How Different Nursery Colours Affect Your Child’s Mood
7th October 2016
Many parents spend long hours deliberating over what colours to paint their children’s nursery. But expectant couples are now starting to drift away from the standard pink or blue and getting wise to something called ‘colour psychology’. Whilst this is not an exact science, it is a science nonetheless, and numerous studies have demonstrated that certain colours have their own character and influence on babies’ moods, emotions, learning and development. So to prepare for your new arrival, just take a look at our simple guide to how different nursery colours can affect your child’s mood.
Warm colours
Warm colours create feelings of comfort, cosiness and intimacy that could potentially work for a bedroom. However, too bright, and these colours are in danger of being overstimulating and too intense for a child’s bedroom. In this case, warm colours might be more suited for an accent wall, teamed with other walls of paler, cooler shades.
Red: The colour of love, passion and danger, this is a strong hue that energises the body and increases heart rate and respiration. These attributes may not be suited to a bedroom or nursery where the aim is to relax and sleep.
Pink: A colour associated with femininity and empathy, some studies suggest that pink can also soothe the mind and decrease heart rate. Though there are also some suggestions that too much pink, particularly harsher shades, can actually contribute to anxiety and agitation in babies.
Orange: Many educational facilities and exam rooms paint an accent wall or two with orange, as it is deemed to enhance critical thinking and memory. This suggests that it could also be a useful hue to include in your baby’s bedroom to boost learning and development. There is also a strong suggestion that orange is a friendly, welcoming colour that encourages confidence and communication. But be warned: like with the other warm colours, if it is overused or overly bright then it may act to over-stimulate your child.
Yellow: Sunshine, happiness and summer days; yellow evokes them all and is the most cheerful colour available. Softer shades are thought to enhance concentration, while brighter shades can stimulate memory. But while these features might be desirable for a playroom or study, it may prove to be too intense for a bedroom, with some studies concluding that too much yellow can actually agitate young children.
Cool Colours
To create a more tranquil, sleep-friendly atmosphere for your nursery, selecting some cooler colours for the decor is a perfect way to make a room instantly feel more spacious and relaxing. While cool hues are not the most welcoming in the world, this may not be entirely important in a baby’s bedroom.
Green: This earthy colour symbolises nature, health and well-being. An ideal colour for relaxation, there have been some reports that green can also help to improve reading ability and comprehension in youngsters. In summary, this colour is ideal for an effective slumber space.
Blue: Soothing for both mind and body, blue is renowned for creating a calm environment for sleep that should help your little ones drift off. However, be careful not to choose a shade that is too dark as this can conjure up feelings of depression and sorrow.
Purple: This regal colour will make your nursery fit for royalty. Purples are also associated with wisdom and spirituality, and boast the serenity of blue and the energy of red, combining the two characteristics to create a soothing yet stimulating blend.
Here at Tiny World Day Nurseries, we are committed to the learning and develop of all the kids in our care. We engage youngsters from 6 weeks old to 11 years old, engaging them in fun activities, exercise and learning. Our three branches can be found in the Nottingham and Mansfield areas, so if you want to arrange a visit or simply chat to one of our team, then don’t hesitate to give us a call.
References:
Gaines, K.S. (2011) The inclusive classroom: The effects of color on learning and behavior. Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences Education, 29(1)
Kaya, N (2004) Relationship between color and emotion: a study of college students.