Psychologist reveals why green or purple are the best colours to paint your baby’s nursery

Most nurseries come in pink or blue, but a psychologist has revealed why green or purple are the best colours to paint your baby’s room.

Speaking to interior design specialists Homedit.com, psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers explained that colours can have a significant impact on moods and behaviours.

When shopping for that nursery colour scheme, we are so often drawn in by the loving details, the delicate patterns, and the neutral colours. In our minds, we are looking to create a place of serenity for our precious bundle of joy,’ he said.

‘But there is another consideration to think about, and that is how the psychology of colour can impact on feelings and behaviours. 

‘The easiest way to partition colours into those that are warmer, and those that are cooler. Research has continued in this field and started to highlight some trends.’

Homedit surveyed 3,273 British parents to find out the colours they have painted their nurseries, revealing the seven top colours.

Here, Lee explains the benefits of those different shades…  

GREEN 

Most nurseries come in pink or blue, but a psychologist has revealed why green or purple are the best colours to paint your baby’s room (stock photo)

The fresh colour green came in fifth place with 23 per cent of parents using this colour for a baby’s nursery.

Lee advised on why green may be a suitable colour for your new bundle of joy, explaining: ‘The symbolic colour of nature, and the colour we can see the most shades of. 

‘With its connotations to growth and the outdoors, it takes some of the happiness from yellow and some of the calming of blue. It promotes concentration and soothes the mind, but it doesn’t motivate or inspire energy or communication.’

YELLOW

Coming in first place was the very neutral and calming yellow with 52 per cent of parents using the colour.

Lee said: ‘The wonderful colour of neutrality. A happy aura comes from a room the colour of the sun, and it can increase focus and motivation. 

‘The brighter the yellow, however, the more it stimulates frustration, and in research yellow made babies cry more than any other colour.’

PURPLE 

The colour purple proved popular with 31 per cent of parents surveyed in the UK.

Lee offered some explanation as to why this would be a top choice for nursery decor: ‘A wise and regal colour, purple can be a great choice for something different.

‘Combining the fire of the red, with the relaxed nature of blue, it can create a nice balance, or can be tailored towards more energy or more serenity by changing the shade. It does have an element of grown up about it, which may take the childish edge off.’

RED 

Coming in last place was the colour most associated with anger and passion, red, with 6 per cent of parents using this hue for nurseries. 

‘The highly emotive colour of energy and anger. Likely to lead to an excitable, confident child willing to push the limits,’ suggested Lee.

He warned: ‘However, it is also likely to increase aggression, decrease concentration and overstimulate children.’

Speaking to interior design specialists Homedit.com, psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers explained that colours can have a significant impact on moods and behaviours, even for babies (stock image)

Speaking to interior design specialists Homedit.com, psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers explained that colours can have a significant impact on moods and behaviours, even for babies (stock image) 

PINK 

In second place was the playful pink with 37 per cent of votes, with Lee adding: ‘A popular colour for a bedroom, pink takes some of the benefits of red and takes the edge off the stimulation.’

But he warned: ‘It is calming initially, and can increase compassion, but over time it can become irritating, leading to a disruptive child.’

However, Lee continued: ‘Trust your intuition and you won’t go far wrong. You can bring out the value of colours by pairing darker shades with more vibrant neutral hues.’

BLUE 

Blue secured fourth place with 29 per cent of votes, proving to be a popular choice for many parents. 

Lee said: ‘Blue creates a calming atmosphere that reduces stimulation and helps children to settle. 

‘It also invokes a sense of the body cooling, which helps when children fall asleep. It’s worth being mindful of the tone, too dark can become almost gloomy and uninspiring, but too pale reduces some of the benefits.’

ORANGE 

Just 17 per cent of British parents surveyed used orange to paint their baby’s nursery, ranking it in sixth place.  

Whilst this shade is full of joyful and vibrant connotations, Lee suggested it may not be the best colour to use for a nursery.

‘Another joyous colour not often used but very welcoming. It is the colour for inspiring communication if you want to promote chatter,’ Lee said.

‘But again is a colour that generates underlying anxiety that decreases children’s attention,’ he claimed.