This Is the All-Time Best Paint Color for Nurseries, According to Experts
Choosing a color for a nursery or a kid’s room is extra special. It’s a milestone moment that you’ll always remember. When I started nesting as a first-time mom, I debated a variety of options because my goal was to create a thoughtful space that appealed to me and my baby. It was a roller coaster of choices, so consider my experience, along with the following expert-approved recommendations, your foolproof guide to the best nursery and kid’s room colors.
The Best Nursery Color
One thing’s for sure, you shouldn’t feel pressured to limit yourself to “conventional” children’s colors. From a stylish and practical black-and-white color scheme to a set of soothing tones guaranteed to keep you and your little one happy and calm, there are so many different ways to go.
Babies can’t see colors right away, which you may want to factor into your nursery design. “Just after birth, babies can see large, bold images in black, white, and red at near distances,” says Rachel Coley, MS, OT/L, pediatric occupational therapist and Lovevery child development expert. “Research suggests that by five months, most babies can see colors, although with less sensitivity than adults.”
Because of this, experts agree that white or off-white paint colors are a great choice for nurseries. Plus, both are a timeless move that’ll complement any style. “Choosing a soft off-white shade like Benjamin Moore Cloud White or White Dove as the primary paint color creates a calming atmosphere for both babies and parents,” says TC Chou, architect, interior designer, and founder of Design Determination. “Adding a subtle accent with a pastel hue, such as Benjamin Moore’s Nosegay, a beautifully muted lavender, can further enhance the space,” he explains. “Muted colors are also gentle on babies’ eyes, as they’re not overly bright or harsh, promoting comfort and potentially improving sleep quality,” Chou shares.
The Best Runner-Up Nursery Color
You also can’t go wrong with light, bright neutrals, according to the pros. Coley says to consider what you’ll mainly use the room for. “If it’ll be used primarily for sleep, feeding, and diaper changes, you may set a serene tone with neutrals,” she explains. “Montessori-inspired nurseries tend to be uncluttered, soothing, and feature natural hues and materials where possible,” Coley adds.
For my own baby’s nursery, I went with tranquil, gender-neutral mint green walls that I balanced out with the highly rated white and wood SNOO smart bassinet and colorful, eye-catching artwork. The key is sprinkling in varying shades.
“Remember, your nursery is a space for cherished memories, so create a place where you feel calm and comfortable, too,” says SNOO creator Dr. Harvey Karp. “After all, a baby’s favorite thing to look at is you, so instead of making bright colors the centerpiece, integrate a variety of colors and patterns into your baby’s playthings,” he says. Karp shares that variety brings other benefits as well. “Brightly colored, high-contrast toys and books help stimulate their developing optic nerves, focus their attention, and improve overall vision,” he shares.
The Best Kid’s Room Color
As your baby gets older, feel free to be more playful with your design. Children are drawn to color, just don’t go overboard with an aggressive palette. “When toddlers begin to develop their unique personalities, they often crave a more vibrant and colorful environment,” Chou says. “Introducing bolder shades as accent walls — such as Benjamin Moore Mauve Mist or Pressed Violet — can bring energy and character to the space,” he adds.
Chou also recommends going beyond uniformly colored walls. “Incorporating playful elements like doodles or creative wall art adds an extra layer of fun and makes the room even more enjoyable for them,” he says.
Coley agrees that adding visual interest is a smart move. “If you have wallpaper or a piece of art, use it to decorate a space where your child will spend most of their time playing,” she says.
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