Taking care of the environment your children are raised in is an important factor in their long term health. Kids spend long periods in bedrooms, playrooms, and family spaces within the home.
Parents are increasingly concerned with making sure the living environment doesn't contain materials which could expose children to undesirable chemicals. Choosing a genuinely child safe paint creates a cleaner indoor environment for kids to live, play, and grow.
Making clean paint choices doesn't need to come at the expense of attractive décor or quality. It's possible to get non toxic, natural paint for children's rooms and furniture without compromise.
This guide explains what child safe paint actually means, what to look for when choosing products, and which paints we recommend for children's bedrooms, playrooms, furniture and woodwork.
What Is Child Safe Paint?
Child safe paint is formulated with trace VOCS and is water based. You'll often see certifications such as EN 71-3 (toy safety standards). The non toxic formulations used in this paint type help eliminate chemical exposure in kid's spaces. Investing in this paint type should mean low emissions, safe ingredients, and suitability / durability for high touch surfaces.
Genuinely child safe paints are typically:-
- Very low or virtually zero VOC.
- Free from harsh solvents and unnecessary additives.
- Mineral, plant based or naturally derived.
- Low odour or odour free.
These paints support better indoor air quality and reduce exposure to unnecessary chemical emissions while still offering durability for busy family homes.
See Also: What is child safe paint?
Why Choose Child Friendly Paint?
Choosing child friendly paint gives babies and children a safer environment in which to grow. Conventional paints off gas harsh chemicals into your living space for weeks and even months after application.
Ultra low emission, non toxic paints help reduce background chemical exposure over time. Many families prefer natural paint options simply because they create safer more breathable indoor environments.
What Makes Paint Child Safe?
Not all paints marketed as low VOC or eco are the same. Some still rely heavily on synthetic binders and additives. To choose a genuinely child safe paint, it helps to look beyond marketing terms and focus on measurable criteria.
A good child safe paint should:
- Have VOC levels below 1g per litre.
- Use mineral, plant-based or naturally derived ingredients.
- Be free from strong solvents and heavy odours.
- Offer clear Technical Data Sheets.
- Be independently tested where possible.
- Be suitable for high-contact areas.
- Remain durable and washable if required in high traffic areas.
Breathability is another important factor. Breathable paints allow moisture vapour to pass through walls, helping maintain a healthier indoor environment and reducing condensation in bedrooms.
Child Safe Paint Certifications
When choosing paint for children's rooms, furniture or play areas, it helps to check for clear evidence of safety and low emissions. The following are good signs that a paint is genuinely suitable for family homes:
- EN 71-3 Toy Safety certification, confirming the paint is suitable for surfaces children may touch or mouth.
- Ultra low VOC levels, ideally below 1g per litre and as close to zero as possible.
- Independent third-party testing rather than self-declared brand claims.
- Full Technical Data Sheets available, with transparent ingredient and emission information.
- Highly breathable formulation to support better indoor air quality.
Using these criteria makes it much easier to distinguish genuinely child safe paints from products that are marketed as eco or low odour.
Best Child Safe Paint
We prioritise natural paints with ultra low VOC levels, safe ingredients and strong durability for everyday family homes. These products are suitable for children's bedrooms, playrooms and shared living spaces while maintaining excellent performance.
Best Child Safe Wall Paint
Graphenstone Ambient Pro
Graphenstone Ambient Pro is one of the most advanced mineral paints available for interior walls and ceilings. It combines a natural lime base with extremely low emissions, making it well suited to children's rooms and family spaces.
Key benefits:-
- Virtually zero VOC.
- Odour free during application.
- Highly breathable mineral formulation.
- Helps regulate indoor humidity.
- Durable and washable.
- Suitable for bedrooms, playrooms and living areas.
Its ultra matt finish creates a calm, soft look that works well in children's bedrooms while maintaining excellent durability for everyday use.
Graphenstone GCS Interior
For coloured walls, Graphenstone GCS Interior offers the same health focused formulation with a wide range of colours suitable for children's spaces.
- Very low VOC.
- Breathable and non toxic.
- Class 1 scrub resistance.
- Suitable for all interior rooms.
This is an excellent option for feature walls, playrooms and shared family areas.
Auro Natural Emulsion Paints
Auro's natural emulsions provide reliable, breathable wall finishes with very low VOC levels. They are a strong choice for family homes looking for natural, durable wall paint.
- Auro 555 Natural Emulsion – wipeable matt walls.
- Auro 524 Natural Emulsion – breathable ceiling white.
- Auro Clay Paint – ultra matt, soft natural finish.
These paints use natural ingredients and are well suited to children's bedrooms and play spaces.
Child Safe Paint for Wood and Furniture
Children interact closely with furniture, beds, desks and storage units. Using low emission, non toxic paints on woodwork helps create safer high touch surfaces.
Graphenstone Grafclean Eggshell
Grafclean Eggshell is a mineral-based eggshell paint suitable for woodwork, trim and furniture in children's rooms.
Key benefits:
- Very low VOC.
- Odour free.
- Durable and washable.
- Suitable for furniture and trim.
- Breathable formulation.
- Available in a wide range of colours.
This makes it a strong option for wardrobes, desks, doors, cots, skirting boards and all painted furniture in children's bedrooms.
Auro 517 Eggshell
Auro 517 Eggshell is another excellent natural option for interior woodwork and furniture. It offers durability with low emissions and a smooth, easy-clean finish.
Suitable uses include:
- Beds and bedroom furniture.
- Toy storage.
- Desks and shelving.
- Interior trim and woodwork.
Are Low VOC Paints Suitable?
Many paints now advertise low VOC content, but this doesn't always mean they are the best choice for children's rooms. Some still contain synthetic binders or preservatives that are not ideal for sensitive indoor environments. It's not enough to trust what's on the label, you need to delve into the data sheets provided by the manufacturers.
Looking for trace VOC, breathable, mineral or plant based paints with transparent ingredients and recognised certifications provides greater reassurance. These paints support healthier indoor air and are more pleasant to live with day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest paint for children's bedrooms?
The safest paints are ultra low VOC, non toxic paints with independent certification and breathable formulations. Mineral and natural paints are often the best choice.
Is water based paint safe for children?
Water based paint is generally lower in emissions than solvent based paint, but it is still important to check VOC levels, ingredients and certifications.
How long after painting can a child sleep in the room?
With natural, ultra low emission paints, rooms are usually safe once the paint is fully dry and well ventilated. Allowing the room to air overnight is good practice.
Creating Healthier Spaces for Children
Choosing child safe paint is a simple way to support healthier indoor environments while still creating beautiful, durable rooms for children. Modern natural paints combine performance, colour choice and extremely low emissions, making them suitable for everyday family living.
If you would like advice on the best child safe paint for your walls, ceilings or furniture, Contact us for friendly, expert advice. We are always happy to help you choose the right option for your home!
