9 Guest Room Paint Shades Interior Designers Recommend

Decorating a guest room can feel like a challenge. Though it’s a space you may use the least, you still want it to be warm and inviting for your visitors. So, where do you begin?

According to interior designer Laititia Laurent, the starting point should be the paint color for the room. 'Guest rooms are meant to be a welcoming haven, and color is key in setting the mood,' she explains. 'I like to consider the overall color scheme and theme of the rest of the house, so the guest room fits seamlessly into the home's aesthetic.' This thoughtful approach makes the guest space feel like a natural extension of the home, immediately making guests feel at ease. Continue reading for more expert tips on selecting the perfect guest room paint colors that will leave your visitors impressed by their stay.

Neutral Hues

White, off-white, and gray

Neutral tones like off-white, beige, or gray are favored choices for guest room walls. "Subtle, warm neutrals create a wonderful atmosphere and bring in a cozy vibe without overwhelming the senses," says Laurent. She recommends Farrow and Ball’s Tallow and Matchstick, two refined beige shades that offer an understated, inviting warmth. Similarly, neutrals can evoke a "gentle, soothing ambiance," according to designer Alice Moszyznski. She suggests Sherwin-Williams' Pussywillow and Fawn Brindle, both beautiful neutral shades with hints of gray that remain warm and inviting rather than cold.

Subdued Tones

Soft Blue, Green, or Pink

To introduce a touch of color, many interior designers agree that muted tones are among the best options for a guest bedroom. "Guest rooms should evoke the feel of an elegant bed and breakfast," says designer Mimi Meacham. "I prefer calming hues with a hint of color, creating a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere." For a timeless and serene option, blue is a great choice. Meacham recommends Borrowed Light by Farrow and Ball, a gentle pale blue, while Moszyznski suggests the slightly richer Aleutian and Distance shades by Sherwin-Williams.

Green can also be a wonderful choice for a guest bedroom, evoking an earthy sense of serenity. Meacham proposes Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt, a cool sage green with blue undertones. For something more warm-toned, consider Guilford Green by Benjamin Moore. If blues and greens aren’t your thing, Meacham also recommends the ever-so-slightly pink Peau de Soie by Benjamin Moore, which imparts just enough color to be noticeable, but not overpowering.

Rich Tones

Navy, Charcoal, Forest Green

If you enjoy experimenting with colors in the rest of your home, extend that vibrant energy into the guest bedroom too. Laurent suggests colors like Hopper Head or Drawing Room Blue from Farrow and Ball, which "can introduce depth and sophistication, particularly when paired with crisp white bedding or light wood accents." While choosing a bold color might feel daunting, when done right, it can transform the space into an elegant and impressive retreat for guests.

If you're aiming for the depth of a saturated color but don't want to commit to it throughout the room, consider pairing it with a more subdued tone. "For a cozy vibe, try adding an accent wall in a slightly richer shade, such as a warm greige or soft sage green, to enhance the room’s depth without overwhelming the space," suggests Moszyznski. Her recommendations include Mountain Road by Sherwin-Williams, Deep Creek by Benjamin Moore, or Monkey Puzzle by Farrow and Ball. These colors bring warmth and dimension to the room.

Colors to Steer Clear Of

"I’d avoid overly bright or bold shades that could be too stimulating, like reds or oranges," advises Moszyznski. While vibrant colors work well in lively spaces like dining rooms, they can be too intense for a guest room.

To establish a welcoming and calming atmosphere that helps guests unwind and feel at ease, opt for neutrals, muted tones, or rich shades of gray, blue, or beige, complemented by lighter furniture and decor.