Creative Colour Ideas For Choosing Your Perfect Name Blocks
3 MINUTE READThey’re the OG! LBB’s best-selling wooden name blocks are in demand for a reason. These decorative handmade pieces add the perfect personalised touch to a nursery - they also make the most thoughtful gift!
With 35 beautiful colours to choose from, you might be wondering where to start? Read on for my top tips on how to pick the shades that will work best for your little one’s name and nursery.
Consider colour theme
Let’s start by evaluating the nursery’s existing theme and colour palette. Is it a serene, neutral space with whites, greys, and shades of beige? Or maybe you’ve chosen a theme that lends itself to a particular colour palette, such as Safari, Vintage, or Under The Sea? Choosing a colourway that complements the nursery’s theme will ensure they harmonise perfectly!
Pick out the top 2-4 colours in your scheme, looking at things like wall colours and soft furnishings like cushions, canopies or blankets, to highlight which hues to incorporate into your blocks.
What’s in a name?
The length of your child’s name can guide your colour choices and help create a balanced and symmetrical design. Here are some tips based on name length:
3 letter names
Shorter names look great with 3 colours, no matter which colours, ensure you have one light shade (e.g Glacier, Arctic, or Oyster), one medium shade (e.g Bunny, Turtledove, or Ballet), and one darker shade (e.g Stirling, Sapphire, or Blush) for enough contrast.
4 letter names
Alternating between 2 colours is an easy way to keep your blocks looking balanced and minimal, or use 4 different colours within the same colour family for a cohesive feel.
5 - 6 letter names
For the optimum colour combo, I recommend using 3 shades, repeating each colour once for symmetry.
7+ letter names
Incorporate 4 colours for diversity and repeat the pattern for balance, or use this as your opportunity to create a rainbow effect and blend together as many beautiful colours as you like!
Understanding Colour Theory
Colour theory studies how colours interact and can be grouped into families to create aesthetically pleasing combinations. - here are three you need to consider when styling your blocks;
Monochromatic: The same colour but different shades, such as tones of blue ranging from Arctic to Sapphire.
Analogous: Choose colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as blue, green, and yellow - these combinations always work in harmony.
Complementary: Using colours opposite each other on the colour wheel for a vibrant look - blue and orange or purple and yellow are great for a playful and energetic vibe.
Palette perfect examples
Still looking for some inspiration? Check out the most popular choices for name blocks and colour combos;
For "Sienna" we used Rose, Ballet and Bare and repeated these colours for a balanced and soft, modern look perfect for a princess.
For "Imogen" we chose Sage, Kitten, and Glacier and repeated the shades. The soft muted colours are perfect for a nature-inspired nursery scheme.
A Little Berry Button favourite! For "Wilfred" we used Teddy, Kitten, Glacier, Pebble, Sage, Turtledove and Stormy. These colours work beautifully in both neutral, and also vintage nursery themes.
For "Boone" we used Cloud, Arctic, Sky, Glacier and Turtledove in a monochromatic colour scheme and alternated the shades to create interest and dimension.
For "Ariella" we used Ballet, Bare, Lavender, Sky, Arctic, Mint and Lagoon for a modern and girly version of a classic rainbow.
By selecting a colour scheme that complements the nursery’s decor, you can create a set of name blocks that add charm and character to your little one’s space.
Remember, the key is balance, harmony, and a touch of creativity. You can find even more colour inspiration over on my Instagram @littleberrybutton, and if in doubt, be sure to check out our unique virtual painting tool to help you visualise your choice of colours together, so you can feel confident that you’ve created the perfect set!