How to Choose Kids' Room Paint Colors (Science-Based!)
We've been thinking about discussing bedroom wall colors for a long time, and now finally, the time has come. So here's the thing: We all get a sense that some colors are more calming than others, that some colors are more suitable for a bedroom, or that some colors are ideal for a children's room. But are they really? If we get to do it from scratch, are there colors that are better than others for every child, and how should we find out?
DISCLAIMER
We don't like to see colors as gendered, and we think that recently, this gendered view of colors has gotten a little out of hand? On the contrary, we believe that assuming out of principle a girl's preference for pink or a boy's preference for blue is a little insensitive. It might even result in further radicalization. We have a strategy we use whenever there is a chance. Imagine a scenario in which we're distributing colored objects to a group of several kids; these could be pastels or markers, or colored bowls, etc. It's very typical to have all the kids shout: "I want blue!" "I want pink!" In cases like this, we like to guide randomization of colors: "You know you get a random color — all colors are nice!" If used as a mantra, this is a very powerful technique, and it will ultimately equalize all colors, or at least offer another perspective on colors, one that isn't driven by marketing. Don't get us wrong, it's reasonable to have preferences, but it’s perhaps best if those preferences aren’t dictated by the fear of there being something wrong with you if you don't pick the appropriate color for your gender. To use a personal example, the person writing this text likes pink very much, but her reason to like pink is that it reminds her of two people that are very dear to her, nothing else.
So because of all this, we're not going to dive into a discussion about rooms for girls and rooms for boys. We thought it would be interesting to find out if there is scientific data about psychological effects triggered by colors, and then make some specific considerations and draw our conclusions.
SCIENTIFIC DATA
When we started reading all the articles on the psychology of colors, we thought we were going to find a lot of articles, studies, and data, but actually, only two things are known to be scientifically proven: Red is stimulating, blue is calming.
How stimulating? How calming? Adler (2001) writes:
Color may bring about a reflex action on the vascular system, but this may be brought about through feelings and emotions. Some studies indicate that red tends to increase perspiration, excite brain waves and raise the blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration. Noticeable muscular reaction or tension and greater frequency of eye blinks result. Blue tends to have a reverse effect by lowering blood pressure and pulse rate. Brain waves tend to decline and skin response is less. Reactions to orange and yellow are similar to red, but less pronounced. Reactions to violet are similar to blue. However, the effects of color appear to be temporary. When exposed to strong areas of any color, there generally is an immediate reaction that can be measured with an instrument, but after a length of time, body response may fall to or below normal. So whether or not red is an "exciting" color may depend on the length of time a person is exposed to it. [2]
COLOR PERCEPTION AND GROWTH
Color perception and discrimination change drastically over the years. Around the age of 15, people perceive colors in a fully adult way (and late in life, the perception will change again). Studies show that 3-month-olds prefer the long-wavelength to the short-wavelength stimuli (associated with the development of cones photoreceptors), while adults demonstrated the opposite pattern of preference. There is also evidence for a preference shift from bright to more muted colors (associated with the development of rods photoreceptors). In other words, kids up to the age of three tend to prefer bright primary colors (e.g., for toys and their drawings). They prefer them because they perceive them better, which indicates that children tend to prefer chromatic over achromatic environments. This in turn indicates that it is a good idea to expose babies and young toddlers to satisfactory visual stimuli. Surrounding them with only muted colors that they can’t perceive is equivalent to exposing them to grays and a lot of the same color. [1]
Curious if you perceive colors differently? Try this test.
SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
Well, two things: One, that in principle, if you want to paint the whole house red, you can, and ultimately you'll get used to it (but your guests won’t…). Perhaps it's true that kids like bright colors, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they should bathe in flashy primary colors. They like them because they perceive them better, but it is part of our role as parents or educators to expose them to more and more diversity in variety, nuance, and hue, and of course, take their growth into account. Two, that if we want to decide, in some quasi-scientific way, which colors are great for older toddlers, we're probably better off just by sticking to two simple rules: no to bright red/orange, yes to blue-ish.
But you know what else?
TAKE YOURSELF INTO ACCOUNT
If your goal is to create a calming and inspiring room for your kids, choose something that you too feel comfortable with, because ultimately, kids react strongly to the energy of the adults taking care of them, so make sure first that you find that space comfortable.
SOME PRACTICAL IDEAS
By now you should have all the tools to make a decision that’s perfect for you. If you want to know what we like, there are two things that really struck a chord with us.
This Benjamin Moore color palette:
© Benjamin Moore
We find this combination of wall paint colors (as seen on Petrie Point Design) absolutely fabulous:
© Petrie Interior Design
We love it because these colors are neutral, classy, calm and quite neutral.
Top: Ecru
Bottom: Iced Cube Silver
MORE INSPIRATION
If you want more inspiration, here are three links full of pictures (we know there are many more around the www, but we thought these were good starting points.)
Have fun decorating!
References:
Adler, L. (2001). "Responding to Color" University of Kentucky; College of Agriculture.
Cesarz, T. "The Effects of Blue and Red Light on Physiological Responses Post-Exercise"
Jacobs, K. W. and Hustmyer, F. E. (1974) "Effects of four psychological primary colors on GSR, heart rate and respiration rate", Percept. Mof. Skills 38, 763-766.
Wohlfarth and C. Sam, (1982). "The effects of color psychodynamic environment modification upon psychophysiological and behavioral reactions of severely handicapped children", In J. Biosoc. Kes. 3. 10 38
"The Psychology of Color: Exploring cultural associations between colors and emotions."
Logo by Anouck Ferri
