5 bed sheet colors to avoid – experts warn against using these common colors in the bedroom

Color has an impact in every room of the home, but none more so than the bedroom. While it is important that this intimate space looks good, it is even more vital that it does good. The bed sheet color you choose is one of the most influential tools you have for your well-being, as dressing your bed in the wrong shade could be the cause of a bad night's sleep. 

Changing your bedding is a simple and affordable way to switch up the style and tone of your space. We all know blue hues evoke a sense of calm, green vitality and freshness, yellows of joy. A bed is always the focal point of your bedroom, so the sheets you have can be just as impactful as the wall color. 

White is the most common bed sheet choice, but interior designers are starting to suggest staying away. So if you're struggling to get to sleep or want to make your bedroom feel all that more relaxing, these are the bed sheet colors to avoid, and the hues you should opt for instead: 

5 bed sheet colors to avoid – according to experts 

From light blue to black and white, these are the colors to avoid when investing in the best bed sheets for you. 

However, it is worth noting that if you have any of these colors, and love how they look in your space, don't worry. There’s always something you can do to work with what you like. The bedding you choose should be personal to your sleep needs and interior style. 

1. White

This is a controversial one. White bed sheets have been a treasured favorite for generations, adding freshness and simplicity to any bedroom. However, sleep experts warn that this timeless - but obvious - bedroom idea may be a common bedding mistake. White sheets could be impacting your sleep for two reasons. 

The first is that they can make a room feel too clinical. 'While white bed sheets may be crisp and clean looking, they can also give off a sterile feeling in your bedroom,' warns Robert Pagano, the co-founder of Sleepline. He adds that, if you're aiming for a 'warm, cozy' aesthetic in your bedroom, this popular choice is not the best option. 

The second factor is that bright white keeps the brain awake. Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Founder of Sleeping Ocean, Alex Savy, similarly warns against 'ivory white or any other shade of bright white'. These  can impact your sleep as they hold daylight connotations. 'It’s better to go with off-white or beige sheets because bright white fabrics may be too stimulating for the brain. It might associate them with daylight, which can lead to decreased levels of a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin,' he says. 

Alex Savy

Alex Savy is a Sleep Science Coach certified by Spencer Institute and founder at Sleepingocean.

Alex’s journey to the world of sleep product reviews started when he first read his favorite book on sleep. With time, Alex Savy began to understand how big of a role a mattress and other sleep accessories play when it comes to restful slumber. That’s why Alex Savy decided to start reviewing mattresses and other sleep products. Having written over 100 articles about sleep and sleep-related products, Alex Savy enjoys diving deep into the topic and discovering what can help people get a good night’s rest. 

2. Light blue

Light blue may be admired for its therapeutic, sky-like qualities, but experts urge against this natural hue in the bedroom. In the same way that Alex avoids white for its stimulation, he explains that light blue is similarly provocative. 'Light blue is a cool color that can also create an illusion of daylight,' he says. 'It's better to choose dark blue and navy bed sheets instead.'

3. Red

When deciding on bedroom color ideas, you would be forgiven for thinking that a deep colour like red is a suitable shade for the space. 

However, as sleep expert and MattressNextDay CEO, Martin Seeley, explains, the 'color of love' is too overpowering for bedtime. 'Studies have shown that red has such a powerful pigment that it can even provoke aggression or anger, which is the opposite of what you want when falling asleep,' Martin says. 'Instead, you want feelings of tranquillity and for your heart rate to be slowing down.'

Alex adds that bright colors, such as red, yellow, and orange, may remind the brain of daylight associations. 'Naturally, this can lead to reduced melatonin production, causing delayed sleep or other related issues,' he adds. 

4. Brown

Robert states that 'brown bed sheets can make a room look dull and uninviting.' 

'While a neutral brown or beige color can encourage a feeling of calmness at night, the same can't be said for dark brown,' adds Martin. Brown bed sheets can leave your room feeling dreary and depressing, making it harder for a person to fall asleep at night. The problems may continue when the sun rises, too. Martin explains that this dark color can also make it harder for a person to 'find the motivation to leave their bed on a morning.' So, it is a hue to avoid if you're not a morning person. 

5. Black

'Naturally, the same can be said for the darkest color of them all – black. While the tone is reminiscent of nighttime and, therefore, suggests that it'd make the perfect pick for a duvet color, this certainly isn't the case,' Martin says. 'Black provokes negative feelings such as 'sadness, anger, and fear – all of which can keep you up at night.' 

Robert agrees. 'Black bed sheets can give off [an aesthetic] that feels too dark and serious for some bedrooms. If you're looking for a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom, you might want to avoid black bed sheets,' he adds. 

The colors to choose instead

So, you know which colors to avoid, but which are best? These are the bed sheet colors to improve sleep, according to experts. As a sleep expert, I've tried out all of these bed sheets and can confirm I have no trouble sleeping. Thinking about switching your sheets? You won't know until you try: 

FAQ

It is worth having two sets of bed sheets you can alternate between, so when it comes to changing your bedding you can switch up your bedroom style too. If you already have some bedding you love but want to try a different color to see how it may affect your sleep and the look of your room, you should buy a second set.