Painting Kids Rooms Like a Pro: Designer Secrets for a Stylish and Playful Space
Discover expert tips on painting kids rooms by selecting safe paints, creative finishes, and fun DIY techniques to make your child’s room truly special.
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Are you planning a room makeover? Painting kids rooms is the first step. Wow. This is so exciting.
A fresh coat of paint instantly breathes new life into a space, making it feel brighter, cleaner, and more inviting. Plus, let’s be honest—this is the perfect excuse for a full room reset! A decluttered space and a new color scheme can work wonders.
And choosing the new colors for the room...Ex-cit-ing!!
Do you know the best part of this project? There are soooo many options to choose from! Chalkboard paint, Magnetic paint, Glow in the Dark paint...and..oooh!...Glitter paint (my favorite).
1. Painting Kids Rooms with the RIGHT Colors
Color plays a significant role in shaping a child’s mood and energy levels. We have discussed these in detail in my article here. To give you a quick overview...
- Involve Your Child – If they’re old enough, let them have a say in the colors. This makes them feel more connected to their space.
- Take Inspiration from Decor – If you have a patterned comforter, rug, or wallpaper, pull the lightest shade from it as your main wall color.
- Use Bold Colors Sparingly – Bright colors like red, orange, and neon tones can be overstimulating. Use them as accents rather than painting all four walls.
- Go for a Timeless Base – Soft neutrals, pastels, and muted tones provide a great foundation and allow for easy decor updates as your child grows.
💡 Pro Tip: A horizontal stripe or accent wall in a contrasting shade can create a fun focal point while keeping the overall look balanced.
2. Understanding Paint Types and Finishes
Choosing the right type of paint is just as important as picking the right color. This should depend on the usage - is the paint low odor; is it easy to wipe clean (think young kids who love to draw on walls - btw, Mr. Clean was my best buddy when my kids were growing up).
- Latex (Water-Based) Paint – This is the most popular type for kids’ rooms because it’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and has low odor.
- Oil-Based Paint – This is very durable but takes longer to dry and has stronger fumes. It would be best for furniture rather than walls.
- Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints – Always opt for paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure a healthier indoor environment for your child.
Choosing the Right Finish:
- Flat/Matte – Although it is great for hiding imperfections, it can be harder to clean.
- Eggshell/Satin – This is the most popular finish and is ideal for walls; durable and easy to wipe clean.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss – Because of the shine, it is best for doors, trims, and furniture; highly durable and stain-resistant.
Painting the floor is another popular new trend and works especially well in the kids room. You have to use specially formulated , hardwearing floor paint only.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re painting the ceiling, start there before moving on to the walls and trim for a flawless finish.
3. Fun and Creative Faux Finishes Add Texture
Want to add some personality to your child’s room? Faux finishes bring texture and charm to the walls. Try some of these easy and stylish options:
- Color Washing – Apply a glaze over a base color using a sponge or soft cloth in circular motions for a subtle, artistic effect.
- Dry Brushing – Lightly dip a dry brush into paint and apply it at an angle for a weathered, textured look.
- Geometric Wall Designs – Use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns and fill them with different colors. A great way to make a statement wall!
There are many more types of paints and finishes to choose from such as smooshing, sponging, strie and more. Whichever one you choose, the walls are sure to look amazing.
💡 Pro Tip: If using multiple colors, plan your design in advance and work in sections, allowing each part to dry completely before taping over it.
4. Specialty Paints Elevate the Space
Standard paint is great, but why not add an extra element of fun? Specialty paints can transform a room into an interactive and imaginative space. Painting kids rooms completely with these would not work, but if you placed them right, you would get a room that will be a magical and special place for your child.
- Chalkboard Paint - Paint a small area with chalkboard paint. You can even stencil in a design of your choice. Like one mom mentioned, if her daughter remembers some point in the middle of the night, she simply writes it on the chalkboard beside her bed and it is there for her when she wakes up!
Tip: Did you know that you can make chalkboard paint in any color? Head on over to 'A Beautiful Mess' for the simple tutorial.
For chalk dust manic's, it's Chalk Ink Pens to the rescue!
- Magnetic Paint- Imagine having a ton of space for all those tiny magnets, not to mention the masterpieces they have to hold from your daily artists. Now imagine your fridge sporting a clean, no-magnets-on-it look.
💡 Pro Tip: If using magnetic paint, apply multiple coats to ensure strong adhesion for magnets.
- Glitter Paint - Add sparkle while painting kids rooms to give them that extra oomph factor.
- Glow In the Dark Paint - We have already shown you how magical that can be!
Repainting your child’s room is more than just a design upgrade—it’s an opportunity to create a space that inspires creativity, comfort, and joy. Whether you opt for soft neutrals, bold patterns, or specialty finishes, the key is to make choices that grow with your child and reflect their personality.
So grab that paintbrush and get started! Your child’s dream room is just a few coats away.
Happy painting! 🎨
Kudos to mom Valerie on creating such a beautiful space for her daughters. Check it out at Making It Worthy!
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Hi, I am Richa and am super excited to see you here. I enjoy interior designing so much I went back to study it. Now armed with knowledge, passion and a vision to make 'happy homes', I hope this site will give you all the tools you need to make your kid's room happy too. Read More...
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