how to design a nursery for babies

planning your space

Before you start tackling a checklist, consider the nursery space itself. How do you want to feel when you’re in your nursery? “It’s probably one of the only times that you can design a room from scratch, so it’s important to like what you are surrounded by,” Kim says.

Think In Zones

Just like any other space in your home that you use daily, take time to create activity zones for your nursery: a changing table, a feeding zone, and a sleeping zone.

When creating a nursery layout, “I almost always start with the crib,” Kim says. “This will be the focal point of the room, probably what you invest the most time researching. Give the crib some breathing room from a safety standpoint as well as style.”

Explore Your Nursery Style & Theme

One day your baby will grow to be a kid with their own opinions but, for now, it’s all about you! “Now is the time to pick a theme that really brings you joy,” Kim says.

Crate & Kids has tons of bestselling nursery theme ideas, including outer space, jungle themes, woodland and safari and other animals, ocean themes, dinosaurs and sports. From gender-neutral nursery themes to traditional baby girl and boy nursery themes, there are a lot of fun and unique ideas to explore.

Don’t Forget About Budget & Timeframe

The key to understanding the scope of your project is knowing your budget and how much time you’ll have. Sometimes big furniture items, like cribs or rocking chairs, will take longer to arrive. But, Kim says, “It’s important to remember not everything needs to be in place right away. Make sure you have a comfy and safe space for you, and for your baby to lay down to sleep, and the rest will fall into place.”

decorating your nursery

Your nursery style is personal. But if you start with gender-neutral nursery colors, they can make it easier for the space to transition with your child as they grow, and allow you to layer in different styles, anything from boho chic to mid-century modern. Here are the main decorating elements to check off your list.

Choose Your Furniture

Look at longevity, as it’s a big investment. Well-designed convertible cribs transition into toddler beds when the time comes. For your nursery chair, whether you choose a rocker, glider or recliner, think of functionality and comfort first.

Aim for durable furniture that’s made without harmful chemicals. From bassinets to cribs, “think about if it’s a painted piece vs. solid wood, and weigh that against your aesthetic needs,” Kim says. At Crate & kids, all of our nursery furniture meets or exceeds industry safety standards, and many of our collections are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they’re screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and emissions, contributing to cleaner air in your home.

Accent Your Walls

Start with a neutral foundation, either from furniture pieces or paint colors, and layer with accents like wall art, mirrors, tapestries and wall decor.

Try Removable Wallpaper

If you’re afraid to commit, Kim suggests removable wallpaper, which draws the eye to a focal point and creates good vibes in your nursery. “When it can come down so easily, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a non-committal person’s fantasy decor option!”

Add an Area Rug

Try to go with the largest nursery rug that can fit in your space. According to Kim, “Large area rugs make the room feel like it has more usable space.” A too-small rug tends to draw the eye in, shrinking the feeling of the room.

Hang Curtains

When it comes to nursery curtains there are differing camps, especially for quality baby sleep. Kim recommends a blackout option to layer with sheer curtains.

Hang curtains close to the ceiling with the bottom barely grazing the floor. As a reminder, Kim says, “Don’t hang curtains near the crib for safety reasons, but curtains definitely make the room feel finished and are a great way to bring in color or pattern."

Layer Your Lighting

Nursery lighting is a crucial element. “Ceiling, floor and adjustable table lamps are a must to have options around the room. Make sure to place any nursery glider or rocker within easy reach when it’s feeding time or storytime,” Kim says.

maximize with storage

No matter the square footage of your space, keeping things organized and still looking stylish is always a challenge. Great quality nursery storage can be a life saver. When you explore storage ideas like cubbies, shelving, bookcases and toy boxes, also consider their longevity.

“I love dressers with a lot of different sized drawers, like our Hampshire and Bodie dressers,” Kim says. “Small drawers are up top for tiny baby things, and larger drawers on the bottom for everything else.”

small nursery ideas

For smaller nurseries, think multifunctional and vertical. Utilize wall shelves, hanging organizers and wall-mounted storage, and versatile furniture, like a changing table that doubles as a dresser. “I also love that the bookcases we offer at Crate & Kids typically have a smaller footprint. And our best kept secret is our variety of storage ottomans for hidden storage!” Kim says.

more nursery considerations

Here are a few safety reminders as you design and furnish your nursery:

• • Prioritize safety. Be sure furniture is securely anchored and cords are safely tucked.
• • Look for durable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, responsibly made furniture wherever you can.
• • Opt for materials that are easy to clean and more manageable.

There’s a lot to think about when creating your nursery, but Kim advises sticking to what’s important: “The best spaces come together over time, so while you have a hard and fast deadline, get the main elements into place and know that your baby will feel the love come through no matter what.”