Choosing a paint color for a kid’s room can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. The color you choose for your child’s room should be based on their age, gender, personality and the overall look you want to achieve. Following some guidelines can help make the process easier.
Consider Your Child’s Age
The age of your child is an important factor when selecting a paint color. Babies and toddlers tend to respond best to soft, neutral colors that are not overstimulating. Colors like off-white, very light gray, pale yellow or green create a soothing environment. Older children, like elementary or middle school ages, can handle brighter, bolder colors. At this age, it’s more about choosing colors they are drawn to and get excited about.
Factor in Your Child’s Gender
Traditionally, many parents opt for blue hues for a boy’s room and pinks or purples for a girl’s room. But gender stereotypes in colors are fading, so don’t feel limited. Pick colors your child is naturally attracted to. You can find inspiration from colors used in their clothes, toys or even favorite TV shows and movies. Just because they are a girl does not mean you can’t paint their room blue if that seems to be their favorite color.
Complement Your Child’s Personality
The paint color you select can complement your child’s personality too. For energetic kids, bright, vibrant shades tend to work well. If your child is more introverted, stick with cooler, more subtle tones. Active, creative types may enjoy a fun accent wall as a focal point. Pay attention to the types of colors and palettes that seem to catch your child’s eye.
Consider the Overall Look
As you evaluate paint colors, think about the overall look and feel you want for the room. Are you going for a playful, whimsical space? Or a relaxing oasis? Cool tones like blues and greens tend to have a calming effect, while warm reds, oranges and yellows are energetic. Also factor in how much natural sunlight the room receives. North facing rooms may need lighter colors to brighten them up.
Sample Paint Swatches
Once you narrow down some colors, purchase sample size containers. Paint 2-3 foot sized swatches on the wall, letting them dry completely. This allows you to view the colors accurately in the space. The lighting may alter how they look compared to the sample chips. Evaluate them at different times of day. Make sure you and your child like the color before committing to the whole room.
Consider Undertones
Colors have undertones that can dramatically impact how they look. For example, some blues may have purple or green undertones. Be aware of these so your paint color turns out how you envisioned. Gray is a versatile color but the undertone affects its look. Cool grays have blue/purple undertones while greige or taupe grays have yellow/beige undertones.
Foolproof Color Choices
Some tried and true color choices include:
- Soft blue – calming and gender neutral
- Pale yellow – cheerful and bright
- Mint green – fresh and inviting
- Lavender – sweet and relaxing
- Light gray – sophisticated and stylish
These colors work beautifully in any nursery or kid’s room.
Creative Accent Walls
Painting one wall a different color is a simple way to add visual interest. Some fun accent wall color ideas include:
- Chalkboard paint – for drawing, writing and creativity
- Bold primary colors – vibrant and energetic
- Calming blue green – relaxing ocean tones
- Dark charcoal gray – sophisticated contrast
- Brick or faux finish – adds texture
Accent walls work best on the wall behind a bed or play area.
Themes and Motifs
You can also choose colors to match a theme or motif. Some examples include:
- Jungle theme – greens, browns, khaki
- Ocean theme – blues, teals, tans
- Space theme – purples, dark blue, silver
- Princess theme – pastels, pinks, gold
- Sports theme – team colors and logos
Use decor, bedding, accessories and paint to tie the theme together.
Neutral Backdrops
For a clean, simple look, stick with neutral wall colors. This provides a blank canvas to layer in bold prints, patterns and pops of color through bedding, rugs, art and accessories. Some top neutral paint colors include:
- White
- Ivory
- Beige
- Light gray
- Tan
Neutrals create an airy, spacious feel with flexibility to change things up as kids grow and tastes evolve.
Use Color Psychology
Here’s a quick look at what different colors represent psychologically:
| Color | Psychological Impact |
|---|---|
| Blue | Calming, tranquil, loyal |
| Green | Balanced, growth, harmony |
| Purple | Creativity, imagination, wisdom |
| Red | Energy, strength, excitement |
| Orange | Enthusiasm, joy, warmth |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, intellect |
Use this as a guide but always choose colors your child connects with.
Get Input from Your Child
At the end of the day, make sure to get input from your child on what paint color they would love for their room. Have them browse paint sample cards and chips. Drive around your neighborhood and have them point out houses in their favorite colors. Listen to which words they use to describe preferred colors. This will give you helpful insight into choosing the perfect shade.
Test Colors
Once you’ve narrowed down the color direction, purchase a few small test pots of paint. Paint them directly onto the walls in 1-2 foot squares and outline with painters tape. This allows you to evaluate the colors accurately in the space before fully committing. Consider the color at different times of day and lighting. You can live with the test colors for a few days to make sure you and your child love it.
Combinations that Work
Some classic color combination ideas include:
- Pink and gray
- Lavender and mint
- Yellow and gray
- Blue and green
- Tan and light blue
You can use one color on the walls and another as an accent. Or do an accent wall that complements the main wall color.
Creative Tips
Get creative with paint effects like:
- Ombre blend from dark to light
- Handpainted clouds or shapes
- Graphic zig zag or chevron pattern
- Chunky stripes
- Faux brick or wood grain
Recruit help from artsy family or friends for a fun project.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting paint colors:
- Natural lighting – North facing rooms need lighter hues
- Artwork and decor – Complement existing pieces or get new ones that match
- Furniture – Wood tones impact color choice
- Bedding and rugs – Tie everything together
- Personal style – Should reflect your child’s personality
View the room as a whole so everything coordinates.
Conclusion
Choosing a paint color for a kid’s bedroom should be an enjoyable process. Make sure to consider your child’s age, gender, personality and interests. Look for shades they are naturally drawn to. Neutrals and soft pastels are a safe bet for younger kids while elementary aged children can handle more vibrance. Include your child, watch for their reactions, and select colors you both love. With some thoughtfulness and testing, you’ll create the perfect colorful backdrop for your child to thrive.
