Experts say Taylor Swift's 'ominous' bedroom color scheme is the secret to better sleep

Her unexpected palette 'subconsciously' creates a secure environment – and improves the overall quality of sleep

Taylor Swift
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Few figures hold quite the same power as Taylor Swift, the musician and cultural force of the 21st century, who influences our everyday habits without even trying. But is she about to impact our sleeping habits, too? Sleep experts say she should be. 

According to those in the know, a dark-hued bedroom, much like Taylor's, is the perfect environment for encouraging a restful sleep – primarily due to its impact on the production of melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles.

In her dark bedroom palette, Taylor experiments with moody gray paint, gold-brown curtains, and purple-brown luxury bedding – sounds like an odd mix but just see how perfectly it works. And all of these dark and moody hues apparently create a sleep-inducing space. Sleep expert Martin Seeley explains why we should, as always, follow Taylor's lead and try out these dramatic shades in our bedrooms. 

'The use of darker and more ominous tones in your bedroom's design can improve your sleep quality, firstly because of their impact on your bedroom's light control,' Martin says. 

'External light is more effectively blocked by darker furnishings. This is essential for creating a bedroom that's better for sleep – particularly if you live in a city with streetlights or early morning sunlight streaming into your room. Light disturbances can disrupt circadian rhythm and prevent profound sleep.' This is where the impact of melatonin comes into play. 

As mentioned, bright or artificial light can inhibit the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. However, when we introduce darker tones – whether through bedroom paint, furnishings, or bedding – we are creating a more melatonin-friendly environment. 'This makes it easier to fall asleep and remain asleep.'

Sleep expert
Martin Seeley headshot image
Sleep expert
Martin Seeley

As the founder and CEO of an international mattress company, Martin Seeley knows how to overcome any sleep-related problem, offering you the most expert advice and information on a range of health and lifestyle matters. 

A bedroom with black painted panelled walls, a white ceiling and wooden floors

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Similarly, these dark colors have their benefits in color psychology teaching – creating a space that is therapeutic and consequently beneficial when it comes to drifting into a deeper sleep. 

'Darker hues have a tendency to elicit feelings of intimacy and relaxation. They help reduce tension and anxiety, two common causes of sleep disturbances, by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere,' Martin says. 

'Specifically, brown is associated with stability and security. Brown bedding and curtains can subconsciously signal to the brain that the sleeping environment is secure and reassuring, thereby improving the overall quality of sleep.'

dark blue guest room bedroom with rattan headboard, artwork, Scandi style side table, table lamp, patterned bedding, blue cushion and blanket

(Image credit: Birdie Fortescue)

However, in all its dark tones, there is no denying that Taylor's bedroom has a sun-lit brightness amongst the moody undertones. Naturally, the footage comes from the daytime, when her room is illuminated by sunlight – but the singer has also incorporated softer elements through a chunky knitted throw and a large bedroom mirror that reflects the light around her room. And, of course, we should look to do the same.

'Despite the fact that darker tones offer these benefits, it is essential to achieve a balance,' explains Martin. 'Consider combining darker tones with lighter accents to maintain a harmonious and calming sleeping environment.'

Inspired by Taylor's space? We're shopping the look below.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.