The best paints for kids' rooms

Redecorating this weekend? You're probably on the search for the best paints for kids' rooms then, right? Designed to withstand grubby, oily stains, scratches, chips, and all manner of other (often mysterious) marks, we've found the best durable, wipeable, long-lasting paints to withstand anything you can imagine, and they're all available in a whole host of shades. Hurrah!

So, if you've already decided on a colour scheme for a kid's bedroom, the natural next step is to begin thinking about which paint you're going to use, as there are more options available that you might immediately assume.

Still not decided on your dream scheme? Browse our gorgeous paint colour schemes for kids' bedrooms.

What is the best paint for kids rooms?

We think the best paint for kids' rooms is the Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough Matt Emulsion Paint (opens in new tab). As it says in the name, it's washable and tough, but it's also available in a huge range of colours, and it dries within four hours. Find out more below.

How to buy the best paint for kids rooms

Finish

The best wall paint finish for kids' rooms is matt, because it can more often than not be wiped clean of any pen marks and it's tough, plus it won't show up lumps and bumps in the plasterwork like finishes with a sheen will. However, we've added a few fun options including a glitter finish and a chalkboard finish.

Drying time

Important because ideally you don't want to use a paint that takes 24 hours to dry, as you know one of the kids will rub against it and ruin their nicest outfit. The Rust-oleum Magnetic Matt Chalkboard Paint (opens in new tab) is the fastest drying on our list, taking just 30 minutes to an hour.

Coverage

Important if you've a big room to cover, not so important if the room is small, however, take this number into consideration so you know how many pots you need to purchase. And bear in mind that cheaper paints have poorer coverage, so a low-cost option is not always cost-effective.

Colours

If you're after a paint that's available in a huge range of colours, Farrow & Ball Matt Estate Emulsion Paint (opens in new tab) is your guy. There are 132 shades and counting. From blues to yellows, pinks and neutral colours, there's every colour you can imagine. That said, Dulux and Crown will both colour-match to your preferred paint shade.

The best paints for kids' rooms

'Washable' and 'tough' are arguably the magic words when it comes to decorating children’s rooms, and in that arena, Dulux’s Easycare paint literally does what it says on the tin. Said to be 20 times tougher than the brand’s standard offerings, it’s designed to repel liquid, so you have a chance to quickly wipe them away before they have a chance to soak in, leaving you with unsightly spots. If something a bit tougher gets on there, this paint is designed so that you can remove marks without risking damage. One of the best washable paints around.

Find more interior paint at The Range (opens in new tab)

This seemingly magic paint doesn’t just turn your child’s bedroom into one huge, scribble-ready blackboard, it’s also magnetic, meaning they can adorn those four walls with anything they want (within reason) without damaging the paintwork or the plastering. An easy way to adjust to their changing tastes, it’s a low-commitment and fuss-free means of self-expression for your budding Picassos. If they’d find an all-black room a bit oppressive, why not paint one wall for a real feature? Use our guide to find out how to create a chalkboard wall.

Shop more chalkboard paint at B&Q (opens in new tab)

Not many of us have the spare time to apply millions of coats in the hopes that the new paint will cover the dark shade that preceded it, and Wickes know that, which is where their ultra-opaque vinyl matt emulsion steps up. Reviewers say it goes on beautifully, is easy to apply and quick to dry to a flawless, full-coverage finish. Where it really comes in useful though is in its wipe-clean finish, making smears and rubbed-away patches a thing of the past, even with the most determined of mess-makers. Brilliant. 

Shop more Wickes paint (opens in new tab)

This Matt Estate Emulsion from Farrow & Ball is surprisingly well-suited to a room that sees a lot of punishment, whether of the accidental kind or the ‘adventures in finger painting’ kind. Its chalky matt finish is not only less likely to show up mucky smudges in the first instance, it’s also designed to be fully wipeable, so any marks can be dealt with efficiently. Nervous decorators will no doubt be pleased to hear about its eco-friendly water base too, and love the lack of smell from its low-VOC formula. 

Shop more Farrow & Ball paint (opens in new tab)

Reviewers were blown away by the effect of this glitter paint, saying that while the effect is subtle for much of the day, it really comes into its own when the sun hits it and it gives off a wonderful lustre. If you’re not too keen on the idea of painting your kid’s room in stimulating brights, this is a lovely alternative that adds some texture and interest to the soothing neutral tones. Users loved the colour Stardust, a soft grey with particles of silver glitter, although they did note that you’ll need to set aside the time for two coats. However, by all accounts, the results are worth it. 

Find more glitter paint at B&Q (opens in new tab)

Looking for more kids' room inspiration?

• Everything will be in its place with our 12 storage ideas for kids’ rooms 
• Make their sleeping spot a standout with one of our best kids' beds 
• Create a light, bright space with our pick of the best kids' lamps