The Power of Color: Your Child's Room

Every color has its own energy and vibration, and different hues inspire different emotions. Since every child is unique, it’s best to design a color scheme for your child’s room based on the colors that align with their interests, talents and needs.

Each color corresponds do a different compass direction, so first consider the direction in which your child’s room is located. As a general rule, the north and east rooms are best supported by cool colors like blues, greens and purples. The west and south rooms are best supported by warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows. White encompasses all other shades and is said to be positive for creativity. White has healing qualities that are uplifting, especially when used in the northeast corner of your child’s room.

Refer the color profiles below to help you decide what will provide maximum inspiration for your child.

Red
Red is a high energy, active color that has a stimulating effect on the body. It’s not generally recommended in bedrooms, especially not children’s rooms, as it can interrupt sleep. However, if your child is lethargic or hard to get motivated, red accents, preferably in the southwest corner of your child’s room, can help provide an energy boost. Red is often linked to the experience of smell as well.

Orange
Orange is a color linked to happiness, inspiring social interaction and optimism. It’s uplifting qualities make it fun, especially in children’s play areas. Being a warm color, it’s best used in the south. Consider orange art or decor on the south wall of your child’s room, or if your child’s room is in the south part of your house, orange is the perfect warming tone. Orange is often linked to the experience of taste.

Yellow
Yellow stimulates the mind and supports communication and concentration, making it ideal for children’s study or homework areas. Shades of yellow also support relationships, so it’s a great choice for kids who may struggle with friendships or express themselves clearly. Yellow is one of the best colors for bedrooms and can be used in a number of directions, including the northeast, east, southeast, south or southwest. Yellow is often linked to the concept of sight.

Green
Green represents nature and symbolizes balance, abundance and healing. Green can be added through color, art or plants. Green is most effective when used in rooms in the north of your child’s room. As a transition color (green lies in the middle of the color spectrum, between cool blues and warm reds), green is excellent for harmonizing and creating calm. Green is often linked to the desire to touch or be touched.

Blue
Blues are known for their calming, healing qualities. Since they have a settling effect physically, blue is an ideal color for bedrooms, especially for children who are otherwise active and busy, or for kids who suffer from anxiety. Blues are also linked to creativity and inspiration, so it’s a great color in children’s play areas. Blue is most effective in the west or northwest directions and is often linked to hearing.

Indigo
Indigo is a deeply spiritual color, and is best used in the rooms of children who have a strong faith. If your child has an altar honoring their beliefs, incorporating indigo shades will support their focus. Indigo is ideal in rooms where you’d like your child to rest, relax and unwind.

Violet
The most calming shade of all, violet has a soothing effect, making it a great choice for bedrooms or other quiet spaces for your child. It also has connections to spirituality and may be useful in the rooms of children who are looking for meaning in life.

For more insight into how to best arrange your home or office, check out our cool interactive Feng Shui Bagua Board! (halfway down on right of page)