A child's room is the most fun and most personal corner of a home. With a few pots of paint and a little creativity you can turn it into your child's imaginary world — without paying a fortune for shop-bought decor. Water-based acrylic paints are odourless and safe, which makes them ideal for children's room projects. Here are some ideas to inspire you, and the things to watch out for.
Why is acrylic paint ideal for a child's room?
- Water-based and odourless: Comfortable to use even in a closed room.
- Vivid colours: The bright, cheerful tones children love.
- Works on many surfaces: Walls, furniture, wooden toys, plant pots — all of them.
- Easy to clean up: Being water-based, splashes wipe away easily.
Take a look at our acrylic paint palette for colours.
10 children's room ideas
- A feature wall: Paint one wall in a vivid colour.
- Cloud, star and rainbow motifs: Easily applied with a stencil.
- A mountain silhouette: Geometric mountains with tape; modern and sweet.
- A height chart: Centimetres painted onto a wooden batten.
- A name plaque / door decoration: The child's name in wooden letters.
- Painted plant pots: A colourful mini garden on the windowsill.
- Revamping the toy chest: Bring an old chest back to life with colour.
- A creative corner: Turn a panel into something they can draw on.
- Painting wooden toys: New life for old wooden toys.
- Making a picture together: A hand- and finger-print canvas with your child.
Painting together with your child
Painting is a wonderful developmental activity for children: it builds creativity, manual skill and an understanding of colour. Water-based acrylic makes it safe. Thick, easy-to-hold brushes and sponges are ideal for small hands. Put an apron on them, cover the table and let the fun begin.
Safety: what to watch out for
- Use water-based, odourless paint (such as acrylic).
- Always supervise young children; stop them putting paint in their mouths.
- Ventilate the room well (acrylic is odourless, but caution does no harm).
- Don't use painted surfaces on things the child chews.
- Put brushes and paint out of reach when you've finished.
Tips for durability
Things in a child's room take a beating. Protect painted furniture and toys with varnish; they'll be wipeable and far more durable. On surfaces that get touched often, a satin or gloss varnish makes cleaning easy.
Choosing colours: the right tones for a child
- Pastel tones: A calm, peaceful sleeping environment.
- Vivid accents: Energy and cheer in the play corner.
- Nature colours (green, sky blue): Balanced and soothing.
- The child's favourite colour: Give their choice a place in a small area.
Common mistakes
- Using strong-smelling or solvent paint: Not suitable in a child's room; choose water-based.
- Leaving it unvarnished: Surfaces that get knocked about wear quickly.
- Leaving them unsupervised: Paint and equipment are a risk with young children.
- Making the whole room very vivid: It can be over-stimulating; find a balance.
Frequently asked questions
Which paint is safe in a child's room?
Water-based, odourless acrylic paints are suitable; avoid solvent-based or strong-smelling paints.
Is it safe to paint with a child?
With water-based acrylic and supervision, yes; stop them putting paint in their mouths and put an apron on them.
Should I start with the wall or the furniture?
The easiest start is a small piece of furniture or a single feature wall; the result is quick and effective.
Are painted toys safe?
With water-based paint plus varnish, and on toys the child doesn't chew, yes; take care with very young children.
Which colour helps with sleep?
Pastel blues, greens and soft tones are calming and sleep-friendly.
Refreshing a child's room is both an enjoyable project and a lovely moment to share with your child. Let your imagination loose with safe, water-based paints. Choose your colours and turn the room into a storybook world!
