Choosing the right paint colors for a nursery is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby. The colors you choose for the nursery walls and decor will set the aesthetic tone of the room. When selecting nursery paint colors, there are a few key factors to consider. The colors should create a soothing, peaceful environment for the baby. They should also reflect the personality of the parents and the style of the nursery. By choosing the right nursery wall paint colors, you can create a space that will grow with your child in the early years.
Calming Colors
When deciding on nursery paint colors, opt for soft, calming hues. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so it’s important to avoid over-stimulating colors. Cool tones like blues, greens, grays, and purples are excellent paint color choices for nurseries. These hues have a relaxing, soothing effect which helps create a peaceful environment for baby. Some popular calming paint colors for nurseries include:
– Pale blue – Evokes feelings of tranquility and is associated with new beginnings.
– Light gray – Provides a neutral backdrop and balances energetic accent colors.
– Lavender – Has soothing, relaxing properties that encourage restful sleep.
– Mint green – Crisp, light green has a refreshing feel.
– Seafoam – A soft green-blue that creates a serene mood.
In addition to calming paint colors, consider choosing a light tint or shade which will make the color less intense. Lighter versions of blue, green, purple and gray are ideal for nursery spaces.
Happy Colors
While cool tones help create a relaxing environment, babies also spend a lot of their awake time in the nursery, so it’s nice to incorporate some cheerful, uplifting colors too. Certain hues like yellow, orange, and pink evoke happiness and encourage positive emotions. These fun colors add youthful energy to the nursery when used in moderation. Some happy paint colors for nurseries include:
– Pale yellow – Associated with joy, hope and optimism. A bright neutral.
– Soft peach – Has a gentle, warm, welcoming vibe. Works for either gender.
– Pastel orange – Feels energetic, but not overpowering.
– Coral pink – Perfect for a feminine nursery. Feels playful and loving.
– Buttercream – A gender neutral soft yellow that feels cheery but not overpowering.
Use these youthful hues on one accent wall or on smaller design elements like artwork, pillows, curtains or rugs to add pops of color to the calming main palette.
Gender Neutral Colors
If you want to design a nursery suitable for either a baby boy or girl, there are many gender neutral paint options to choose from. Stick with soft muted tones and versatile shades like:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| White | Pure, clean and open. Great nursery wall color. |
| Beige | Warm neutral that feels cozy and soothing. |
| Gray | From light to charcoal, gray works for any gender. |
| Yellow | A cheery, unisex hue. Avoid bright primary yellow. |
| Green | Light green shades feel calm, refreshing and neutral. |
| Lavender | A versatile purple shade suitable for either gender. |
Whites and neutrals open up smaller nursery spaces and create a relaxing backdrop you can build on. Pair soft neutral walls with colorful accessories, art and fabrics to add visual interest.
Themes and Accents
Nursery paint colors can reflect themes or motifs you want to incorporate into the room. For example:
– Woodland theme: Paint one wall an earthy brown or deep green to evoke the feel of a forest.
– Ocean or nautical theme: Go for a pale denim blue or sand color on the walls.
– Safari theme: Opt for beige, tan or khaki wall colors.
– Space theme: Dark blue, purple or silver gray paint works well.
Once you pick suitable wall colors, you can bring in theme elements with decor items, bedding, artwork and accessories. Use paint on one wall or an accent wall as a jumping off point for the nursery design.
Considerations and Tips
– Pick a darker paint color for walls and ceilings, lighter for trim and furniture. This helps ground the space.
– Only use bright, intense colors as accents. Limit bold hues to small doses like artwork or decorative items.
– If choosing a bright accent wall, opt for saturated, deeper tones rather than neon brights. Soft watercolor hues also work well.
– Select a paint with low or no VOC to avoid introducing harmful chemicals. Many brands offer no VOC nursery paint options.
– For high contrast, pair light walls with dark furniture or vice versa. This creates visual interest.
– Visit the nursery at different times of day to see how the light changes. You may need different colors for a south or north facing room.
– Purchase sample pots and paint tester strips to view colors on the walls before deciding. Colors look different on a wall vs. a tiny chip.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal nursery color palette comes down to setting the right mood and style for your new baby’s room. Aim for a soothing, peaceful environment by using light, calming colors like blues, grays, and purples on the walls. Then inject warmth, energy and personality with cheerful accent colors like soft yellow, peach or neutral beige and white. Gender neutral hues are great for a baby room too. Consider colors that will reflect the theme or style of the space. With some careful testing and planning, you can pick the perfect nursery paint colors.
