For new parents, nothing is more important than your baby’s sleep. In fact, how/when/how long your baby sleeps will become one of the most talked about topics in your home. So making your baby’s room a safe and relaxing space is a must – but what’s the best colour for nursery walls? Can they make a difference to sleep quality?
Gentle, calming colours are often the best option if you want to encourage your little one drift off to dreamland. Plus, according to colour psychology, some hues help to promote rest. But there’s no need to stick with plain and boring if you also want something imaginative.
It’s a kid’s bedroom after all, so a little bit of creativity goes a long way. Here are a few nursery wallpaper ideas to get you started…
Best colour for the nursery = green
Mural in nursery - Savannah Joy
While there’s no single best colour for nursery design, we can’t help but be biased when it comes to biophillia. Green is the one of the most soothing hues for the home because of the link to nature – and it’s no different when it comes to nurseries. And according to colour psychology, green is great for mental health and wellbeing.
There’s both anecdotal and qualitative evidence to support the idea that, as humans, we are intrinsically and innately attracted to the outside world. This is why children are drawn to natural environments, even from a very young age. So a dose of greenery is a great way to create a sanctuary for sleep.
This lush green ‘Dino Joy’ mural by Oliver Robins is one of our favourites from this nursery mural collection.
Blue is the perfect hue for sleep
Mural in nursery - Beautiful Sky
Another colour that is hugely popular for nursery design is blue. While this colour is often used for a baby boy’s room, we assure you that blue is truly genderless. Before writing it off for your baby girl, it’s important to consider the context in which blue was first used.
Popularised by toy companies as the go-to colour for boy’s toys in the 1940s, this colour was used to get children to gravitate towards certain toys marketed for them. But before commercialisation, blue was often a colour for girls – and in fact, pink was for boys!
According to colour psychology, blue is considered a calming hue and many experts believe that it stimulates sleep, while also easing any stress and anxiety. So lots of soft blues it is! We particularly love this ‘Beautiful Sky’ mural as a starting point for a variety of much-loved themes. From safari and travel to refreshing botanicals, there are so many stories that can be explored.
And, of course, EVERYONE loves neutrals…
Mural in nursery - Scandi Style Mountains
On the topic of genderless nursery design, we’re seeing a huge uptick in chic and elegant neutrals at the moment. Not only are toy and clothing companies moving away from the use of blue and pink in their marketing, but the rise of Montessori parenting has paved the way for earthy colours and natural materials.
First started as a method of education by Maria Montessori, this has now transformed into a unique parenting style and also a style for the home. It’s all about nurturing independence through play and everyday activities – but ask any Montessori parent and they’ll tell you that quality wooden toys/furniture are in, while brightly coloured plastic is out!
If you love the idea of a Montessori nursery, Scandinavian murals like this one will definitely fit in with your concept. Or for ideas on how to create a Montessori-inspired learning environment for older kids (including for home-schooling), be sure to check out our related blog post.
Grey brings balance and calm
Mural in nursery - Happy Moon
When it comes to neutral tones, we love grey nursery decor. It’s one of the most dependable colour options because it’s so easy to style and most people find it to be very calming. It’s also a modern hue that can be updated easily when trends change.
Don’t let the nay-sayers sway your decision either. Grey is often branded as safe. Well, we say there’s a lot to be said for safety – especially when there’s a tiny baby involved. In fact, safe is what we want. Safe is what we need. And if you’re looking for something reliable that won’t turn your nursery into a place of sensory overload, grey is your best friend. Plus, you can adopt any colour scheme as grey goes with everything!
Pink can be for girls and boys
Mural in nursery - Pastel Plants and Dinos
If you’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of a little girl, pink can be the best colour for nursery décor. However, we think it’s a fantastic option for both boys and girls, and it’s one that’s been terribly underestimated in interior design.
Not only are there links with nature, but it’s a very nurturing hue and it is considered to be extremely comforting within colour psychology. But you don’t have to have to adopt a full-on pink princess theme to enjoy this soothing shade. There are lots of ways of adding pink into your theme for that low-key, subtle touch…
Like this ‘Pastel Plants and Dinos’ wallpaper, which features a perfect balance of green dinosaurs and pink dinosaurs – making it ideal for gender neutral nurseries or for twin nurseries for a boy and a girl.
But if in doubt, go monochrome…
Mural in nursery - Fairytale Trees
parents who are struggling to choose just one colour palette, monochromatic murals can serve as a blank canvas. Your baby is going to grow up fast. And we mean super-lightning fast. Seasoned parents will often say “the days are long but the years are short” and there really is so much truth in that.
You’ll be changing up that room every few months, adding new books/toys, replacing the cot with a cot-bed, and even adding a toddler table/chairs before you know it. So having an adaptable space helps.
This way, you can add in whatever colours work for you at the time. Your baby/toddler may even develop very clear interests and preferences early on, so let them be your guide. Whatever changes, this lovely black and white mural can serve your little one for a long time to come.
What do you think of our suggestions for the best nursery colours? Are there any you love for your new arrival? Let us know in the comments below…
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