These Nursery Paint Colors Will Help You Create a Serene Sanctuary for Baby

Make nomistake about it: The correct paint color can make all the difference in your child's nursery. "This is the place where your new baby will come home to, and spend the majority of their time in, while they learn how to play and sleep and be," says Nicole Gibbons, founder of Clare. "But it's also a space where you—as a parent—will spend a lot of time as well, so it's important that the room is beautiful not just for baby, but for you, too." To ensure that a nursery feels soothing and serene for both you and your little one (something that's more important and now than ever before, considering the world beyond your four walls), Patrick O'Donnell, International Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball, says it's important to select a color that will evolve with the room. "While the furniture may change as your baby grows, there is no reason why the color can't stay," he says.

Light Grays

You can always count on a soft, airy shade of gray to create a comforting nursery atmosphere. "A calming, barely-there gray is an excellent antidote to a long day," Gibbons says. For a soothing shade that will stand the test of time, try Bunny Gray 2124-50 by Benjamin Moore or Chill by Clare (if you prefer grays with a slightly green undertone).

Soothing Greens

If you are searching for a shade with a little more oomph, Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development for Benjamin Moore, says you can't go wrong with a serene shade of green. "Lehigh Green HC-131 is a deep green that is somewhat unexpected for a nursery, but the result is sophisticated and comforting," she explains. For a lighter shade that still packs a bit of a punch, Ashley Banbury of Dutch Boy recommends Misted Meadow 329-2DB to create a relaxing environment. "It's more of a neutral, so it pairs nicely with multiple color schemes," she adds.

Warm Neutrals

According to Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, creamy neutral paint colors can work wonders in a nursery. "Alabaster SW 7008 is a warm white with a hint of yellow that acts a welcoming backdrop for all that fun décor," she explains. You can also try On Point by Clare or Antique White 011W by Dutch Boy for a soft shade of off-white that pairs well with contrasting colors.

Soft Yellows

For a popular hue that's cheerful, but cozy, Magno recommends an energizing shade of light yellow. "A warm yellow, like Man on the Moon OC-106 by Benjamin Moore, creates a welcoming glow in a nursery," she explains. "While a fresh, pale yellow-green, such as Dark Linen 2147-60, strikes the perfect balance between playful and calm."

Barely Black

If you're working with a tiny space—or one that doesn't receive much natural light—O'Donnell suggests painting it in a deep, but enveloping shade of Off-Black by Farrow & Ball. "While the effect is dramatic it is also surprisingly cosseting, and acts as a great foil for artwork and accessories," he explains. "Why shouldn't a nursery feel sophisticated?" For an equally deep shade of gray that brings dimension to any nursery, Wadden recommends Urbane Bronze SW 7048, which is Sherwin-Williams' 2021 Color the Year. "Use it on all four walls and the ceiling to truly wrap a baby up in its calming vibes—or keep it simple with an accent wall," she says.