Classroom Color Schemes: How to Find One That Fits Your Style 

My very first year of teaching, I knew I wanted a calm and cozy classroom. I picked out shades of blue here and there, but nothing really matched. I ended up with a mix of random pieces that didn’t quite feel cohesive, and instead of creating a calming vibe, it just felt a little… messy. 😅

That experience is what inspired me to start designing classroom decor that does match—pieces that bring your whole room together into one theme. Because the truth is, choosing the right color scheme can make such a difference. The colors on your walls don’t just make things look pretty, they also set the tone for how your students feel in your classroom.

So how do you choose a classroom color scheme that actually works for you and your students? Let’s break it down into simple steps. Pssst- head to the bottom for freebies 🥳

Tip #1: How Do You Want Your Classroom To Feel?

As strange as this may seem, start by asking yourself: “What do I want my classroom to feel like?”

The feeling and vibes you want your space to give your students will help you narrow down between some different classroom color schemes. 

Do you want your classroom to feel warm and cozy? 

If so, you’re going to want to lean towards color schemes that are pastels, neutrals, or more muted tones. 

^{The left image shows the Simply Blue Decor Bundle. The middle image shows the Pastel Retro Decor Bundle. The image on the right shows the Modern Calm Colors Decor Bundle.}

Choose a color palette that is all different shades of blue, or one filled with pastel colors. 

Are you going for bright and energetic?

You are going to want to choose from classroom color schemes that are filled with bold rainbows, primary colors, and neon accents. 

^{The first two images show the Happy Hues Decor Bundle, and the image on the right shows Hello, Pastel Decor Bundle.}

You’re looking for a color scheme where the colors will truly pop and catch the eyes of your students. 

Do you want a classroom that feels trendy?

Lean into a palette that is more focused on the theme than the colors themselves. 

^{The left picture shows the Retro Groovy Decor Bundle. The image on the right shows the Retro Rodeo Decor Bundle.}

Something that involves some pops of color, but is really focusing on the character that comes through with the patterns and theme itself. 

Once you’ve started to narrow down the multitude of options, it’s time to move into the second tip. 

Tip #2: Don’t Forget About Learning 

Yes, you’re excited to dress up your classroom for your students, which is SO fun. 🤩

But, don’t forget that your classroom is still a place of learning. 

If your color scheme gets too far out of hand, or is filled with colors that clash, the only feeling you leave your students is overwhelm. 

Which means learning isn’t going to happen. 

^{Both images show the Retro Rodeo Decor Bundle.}

This is one of the reasons why I highly suggest choosing one classroom theme FILLED with resources. 

Because you can decorate your classroom out to your heart’s content knowing that everything matches, goes together, and works to create a unified learning space. 

Tip #3: Highlight Your Personality 

What do you want your classroom to look like? 

What colors do you enjoy? 

What patterns or styles do you like to decorate with? 

You spend hours in your classroom each day, so you want to create a space you enjoy too. 

So, let’s start making this practical: 

🌴 If you love a beach-inspired vibe, Coastal Sunrise or Tropical Vibes might be your perfect classroom decor match. 

The Coastal Sunrise decor has a color palette that has you dreaming of that sunrise over the beach each day. 

Blend the beach with some brighter colors in the Tropical Vibes bundle. Adding this decor to your classroom will leave you feeling like you’re in a tropical paradise every day. 

🤠 If fun, bold statements is more your vibe, Retro Rodeo is packed with personality. 

There are SO many fun little pieces you can add to your classroom to level up the bold fun in your space. 

😍 If you prefer soft and dreamy, Boho Dreams or Hello Pastel are gentle on the eyes while still colorful. 

Boho Dreams is the perfect combination of soft, sweet rainbows and other doodles with a pastel palette. 

Hello, Pastel is created to add a bit of color into your room without being completely overpowering. 

When your space reflects who YOU are, you are more at ease, which makes you the best teacher you can be. 🙌

Tip #4: Test Out Decor

If you haven’t decided between classroom color schemes, don’t be afraid to test some out before you commit! 

All of my decor bundles have freebies so you can print things out and see how they look on your walls (or how they pair with a colored wall in your room 😉). 

Sometimes something might look amazing on a screen, but feel completely different under your fluorescent lights, or next to your dark green wall. 

If you had your eye on the Retro Rodeo bundle, check out these nametags to get a feel for the colors. 

If the Coastal Sunrise bundle had you already dreaming of the beach, download these binder covers to give it a try.

If the Pastel Rodeo bundle was looking like the one, try out the free inspirational posters to see how it would feel inside your own space. 

And if you had your eye on a different classroom bundle entirely, check out my list of Freebies on my TPT store. 

Regardless of the classroom color scheme you end up with, your students will LOVE the space you create for them!

Head over to this blog post for more tips on creating a cozy and welcoming classroom!