Color Wonderful: Easy Paint Techniques for Baby’s Nursery

With so many big purchases to make with a baby on the way—cribs, high chairs, dressers, car seats—it's hard to imagine having any money leftover for decorating. The answer? A can of paint and a brush. Painting your baby's room is an inexpensive, fun way to add a personal touch to the nursery and pull together the look of the room. Are you ready for a little color? Then keep reading.

Supplies

What you need depends on how much painting you do. To paint an entire room, plan on buying a drop cloth, a two- to four- inch paintbrush, a paint tray, a roller, and at least a gallon of paint. You can buy each of these items separately, or usually for under $10 you can purchase them as part of a kit. Along with the standard painting supplies, you should also buy masking tape, to cover door rims and fixtures, and an edger, which is used to create straight paint lines around doors, at the ceiling, and at floorboards.

Preparation: The Key to a Good Paint Job

Painting a room takes more time, with sloppier results, if you don't prep the room. First you'll need to move all of the furniture into the center of the room and cover it with a drop cloth; cover the floors and carpeting with drop cloths as well. Then, adhere masking tape in straight lines around the floorboards and at the ceiling, especially if you're not using an edger.

Deciding on Color

Lay paint samples out in the room so you can consider what the color looks like at different times of the day. Remember that you probably won't want to be painting your baby's room again for a few years. Decide on a color that will last. Ask yourself how the room is going to be used—and not just this year. Are you planning on using the room for a sibling? You might not want to go with pink if your baby will soon be sharing the room with a brother. Do you want the color on the wall to be the major decorative element, or should it instead compliment bedding or wall hangings that will be added to the room? Brighter colors draw attention, while softer, neutral tones lend themselves to a variety of styles.

Painting on Single or Opposing Walls

Would you like to add a playful hint of yellow or blue to the room? Perhaps there's a heavy dresser that you never want to move again—even for painting. Consider painting a single wall or opposing walls, instead of the entire room (just sure that the color you choose matches the pre-existing color).