Creating Your Dream Palette: Q&A with COAT

If there is one thing we love almost as much as beautiful bedding, it’s beautiful walls. A bedroom isn’t just about the sheets you tuck yourself into, it’s about the whole feeling of the room. The light, the textures, and, of course, the colour. That’s why we are super excited to sit down with our friends at COAT Paints.

Like us, COAT is a brand that believes in doing things the right way. They are obsessed with quality, champions of finding your own style and, just like us, they want to help you create a home that feels authentically you.

To help us with undertones, trends, and total tranquillity, we grabbed a (virtual) cuppa with Abi Moody, Brand Manager at COAT, to get her expert take on how to make paint and textiles work in perfect harmony.

We often talk about how our linen bedding feels against your skin, but the colour on your walls plays just as big a role in how you rest. According to Abi, colour has a "quiet power" to shape how we feel, and the bedroom is the perfect space to lean into that.

She suggests that warm neutrals and taupe tones are especially sleep-friendly because they wrap the room in softness and encourage the body to unwind. Unlike sharper whites or overly bright colours, these shades strike a delicate balance. They are grounding enough to feel safe and enveloping, yet light enough not to overwhelm. 

Shades like Duvet Day (a warm greige) or Well Grounded (a taupe with depth) create a gentle backdrop that instantly slows the pace. These tones mirror the softness of linen and the earthy palette of the natural world, two elements that help lower stress levels.

Choosing the right shade isn't just about what you like on the colour chart, but about understanding your room's colour scheme. North-facing bedrooms can often feel a little cooler, so they benefit from warm neutrals with a red or beige undertone to counteract that cool light.

South-facing rooms, meanwhile, can happily take a slightly cooler taupe. This feels airy but still restful in bright daylight. In both cases, these neutrals layer beautifully with natural textures like linen, wool, or rattan, enhancing the sense of calm without drawing attention to themselves.

While we prefer timeless style over fleeting fads, it is always inspiring to see what palettes are emerging. COAT is seeing a move towards what they call the "Grubby Ramble" edit - think greyed-greens and muted, mossy tones grounded in nature.

Butter yellow with ochre warmth is also having a moment, with shades like Cheap Soufflé and Gwen designed to work beautifully even in dim UK light. Finally, earthy browns and clays are seeing renewed popularity thanks to their comfort and depth.

Abi’s top layering tip for these new shades is to pair painted walls with natural linen or wool cushions and blankets in complementary tones. Think olive greens on butter-yellow walls, or rich, clay-soft grey linens in a brown-toned space. The natural textures add dimension and longevity to the palette.

If you have ever painted a room only to find it looks different to what you expected, it is likely down to the undertone. For linen fabrics that skew golden or warm, go with neutrals like Duvet Day or Well Grounded, which feature a hint of red. This gives warmth without drifting into magnolia territory.

For cooler linen tones, like silvery linen or breezy naturals, choose cool-based greys like On Mute or Sunday Soul. They are still soft and restful but properly attuned to your textiles. Ideally, view your fabric samples next to your Peel & Stick paint samples in both morning and late afternoon light to pinpoint the perfect match.

Whether you have a grand master suite or a compact box room, colour can transform the sense of space. Small rooms benefit from clever design moves, such as painting the walls and ceiling in the same light, neutral colour to blur edges and visually expand the height. Reflective textures, like silky linen cushions and soft velvet, will bounce light even on softly coloured walls.

Alternatively, you can go dark for drama. An off-black with a bluey undertone, like David Rose, can make a compact room feel atmospheric, especially when balanced with crisp white bedding and gold-tone bedside lamps for depth and luxe contrast.

And don't forget the "fifth wall", the ceiling. Painting it in the same colour as the walls reduces visual interruptions and makes the space feel higher and more expansive. If you opt for contrast, choose a lighter or slightly cooler version of your wall shade to maintain harmony, tying in linen curtains or bedding.

To help you get started, Abi shared her favourite timeless pairings that work every time.

• For a calm and enveloping feel: Pair Duvet Day (soft warm greige) with stone or oat-toned linen curtains. This creates a tonal, layered scheme.

• For a fresh and elegant look: Pair Well Grounded (rich taupe) with off-white or chalky linen. The light curtains balance the depth of the taupe perfectly.

• For gentle sophistication: Pair Good Intentions (soft mushroom) with warm grey or natural flax linen to highlight the subtle mushroom undertones.

• For a soothing, neutral vibe: Pair Pampas (warm beige) with creamy linen with plenty of texture to layer depth.

• For a modern, romantic touch: Pair Sybil (plaster pink) with warm ivory or natural oat linen. It’s romantic without being sugary.

• For drama and depth: Pair Brasserie Brown (deep chocolatey taupe) with soft beige or rich cream linen. The linen curtains stop the dark colour from feeling heavy.

Neutrals, taupes, soft pinks, and earthy browns all share a grounded, natural quality. Pairing them with linen enhances that tactility, ensuring the look feels layered, timeless, and sleep-friendly. 

We hope this leaves you feeling inspired to pick up a paintbrush and refresh your space. For more decor inspiration, visit our blog.