There are many things to think about when you’re getting ready to paint your nursery. With things like color and paint finishes to consider, the decision can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve come up with some nursery paint tips to help you make your decision and get you prepared for the arrival of your little one!
Keep Safety in Mind
Most paints contain heavy amounts of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be harmful to inhale. To clarify, VOC’s are toxic ingredients that are emitted by solvents in paint. In order to keep these toxins away from your newborn, find paint that is either Low-VOC or No-VOC. These types of paints are relatively easy to find and are available in a wide variety of colors. And if you can’t find a Low-VOC or No-VOC paint that you like, be sure to keep the room ventilated while painting and drying to minimize the risk of inhaling toxic fumes from the paint.
Choose the Perfect Color
Next, be sure to choose a color for your nursery that both you and your baby will like. Although you can’t deliberately ask your little one which color they want their nursery to be painted, research shows that babies enjoy light pastel colors and bright, saturated colors. In contrast, adults tend to like more subtle colors, tones and shades. While your color preferences may differ from that of your newborn, be sure to find a paint that will complement the room and room decor you choose. And as an extra tip, keep in mind that color will also depend on other factors such as the type of finish your paint comes in.
Keep the Glare Out
This nursery paint tip is often overlooked, but should seriously be considered. The glare that comes off of your walls can be very irritating for newborn babies’ eyes. To keep the glare out of your nursery, try to find a paint color that has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) that is 60 or lower. LRV refers to the percentage of light that is reflected by the painted surface compared to the light that is absorbed. Many paint brands provide a LRV number on the label.
Choose the Right Finish
When choosing the best nursery paint to use in your nursery, consider the different types of finish to use. Paint finishes range from flat (or matte) to gloss and the finishes produce very different results. Because flat finishes are very difficult to clean and cleaning them could leave your walls discolored, you’ll want to avoid this type of finish. One of the best types of paint finish to use in a nursery is eggshell because of its durability and high stain-resistance. Eggshell finishes are somewhat shiny and are easy to clean which makes them very practical options for a nursery that is bound to get dirty from time to time. And for the trim, a semi-gloss or satin finish is recommended.
As an added tip, keep in mind that the shinier the finish is, the darker your color will look on the wall.
Test Colors on Your Wall
Before you jump right into painting your nursery, test some of your favorite colors on the wall first. There are many variables that may affect the actual look of the color once it’s on the wall as opposed to what you see on the paper swatch. Some of these factors include:
- Paint substrate
- Finish
- Lighting
- Amount of layers painted
- Texture of the wall
You can purchase smaller quantities of paint to test on your wall or ask your local paint department if they have any paint chips in the color you’re curious about. After painting the wall with your different color options, be sure to look at them in different lighting such as natural, artificial and a combination of both. This will also help you determine which color looks best in the room in all circumstances.
Get Advice from the Experts at Reno Paint Mart
If you’re still unsure of which paint to use in your nursery, then connect with the experts at Reno Paint Mart! Our knowledgeable and qualified team will help you choose from various types of paint, finishes, and colors that will fit perfectly in your nursery. And our Reno Interior Design team will help discover your vision and bring it to life. Connect with us today!