The best types of paint for children’s rooms — and why

Children can bring our hearts joy and fill a home with laughter – but let’s not forget they can be fussy, careless, and incredibly messy.

These childhood foibles must be taken into account when choosing the right paint for their bedrooms and parents should balance safety, looks, and durability.

We spoke to Jennifer Jones, an interiors expert and founder of Jennifer Jones Styling, a UK-wide collective of stylists who are all mums, and Simeon Simeonov, a handyman coordinator and painting expert at Fantastic Services, for their expertise on paint for children’s bedroom design.

Shop suitable paint for children’s rooms

Choosing the best type of paint for children's rooms

Jennifer says the most important thing to bear in mind when choosing paint for your child’s room is its durability as kids have a habit of marking fresh new walls instantly.

She said: “You want something that will withstand all the sticky fingers and toy throwing! We always recommend wipeable paint formulas to banish smears and smudges.

“There are a lot of good quality paints that are low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and low odour for improved indoor air quality that are safe for children.”

She says parents should also have a clear image of what they want the room to be, for example, do you want it to be a fun playing space or purely for sleep?

Simeon added: “High-quality paints that resist stains will maintain their appearance longer and withstand the rigours of active child's play. Bright, cheerful colours can stimulate creativity and positivity and consider colours that can adapt to the child’s changing preferences as they grow.”

“That will you decide whether to choose peaceful colours that create a sense of calm or vibrant colours that spark the imagination, Jennifer adds. “We also recommend using high quality paints with a high pigment, so you don’t have to paint too many coats.”

What are the different types of paint for children's rooms?

Chalkboard

Jennifer says: “Chalkboard and blackboard paint (easily found on Amazon) are great for kids as these give them something to do, but be clear that they can only draw on that particular surface, otherwise you might find lots of doodling throughout the house.

“You can also get these in different colours so it doesn’t have to become an all-black wall and it doesn’t have to be the whole wall, you can create a border around a small section if you wish – but remember your children will grow taller to create a section they can stand and draw for a few years to come.”

Glitter glaze

Glitter glaze has iridescent qualities that create prismatic reflections and add a subtle touch of shimmer to interior walls.

Craig & Rose's Artisan range includes the Starlight Sliver Glitter Glaze, which recreates the night sky when painted on the ceiling. You can buy Starlight Silver topcoat on B&Qand Craig & Rose's glitter glaze in gold sparkle on Amazon.

Spray cork

Sprayed cork wall coatings, like SprayCork from CorkSol, offer numerous benefits that directly contribute to kids' health, safety, and comfort.

A primary benefit is that cork has breathable properties, which means it can regulate moisture levels effectively. Proper moisture regulation prevents dampness, which is a common cause of mould growth.

Additionally, this breathability helps to create a more comfortable living environment by maintaining optimal humidity levels. Cork is an excellent insulator, keeping rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. For children, a stable and comfortable temperature is vital for quality sleep and overall well- being, Corksol adds.

Glow in the dark

You can also incorporate glow in the dark colours if you want to add interest to the room without overstimulating the child.

Glow in the dark paint, which you can buy on Amazon, is also ideal for creating stunning murals or for highlighting features.

Magnetic paint

Simeon says: “Magnetic paint (which can be found at B&Q) contains iron dust, making the walls magnetic. It can be paired with chalkboard paint for a dual-purpose wall that can hold magnets and be drawn on.

"Washable paints are specifically designed to withstand frequent washing and scrubbing, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like children's rooms.

FAQs

What is the best paint finish for a kid’s room?

The best finish is either satin or eggshell – these are both pretty durable but also aren’t too glossy and balance durability with ease of cleaning.

They have a slight sheen that makes them more resistant to scrubbing compared to flat finishes.

Is it safe to paint a nursery?

If you choose low-VOC and non-toxic paints, it is safe to paint a nursery. Just ensure good ventilation during and after painting – plus a safe period of time before letting your little one sleep in the room again.

When painting a nursery keep in mind that little ones need a calm environment, so opt for pastel colours or earthy tones, that will bring a sense of calm to the space which will help them sleep. Also, consider black out blinds and curtains for optimal sleep.

How long to wait until children can sleep in a newly painted room?

It's generally recommended that children wait at least 2-3 days before sleeping in a freshly painted room, and this time allows the paint to cure and the fumes to dissipate.

Always ensure the room is well-ventilated during and after painting to speed up the curing process and reduce exposure to any residual fumes.

A final note from Emma Bestley, co-founder of paint brand YesColours: “Start small with the introduction of colour – in case your child gradually starts to dislike a colour or feels agitated by a colour.

“Maybe just accessories like cushions and bed linens in some colours and see what they are drawn to and what makes them happy.

"Involve your child so they can communicate their emotions and feelings and be part of the decision making.”

Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones is an interiors and personal stylist, founder of Jennifer Jones Styling – a UK-wide network of talented stylists who are all mums.

Simeon Simeonov

Simeon is an experienced handyman specialist and has worked with Fantastic Services since 2021