Babies See Better In Black And White

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Wed 15 Feb 2023

When people discuss plans for welcoming a baby into the world, a common question asked is, “how should we decorate their room?” Historically, many have looked to blues and pinks for their baby’s bedroom, and in recent years that binary choice has expanded to include yellows, oranges, and greens. That said, are bright colours the way to go? Recent research would suggest not. Today, we’ll be making the case for forgoing bright colours, and instead opting for monochrome baby rooms.

Science and style

For a long time, we’ve commended the virtues of black and white spaces as chic and stylish, but what if this famous style had proven scientific advantages in the home?

Black and white spaces

Research has suggested that black and white images can promote the development of a baby’s optic nerves and teach the eyes’ muscles and the brain to align and perform properly. A new-born baby’s colour sensitivity is thought to be limited to black, white, and mid shades of grey. Because vision is something that continues to improve and expand after birth, babies will often look at contrasting black-and-white patterns which are more noticeable in their fuzzy little worlds.

Contrasting black and white shapes

Adding contrasting black and white shapes to a baby’s room is also easy to do effectively. Take for instance our Sonova Studio Stars Charcoal Roller Blind, or the Maddox Coal Roller Blind, both of these quality window furnishings will provide great stimulation for baby’s developing eyesight. To help your little one’s vision and provide something soft and tactile for them, nothing can beat a quality black and white cushion. The Cube Jet, Lilja Jet, and Acute Mineral cushions are excellent options offering great black and white shapes, a soft touch and something comfy for the baby to relax on.

When they get a little older

After the first five-eight months, a baby’s vision is more advanced and although not as sensitive as a grown up’s eyesight, you can start to look at adding colour to their room.

Colourful blinds

Once your baby can start to see colour, you can improve their environments with splashes of colour. Colour eventually becomes very important to take a child’s vision to the next level, and when it does, you should stick with contrasting primary colours.

Adventurous patterns

You can also be a bit more adventurous with the patterns, and pick anything from red football-inspired blinds for budding players or astronauts in space. You could even consider the Monster Mash Natural Roller Blind which features the winning entries from the 2022 Kids’ Design Challenge!

As your little one grows up, their tastes will change so regularly updating their space will help keep them engaged and comfortable. For more tips about decorating a child’s bedroom read our Interiors For Kids’ Rooms, and Kids Reading Corner Ideas blogs

Curating the perfect environment for your child – regardless of age – is very important for their happiness and comfort. By starting with monochrome patterns, and then developing the child’s space to include bolder colours, you’ll be able to help their vision develop and for them to thrive.