Designing a nursery is an exciting step in preparing for your baby’s arrival. The space you create will not only be a place where your baby sleeps but also where they begin to explore the world around them. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect color palette.
The right colors can set the tone for a soothing, stimulating, and adaptable environment. Whether you’re leaning toward soft pastels, gender-neutral hues, or bold accent walls, this guide will help you choose a color scheme that grows with your child and supports their development.
The Importance of Nursery Colors
Your baby’s nursery is more than just a room for sleeping. It’s where they’ll spend a lot of time during their early development, so the space should be calming, comfortable, and inspiring. The colors you choose can impact your baby’s mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Babies’ developing brains respond to different colors, so the hues you select should help create a nurturing and peaceful environment.
Soft colors such as pastel blues, greens, and yellows are traditionally popular for nurseries because they evoke calm and relaxation. However, there’s no rule that says you can’t think outside the box. From muted neutrals that offer a timeless look to bold, modern palettes that grow with your child, there are endless possibilities to explore.
How to Choose the Right Nursery Colors
Before diving into specific color palettes, consider a few factors that will help guide your decision:
Lighting: Natural and artificial light can drastically change how colors appear in a room. Observe how light hits the nursery throughout the day before settling on a color. Lighter shades tend to brighten a space, while deeper hues can create a cozy atmosphere.
Longevity: Consider how the room will evolve as your baby grows. Choosing colors that can easily adapt to a toddler or kid’s room without needing frequent repainting will save time and effort later. Neutral shades or soft pastels can serve as a versatile backdrop for future changes in décor.
Accent Walls: Adding an accent wall can be a fun and easy way to introduce color without overwhelming the space. A wall in a slightly deeper hue or a different shade altogether can add dimension and interest to the room.
Personal Preferences: This room will reflect your taste as much as it will serve your baby’s needs. Don’t be afraid to pick colors that you love or that resonate with you emotionally, as this room will also be a space for bonding, soothing, and caring for your baby.
No matter your nursery design style, here are seven calming, gender-neutral color palettes from Benjamin Moore that will create a serene and welcoming space for your baby.
1. Storybook Fantasy: Soft and Calming Blues and Greens
Create a nursery that feels like a page out of a fairy tale with soft, nature-inspired hues. Colors like light blue, green, and white evoke feelings of serenity and calm, which are ideal for helping your baby feel relaxed and secure. A light blue like Sweet Bluette 813 combined with the soft white of Cloud White OC-130 can create the feeling of a fresh spring sky, perfect for fostering sweet dreams. Adding a deep green like Backwoods 469 on an accent wall or as part of a mural can bring a natural element that sparks imagination.
This palette works well for parents seeking a neutral, soothing space that can easily evolve as the child grows. Blues and greens are also known to be calming, helping promote better sleep, making this palette an excellent choice for parents who want to encourage peaceful nights.
2. Playful Pinks: Modern and Cheery with a Pop of Color
For a nursery that’s lively and full of personality, a palette based on modern shades of pink and coral can infuse the room with cheer. While traditional pinks have been long associated with baby girls, modern interpretations offer vibrant, gender-neutral options that feel contemporary and fresh. Start with Fashion Pink 2009-50 , a bouncy, vibrant hue that will energize the space. Pair it with Sunlit Coral 2170-60 , a softer, more calming color that adds balance. Finish the look with Lychee AF-40 , a peachy off-white that ties the whole room together.
This palette isn’t just for girls—pinks and corals can work in any space where you want a playful and inviting atmosphere. You can even experiment with color-blocking techniques or incorporate patterns, such as stripes or polka dots, to add more dimension and fun.
3. Sunshine-Inspired: Warm Yellows for a Cheerful Nursery
Yellow is one of the most optimistic and uplifting colors, making it a popular choice for nurseries. It evokes warmth, happiness, and energy, perfect for creating a positive space where your baby can grow and thrive. A combination of soft pastels can give the room a peaceful yet playful feel. Try pairing Windswept OC-94 with Weston Flax HC-5 and Hathaway Peach HC-53 for a palette that brings sunshine indoors. These delicate shades of yellow and peach create a light, airy atmosphere that promotes creativity and joy.
Yellow is also highly versatile, working well as a gender-neutral color. Whether you’re decorating a nursery for a boy, girl, or keeping the gender a surprise, a yellow-based palette will make the room feel bright and welcoming. Consider using yellow as an accent color on trim or as a soft backdrop on the walls to complement bolder furniture pieces or playful décor.
4. Neutral Elegance: Timeless Shades for a Gender-Neutral Nursery
If you’re looking for nursery colors that offer longevity and sophistication, a neutral palette might be your best option. Shades like beige, soft white, and gray provide a timeless backdrop that can easily adapt as your child grows. This minimalist approach allows you to focus on accenting the room with décor that reflects your baby’s evolving personality.
Consider using Cedar Key OC-16 or Soft Chamois OC-13 for a soft, sandy beige that works well with a variety of furniture and textiles. For a more modern touch, Davenport Tan HC-76 offers a muted gray-beige tone that adds subtle depth without overpowering the space. The beauty of a neutral nursery is its flexibility—whether you’re adding playful wall decals, bold furniture, or even changing the theme as your child grows, these shades will work beautifully through all stages of their development.
5. Vintage Vibes: Soft Mauves and Classic Whites
For parents who want to bring a touch of nostalgia and vintage charm into the nursery, soft mauves paired with classic whites can create a timeless and elegant space. Mauve Mist 1264 offers a jewel-toned look that remains subtle and calming, while Wisp of Mauve 2098-60 softens the overall palette with a gentle pink undertone. Complete the look with Mountain Peak White OC-121 on the trim or furniture for a crisp, clean finish that makes the room feel bright and open.
Vintage-inspired nurseries can be enhanced with antique furniture pieces or retro accessories, such as a classic rocking chair or vintage-style artwork. This color palette is ideal for those looking to create a cozy, warm environment with a sense of history and style. Plus, mauves and whites transition easily as your baby grows, maintaining a sophisticated feel throughout childhood.
6. Nautical Nursery: Calming Blues for a Coastal Theme
Nautical themes are a popular choice for baby nurseries, as they evoke a sense of calm, adventure, and imagination. A modern twist on this classic theme can be achieved by choosing soft, soothing blues with a hint of contrast. Start with Constellation AF-540 , a serene, light blue reminiscent of clear skies. For a touch of warmth, add Wild Flower 2090-40 , a gentle red that pairs beautifully with the blues for a well-balanced look. Complete the space with Hale Navy HC-154 , a deep, rich navy that adds depth and works as a versatile accent color.
This nautical palette is perfect for a peaceful environment that encourages relaxation and daydreams. Whether you add sea-inspired décor, like anchors and boats, or keep it simple with soft textures and patterns, this color scheme will grow with your baby, staying timeless and classic throughout their childhood.
7. Floral Inspiration: Lavender and Soft Whites for a Tranquil Space
For a gender-neutral nursery with a fresh, floral twist, consider using soft lavenders paired with warm whites. Lavenders like Pressed Violet CSP-520 and Nosegay 1401 offer calming, floral-inspired tones that make the room feel peaceful and inviting. To balance these cooler tones, Atrium White OC-145 adds warmth with its subtle pink undertone, creating a youthful and fresh space for your baby to explore.
This palette works especially well for parents who want to create a nursery that feels gentle and nurturing. The soft purples can also promote relaxation, making it easier for your baby to settle into a sleep routine. Additionally, the neutral tones allow for easy updates as your baby grows, making it a versatile choice that won’t need constant redecoration.
Decorating Tips for the Nursery
Once you’ve chosen your color palette, consider these tips for decorating the nursery to make it both functional and beautiful:
Textiles and Soft Furnishings: Choose plush rugs, soft bedding, and cozy blankets that complement the room’s color scheme. Textiles add warmth and comfort while tying the room together. Personalized Décor: Incorporate personal touches such as family photographs, name plaques, or custom artwork to make the nursery feel unique and special. This also creates a deeper connection to the space for both you and your baby. Functional Furniture: Choose versatile furniture that can grow with your child, such as convertible cribs or adjustable storage solutions. This will help you maximize the lifespan of your nursery
Choosing the right color palette for your baby’s nursery is an exciting part of preparing for their arrival. The colors you select will help set the tone for a nurturing, calming environment where your baby can sleep, grow, and explore. Whether you prefer soothing pastels, warm neutrals, or vibrant hues, Benjamin Moore offers a variety of gender-neutral options that can evolve as your child grows.
From soft blues and greens to playful corals and timeless beiges, these seven color palettes provide a foundation for creating a space that reflects both your style and your baby’s needs. No matter which colors you choose, remember that the most important aspect of your nursery is the love and care you put into it, making it a welcoming space for your little one.