Kids Bedroom Paint Ideas + Room Colors for Every Age
1. Fresh White Painted Walls
Classic and bright, this contrast color makes even small rooms and nurseries feel larger. This wall treatment also gives parents the most flexibility with room decor later; swapping out a few picture frames or posters, for example, will turn a "kids room" into one that a pre-teen will be proud of.
2. Half Wallpaper, Half Painted Walls
A classic trick for "fooling the eye", using wallpaper to block out the top half of a wall draws the gaze upwards, making the ceilings appear higher. This approach also takes half the work out of wallpapering or painting, and varies up the look of a wall to make it interesting and textural.
3. Color Blocked Walls
Bold and eye-catching, color blocked paint turns a wall into a simple background palette into a work of art. Especially suited to children's rooms, this painting technique can be used with bright, primary colors like reds, yellows, and blues to inspire young minds and add a playful element. Color blocking can be strictly two-color top-and-bottom treatment, or can be striped (painter's tape comes in handy) or stenciled in for interesting contrast.
4. Chalkboard Painted Walls
While most parents discourage their children from drawing on the walls, chalkboard paint lets them lean into their natural artistic abilities. This specialized chalk-ready paint can be used across an entire wall, or used with "color blocking" applications – e.g. a square in the middle of a wall – along with a mounted chalk shelf to encourage doodling on the chalkboard wall surface.
5. Soft Pastel Painted Walls
Not just for little girl's rooms anymore, pastels of every shade soothe and comfort young eyes. Pastels can be used as a soft wash of color behind favorite wall art, or can be incorporated into painted wall murals or vinyl wall decals, if parents are feeling artistic.
6. Grey-Blue Painted Walls
A little bit lighthearted, a little bit dignified, a grey-blue color is light enough to work well for a child's room while not remaining so youthful that it will need to be repainted years later. This beautiful shade works well for both girls and boys, making it a must for a stylish, gender-neutral kids room.
7. Painting a Portion of a Wall
A hot new trend, painting a corner or mid-wall square on a neutral background can help block out specific areas of a child's room, such as the "study area" where their desk is kept, or an "art area" where they'll work with paints or crayons. An excellent decor choice to delineate a room with larger square footage, this technique makes their room feel inviting and fun.
8. Faux-Loft Angle Painted Wall
Even if your child's room isn't a cozy little hiding spot tucked up in a loft or attic, a few angles on a painted wall can make it feel that way. Use a roof-like angled pattern to contrast paint above a focal point, such as a set of bunk beds, to give their bedroom a playful feel that will make bedtime less of a struggle.
9. Dark Painted Accent Wall
While a dark wash of color may not be expected in a child's room, the grounding, earthy effect of a little jewel tone or dark contrast color will make the room an easy transition as the child grows, or swaps rooms with an older sibling later on. This signature dark accent color will also make accessorizing and decor easy – throw pillows, furniture, rugs, and more are easy to match.
10. Unpainted / Wood Paneling
While obviously not a viable option for every decor-minded parent, allowing the natural beauty of wood paneling to show through can solve the "what color to paint a kids room" dilemma handily. If this choice is available, apply a coat of linseed oil or a beeswax-based polish to bring out the warm glow of the wood.Accents for Kids’ Painted Walls
Common Questions About Kids Bedroom Paint Ideas
What are some creative paint color palettes that grow with a child?
Opt for neutral base colors like soft grays, warm beiges, or muted blues, and then introduce pops of brighter, more whimsical colors through accent walls or painted shapes. This approach allows you to easily update the bolder accents as your child's tastes evolve, keeping the room fresh without a full repaint. Consider durable, washable paints from Living Spaces' collection, perfect for little hands and creative messes.
How can I use paint to define different zones in a shared kids' bedroom?
You can strategically use different paint colors or even geometric patterns to visually separate areas like the sleeping zone, a play space, and a study nook. For instance, a calming blue for the sleep area can transition to a more energetic yellow for the play zone. This not only adds visual interest but also helps establish a sense of order and purpose for each part of the room, making it feel more spacious and functional.
Are there any specific paint finishes that are better for a child's room?
For a child's bedroom, a satin or eggshell finish is generally recommended as it offers a good balance between durability and washability, standing up well to scuffs and frequent cleaning. Matte finishes can hide imperfections but are harder to clean, while high-gloss finishes can be too reflective and show every mark. Explore Living Spaces' range of high-quality paints designed for longevity and easy maintenance.
What's a clever way to incorporate a chalkboard or whiteboard element using paint?
Designate a specific wall or a large section of it to be painted with chalkboard or whiteboard paint, creating an instant interactive art or learning station. This is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and provide a dynamic surface that can be easily wiped clean. Living Spaces offers a variety of specialty paints that can transform ordinary walls into fun, functional spaces for endless imaginative play.
Beyond color, what other paint techniques can make a kids' room unique?
Consider using stencils to create playful patterns like stars, animals, or even cityscapes, or try a gradient effect for a modern, dreamy feel. You could also paint a subtle geometric design on the ceiling for a surprise element. These techniques add personality and visual depth, turning a simple room into an inspiring environment for your child.