The best nursery colours for sleep

Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one’s arrival.

As a parent, you want to create a space that is not only beautiful but also safe and comfortable where they can grow, rest, and play.

When you start to decorate your baby’s room, the best colours to choose are gentle shades of blue, green, purple, pink, yellow, grey, and other soft neutrals like white. They aren’t over-stimulating and can have a calming effect on the brain, making it easier for your little one to relax and drift off into a restful slumber.

Grab a cosy blanket and get comfy as we inspire the perfect soothing nursery shades for your precious bundle of joy.

1. Blue skies ahead

Blue inspires a sense of tranquillity, evoking images of the beautiful sky and majestic ocean.

When choosing a colour scheme for your baby’s nursery, explore blue’s relaxed and calming tones. Its soft and soothing shades have long been associated with feelings of relaxation, creating a serene and peaceful environment for your little one.

Studies have shown that blue can even physically affect the body, lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate, helping to induce a sense of calmness and ease. Play with blue and explore paint tones for walls, cot bedding, and the cutest accessories – think framed art, plush toys, and decorative cushions.

2. Think pretty pink

The soft blush of pink, like the delicate petal of a rose, exudes gentle energy bursting with femininity and grace.

Pared-back shades of pink are lovely for nurseries – choose gentle warm tones, such as peach, blush, or a muted pastel. Often associated with feelings of love and nurturing, it’s the perfect colour to help your baby snooze. Research has shown that it has a calming effect on our psyche and reduces feelings of aggression. Isn’t it fascinating how colours can influence our mood and behaviour in such a positive way?

When picking kids’ furniture and getting creative, there is so much fun to be had with pink. Explore paint, floral wallpaper, cosy throws, and adorable accessories like play mats and hanging cot mobiles.

3. Green earthy neutrals

The lush, organic tones of green create a tranquil and grounding atmosphere in a baby’s room, evoking a sense of harmony and connection to the natural world.

Earthy neutrals are ideal for your little one’s space and oh-so versatile. Infusing a touch of nature, they promote a sense of serenity, making them the perfect backdrop for fostering growth and renewal in your child’s early years.

Experiment with a harmonious blend of earth tones with wall decor, bedding, and plants. Blending greens with browns and beiges will bring a natural elegance to your nursery that nourishes your baby’s mind and soul.

4. Peaceful shades of grey

The understated elegance of grey in a nursery exudes a timeless placidity.

The subtle and understated nature of grey will create a peaceful ambience in your baby’s room, reducing the amount of visual stimulation that can interfere with your baby’s sleep patterns. Babies have sensitive nervous systems that can be easily overstimulated by bright and bold colours, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and staying asleep.

This subtle tone is also fantastic for providing a blank canvas to add splashes of colour and personal touches to the room. You could choose a modern grey kids’ bed and decorate the walls with quirky wall art. Think of a playful theme such as safari, woodland or under the sea – that’ll really add some much-loved character.

5. Delicate pops of purple

The calmness of pale purple will lull your little one into the sweetest of slumbers.

Shades of lavender and lilac are soothing colours often associated with relaxation and restfulness. Featuring blue undertones, they make fabulous colours for a nursery, encouraging babies to feel settled.

Purple is also known to promote creativity and imagination, which can benefit babies as they begin to explore and learn about the world around them. By creating a stimulating and inspiring environment with pale purple accents, you can help to foster your little one’s sense of wonder and curiosity.

6. Spread joy with yellow

The golden hues of yellow radiate warmth and happiness, uplifting and stimulating your baby’s growing mind.

While it’s true that yellow is not commonly associated with lulling one to sleep, its vibrant and cheerful essence can create a warm and comforting environment for your little one. Opt for a softer shade of yellow, such as daffodil or dandelion, rather than brighter tones of lemon.

Consider a yellow feature wall paired with softer neutral walls in shades of white. Add sunshine bedding and rainbow accessories to keep up with the happy theme. We love to see joyous decorations.

7. Soft and subtle white

Transform your baby’s nursery into dreamland and imbue the space with purity, clarity, and light.

The simplicity of white can create a calmness that is essential for a restful night’s slumber, minimising distractions and allowing relaxation. Choose warm whites, such as ivory and antique white, rather than shades with blue undertones. Not only will your space look chic, but it’s also a magical way of making the room feel bright, open, and airy.

From cosy knitted blankets to fluffy white rugs, play with different textures and patterns to add depth and interest. Add fun pops of colour, and you’ll be well on your way to designing a dreamy oasis for your little one.

And remember, once you’ve picked your colour scheme; next, you’ll need the comfiest cot and cot mattress.