Inside: the best green nursery paint colors uncovered for 2023!
Looking for a gender-neutral color for your baby’s nursery or simply sprucing up your little one’s space for a fresh look? Mother Nature has lots of inspiration — and my favorite nursery color is green!
Green nusery paint can add a natural touch to your space, bringing the best of the outdoors to your baby’s interior.
A strong association with nature can promote well-being and a sense of serenity.
Some say it helps them feel less anxious, good to help with the jitters of first-time motherhood (or second, third or even fourth time… us moms just can’t help but worry, right?! )
Choosing the best green for the nursery and the best paint is the tricky part. With so many options available, it can get overwhelming. And with a little baby (in your belly or by your side), I totally understand how hectic it can get!
(Hint: sage green nursery paint is THE flavor of the decade when it comes to green!)
If you’re in the same boat, consider this article your all-in-one guide on the best green paints for the nursery. With paint brands and the specific shade of green nursery color included, by the end, you should be closer to a decision.
Of all the green nursery paint colors, which will be your favorite?
So, let’s get started and find out!
Which type of paint is best for a nursery?
Before you start choosing the best green nursery paint color, it’s essential to understand which is the right type of paint for the your baby’s room. So no matter which shade of green you choose, you are sure you’re using paint that is safe for your baby to be around.
Many paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — and ideally, the baby green paint you choose for the nursery should be free of these.
What Are VOCs?
VOCs, short for volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that are emitted as gasses from paints. These are released into the atmosphere as the paint dries. Usually, outdoor paints have VOCs, while indoor ones create relatively lower amounts.
Most of the off-gassing occurs in the first few days after the paint layer is applied, but it can continue in minute amounts even years later. Some VOCs are harmless, but others may have cancer-causing properties and other adverse effects, as mentioned below.
Adverse Effects Of VOCs
In addition to the carcinogenic side effects, inhaling VOCs has a multitude of other adverse impacts. These include:
- Irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination
Zero-VOC Paint
Ideally, you want to choose a green nursery paint with zero VOCs. But that’s not always practically attainable.
Most of the time zero-VOC paints refer to paints with very low levels of the chemical. Generally, these are the paints that contain 5 grams or less of volatile organic compounds per liter of paint.
Be sure to look for zero-VOC paint for your child’s nursery — or monitor the VOC levels for the paints you’re considering and make sure they’re low.
Is Sherwin Williams paint safe for nursery?
Absolutely! Sherwin Williams paints are one of the best options you have for your baby’s nursery, owing to their high quality, durability, and zero-VOC policy.
There are plenty of green nursery paint colors coming up made by this popular brand.
Is green good for a nursery?
There are many reasons why the color green is good for a nursery.
According to color psychology, green helps create a restful environment and a feeling of nature. Although it’s thought that babies are unaffected by color (they don’t begin to even see in color until around 4 months) us moms and dads will also spend a lot of time in the nursery.
Green is a versatile color, allowing for a multitude of nursery design ideas — from chic, to modern, to vintage, green will work.
Green is also gender-neutral and the perfect color for botanical and safari-themed nurseries.
Green pairs well with natural wood, darker tones and other colors like pink, for a more girly feel, grey, better for a little boy, and yellow, for either, or both.
How do I choose the right green paint?
To choose the right green nursery paint consider the vibe you wish to create. If you’re looking to add a cozy element to your space, choose darker shades of green.
For serene vibes, opt for lighter hues and pale cooler shades. Or try sage green nursery paint colors for an earthiness and warmth.
To help make your decision, paint swatches on the nursery walls. Keep them for a few days and observe them under different lighting to see which one you connect with the most.
Also, consider any furniture and decor you already have for the nursery and how each different green paint color will work with them.
When should I paint the nursery?
I’d recommend painting the nursery at least two months before your baby is expected to live in the room. This allows any paint fumes to subside before the arrival of the baby.
However, this slightly depends on which type of paint you choose. Rooms painted in baby safe paints free of VOCs will be safe for your baby to sleep in earlier.
So, whichever green nursery paint you go with, check the manufacturers instructions.
Note that baby should sleep in the same room as a parent or caregiver for the first 6 months
This is a safe sleep recommendation from the AAP. However, although you may be in no hurry to finalise the nursery, you won’t want to be painting with a newborn on your hip!
Most people have the nursery and other baby stuff ready a week or two before your new baby arrives, but I’d suggest getting things finalized a lot earlier.
No one wants to go into (surprise) labor a week or three early and still not have the baby’s room finalized! Painting early also means you get to enjoy the last few weeks of your bump with as little stress as possible.
Best Green Paints For The Nursery
Now that you know the type of paint to choose — and when to begin your painting project — let’s delve into the best green paints for the nursery. Starting with sage green nursery paints.
Best SAGE green nursery paint colors
Sage green nursery paint is a popular choice at the moment and when you scroll through the images coming up, it’s easy to see why.
What Colors Go With Sage Green?
There are a few different colors that go well with sage green. A sage green nursery color and dusky pink make a winning combination as they’re at opposite side of the color wheel.
Otherwise, stick to other colors found in nature. Warm, earthy yellows and pale natural wood tones also work really well.
Of course, neutrals of creams and whites will go with anything and combined with sage green, will create a bright and airy space. Pick a warm white color to keep the warmth.
Sage Green by PPG — Sage Green
Sage green creates a restful retreat when used as paint for the walls; it’s a lovely earthy green and natural shade that pairs so well with floral prints, perfect for a little baby girl!
The best sage green paint for nursery has to be Sage Green by PPG.
Source: cambridge_homereno
Treron by Farrow & Ball — Dark Sage Green
If you’re looking for a sage green nursery paint with a deeper hue try Treron by Farrow & Ball. It’s the perfect blend of dark yet subtle.
Source: swissmutti
Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams — Subtly Sage
To create a statement with botanical wallpaper, try this sage green paint for your nursery. Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams is a subtle shade of sage green that beautifully complements this lovely wallpaper, creating a wonderful feature wall.
Source: camiswisher
Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball — Sage-Gray-Green
Here’s another gorgeous dark sage green nursery color with gray undertones: Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball. Doesn’t it work beautifully with the ochre, yellow and light gray fabrics and furnishings?
Source: cottagelivingandstyle
Mizzle by Farrow and Ball: Beige/Green
This color scheme is so sophisticated! Although the green paint in this nursery can’t be classified as sage, it works beautifully to provide a neutral background for sage green accent colors.
Mizzle by Farrow and Ball is one to go for if you’re looking for a baby green paint color with versatility. It’ll be easy to completely change the look and feel of the room and combine with other colors, without a big paint job.
Here are some more sage green nursery colors that you might also want to consider:
- Little Green Sage Green
- Dulux Heritage Sage Green
- Crafted by Crown Craft Fair
- Craig & Rose Tapestry Green
- Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre
- Crafted by Crown Sow Good
- Dulux Trade Fresh Sage
- Farrow & Ball Teresa’s Green
- Johnstone’s Trade Natural Sage
- Crown Trade Mellow Sage
- Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage
HUNTER & DARK green nursery paints
If a sage green nursery paint colors aren’t for you, why not try something a little bolder. These hunter green and dark green nursery colors are sure to create impact while still offering a restful retreat.
Galapagos by Valspar — Bold Hunter Green
If you’re looking to create a statement in your baby’s nursery, opt for a deep rich shade of green paint. This not only adds a bold punch of color but also brings the essence of the jungle indoors!
Galapagos by Valspar easily takes the prize when it comes to the best hunter green nursery paint color.
Source: growingup_vinnie
Hunter Green by Benjamin Moore – Dark Hunter Green
Another color of the moment is dark hunter green. This Hunter Green by Benjamin Moore pairs beautifully with the natural tones of the wood creating a sophisticated space for your baby.
Source: andreagrbic_
Woodland lichen by Sherwin Williams – Forest Green
The rich forest green on this accent wall is a bold choice for those looking for an adventurous baby green paint color. Woodland lichen by Sherwin Williams works wonderfully with the rich wood tones and the other natural textures in the room.
Armada Green by Dulux — Dark Green
Of all the darker green nursery paint colors out there, this one has to be my favorite. Armada Green by Dulux has to take the prize for the best dark green paint for nursery.
Source: candycocokemp
MINTY & LIGHT green nursery colors
If you’re looking for bright and airy but want to stay away from anything too clinical, there are plenty of lighter shades to consider. Take a look at these light green nursery paint colors.
Liveable Green by Sherwin Williams – For A Hint Of Green
If you want a light green paint for the nursery that’s barely there, Liveable Green by Sherwin Williams might be your paint color of choice. It gives a bright and fresh look in an otherwise white nursery space.
Witch’s Brew by Valspar — Mint Green
A minty nursery green paint gives a refreshing feel to the interior, inviting cheerful energy and a sense of coolness.
The best MINT green paint color for nursery is Witch’s Brew By Valspar; see how well it pairs with the grey painted crib for a contemporary alpine feel.
(If you want to repaint any of your baby’s furniture be sure you’re using a non-toxic baby-safe paint.)
Source: grey_geddes_home_x
Contented by Sherwin Williams: Light Green
Looking for a pale shade or light green paint for the nursery that offers warmth?
Contented by Sherwin Williams will introduce all the tranquility of your outdoor garden to your baby’s nursery — rightfully making it the best light green nursery paint.
It looks divine with the pink pastel color of the curtains (one of my favorite colors, whatever the occasion).
Source: mamashackbaby
OLIVE green nursery paint colors
There are several different ways to make olive green. A specific combination of blue and yellow will result in an olive green paint color, but you can also combine black with yellow!
But if you’re prepping for baby you need to keep things simple and buy something pre-mixed. Check out these olive green paints for nursery:
Bancha by Farrow & Ball — Rich Olive Green
Olive green seamlessly combines with other bright colors, allowing for design flexibility. And if you’re looking for the best olive baby green paint, Bancha by Farrow & Ball has your back!
Source: the.eccentric.flamingo
Secluded Avenue by British Paints — Light Olive Green
Perfect for creating a starry night scene, Secluded Avenue by British Paints gives a beautiful light olive green shade for your baby’s nursery. It’s a gorgeous green nursery color that combines well with the vibrant brass crib.
Need more help prepping the nursery?
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OTHER gorgeous green paints for the nursery
If you still haven’t figured out the best green paint for your nursery, then here are yet more different shades to inspire you.
Pear Cactus by Dulux — Botanically-Inspired Green
You can bring nature into your baby’s nursery with a truly botanically-inspired hue with this beautiful baby green paint, Pear Cactus, by Dulux.
Source: ashenomis
Pea Green by Little Greene Company — Pea Green
A rather unusual baby green paint color with a tinge of yellow, pea green is here to stay — and I’m all in for it! If you’re willing to give it a try, go for Pea Green by Little Greene Company.
This interesting green nursery paint color works so well with the vibrant colors and bold pattern of the safari-themed wallpaper.
Source: _paintgirl
Grey Patina by Valspar — Cool Green
Are you a cool mommy to an ultra-cool baby? Consider incorporating this cool green nursery paint color, called Grey Patina by Valspar, into your little one’s nursery.
Source: the.compa.house
Evergreen by Sherwin Williams — Punchy Green
Use this bold green nursery paint color, Evergreen by Sherwin Williams, to create an eye-catching nursery. Pair it with a black crib for a dramatic look.
Alternatively, you could opt for white furniture to keep the ambiance light-hearted.
Source: stephyyyd92
Laurel Woods by Sherwin Williams – Moodiest Green
The warm tones of the art deco sideboard come diaper changing station and leather pouf is offset beautifully by the deepest, moodiest green nursery paint of the lot!
Retreat by Sherwin Williams: Is It Gray Or Is It Green?
If you like the monochrome look but still an element of green, try this dark grayish green, Retreat by Sherwin Williams. What a fabulous dark green nursery paint that complements the cool grays and simple wall art.
Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball: Classic Green Nursery Paint
For classic green paneling in your baby’s nursery, Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball is a beautiful color. A warm green nursery paint color that, combined with the woodland wallpaper, creates the perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness ideal for a child’s room.
Padded Leaf by Dulux: Bluey Green
Padded Leaf by Dulux provides the perfect backdrop to this stylish and adventurous nursery scheme. The blue undertones in this pale shade are highlighted by elements of the nursery decor, notably the elephants crown!
Whatever your baby’s gender, this green nursery paint will work a treat.
Highland Green by Dulux: Emerald Green
For a consistent color scheme in this baby’s room, the gorgeous emerald green nursery paint of the accent wall has been dotted throughout the room.
Highland Green by Dulux is a great color that creates a striking contrast against the white walls and furniture. Pops of color are dotted around the room to match. Even the crib sheet is coordinated, bold and vibrant against the white crib.
Looking for more nursery inspiration?
Check out:
- 49 Out of this World Space-Themed Nursery Ideas
- 41 Stunning Rainbow Nursery Ideas
- 35 Gorgeous nursery shelf & decor ideas
Sherwin Williams Green Nursery Paint Colors
Sherwin Williams paints are popular when it comes to nurseries. They have all sorts of stunning colors and shades – one quarter of this list of best green nursery paints, are from Sherwin Williams.
Which is the best Sherwin Williams paint?
Well that’s all a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for a sage green nursery paint, then Clary Sage may well be the answer. But for a slightly grayer sage, Retreat is a lovely option.
For a bright and light green nursery paint, then Liveable Green is the best from the Sherwin Williams range.
For a dark, bold and dramatic nursery green paint, Woodland Lichen would be my top pick.
And then there’s Laurel Woods, for a moody retro look.
Check out all the Sherwin Williams green nursery paint colors side-by-side below:
- Retreat by Sherwin Williams
- Liveable Green by Sherwin Williams
- Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams
- Woodland lichen by Sherwin Williams
- Contented by Sherwin Williams
- Laurel Woods by Sherwin Williams
- Evergreen by Sherwin Williams
Need more tips to prepare for your new baby?
Try these related posts:
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- Are the first two weeks with a newborn the hardest? When does it get easier?
- How to help a newborn poop instantly! 11 ways to relieve poopy struggles
- Newborns first bath: how to sponge bathe a newborn
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FAQs on green nursery paint colors
Before you settle on your perfect paint color, here are a few FAQs.
What is the most popular shade of green paint?
All shades of green are beautiful, but sage green with it’s warmer undertones and strong association to nature is really popular at the moment. Its calming effect and serene tones make it a fantastic hue for nurseries. It also gets bonus points for the warmth it adds to the atmosphere.
However, dark green paint colors and hunter greens are also getting a lot of attention at the moment as well.
What is the most calming shade of green?
The most calming shades of green are thought to be pale-yellow greens i.e. those that have yellow undertones. However, a sage green nursery paint can do the trick, too. A lot of it is personal preference though.
If possible try a selection of green nursery paint colors on the wall first and take your time choosing the one you find the most calming.
Do I need special paint for nursery?
No, you do not need ‘special’ paint for the nursery, but some paints are a lot safer than others. Your baby will be spending time in other rooms, not just the nursery, so ideally you want as much of the house painted in a non-toxic safe paint as possible.
This means looking for zero-VOC options. These are usually found in water-based products, which have less than 5 grams per liter of VOCs.
Low-VOC paints are also an option, but these may contain up to 50 grams per liter.
Is Dulux paint safe for babies?
Dulux claims that their paints are safe for babies. Their paints are water-based and “low VOC”, but they don’t disclose the VOC content. Ideally you want to choose a green nursery paint that’s Zero-VOC.
I’d recommend contacting them direct for furhter details if you want to use a Dulux paint in your baby’s nursery.
Picked your favorite green paint for nursery?
And that’s a wrap, folks! With my blog post on the best green paints for nursery coming to an end, I hope you have a better understanding of what you wish to achieve for your baby’s nursery.
So, choose your favorite green nusery paint color and begin your design project.
Not sure whether to go all out on green? Try a nursery accent wall in green and stick to neutral paint colors on the other walls. You can also then add accents of green with accessories and furnishings.
Whatever you go for, I’m sure you’ll end up with the most divine space tailored just for your little one!
For yet more ideas and inspiration in this wonderful shade, including decor and green wallpaper, check out these 75 Green baby nursery ideas.
