20 Best Nursery Paint Colors From Sherwin-Williams (With LRVs)

When preparing a nursery for your new bundle of joy, choosing the right paint color is an important decision. The color you choose can set the mood and atmosphere of the room, and also affect your baby’s mood and sleep patterns.

With so many options available, deciding on the perfect paint color for your nursery can be overwhelming. In this article, we will guide you through the best paint colors for a nursery and how to choose the right one for your little one.

The importance of color in a nursery

Color has a significant impact on our emotions, and this is especially true for babies. As their eyesight develops, they are highly sensitive to colors and can be easily overstimulated or calmed by them. Therefore, it’s important to choose colors that promote a sense of calm and comfort in your baby’s nursery.

The best paint colors for a peaceful nursery

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• White: While it may seem too plain at first, white can actually be a great choice for a nursery. It creates a clean and airy feel, making the space feel larger and brighter. White also allows you to play with different textures and patterns in your decor without overwhelming the room.
• Neutral grays: If you want a versatile color that can grow with your child, consider using different shades of gray in the nursery. These colors are modern, sophisticated, and gender-neutral. They also provide a great backdrop for pops of color or bold patterns in your decor.
• Cool blues: Shades of blue, such as sky blue and pale blue, are known for their calming effects. These colors can help soothe a fussy baby and promote feelings of peace and tranquility. They also work well in both traditional and modern nursery designs.
• Warm yellows: Soft shades of yellow can bring warmth and brightness to a nursery. They create a cheerful and happy atmosphere, perfect for a baby’s room. Just make sure to choose a pale or pastel shade of yellow to avoid overstimulating your little one.
• Earthy greens: Shades of green, such as sage and fern, can bring a sense of nature and tranquility into the nursery. These colors are also gender-neutral and work well with many different themes and decor styles. Plus, studies have shown that green can help improve focus and concentration, making it a smart choice for a nursery.
• Soft pinks: For those who want a more traditional and feminine nursery, soft shades of pink are always a classic choice. They create a warm and nurturing atmosphere that is perfect for a baby girl’s room. You can also mix in shades of white and cream to add depth and balance to the room.

Paint Colors for Gender-Neutral Nurseries

For those who want to wait until the baby is born to find out the gender, or simply prefer a more neutral color palette, here are some options to consider:

For every color below we have added the official Sherwin-Williams LRV (Light Reflectance Value). It runs from 0 for black to 100 for white, so a higher number means a lighter, brighter nursery.

1. Sherwin Williams Extra White

This crisp and clean white color is perfect for a minimalist nursery. It provides a blank canvas for you to play with different colors and textures in your decor. Plus, it will never go out of style and can easily transition into a toddler or even a teenager’s room.

SW 7006  |  LRV: 86  |  Hex: #EEEFEA

2. Sherwin Williams Marshmallow

If you prefer softer greige paint colors, Marshmallow is a great option. Its warm undertones create a cozy and inviting feel in the nursery. This color also pairs well with natural wood tones or pastel accents.

SW 7001  |  LRV: 82  |  Hex: #EEE9E0

3. Sherwin Williams Passive

This is another popular choice for a gender-neutral nursery. It falls between gray and beige, creating a soothing atmosphere. This color can also serve as a backdrop for bolder accents or patterns in your decor.

SW 7064  |  LRV: 60  |  Hex: #CBCCC9

4. Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit

For those who want a touch of color without going too bold, Mineral Deposit is a lovely option. It has subtle green-gray undertones that add a hint of calmness to the room. This color also works well with natural or metallic accents.

SW 7652  |  LRV: 43  |  Hex: #ABB0AC

5. Sherwin Williams Soft Sage

This muted green color is a great alternative to traditional pink for a girl’s nursery. Its calming and soothing effect makes it perfect for a peaceful sleep environment. You can also add accents in shades of pink or purple to create a girly touch.

SW 9647  |  LRV: 50  |  Hex: #BCBCAE

6. Sherwin Williams On the Rocks

This light and airy gray color is perfect for a gender-neutral nursery. It can be paired with white, navy blue, or pops of yellow or green for a fun and modern look. You can even add a colorful accent wall in a geometric pattern to make the room more playful.

SW 7671  |  LRV: 62  |  Hex: #D0CEC8

7. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

For those who prefer warmer tones, Repose Gray is a great option. This light gray color with warm undertones can be paired with shades of beige, cream, or even pops of coral for a cozy and inviting nursery.

SW 7015  |  LRV: 58  |  Hex: #CCC9C0  |  Try a Repose Gray sample

8. Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe

This earthy and neutral color is a great choice for a gender-neutral nursery. Its warm and cozy feel makes it perfect for creating a rustic or farmhouse-style nursery. To complete the look, pair it with natural wood accents and pops of greenery.

SW 7038  |  LRV: 37  |  Hex: #B1A290

Paint Colors for Girl Nurseries

When designing a girl’s nursery, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a classic pink and white color scheme or opt for something more unique and modern. No matter what style you choose, here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional space for your little princess:

9. Sherwin Williams Quaint Peche

This warm and inviting peachy-pink color is perfect for a girl’s nursery. It pairs well with other soft shades like cream, beige, and light gray. You can also add pops of brighter pink or coral for a fun and playful touch.

SW 6330  |  LRV: 65  |  Hex: #EACDC1

10. Sherwin Williams Lotus Flower

For a more whimsical and feminine look, Lotus Flower is an excellent choice. This pale pink color has a hint of lavender, making it unique and unexpected. It can be paired with shades of white, cream, or even light blue for a dreamy nursery.

SW 6310  |  LRV: 57  |  Hex: #E6BDBD

11. Sherwin Williams Koral Kicks

If you want to add a bold and energetic vibe to your little girl’s nursery, Coral Kicks is the way to go. This vibrant coral color can be paired with shades of white or gray for a modern twist. You can also mix in some gold accents for a touch of glamor.

SW 6610  |  LRV: 68  |  Hex: #F2D1C3

12. Sherwin Williams Misty

For a more subtle and sophisticated look, consider using Misty by Sherwin Williams. This soft gray with a hint of blue creates a serene and calming atmosphere, perfect for a baby girl’s room. You can pair it with white or pastel accents for a timeless and elegant look.

SW 6232  |  LRV: 64  |  Hex: #CDD2D2

Boy Nurseries

Designing a boy’s nursery can be just as exciting as designing one for a girl. From classic blues to more modern and gender-neutral colors, here are some options to consider:

13. Sherwin Williams Alpaca

This warm and inviting taupe color is a perfect choice for a boy’s nursery. It pairs well with shades of blue, green, or even yellow for a gender-neutral look. You can also add pops of brighter colors, like orange or red, for a playful touch.

SW 7022  |  LRV: 57  |  Hex: #CCC5BD

14. Sherwin Williams Sleepy Blue

This soft and dreamy blue is perfect for a boy’s nursery. It pairs well with white, gray, and other shades of blue. For a pop of color, you can also add accents in brighter shades of blue or green.

SW 6225  |  LRV: 58  |  Hex: #BCCBCE

15. Sherwin Williams Rock Candy

For a more gender-neutral option, consider using Rock Candy by Sherwin Williams. This light gray color with a hint of beige is versatile and can be paired with a variety of accent colors. It also creates a modern and clean look for the nursery.

SW 6231  |  LRV: 75  |  Hex: #DEE1DF

16. Sherwin Williams Naval

If you’re looking for a bold and classic color, Naval is a great option. This deep navy blue adds a sense of sophistication and can be paired with white, gray, or even pops of bright yellow for a fun and playful touch.

SW 6244  |  LRV: 4  |  Hex: #2F3D4C

17. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

For a more unique and modern look, consider using Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams. This muted green color with hints of gray creates a calming and serene atmosphere, perfect for a nursery. It pairs well with neutral colors like white or beige for a timeless look.

SW 9130  |  LRV: 30  |  Hex: #95978A  |  Read our full review

18. Sherwin Williams Languid Blue

This soft and calming blue color is a perfect choice for a boy’s nursery. It pairs well with warm grays and can also be combined with pops of orange or yellow for a fun and lively look.

SW 6226  |  LRV: 46  |  Hex: #A4B7BD

19. Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner

Consider using Sea Mariner by Sherwin Williams for a beachy and nautical theme. This light blue-green color creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a nursery. It pairs well with white, beige, or even shades of coral for a tropical touch.

SW 9640  |  LRV: 7  |  Hex: #434A54

20. Sherwin Williams Peppercorn

For a more modern and edgy look, consider using Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. This deep charcoal color adds depth and drama to a nursery and pairs well with lighter shades of gray or white for a sleek and sophisticated vibe.

SW 7674  |  LRV: 10  |  Hex: #585858  |  Read our full review

Tips for Painting a Nursery

• Paint early: Finish painting at least a few weeks before the baby arrives so the room can air out.
• Choose low- or zero-VOC paint: Many Sherwin-Williams lines, such as Harmony, are zero-VOC and help reduce odors.
• Pick a washable finish: Eggshell or satin wipes clean more easily than flat paint.
• Think long term: Soft neutrals and muted colors can grow with your child into the toddler and big-kid years.
• Consider the light: In bright Florida sun, soft pastels can wash out. Test samples on the wall, and go a shade deeper if needed.

The easiest way to compare colors is with peel-and-stick samples from Samplize. They use real paint and there is no mess or fumes, which is ideal when you are getting a nursery ready.

Frequently Asked Questions