9 nursery colour schemes that will stand the test of time

Create a timeless nursery scheme you and your little one will adore.

“I’m worried my little one will grow out of their nursery too quickly. Can you recommend any colour combinations that will work for babies even as they get a bit older?”

Kids grow up fast. One minute you’re painting their nursery in baby blue, the next they’re a crayon-wielding toddler with decorating ideas all of their own.

According to an AkzoNobel survey, over a third of parents admit to spending too much on decorating their little ones’ room, so it makes good financial sense to come up with a scheme that lasts.

These nine classic colour combinations will allow your nursery scheme to grow and adapt as your baby does.

Teal is a cheerful choice for a baby bedroom, and really comes into its own when you combine it with warm accent colours – yellow, orange and pink work particularly well.

Totally teal

Teal is a cheerful choice for a baby bedroom, and really comes into its own when you combine it with warm accent colours – yellow, orange and pink work particularly well.

Its versatility means you can switch up your accessories to create a whole new look without having to re-paint the entire room.

Which Colours?

Shady Blue A40
Shady Blue A50

Grey and yellow is the ultimate gender-neutral colour combination and works just as well in a baby’s bedroom as a teenager’s.

Grey and yellow

This is the ultimate gender-neutral colour combination and works just as well in a baby’s bedroom as a toddler’s.

Go for pale hues for a soft, inviting look, or ramp up the intensity for an edgier feel that will appeal to older siblings.

Which Colours?

Clear Grey C40
Clear Yellow A50

This classic pairing looks great as part of a vintage-themed scheme, complete with red and blue bunting.

Red and blue

This classic pairing looks great as part of a vintage-themed scheme, complete with red and blue bunting.

Cool blue walls will balance out hot red accents in the woodwork, furniture and accessories. Go for a chalky blue that will blend easily with other colours as you little one gets a bit older.

Which Colours?

Clear Blue C50
Clear Red C60

A well-judged neutral scheme never goes out of style. The key is to make it feel as snug as possible by layering up different textures, from woolly cushions and fluffy rugs to unpainted wooden furniture.

Cosy neutrals

A well-judged neutral scheme never goes out of style. The key is to make it feel as snug as possible for your baby by layering up different textures, from woolly cushions and fluffy rugs to unpainted wooden furniture.

For an extra-cosy feel, paint one or more of the walls in a deep, warm shade of taupe.

Which Colours?

Shady Brown A40
Shady Brown B30

Splashes of pastel blue, green, yellow and pink can look refreshingly modern and, depending on the quantities you use.

Pops of pastel

Pastels don’t have to be sugary. Splashes of pastel blue, green, yellow and pink can look refreshingly modern and, depending on the quantities you use, work just as well in a baby boy’s room as in a baby girl’s.

Try painting drawers, cupboard doors and woodwork in a variety of pastel shades and set them off against bright, white walls.

Which Colours?

Clear Red C30
Shady Blue C20

Here’s a perfect pairing that’s hard to get wrong. It evokes an airy, nautical feel, but works just as well in a city apartment as in a seaside cottage.

Blue and white

Here’s a serene colour pairing that’s hard to get wrong. It evokes an airy, nautical feel, but works just as well in a city apartment as in a seaside cottage.

Deep blue and white looks striking but is easier to get bored of over time, so choose a soothing, pale blue that’s also feminine enough for a little girl’s room.

Which Colours?

Shady Blue C30
Clear Grey C10

Monochrome may not be an obvious choice for a children’s room but it can look surprisingly playful.

Black and white

Monochrome may not be an obvious choice for a children’s room but it can look surprisingly playful. Sticking to black and white leaves you free to experiment with as many patterns as you like, from polka-dots to zebra stripes.

For an extra fun touch, why not paint a wall or wardrobe doors with blackboard paint? Later on, when your little one starts to develop favourite colours, you can easily add a few bright accents into the mix.

Which Colours?

Clear Grey C70
Clear Grey C10

Green is the dream colour for a versatile baby bedroom. It’s soothing enough to give a good night’s sleep but energising enough to aid concentration.

Green on green

Green is the dream colour for a versatile baby bedroom. It’s soothing enough to give a good night’s sleep but energising enough to aid concentration – perfect for when you little one starts learning to talk.

Layer up different shades of green in your walls, woodwork and accessories, using the most vibrant shades as accents will to prevent the scheme from becoming over-stimulating.

Which Colours?

Clear Green C60
Clear Green B60

A multi-coloured scheme is a failsafe way to make sure your child never gets bored of their bedroom.

Rainbow bright

A multi-coloured scheme is a failsafe way to make sure your baby, and later toddler, never gets bored of their bedroom.

The beauty of embracing an array of colours is that the décor can effortlessly evolve over time, allowing you to add to or take away from the scheme as your little one grows older and their tastes change.

Which Colours?

Clear Red C50
Clear Blue B60
Clear Green A70

Top tip

Use a durable, wipe-clean paint to withstand the scuffs and scribbles that inevitably occur in a children’s room.

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