⚡How to Choose Paint Colors Today To Brighten Kids' Spaces

How to Select, Apply, and Style Paint Colors for a Room That Grows with Your Child

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The all-important time is here! Time to choose the perfect paint colors for your nursery, kids' room, or teen's space.

A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a room, setting the stage for creativity, relaxation, and fun. But choosing the right color isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space your child will love and that will stand the test of time. Let's dive into the best tips, tricks, and ideas to make your painting project a success.

Hey, how hard can that be? 

Step 1. Ask my kid about her color preferences. She says she wants green wall colors. 
Step 2. Go to the nearest store, pick up some green paint. 
Step 3. Get home and paint the walls. There, it’s done! Time to move the furniture in.

Hang on. Let's rewind and start again a little slower this time.

Step 1. "I ask my kid about her color preferences." She says she likes green...and pink and some lilac too. (And what if your other kid, who shares this room, wants reds and orange instead?). Okay, for this hypothesis, let us assume both kids do agree on green wall painting ideas.

Step 2. "I go to the nearest store, pick up some green paint."Which green paint? There are 'verdant', 'festival green', 'shamrock', 'country squire', 'garden grove'...and many more (and this is from just one brand!). Latex paint or Oil/Alkyd based paint? Did you decide on the wall paint finish – flat/satin/semi-gloss? How about a faux finish – color wash, sponging, combing…? Do you need primer?

Step 3. "I get home and paint the walls." Planning to do-it-yourself? Do you have the right tools? Want to paint the regular way or color in stripes or lower/upper halves in different colors? What about ceiling paint?

Okay, so now you kinda get the picture. The paint industry has been revolutionized while you were busy growing up.

1. Choosing the RIGHT Wall Colors.

This is perhaps the single most important part of decorating your kid’s room. After all, the wall color sets the entire mood and feel of the space. But how do you choose the perfect one?

It boils down to 3 crucial factors - 

Involve Your Child

As we have seen in the example above, you do need to ask your child their color preferences.

Keep in mind, there could be more than one color they like.

Tip: If finding the right shade proves difficult, pull a color from another piece in the room - comforter, rug or artwork. Pick the palest color in the mix, show it to your kid. Remember to involve your kid in the final decision.

If your child insists on a dark or vibrant color, consider giving them an accent wall instead of drenching the entire room.

Try to think out of the box too. Does your son crave Spiderman? How about a sky blue with a mural of Spiderman swinging above. Make it more fun by adding a city’s skyline at the bottom of the one wall.

For infants, keep the colors a warm and soothing pastel palette.
Tip: Some companies now offer an array of baby nursery room colors. Choose the one that is nearest your chosen theme.

For teens, a good idea would be to peek into their closet. Find the clothes he/she most prefer and pick up 2 colors from them. One should be a pale color that will cover the most walls. The other a bolder look for the accents.

Tip: Remember that dark colors can make a room look smaller and foreboding, soft colors warm the walls and make the room look larger and more airy.

Consider the Size and Amount of Natural Light in the Room

Once you have taken into account the size and natural light playing in the room, you need to understand what feel of the room you are looking to bring in. Are you looking for a bright, vibrant and fun room; or do you want a softer, relaxed vibe. Do you want airy or cozy. Your chosen paint colors will depend on this crucial factor.

• Light colors (whites, pastels, soft blues, and greens) make small rooms feel bigger and airier.
• Dark colors (navy, deep green, charcoal) can make a large space feel cozier but may be overwhelming in small spaces.
• Warm colors (yellows, peach, soft reds) add energy, while cool colors (blues, greens, purples) create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Test Paint Colors Before Committing

Colors can look very different based on the amount and type of light entering the room (north-facing or south-facing etc); it also looks different based on the time of the day. The natural light vs artificial light in the room can bring in undertones of a paint to the surface.

• Get sample jars and paint a small section of the wall.
• Observe how the color changes throughout the day.
• Consider how it looks with the furniture and decor.

Pro Tip: Some companies offer peel-and-stick samples so you can move them around before making a decision.

2. Develop Your Room Scheme or Theme First.

It is easier to match the wall paint to the furniture and furnishings of the room rather than the other way round. Check out your ‘dream folder’. Before choosing paint, it’s best to finalize the room’s theme. This will help you select a color palette that ties everything together.

Finalize the bedding, rugs and theme before you decide on the paint colors. Collect paint chips and set them against the fabric or rug to see if they work well together. 

Some Popular themes include:

• Adventure & Nature: Forest greens, sky blues, and sandy neutrals.
• Space & Galaxies: Deep purples, starry whites, and cosmic blues.
• Fairy Tale & Fantasy: Soft pastels, dreamy lilacs, and warm gold tones.
• Sports & Hobbies: Bold team colors with neutral backgrounds.
• Minimal & Modern: Soft greys, muted earth tones, and monochromatic hues.

Pro Tip: Use a color wheel to find complementary shades that match your chosen theme.

3. Creative and Fun Wall Painting Ideas

You do not have to paint a room entirely in one boring color. Add some pizzazz with these wall painting ideas.

You don’t have to stick to solid-colored walls! Here are fun ways to add personality to the room:

Stripes and Patterns

• Horizontal stripes make the room look wider.
• Vertical stripes make ceilings appear higher.
• Chevron, polka dots, or geometric patterns add a modern touch.

Murals and Stencils

• Paint a forest, city skyline, or favorite cartoon character.
• Use stencils for stars, clouds, or animals.
• Let older kids participate by helping paint small details!

Two-Tone and Ombre Walls

• A two-tone wall (darker shade on the bottom, lighter on top) adds depth.
• Ombre effects create a dreamy, gradient transition of colors.

Chalkboard & Magnetic Paint

• Turn a section of the wall into a chalkboard for doodles and notes.
• Use magnetic paint to create an interactive space for artwork and learning.

Buy readymade stencils or make your own design on a stencil to create a unique room or nursery. Involve your kid in this project and watch their self-esteem grow.

Tips: Infants cannot distinguish colors, but they can distinguish contrast. Stencil different shapes in a multitude of paint colors – it will keep your baby occupied for hours.

4. Paint Colors on the Ceiling.

Plain white ceilings are out of fashion! Include the ceiling paint into the décor. Painting fun designs on the ceiling is a great way to stimulate little infants as they spend most of their time staring at it.

Photo by - Traditional Kids Room

The ceiling is often overlooked, but it’s a great opportunity to add character to the room.

• Soft Sky Effect: Paint it a pale blue with fluffy white clouds.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Stars: Use glow paint for a fun nighttime surprise.
• Bold Statement: Match the ceiling to an accent wall or theme.

Pro Tip: Painting the ceiling and the top quarter of the walls in the same color can make the room feel more proportionate, especially for younger children. 

Another Tip: Check out Decorative Ceiling Tiles. The gorgeous designs, patterns and colors are sure to be a hit with the older kids!

Painting kids rooms a new shade is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten the kids' room decor. The new techniques and creative ways of using that same can of interior paint colors now do wonders to create an enchantingly unique look.

5. Consider the Height of Your Child.

When you paint a room or add the design, keep in mind the height of your child. For infants, put designs on the ceiling or at the low level where he can see it while sitting on the rug or crawling across the room. For toddlers and tweens, the accents or divisions in color should be at mid-level of the wall. The teens can have a higher accent color or division.

Tip: The center of any design you paint should be about six inches above your child's eye level to make the greatest impact.

6. One Room - Two Kids - Many Favorite Colors.

Even while sharing, the bedroom color ideas are an essential element. You could localize favorite colors in areas closest to each.

Choosing two different paint colors for the walls will visually create territories within the room for each individual. If their favorite colors are uncomplimentary, you can find lighter shades that might not clash with each other.

Talk to your kids and see if you can work out a compromise. If not, find a neutral color for the walls…and indulge their color preferences in other ways around the room - accent pillows, nightstands etc. Use the color wheel to figure out complimentary color schemes.

Tip: Do not ignore the color preferences simply because they are too different. It is important for your children to feel that their wishes and inputs are being fulfilled or at least considered.

7. Eco-Friendly Paint Colors

We are back on our favorite topic! There are many wall paint options today that make your walls more eco-friendly. Since children spend a lot of time in their rooms, it’s essential to choose safe, non-toxic paints. Look for:

• Low or No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints to reduce chemical exposure.
• Milk Paints or Natural Paints made from organic ingredients.
• Recycled Paints as a sustainable option.

Pro Tip: Always allow the room to air out for a few days after painting before letting kids sleep in it.

More about Wall Colors:

Practical Tips – Painting kids rooms is a long term project. Get it right the first time. Learn the practical tips before buying paint.

Types of Paints - There are many different types of paints available today. Find out the ones that will work best for you.

Baby Nursery Ideas – The colors in the baby nursery have a dual role. They must make the room calm and serene for the infant to sleep comfortably. They must also be able to stimulate his senses when he is awake.

Toddler Room Ideas – Toddlers love themes and always have favorite characters. Incorporate them into the paint colors such that you need not repaint to keep up with the changing favorites.

Tween Room Ideas – Today the kids seem to be growing up faster. Tweens are much affected by their peers and want the most happening room. Get the wall color that they can proudly show off.

Teen Room Ideas – Teens are still affected by peers, but they also want to stamp their own identity on their room. Learn how to maneuver around their preferences to get the room they will love and you will smile about.

Eco-Friendly Paints – Learn about the different types of eco-friendly paints available in the market. We will also include information on where you can get some.

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