When choosing a paint finish for a child’s bedroom, there are a few key factors to consider. The main goal is typically to create a durable, easy-to-clean surface that will withstand regular wear and tear. At the same time, the paint finish should also contribute to the aesthetic of the room and help promote a fun, creative environment. By evaluating aspects such as washability, durability, appearance, and environmental health, parents can select the ideal paint finish for their kids’ spaces.
Washability
One of the top priorities for a kids’ room paint is washability. Children’s rooms tend to get dirty frequently from fingerprints, crayon marks, food stains, and more. Choosing a paint with a scrubbable, washable finish makes cleaning much easier. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints are all considered washable finishes. Of the three, semi-gloss provides the most stain resistance and scrubability. The higher gloss allows marks to be wiped off without removing the paint. Satin is nearly as washable as semi-gloss, while also having a bit of sheen. Eggshell is washable but more prone to staining than satin or semi-gloss.
| Paint Finish | Washability |
|---|---|
| Semi-gloss | Most washable |
| Satin | Nearly as washable as semi-gloss |
| Eggshell | Washable but more prone to stains |
Durability
Durability is another essential factor when selecting a paint for high-traffic areas like kids’ rooms. The finish needs to stand up to repeated cleaning, furniture moving, balls bouncing, and kids touching the walls. Semi-gloss paint again rates the highest for durability. Its harder, glossy surface resists scratches, scuffs, and wear and tear. Satin is the second most durable option. It withstands typical use but can suffer scuffs over time. Eggshell and flat paints lack durability for active kids’ spaces. Their softer, porous surfaces dent and scuff easily.
| Paint Finish | Durability |
|---|---|
| Semi-gloss | Most durable |
| Satin | Second most durable |
| Eggshell | Prone to scuffs/wear |
| Flat | Least durable |
Appearance
The paint finish also affects the overall look and feel of a kids’ bedroom. Flat paint has a matte appearance that hides imperfections well but lacks dimension. Eggshell has a soft velvety look while still providing some shine. Satin offers a low luster that catches and reflects light softly. Semi-gloss has the highest reflective quality, adding vibrancy and depth to the space. The visual appeal of the finish comes down to personal preference. But satin and semi-gloss are great choices for accent walls or vivid paint colors.
| Paint Finish | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Flat | Matte, not reflective |
| Eggshell | Soft velvety look |
| Satin | Subtle light reflection |
| Semi-gloss | Very reflective and vibrant |
Environmental Health
Since kids spend so much time in their bedrooms, it’s important to evaluate the environmental health of paint choices. Paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) minimize exposure to chemicals that can be toxic. Brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams offer no-VOC and low-VOC options in various finishes. Buying high-quality paint from reputable manufacturers ensures safety as well. Green certification labels to look for include Green Seal and Greenguard Gold. Avoid finishes with added formaldehyde.
| Paint Type | VOC Level |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Higher VOCs |
| Low-VOC | Reduced VOCs |
| No-VOC | Zero VOCs |
Best Finish for Each Paint Area
Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons of various kids’ room paint finishes, here are some recommendations for where to use each one:
Ceiling: Flat or eggshell for their subtle sheen. Avoid glossiness.
Walls: Eggshell or satin for washability. Satin provides more durability for active walls.
Accent Walls: Semi-gloss or satin for vibrancy. Satin is easier to clean.
Doors/Trim: Semi-gloss for its shiny finish and scrubability.
Furniture: Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss for protection. Match sheen to walls.
So in summary:
– Ceilings: flat or eggshell
– Main walls: eggshell or satin
– Accent walls: satin or semi-gloss
– Doors/trim: semi-gloss
– Furniture: satin, semi-gloss, or gloss
Following these guidelines helps select durable, washable finishes where needed while allowing some flexibility to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Conclusion
When choosing paint finishes for kids’ bedrooms, consider how washable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and safe each option is. Semi-gloss rates well for washability, durability, and accent walls but may be too shiny for main walls. Satin provides a good mid-range choice combining decent scrubability and sheen. Eggshell works for main walls but lacks durability. Flat paint should be avoided due to staining and denting. Prioritize low or no-VOC paint from reputable brands as well. Following the guidelines above helps narrow down the optimal paint finish for every surface in a child’s room. With the right combination of finishes, parents can achieve a space that is both functional and fun for kids.
