What is the best color to paint a basement bedroom?

Question

We have a bi-level house with 2 bedrooms downstairs that each have a south facing window. Neither gets direct sunlight. We have new drywall (due to a sewage back-up in spring flooding) and need to paint those bedrooms. We plan painting the ceilings white. What is a good color for the walls? We'd like to stick with something classical. The flooring will have a beige tile. Room & tiling photos attached. I am thinking a light blue would look good.

AK Complete Home Renovations · Answer

This is a great color palette paired with the tile you posted: Silver Sage Paint Collection by Restoration Hardware http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1161246

Kim C · Answer

I love Chocolate Froth by Behr, it is a really really light true beige and looks great with white trim, it is not dark but a nice subtle neutral, it will keep the basement feeling light but cozy.

Cyndi Moore Tippett · Answer

I have that same tile in my MBathoom....You could paint a mocha color or the gray/blue in the tile would be pretty. I am also looking at painting the bathroom walls a soft teal color. Because the tile is so neutral you could paint it just about any color you like. If you want the walls to pop in color try a coral/light orange or terra cotta.

KrysFL · Answer

I am really loving Stratton Blue (HC-142) by Benjamin Moore. I think it would fabulous in a basement.

Sfg178760 · Answer

I would say any bright color...since there is less light in the room. Something that will bounce light from the windows...and match the floors! Go Light blue...but maybe on the aqua side for more light! Have fun !

Barbara Thomas · Answer

I would use a light color, maybe an off white with white ceilings, and hang mirrors on the opposite wall from the window to reflect the light. Good lighting will brighten up any room. Floor lamps and 3-way lamps will set the mood you want.

Karen powell · Answer

i agree it has to play off the floor .Some tone there with in the tile. or if your gonna put a rug down pick a color out of that pallet. My basment is a yummie spring green . Its bright happy not to to deep and I can never be sad when I sit in that color ! Its like a mint juliup or spearmint color light.

My Wonderful Walls · Answer

I agree with using a light color. Something bright. Don't be afraid to use patterns too.

Rana Saleh · Answer

Dear, I think you should go light, I love white, I painted my corridor  white, as it is far away from the light, and added some spotlights in the ceiling,  and it became brighter.
After all it is your choice.

Barbara DIY Home Staging · Answer

You could take a sample of your tile to the paint store, and find a match to one of the light colors in the tile. If you have upholstered pieces that are going into the room, or even a bedspread or draperies you plan to use, look for a color in those that will work with the tile colors.

Tracy Bromage · Answer

I love a light blue in my basement Behr 'Airy' 550C-1 with 'popped corn' W-8-200 (which is a white) Its light and airy goes with just about anything, I added pops of Orange for pillows etc. looked great. I also love yellows which is a less used colour these days but always looks summery.

Kim schumacher · Answer

It depends on how much light you are getting. We painted ours a pale yellow and I love it! Really brightens it up. It used to be gray and I hated it!

Diana Rambles · Answer

Thanks everyone! We are off to HD to get the paint.

Karen powell · Answer

Mirrors to reflect the light is practial and will give alot of life to the room and use some low light plants as well they help keep the air fresh .

Carolyn Staat · Answer

Light yellow or blue green, they are cool and happy colors that won't depress you.

Sharon hazen hall · Answer

The post by 
Carolyn Statt has great suggestions. I am a retired interior decorator and have had the same decisions to make. During the winter months and because their is always limited light in the basement areas / the warm colors will reflect the available light (windows and lamps) much better. Most cool colors seem to absorb light. Good luck. 
Remember that paint is the most affordable decorating item and can be changed if you don't like it.

Carol · Answer

I like the idea of a yellow and a pale green, something that will reflect the light and not absorb it Keep us updated so we can see the results. Happy shopping.

Donna · Answer

I agree with Kim and Carol...we painted the dark back room in our house a pale butter yellow and even on dark days I get the feeling of sunshine! Since you are leaning toward light blue, the yellow would make a great backdrop for a white spread and light blue accent pieces. Good luck

Debbie Stanley · Answer

I loved a basement game room I recently saw that was painted a Sienna color. Even though it is a dark color; the paint was a semi-gloss and the shine from it caught the light from the windows and helped to brighten the room. I personally love the semi-gloss because it is so easy to clean. With the grandkids in and out it has helped with the clean up...just wipe and go.

Celia Albert · Answer

I have never been a yellow person, except with flowers, but I think a pale or buttery yellow would be nice - lots of accent colors to use with it and if you go with a pretty light blue you could bring in the light accents. I did my kids room with a yellow, blue and white and was surprised how much I liked it having never used yellow before. Would only use a light color which ever you use.

Colleen · Answer

I agree with using light colors, but accents that add that pop of color makes the difference. Also check out lighting options...very important.

B. Enne · Answer

I put a light buttery cream yellow in mine and love it. It was originally white--too stark and cold, and then dark for a 'media room'. The yellow is cheerful but not too bright or garish.

Kim schumacher · Answer

What color did you end up painting it, Diana?

What is the best color to paint a basement bedroom?

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What is the best color to paint a basement bedroom?

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