What colors make a small bedroom look more expensive? 9 shades for a sophisticated sleep space

Color is a powerful decorating tool that can transform the look and feel of a small bedroom. Depending on what shades you choose, color can instantly soothe and relax or energize and enliven a space, and as bedrooms are places where we rest and recuperate, it's important to get the mood right. 

Warm colors can cocoon and comfort while cool recede and bring freshness, but what colors make a small bedroom look more expensive? 

We asked interior designers to share their insights on choosing the most luxurious bedroom color ideas for small spaces – this is what they had to say.

What colors make a small bedroom look more expensive?

According to the experts, when choosing colors that make a bedroom look more expensive, decorating with earthy, warm tones alongside timeless neutrals is a brilliant way to create a luxurious, sophisticated feel for bedroom ideas in a smaller space, while still keeping the space feeling open and bright. 

Alternatively, for those looking to lean into the cocooning, snug feel of compact bedrooms, try color drenching in rich jewel tones such as peacock and ocean blues. Historically these deep blues alongside purples have been associated with wealth and prestige. 

'A neutral color palette has quickly become known for its 'quiet luxury' and 'whispering wealth' look. Many are leaning towards these for a refined and understated space that isn't ostentatious, but still feels expensive and elegant,’ says Elena DeStefano, principal designer and founder of Studio Lane Interiors.

‘We have found our clients like to create cozy and calming sanctuaries for themselves, and neutral paint colors are the perfect backdrop for this; they will always be sophisticated and timeless.'

‘Any colors can achieve a high-end look as long as they are balanced, complement each other, and are used thoughtfully throughout the space,' explains Florida-based interior designer Teresa Cannon. 'I’ve seen designers create rooms with bold patterns and rich colors, and rooms that are soft and use a neutral color palette, and both can look equally expensive and luxurious. The key to the “expensive” luxury bedroom look is to be considerate when choosing the pieces for your room, no matter what color scheme you intend to use.’

These are the nine colors interior designers look to when making a small bedroom look more expensive.

1. Choose timeless neutrals

When decorating a small bedroom you can't go wrong with layering warm neutrals to create a cozy and sophisticated space. Provided you combine different textures, decorating with neutrals brings the quiet luxury trend to a small bedroom space and is guaranteed to stay looking elegant across the years. To get it right, introduce opulent materials such as metallics, velvet and silk.

‘Creams and beiges are great for small bedrooms. They create a feeling of luxury through serenity and provide a canvas for a neutral palette that is bright, but also enveloping and warm,’ says Gaia Guidi Filippi, founder of Gaia G Interiors. ‘When layered with beautiful wood tones and soft, inviting fabrics on the bedding and any upholstered furnishings in the room, it makes for an elegant look.’ 

Gaia Guidi Filippi

Gaia Guidi Filippi is the owner and Principal Designer of Gaia G Interiors in Dallas, TX. She founded her interior design firm out of a love of combining her innate creativity, discerning eye and endless resourcefulness to help people create spaces they can’t stop looking at. Her creative process merges beauty and functionality, culminating in bespoke, design-forward yet welcoming spaces.

2. Layer warm, earthy shades

Interior designer Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina agrees that neutrals are the way to go in a small bedroom. In this neutral bedroom, Alexandra turned to darker tones such as taupe and grey-brown to create a more cozy, moody and opulent feel. 

‘We never shy from a deep color scheme for a bedroom. Not only do they create a cozy feel, they also feel confident and curated. People tend to shy away from dark colors unless aided by a designer, so ultimately it gives a luxurious feel as well, perhaps something you don’t see every day,’ says Alexandra Azat.

‘Layering colors and textures is a huge piece of the puzzle of making a room look full and rich.  Often, clients are surprised by the number of pillows, throws and unique fabrics necessary to achieve this look.  When choosing room color ideas, it is important to pay attention to the undertone of the shade. We love using Farrow & Ball because they are such masters of the undertone. In this case, Mouse's Back was paired with Drop Cloth – no matter the lighting, they remain a strong, rich, brown-backed neutral color.’ 

Alexandra Azat

Alex launched her first creative business, Blush Event Designers at the age of 23, where she created spaces for a discerning clientele ranging from BVLGARI to Aaron Rogers.  After purchasing her first historic property, built in 1915, and turning it into the home of her dreams, a passion for interior design was ignited. After a 15-year career in the luxury event space, she pivoted her company to focus on interior design and in 2019 launched as Plaster & Patina.

3. Opt for warm, cocooning colors

According to the experts, warm, earthy colors such as caramels, browns and terracotta tones are growing in popularity as we seek grounding, restful spaces that connect us with nature. Cocooning and inviting they make a wonderful choice for making a small bedroom feel even more cozy.

‘Rich, warm colors based on umber and ochre, and soft golds deliver cocooning, restful and charming spaces that feel sumptuous and inviting – perfect for a bedroom where they can create an enticing and luxurious ambiance,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director and marketing director at Little Greene. ‘These richer neutrals gently suffuse light with warmth to create a cozy enveloping atmosphere that appeals to all the senses.'

‘For tranquil spaces like your bedroom or bathroom, the comforting and calming Nether Red is ideal. This beautiful and profound mud red is a warm neutral that is comfortable in both classic and contemporary interiors, use on all walls for an enveloping scheme.'

We explore more cozy room ideas in our dedicated feature.

4. Embrace deep ocean blues

Decorating with blue in deep indigo and ocean blue hues is a popular choice for small bedrooms. Not only do they create a cozy atmosphere, they make a great backdrop for accessories in metallics and rich burnt orange tones.

'I used a deep blue for my bedroom because it creates a serene atmosphere, aiding relaxation and restful sleep,' explains interior designer Andrea Benedettiniof this beautiful bedroom scheme. 'A deep blue makes a bedroom feel more luxurious by adding a sense of depth and richness to the space. This sophisticated hue often evokes a sense of timeless elegance.'

'I love to pair this color with bronze accents and neutral textiles to create a refined feel. Deep blue also makes a room feel more intimate and cozy, perfect for creating a personal retreat within your home.'

5. Introduce jewel accent colors

Decorating with jewel tones such as teal, emerald, sapphire, ruby reds and even topaz purples can make a bedroom feel wonderfully expensive-looking. Used wall-to-wall they can sometimes feel overwhelming, so why not use it over a headboard as done here with the Elsie headboard in Teal Mohair velvet fabric from Trove by Studio Duggan?

‘To add depth and richness, consider deep jewel tones such as emerald green, navy blue, or rich burgundy. These colors introduce a sense of drama and elegance, especially when used on accent walls or in accessories like throw pillows and curtains,’ says interior designer Elissa Hall, founder of EDH Interiors. 

'I once transformed a client's bedroom by incorporating a deep navy feature wall behind a tufted headboard, complemented by gold-framed artwork and crisp white linens. The result was a striking yet balanced aesthetic that felt luxurious and inviting.'

6. Choose a luxurious wallpaper in a subtle color

When decorating a bedroom texture is just as important as color. For a luxurious feel in a small bedroom, choose colorful bedroom wallpaper ideas that create a sense of richness and depth suggests Gaia Guidi Filippi.

'I absolutely love to use wallpaper in bedrooms to convey a color story, tending to opt less for prints and more all-over color that has movement and intrigue, such as an ombré or a paper with a lot of texture, like this one. That allows me to keep the bedroom soothing, yet layered and intriguing,' says Gaia Guidi Filippi.

‘In this main bedroom we selected a shimmery green wall covering that can read more green or more gold, depending on the light and where it’s hitting it as well as the time of day. It’s not a straightforward color, it has nuance and interest and depth, which makes it look incredibly luxurious.’

‘The wall covering in this bedroom is a hemp layer atop a metallic ground, which gives it that extra infusion of luxury. It also plays off of other metallic finishes in the room, such as an elegant crystal and brass chandelier.’

7. Embrace metallics

Nothing says opulence more than wall-to-wall metallics. Warm and luxurious, gold and brass glimmer in the evening light for a cozy and magical space. To capture the look there are plenty of metallic wallpapers available, but there are also paints too, such as FTT-001™ from Mylands pictured here.

‘Historically associated with wealth and opulence, gold hasn’t typically been chosen for bedrooms for risk of appearing garish and overwhelming, but its warm tones create a gentle, glowing atmosphere ideal for an intimate and sophisticated space,' says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. 'It also goes with almost everything making it easy to decorate with. Sella Concept drenched this bedroom floor-to-ceiling in Myalnds’ FTT-001™ to great effect; it’s a beautiful space that feels modern but enticing.'

8. Go for soft peach and plaster pink hues

Feminine and calming, warm pastel shades such as plaster pinks and peach are a popular choice for small bedrooms as they bring subtle color along with a mood of elegance and sophistication. 

'I love color and colorful bedrooms, but I think the key to sophistication in a small space is to avoid overly saturated hues,' explains Louise Copeland, founder of L.B. Copeland Interiors. 'While many people prefer their bedrooms to be calming, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to neutrals. Soft, muted tones like blue-gray, olive green, or pale peach can create a soothing and sophisticated ambiance.'

9. Choose colors inspired by nature

Evocative of the soothing and healing properties of nature, decorating with green is a perennially popular color choice for bedrooms. For a luxurious take on a zen bedroom try rich olive tones teamed with warm natural wood keeping furnishings to a minimum.

Shades of green with a warm, olive undertone are great for small bedrooms as they will add a rich, depth and luxurious feel to a space, much more so than lighter shades of the nature-inspired hue,' says James Gomez, co-founder of Yarn Collective. 

'This kind of olive-green shade works particularly well with timeless, mid-century and contemporary styles and the easiest way to incorporate it into a bedroom is with bedspreads and cushions in natural materials such as velvets and linen satin blends.'

Layering these kinds of luxurious textiles in tone-on-tone color will not only create a focal point but will add a softness to your bedroom and create a cozy and expressive interior that’s perfect for sleeping comfort.'

What color is best for a small bedroom?

Of course, everyone has different preferences, but as we have explored in this piece, there are a few select shades that work wonderfully in small bedrooms.

Layering warm neutrals is a great way to create a timeless and luxurious feel in a small bedroom whilst keeping the space feeling calm and cozy. Alternatively, if you're more confident with color, lean to rich jewel tones such as deep blue, teal and even purple for a dramatic yet sophisticated look – historically these colors have been associated with wealth and prestige, so are great for a more luxurious look, too. 

However, creating a beautiful bedroom space doesn't just involve color choice, most interior designers agree that the key is choosing high-quality materials and layering sumptuous textures such as metallics, silk and velvet.