Colour Psychology for B&Bs: Pick Wall Prints That Earn Rave Guest Reviews
Fact: A 2024 survey found 83 % of travellers say interior décor directly influences their review score.
Translation? The colours you hang on your walls can mean the difference between a polite four-star rating and a glowing five-star rave.
If you run a bed-and-breakfast, boutique inn, or vacation rental, you already know details matter—from welcome cookies to pillow firmness. But one of the cheapest and quickest upgrades you can make is swapping out wall art to harness the power of colour psychology.
Below, we’ll break down which hues inspire calm, conversation, or Insta-worthy awe, and we’ll pair each with Newfoundland-inspired prints from Driftwood Creations that guests can’t stop talking about.
Why Colour Psychology Matters in Hospitality
Colour isn’t just eye-candy; it’s an emotional thermostat. Research shows shades can:
- Lower or raise heart rate, affecting sleep quality.
- Alter perceived cleanliness—dingy beige makes rooms feel dated; crisp blues feel spa-fresh.
- Influence social behaviour (warm hues encourage chit-chat over breakfast).
When guests feel relaxed, energised, or pleasantly surprised—your review section practically writes itself.
Quick Primer: Warm vs. Cool Tones
- Cool Colours (blues, greens, purples): evoke calm, focus, and spaciousness.
- Warm Colours (reds, oranges, yellows): spark energy, appetite, and sociability.
- Neutrals & Earth Tones (greys, browns): ground a space and let accents shine.
Want a deeper dive? Check our guide: Wall Art Colour Psychology.
Colour Goals for Every B&B Space
Let's break things down by spaces.
Bedrooms → Calm & Restorative
Guests come to sleep, so lean on tranquil blues and gentle greens.
- Recommended Print: Arctic Acrobat – White Fox in Flight. The soft teal aurora and smooth fox silhouette lower visual “noise,” nudging guests toward deeper rest.
- Tip: Keep bedding neutral so the print becomes the serene focal point.
Dining Areas → Warm & Social
Breakfast chatter flows better under warm, sunrise hues.
- Recommended Print: Rainbow Reflection Puffin. Sunset oranges and golden highlights stimulate appetite—and selfies.
- Tip: Hang 6–8 inches above the buffet table to anchor the food zone.
Hallways & Entry → Memorable First Impression
First impressions stick like sea air to a saltbox. Choose a bold accent.
- Recommended Print: Northern Lights – Whale’s Farewell. Electric greens and deep indigos elicit audible wows the moment guests cross the threshold.
- Tip: Add a spotlight or sconce to enhance the aurora glow.
Print Pairings in Action
|
Space |
Colour Goal |
Driftwood Print |
Why It Works |
|
Suite Bedroom |
Calm blues/greens |
Arctic Acrobat |
Encourages relaxation; matches coastal linens. |
|
Breakfast Nook |
Warm, social hues |
Rainbow Reflection Puffin |
Stimulates appetite & conversation. |
|
Front Hall |
High-impact accent |
Northern Lights – Whale’s Farewell |
Sets a premium, unforgettable tone. |
5-Step Colour Selection Checklist
- Define the room’s primary purpose (sleep, eat, connect).
- Pick one dominant mood colour (e.g., teal for calm).
- Choose 1–2 accents that complement linens or furniture.
- Match print size to wall: Statement width ≈ ⅔ of furniture width.
- Test lighting day & night; colours shift under warm bulbs.
Seasonal Rotations = Repeat Bookings
Travellers love “new” spaces. Rotate art twice a year:
- Winter: Warm reds/oranges (Puffins, Hands of Time) add coziness.
- Summer: Cool blues/greens (Northern Lights, Moose in the Mist) feel fresh.
Update listing photos after each swap; returning guests will book just to see what’s new.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-saturating tiny rooms—bold everywhere drains guests.
- Ignoring linens & pillows—clashing shades look amateur.
- Neglecting frame colour—Black frames on dark walls disappear; white frames pop.
Final Thoughts: Right Colours, Five-Star Reviews
When guests sleep soundly, socialise happily, and gasp at your entryway art—the reviews (and re-bookings) roll in. The secret is simple: deploy colour psychology strategically.
Ready to transform your B&B? Explore our colour-coded collections:
- Northern Lights Prints – cool, calming centrepieces
- Puffins in Hoodies – warm, conversation-starting statements
Measure, match, and watch those five-star reviews paint themselves.