The Best Paints for Kid-Friendly and Safe Spaces

So you’re planning on painting your child’s room or playroom? The exciting part is choosing the perfect colour, but what if we told you that’s not the most important part? Did you know that the paint you choose can impact your child’s health? Many traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful toxins that should not be used in kid-friendly and safe spaces. The good news? Simply Colour offers a range of VOC-free, non-toxic paints that are as stylish as they are safe.

Toddler playing with a wooden tiger toy while adults paint the room in the background.

Why Paint Safety Matters for Kids’ Rooms

Children’s rooms are their sanctuaries. This is where your child plays, sleeps, dreams, learns and grows. So using non-toxic, environmentally-friendly paint is not just nice to do, it’s crucial! Conventional paints release VOCs, which can linger in the air, affecting air quality, and contribute to headaches, allergies, and respiratory issues. Let’s dive into why VOC-free paints are the way to go.

What Are VOCs and Why Are They a Problem?

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals released from paint as it dries. These compounds not only have an odour, they also contribute to indoor air pollution and can lead to health issues, especially in children with asthma or allergies. If you’ve ever walked into a freshly painted room and been hit by that strong “paint smell,” you’ve experienced VOCs firsthand!

The Benefits of Non-Toxic and VOC-Free Paints

VOC-free paint is considered safe wall paint for children for the following reasons:

  • Clean, Healthy Air – No more invisible toxins creeping into your child’s lungs.
  • Protection for Sensitive Kids – A must for children prone to asthma, allergies, or skin irritations.
  • Planet-Friendly – Reduces chemical emissions for a greener Earth and safer home.
  • Built to Last – Tough, stain-resistant finishes that can handle wild playtime and sticky fingers, without sacrificing the rich, high-quality finish you expect from traditional premium paints.
Close-up of a white baby crib with an elephant blanket and sage green wall in the background.

What to Look for in Kid-Friendly Paints

It’s not negotiable, you want to get non-toxic paint for kids like Simply Colour’s Premium Matt. Here are 4 must-have features when selecting paint for your child’s space:

  • VOC-Free & Non-Toxic – free from lead and solvent-free!
  • Durable & Washable – Because kids + walls = inevitable mess!
  • Hypoallergenic – Gentle on sensitive little lungs!
  • Eco-Certifications – Look for Green Seal or Zero-VOC, or low-VOC ratings.
  • Low Odour – no nasty smells that make little ones crash out!
Paintbrush dipped in mint green paint on a tray, surrounded by pastel-coloured wooden toys.

Top Paint Colours for Children’s Rooms

Now that you’ve chosen a VOC-free paint and cross-checked it for all the safety features (excellent parenting), you can get onto choosing the colour. You want your child’s space to feel joyful, safe and inspiring, and colour can influence all of this. Colour can affect mood, creativity, and even sleep quality. So, here’s a guide to choosing the best colours for different kid-friendly spaces:

Soothing Shades for Sleepy Spaces

These calming hues help your child wind down at bedtime, creating a serene space for young minds to sleep and dream:

  • Pastel blues like this one from Simply Colour – Relaxing and sleep-inducing.
  • Soft greens – Bring a sense of peace and nature indoors.
  • Muted yellows – Add a cosy, comforting glow. Try this one from Simply Colour.

Bright Colours for Play and Creativity

To create a sense of fun and to design play spaces to be energetic and inspiring, go brave and go bold with colour!

  • Vibrant reds – Stimulate excitement and imagination, boosting ideas and learning!
  • Happy oranges like this rich orange from Simply Colour – Encourages creativity, play and enthusiasm.
  • Playful purples – A whimsical and magical touch to any playroom, creating a unique space to live their best childhood.
Bright kids’ playroom with a green painted wall, pastel decor, and cute plush toys.

Simply Colour’s Kid-Friendly Paints

At Simply Colour, we believe that safe spaces should also be contemporary, cool and just plain on-point! Our VOC-free, non-toxic paints are designed with families in mind—offering a wide variety of modern, on-trend colour choices that are uniquely South African too.

Why Choose Simply Colour?

  • 100% VOC-free and toxin-free formulas, so no nasty smells, headaches or dizziness.
  • Available in a range of unique and trending shades that your kids will love.
  • High-quality, ultra-durable and easy to clean (perfect for grubby hands).

Explore our kid-friendly paint collection today and give your child’s room a makeover that is not just eco-friendly, but will boost their esteem, enhance their creativity and improve their sleep.

Smiling mother and toddler sitting together on the floor, engaging with each other.

Tips for Painting Safe and Stylish Kid Spaces

  1. Get Some Fresh Air – Ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows open during and after painting for several hours.
  2. Use Eco-Friendly Primers & Finishes – Safety extends to other products you’ll need to paint your kid’s rooms. So pair VOC-free paint with green-certified products to retain indoor air quality and safety.
  3. Go for Satin or Semi-Gloss Finishes – Opt for washable paint in these finishes, as they’re easier to wipe down (hello, crayon marks!).
  4. Let Kids Help Pick Colours – This is their space, after all, so get them involved in the creative process of choosing the colour that “speaks” to them.
  5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Painting – In addition to buying environmentally-friendly paint, here are some other tips to play your part in protecting our planet for your kids.
Three cosy, neutral-toned kids’ rooms with wooden furniture, baskets, and playful decor.

Final Thoughts on Creating Safe Spaces for Kids

Expert Advice: Don’t rule out the unconventional

“Choosing colours for kids’ spaces can be daunting as it can determine how the rest of the space comes together. While primary colours and pastels are popular, don’t rule out more unconventional, adult feeling palettes which offer longevity.”

-Karin Shave, Shaves Brand Director

Choosing the right paint can make all the difference in your child’s health and happiness. With Simply Colour’s non-toxic, VOC-free paints, you don’t have to compromise on quality, style or safety. Ready to transform your little one’s space? Browse our kid-friendly paint collection today. For any questions, get in touch with us.

Simply Colour logo and blue grey background