A reader named Karin wrote to me with a request.
“Nicole, I am wondering if you have a suggestion for pink shades in a boy child’s room. My youngest (3) loves pink. His room needs painting, and he’s been clear about pink being the color for months. I have never had a pink room, am a blue, silver lover, so I’m at a loss for how to make pink work in a boys room. I would love if you did some suggestions on your blog for how to honor little boys who love pink – what colors would go with it, shades you suggest, etc… any thoughts would be so appreciated.”
This is totally in my wheelhouse. First, up: paint colors, as requested! I put together a post years ago on picking perfect pink paint colors, and that’s a good place to start. The trick to choosing a color for a boy is to avoid baby pink, but then I also think that’s a good idea in general. You can go subtle or muted, bright and clear, or more toward the coral end of pink. Below are some excellent choices, depending on your personal preference.
Row One – Subtle Choices • Wild Aster, Benjamin Moore • Peony Blush, Behr • Rosy Outlook, Sherwin-Williams • Barely Blush, Glidden
Row Two – Bright and Clear • Carnation Bloom, Behr • Pink Moment, Sherwin-Williams • Pantone Quartz Pink, Valspar • Hopeful, Sherwin-Williams
Row 3 – Coral Pink • Strawberry Mousse, Behr • Fruit Shake, Benjamin Moore • Pale Shrimp, Behr • Red Grapefruit, Behr
There are also some fantastic pink wallpapers out there.
Harlequin (Rose) Wallpaper, Ferm Living • Spear (Rose) Wallpaper, Ferm Living • Triangles (White, Gray, & Pink), Lisa Congdon for Hygge & West
Pink is a warm color, and it mixes well with a combination of reds and oranges, which would be great for a boy’s room. Pink and yellow, pink and green, and pink and blue are also fantastic (especially if you’re already a fan of blue), and pink with black and white can look awesome. Below are a few accessories and pieces of furniture that could also be worked in to a pink room for a boy.
TPS Pink File Cabinet, CB2
Cargo Pink Bedding, The Land of Nod
Snöig Wall Lamp, IKEA
Stella Cabinet, CB2
Alfabet by Leise Dich Abrahamsen, Stilleben, via Door Sixteen
Wire Basket in Rose, Ferm Living
Canted Wool Rug in Salmon, West Elm
Karin, and anyone else looking to do a not-so-girly pink room, I hope that helps!
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