and Ball takes perfect advantage of this wide open living room, bringing invitation and timeless appeal to an otherwise modern space.

City Loft by Sherwin-Williams

City Loft by Sherwin-Williams is a gorgeous, hazy neutral with red and beige undertones recommended by Guyton. This versatile color can be used indoors and outdoors, and it’s particularly well-suited for neutral, minimalistic bedrooms.

Light Blue by Farrow and Ball

The Brownstone Boys are both big on colors that recall nature. “Colors can be calming because they remind us of nature and serenity,” Slocum says. “Think about the soothing effect of a clear blue sky or a gentle green meadow.” This soft, silvery blue by Farrow and Ball is a great way to achieve a peaceful atmosphere. 

Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore

Swiss coffee is another beautiful off-white, neutral shade which must be popular because it was mentioned by both Guyton and Macievic. This color has warm undertones, so it will pair well with dark woods and white trims, as shown in this grand entryway by Macievic.

Ashwood by Benjamin Moore

Ashwood is a warm gray with a hint of green, recommended by Macievic. Soft taupes are a go-to for her when designing soothing interiors.

Collingwood by Benjamin Moore

This buttery white is another one of Macievic’s picks. The subtle warm glow of this shade pairs well with medium to deep browns. 

Salty Dog by Sherwin-Williams

If taupes and beiges aren’t your thing—here’s a bold recommendation for you. This color comes from Guyton. “If going with a ‘color color’, my favorite navy blue is Sherwin-Williams’ Salty Dog … I love blues and greens,” she says. “They play so well together, reflect the outdoors and nature, are gender-neutral and are liked [almost all] of the time by homeowners.”

Budding Green by Benjamin Moore

This incredible shade of green aims to capture exactly what it is named for, the first shoots of spring. In general, The Brownstone Boys agree that soft green tones can be a great pick for calming colors in the home. “Greens, particularly those with a hint of gray, offer a refreshing and serene ambiance, reminiscent of a tranquil forest,” Bordelon says.

Halo by Benjamin Moore

Another option in the beige color family, Macievic recommends Halo by Benjamin Moore. This soft shade is perfect for pairing with light, neutral wood floors.

School House White by Farrow and Ball

School House White is a favorite of the Brownstone Boys. It’s chic and timeless while making your home feel warm and inviting. And, as with any neutral, its versatility is unmatched.