Children’s rooms were traditionally dominated by the two old classics: pale blue for boys, pastel pink for girls.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with those old standbys, but try thinking outside of the box, too. If you’re painting a child’s room soon, consider other colors that might “age” better as the child grows, or, simply, colors that more accurately reflect your child’s personality.
Here is a list of five kids’ room paint colors to help spur your creativity.
1. Dark Blue
Dark blue is an interesting twist on the paler, pastel version of blue sometimes seen in boy’s rooms.
Blue is a cool color that’s noted for having a calming effect and what child doesn’t need a little help with staying calm? Plus, by choosing a dark blue over a pastel blue, it’s more likely that your child will enjoy the color much longer, as it’s more mature.
Pair a deep navy or royal blue with white trim and pops of bright colors like yellow, orange, or red.
2. Yellow
Frequently chosen as a wall color for a unisex nursery, yellow is a great color for a child’s room. This cheerful, happy color can help with concentration and foster positive feelings. It can also make a room appear larger, so it’s a smart choice for smaller bedrooms.
A very bright yellow might be a bit too stimulating for some children, so opt for a soft yellow, or, if you do go bright, balance it out with cool, complementary accents like blue or gray.
3. A Simple Neutral
There’s no rule that says you must paint a child’s room a bright color. Classic neutrals work, too — think beige, gray, or an off-white eggshell, as suggested by this company.
The great thing about neutrals is that they are timeless. As your child ages, you can routinely update their decor without being limited by the wall color.
4. Green
Available in a multitude of shades, green is the perfect, underrated bedroom color. The earthy tone can have a soothing, calming effect. It may also increase reading ability and comprehension. It looks great paired with white trim and wood furniture.
If you do choose green, a lighter shade is best — very dark greens might be too gloomy. Think sage or mint.
5. Chalkboard Paint
For a unique and fun option, go for chalkboard paint.
This dark color does just what its name implies: turns the painted surfaces into chalkboards. In addition to being fun for kids, it can also be useful for learning purposes. Plus, what kid doesn’t want the go-ahead to write on the walls?
Because it’s a dark color, consider using it on just one or two walls. Or, paint it up to chair-rail height and use a lighter color for the top half of the walls.
Finding the Right Kids’ Room Paint Colors
Ultimately, the best kids’ room paint colors are the ones that you and your children will love (for more than just a few years, ideally). Think outside the box, get creative, and have fun with it!
If this article was helpful, check out our other fatherhood advice articles, including helping with homework and navigating single fatherhood.