Selecting calming colors for a child’s bedroom is an important decision that can affect their mood, sleep quality, and development. The right colors can create a soothing environment that promotes restful sleep and reduces anxiety. When choosing bedroom colors for kids, it’s best to avoid overstimulating hues and instead opt for soft, neutral tones. Certain shades of blue, green, lavender, and yellow tend to have a calming effect. Additionally, monochromatic color schemes in soothing pastels or earth tones are great options. The key is choosing colors that aren’t too bright or intense. Muted shades that aren’t visually distracting are ideal.
Benefits of Calming Colors
Using calming colors in a child’s bedroom provides many benefits including:
- Promotes better sleep – Soothing colors reduce stimulation which allows the body to naturally transition into sleep mode. This is especially helpful for hyperactive children or those with insomnia.
- Lowers anxiety – Calm colors relieve mental stress and tension which can translate into improved behavior and mood.
- Enhances focus – Cooler hues help minimize visual distraction so kids can concentrate better when playing, studying, or reading in their room.
- Creates a relaxing room – A bedroom should be a peaceful oasis for kids to unwind. Calming colors foster this type of soothing environment.
Selecting the right relaxing colors for your child’s bedroom space impacts more than just aesthetics. The psychological effects can be significant especially during crucial developmental years.
Best Calming Colors for Kids Bedrooms
When deciding which colors will cultivate tranquility in your child’s bedroom, here are the top hues to consider:
Blue
Shades of blue are frequently cited as having calming and relaxing properties. Light blues are soothing while deeper shades can promote concentration. Blue elicits feelings of serenity and can also represent stability and security for kids. Different calming blue hues to use include:
- Baby blue
- Sky blue
- Light azure
- Pale blue
- Powder blue
Green
Like blue, green is considered a restful and calming color. Nature-inspired greens like sage evoke thoughts of the outdoors which can be comforting. Green also stimulates harmony and balance. Recommended calming greens include:
- Seafoam
- Pale sage
- Mint
- Lime
- Jade
Lavender
The soft hue of lavender has long been associated with relaxation and sleep. Its cool undertones are gently soothing and not overly stimulating. Lavender also represents beauty and imagination. Soothing lavender shades for kids bedrooms include:
- Lilac
- Wisteria
- Thistle
- Plum
- Dusk
Yellow
Bright yellows can feel energizing. However, buttery, muted yellows have a calming effect. Soft sunny shades remind us of daylight which can help circulation and energy. Recommended calming yellows and golds include:
- Pale yellow
- Butter
- Daffodil
- Gold
- Sunshine
Neutral Tones
Neutral colors like white, cream, taupe, tan, and light gray have a calming influence. They aren’t overstimulating and provide a clean backdrop. Using neutral walls allows you to add calming accent colors.
Avoid Overstimulating Colors
On the other end of the spectrum, certain colors can actually have an energizing or agitating effect. Bright, vivid shades tend to stimulate the senses. Avoid using too many of these colors in a child’s bedroom:
- Electric red, blue or pink
- Neon hues
- Bright orange
- Lime green
- Violet
- Fuchsia
While accent walls or details in these colors can be fun, opt for paler versions and use them sparingly. The goal is creating a relaxing space, not an overly stimulating one.
Best Practices for Using Calming Colors
Here are some top tips for effectively using calming colors in your child’s bedroom:
- Stick to 2-3 colors max. Monochromatic or analogous schemes are calming.
- Use neutral white, beige, or gray on main walls then add calming accent walls or artwork.
- Select muted, soft pastel versions of colors. Avoid neon brights.
- Use cooler blues, greens, and purples which are more relaxing than warm tones.
- Add calming accent colors with bedding, pillows, rugs and decor items.
- Incorporate nature-inspired greens and sky blues to promote tranquility.
- Avoid large blocks of overstimulating colors like red or neon pink.
- Use paler versions of vibrant colors. A pastel yellow is better than bright lemon.
- Add lighter accent colors to keep room from feeling too dark or oppressive.
Following these tips will help you strike the right balance of calming colors for a peaceful bedroom environment.
Calming Color Combination Examples
If you need some inspiration for relaxing, harmonious color schemes, here are a few examples of calming color combinations for kids bedrooms:
Light blue, pale yellow and white – This soothing combo feels bright and airy. The light blue has a tranquil vibe while buttery yellow adds warmth. Crisp white keeps it from feeling overly colorful.
Lavender, mint green and cream – These are colors found in nature that promote relaxation. Soft lavender and mint green are accent colors against cream.
Baby blue, peach and gray – Using varied tones of blue with warm peach tones and neutral gray creates visual interest. Gray walls allow the other colors to pop.
Sea green, sand and ivory – Analogous colors like aqua green, beige and ivory complement each other nicely. The scheme is cohesive without contrast.
Sky blue, sage green and tan – Two tranquil blues and greens pay homage to ocean and forest. Earthy tan adds subtle warmth against cooler hues.
Conclusion
Selecting the right colors for your child’s bedroom has a bigger impact than just the initial “wow” factor. The right soothing, calming hues can positively influence mood, behavior and sleep quality. Cooler tones of blue, green, lavender and muted yellow or gold are ideal relaxed colors. Avoid bright primary colors and neon shades which can overstimulate. Focus on soft pastels, neutral backgrounds, and nature-inspired hues pulled from the sky, plants and beach. With a calming color scheme, you can create a peaceful bedroom environment that helps your child unwind and recharge.
