7 Paint Colors That Promote Wellness at Home

When you choose a paint color for your home, your overarching design aesthetic and existing décor are often top of mind. With that said, it's also important to consider how certain shades make you feel—especially since the colors on your walls can even improve your overall wellness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

"Wall color is proven to have a profound effect on a person's mood because a color's energy can influence how you feel in a space," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. If you're looking to create a space that promotes relaxation, there are a few different hues to consider when picking out your next paint color.

Blue

If you find tranquility in the great outdoors, consider painting your walls blue. "Biophilic hues like blues and greens pull from nature to promote balance and create a soothing atmosphere," says Wadden. The color is also associated with feelings of peace, serenity, and truth. "Soft blues have always been brought into spaces for relaxation—not just bedrooms or bathrooms, but spas and wellness spaces, too," says Rachael Grochowski, founder and principal architect at RHG Architecture + Design.

Purple

If you need to get some work (or deep thinking) done, turn to purple, which is associated with wisdom and spirituality. It is also the color of transformation—so it's perfect for your next big breakthrough. Look for pastel variations in lavender, orchid, and lilac. "Unless you are designing a meditation space for reflection, stay clear of eggplant and royal purple," says certified color therapist Eleyne-Mari Sharp. "These colors are too intense and may cause you to feel negative and fearful."

Green

Like blue, shades of green also evoke feelings commonly associated with nature. The color represents harmony, healing, regeneration, and love. "Select a soothing mint green, honey dew, sage, or celery for just about any room in your home," says Sharp.

White

If you're a minimalist, you can never go wrong with white walls. "Some people are naturally drawn to white because it represents solitude, purity, and cleanliness," Sharp says. "White offers a blank slate, a do-over, and sometimes, that's exactly what our hearts need."

All-white bedrooms may appear pretty and even cloud-like, but they can also feel clinical. To avoid a sterile atmosphere, balance white paint with soft pink, lavender, or sky blue details.

Beige

Beige is like white's older sister—it's an understated neutral, but still offers a subtle pop of color. "A highly empathetic and sensitive person will mesh well with a neutral backdrop as it allows for a sense of peace," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. "From there, you can choose to layer in other colors, textures and décor items to add more energy in a space."

Pink

Believe it or not, pink is a restful color associated with compassion and unconditional love. "Turn to pink for the ultimate pampering experience, but opt for the softer, paler varieties," says Sharp. "If the color is too bold—like hot pink—you are more likely to become agitated or energetic, which is the opposite of what you want."

Taupe

This dark gray-brown hue will give your home a relaxed, cozy feeling. Different from other neutrals like beige and cream, taupe offers a subtle warmth that infuses spaces with an elevated layer of comfort. "Neutrals with warm undertones tend to promote a cozier environment and can help transform a space into a sanctuary," says Wadden.