When it comes to picking paint colors for a kids room, going with neutral colors is often a smart choice. Neutral colors like white, beige, gray and tan provide a clean backdrop that allows kids to easily decorate and personalize their space. Neutral walls also make it easy to change up accent colors and themes as kids grow older and their tastes evolve. Here are some top neutral paint color ideas to consider for a kids room along with tips for choosing the right undertone.
Benefits of Neutral Paint Colors
There are many good reasons to opt for neutral wall colors in a child’s bedroom:
– Versatility – Neutral walls serve as a blank canvas that can adapted over time. Kids can add colorful bedding, furniture and decor to make the space their own. Neutral walls won’t clash as their tastes change.
– Light and Bright – Lighter neutrals like white, beige and light gray help reflect light around the room making it feel more open and airy. This creates a calm, cheerful vibe.
– Provides Contrast – Decor and furnishings will stand out against a neutral backdrop. Bold artwork or colorful accents will pop when paired with neutral walls.
– Promotes Creativity – Neutral walls encourage kids to get creative with wall decor, bedding and accessories to brighten up the space and express their personality.
– Relaxing – Soft neutral tones create a laidback, soothing environment perfect for unwinding and sleeping.
– Clean Look – Neutral colors provide a clean, clutter-free look that makes rooms feel more organized and spacious.
Popular Neutral Paint Colors
When choosing a neutral paint color, it’s important to consider the undertone. Here are some of the most popular neutral paint colors for kids rooms:
Whites
– Pure White – This crisp, clean white has a hint of coolness. It pairs well with many colors.
– Extra White – Slightly warmer than pure white, it has a creamy undertone. Provides a soft backdrop.
– Swiss Coffee – A warm ivory white with beige/tan undertones. Creates a cozy feel.
Grays
– Light French Gray – A very light gray with lavender-taupe undertones. Calming and airy.
– Gray Owl – A light gray with green undertones. Pairs well with greens and blues.
– Coventry Gray – A true gray that won’t skew cool or warm. A versatile neutral.
Beiges
– Accessible Beige – A light sand beige with yellow undertones. Warm and welcoming.
– Classic Linen – A versatile, creamy nude beige that provides a soothing look.
– Balanced Beige – A pale beige with subtle gray undertones. Creates an elegant look.
Tans
– Kilim Beige – A warm, sandy beige with orange undertones. Brightens up a space.
– Sandy Brown – A light camel tan color. Works well with blue and green accents.
– Camelback – A rich tan shade with brown undertones. Brings a cozy vibe.
Factors to Consider
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting neutral paint colors:
– Lighting – North-facing rooms may benefit from warms neutrals while south-facing rooms can handle cooler hues
– Furnishings – Coordinate undertones with wood trim, floors or furniture. For example, gray-toned neutrals pair well with cool grays.
– Accent Colors – Pick a neutral that complements the accent colors that will be used. Cooler neutrals allow warm colors to pop.
– Age – Young kids often prefer brighter whites or warm beiges while teens may opt for more sophisticated grays.
– Size of Room – Darker shades can make a small room feel cramped. Lighter neutrals open up the space.
– Personal Taste – Factor in whether your child prefers warmer or cooler tones.
Best Neutral Color Combinations
Pairing two neutral wall colors together can create fun contrast and visual interest. Here are some pleasing neutral color combinations for kids rooms:
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Pure White | Coventry Gray |
| Swiss Coffee | Gray Owl |
| Accessible Beige | Classic Linen |
| Balanced Beige | Kilim Beige |
| Sandy Brown | Camelback |
Using two complementary neutrals on walls, trim, ceiling and furniture provides visual depth and contrast.
Some fun combinations include:
– White walls with gray trim and ceilings
– Beige walls with white wainscoting
– Light gray walls with camelback headboard
Mixing undertones (warm and cool) also adds subtle contrast.
Incorporating Color Accents
While neutral walls create a flexible backdrop, adding punches of color personalizes the space and keeps things fun. Some ways to incorporate color include:
– Area rug – Anchors the room and brings pattern and color to the floor.
– Bedding – Duvet covers, pillows and sheets in vibrant solids or prints liven up neutral walls.
– Window treatments – Curtains and valances come in endless color and pattern options.
– Wall art – Posters, photos, gallery walls or wall decals inject color.
– Accessories – Desk supplies, lamps, storage bins and organizers can add pops of color.
– Furniture – A bright desk chair, beanbag or coloring table adds youthful style.
When it comes to accent colors, there are endless options for kids rooms. Primary colors like red, yellow and blue always work. Pastels also pair nicely with neutral walls. For boys, bright oranges, greens and blues are fun. For girls, purples, pinks and turquoise are popular. Allow your child to pick their favorite hues.
Incorporating Themes and Patterns
In addition to color, kids love to incorporate themes and patterns into their personal space. Some ways to do this while keeping walls neutral include:
– Superhero or princess decals on walls
– Sports team logo or Hawaiian floral wall decals
– Animal print bedding, pillows and rugs
– Camo, polka dot, striped or checkered bedding/window treatments
– Patterned contact paper or shelf liner for desks, shelves and drawers
– Nature-inspired wall art and accessories like sun/moon prints or bird houses
Let your child lead the way in selecting themes and patterns they love to make the neutral room their own. Change them up seasonally for an instant room transformation.
Incorporating Texture
Beyond color and pattern, texture also brings visual and tactile interest. Some ways to work texture into a neutral kids room include:
Soft Textures
– Plush rugs
– Velvet or faux fur bean bags/throw pillows
– Chenille or faux sheepskin bedding
– Cable knit throws
Rough Textures
– Woven hampers, wastebaskets, rug
– Natural fiber baskets
– Wood or rattan furniture
– Concrete, reclaimed wood or brick wall accents
Sleek Textures
– Metallic desk accessories
– Shiny satin pillows
– Patent leather or vinyl pouf
– Silky curtains
Mixing textures keeps the room visually appealing and creates coziness.
Sample Neutral Room Palettes
Here are some inspiring neutral color schemes for kids rooms:
Ocean blues
– Walls: Extra White
– Accents: Sky blue, navy, seafoam green
– Patterns: Striped, fish, anchors
Cherry reds
– Walls: Swiss Coffee
– Accents: Cherry red, crimson, hot pink
– Patterns: Polka dots, hearts
Sunny yellows
– Walls: Accessible Beige
– Accents: Sunflower yellow, gold, burnt orange
– Patterns: Chevron, buffalo check
Starry nights
– Walls: Balanced Beige
– Accents: Midnight blue, purple, silver
– Patterns: Stars, galaxies
Funky neon
– Walls: Pure White
– Accents: Neon orange, lime green, magenta
– Patterns: Zig zag, geometric, squiggles
Boho chic
– Walls: Gray Owl
– Accents: Blush pink, olive green, cobalt blue
– Patterns: Paisley, tie dye, batik
Choose a neutral base then build up your child’s personality with colors, patterns and textures!
Conclusion
Painting kids room walls with neutral colors like white, beige, gray or tan allows you to create a calm, cohesive backdrop that can be adapted over the years. Choose neutrals with undertones that coordinate with the room’s lighting and furnishings. Accent with colorful bedding, rugs, wall art and accessories that reflect your child’s taste and personality. Have fun layering in themes, textures and patterns for an extra playful, customized touch. With the right neutral foundation, you can easily give your kid a stylish space they’ll love as they grow.
