According to color psychologists, color can have a pretty significant effect on the psyche, influencing everything from mood to physical wellbeing. But you don’t have to be a scientist to reap the psychological benefits of color. Armed with a little color know-how and a can of paint, you can easily transform a big, lonely nursery into a soothing sleep sanctuary. Just choose one of these calming nursery colors, and let science do its thing! That said, if creating a sleep-centered space is your goal, avoid dark blues. While light to medium shades promote sleep, deep, dramatic blues tend to have an energizing effect, keeping sleep at bay. Soft, calming colors like powder blue, aqua, or even light shades of turquoise are a much safer bet. When choosing a shade for your nursery, you can opt for light to medium greens in earthy hues like sage and moss. However, darker greens can also be implemented, particularly if they are balanced with lighter neutrals. To ensure a good pick, remember that purple will almost always appear darker than expected on the wall. Found a color you like? Opt instead for a hue that is at least one shade lighter than your original choice, and you’ll be happier with the results. To create a soothing, white haven, think shabby chic. Avoid harsh, blue whites and opt instead for creamier shades, like soft ivory and antique white. You can also add warmth by incorporating lots of rich, earthy textures, like wicker and wood. Adding colorful accents will encourage openness, but stick to soft and soothing colors that won’t over-stimulate your little one. To keep things looking cheery, avoid dark and stormy grays and opt instead for light, blue-grays. If you want to go a bit darker, pair with clean, white trim and pretty pastel accents, or even warm things up with wood accents. As a bonus, teal can also serve as a gender-neutral hue that works well with other colors and styles, giving you plenty of work with in terms of decor and theme. Still unsure about using a peach tone? Try working it in as an accent wall. Having one section dedicated to that shade can help you decide whether to commit fully—and balancing it with printed wallpaper can do wonders in adding to the serenity you’re striving for.
