Are you expecting - and ready to decorate your soon-to-be baby's new nursery? Before you stock up on paint, brushes, and everything else you'll need for this home improvement project, take a look at what you need to know about nurseries, decor, and the products that can make this job easier.
These traditional baby colors aren't the staple of nursery decor anymore. While you can choose pink or blue, you can also select any other hue for your baby's new room. If pink and blue are out in the traditional old-fashioned sense, what colors should you choose for a nursery?
The color palette you select depends on a few factors. These include:
- Your personal preference.
You have years until your child has their own favorite color. This means you can pick your number one hue for their room right now.
- The rest of the room.
Do you want to keep the wall-to-wall carpeting in place? Do you already have curtains and a bedding set? If the room already has an existing palette, coordinate the wall color with the existing hues.
- The light.
Avoid a cave-like nursery with a lighter palette. Trade deep maroons and navy blues for light purples, periwinkle, and other similar colors.
- Your baby's vision.
Your baby may have color vision by the time they turn five months old, according to the American Optometric Association. Even though they won't see bold hues as a newborn, vivid colors can stimulate their senses as they grow.
If you can settle on one color, don't. Make a statement with one bold-colored wall and keep the rest neutral, use paint to create stripes or a multi-colored pattern, or paint the walls, trim, and doors different hues.
Color isn't the only choice you will need to make. Along with the overall room palette, you will also need to decide on a paint type, brand, and sheen. If you're not sure where to start, consider:
- No VOCs.
Volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs) are a no-go in your baby's nursery. VOCs can cause nose, throat, or eye irritation, central nervous system damage, or make breathing difficult, according to the American Lung Association. Look for a zero VOC paint product.
- A water-based paint.
Most no-VOC paints are water-based. But not all water-based (also known as latex) paints are no-VOC. Read the label and talk to the hardware or home improvement retailer before you select a product.
- A satin or semi-gloss finish.
These sheens are typically easier to clean than a matte type of paint. This makes it easy to wipe splashes, spills, or anything else off your nursery walls.
There is no one best paint brand. Discuss the pros and cons, such as quality and price, of each brand with a salesperson at your favorite home improvement store before you choose one paint manufacturer.
Even though paint is the primary product you'll need, it isn't the only item you'll pick up at the home improvement store. To redecorate with paint, you will also need:
- A drop cloth or tarp.
This protective cover can keep your wood or carpeted floor safe and reduce the risks from paint spills.
- Brushes.
The types and sizes of brushes you need depend on what kind of paint you choose and what you want to paint. A sash or tapered brush is ideal for painting trim and framing. Polyester and blended nylon-polyester brushes often work well with latex (water-based) paints.
- Rollers.
Covering four full walls and a ceiling with small-sized brushes could take you hours or days. Instead, buy a few paint rollers (with telescopic or extendable handles) and roller covers.
You will also need painter's tape for trim, borders, or patterns and a paint tray. Do you want to dress up the decor and add lettering, shapes, borders, or other painted designs? To create these effects, you'll need to buy stencils or templates.
Is your nursery room project list ready to go? Contact Koontz Hardware
for more information on products.
