Nursery Decor Tips
Read these 8 Nursery Decor Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Baby Shower tips and hundreds of other topics.
Room to Grow
When choosing nursery décor, keep in mind that your new baby will be a toddler before you know it. You don't want to invest so much time into designing a nursery, only to do a complete makeover a few years later.
Thinking ahead can save you precious time and money in the future. Here are some tips for designing a room that will grow with your child:
- Choose a neutral wall color that will fit a number of themes. It can be gender specific, but if you go with pink or blue, choose a more muted tone.
- Stay away from permanent wall decorations, like wall paper and murals. Using removable wall hangings will be much easier to update later.
- Select baby furniture that won't need to be replaced after only a few years. For example, get a crib that converts to a toddler bed and a changing table that doubles as a dresser.
Don't Go Overboard
Picking out your nursery décor can be so much fun, but some moms can get out of control when it comes to the accessories. Sure, everything looks cute in the store, but you don't want your nursery to end-up looking like a disaster because there is too much to look at. Keep the knickknacks to a minimum and focus on the main items that will really pull the room together.
The basics include the furniture, nursery bedding, wall hangings and window treatments. These items should be coordinated to define the space in the room. If you want to add a little flair, kids' rugs are a great addition to any nursery. Since it draws attention to the floor, it provides a grounded focal point that will not overpower the room. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes available, so you can definitely find one to fit your nursery theme.
Go Green with Organic Cotton
Most often, nursery bedding is chosen based on color and theme, but there is more to consider than how it looks. Some materials and dyes contain chemicals that can irritate your baby's skin. For a greener, healthier option, choose a crib set made from organic cotton.
A Baby's skin is thinner and more porous than an adult's, so they tend to absorb toxins more easily. Organic cotton is grown and processed without using harmful pesticides or chemicals, making it much safer for your baby's delicate skin. Also, organic cotton absorbs moisture in a more efficient way than polyester, keeping baby drier and happier. In addition to the health benefits, many moms claim it is softer, more durable and last longer than bedding made from traditional cotton.
Organic cotton is not only better for baby, but it is better for the environment. Choosing organically grown materials encourages agricultural methods that do not harm the environment and reduces the amount of chemical emissions released into the air.
Safety First
When you are designing your baby nursery, make sure to consider safety when choosing your layout and decor. To avoid potential hazards, here are a few tips to help you make safer decisions:
- To reduce sleeping hazards, choose a firm crib mattress and make sure it fits snuggly inside the crib. Also, keep loose bedding, like blankets and pillows, outside of the crib.
- Avoid hanging any wall art directly over the baby's crib. Not only could the item itself fall on the baby, but the nail or thumb tack used to hang it could end-up in the baby's crib.
- Do not place the crib or changing table near a window. This will reduce your baby's exposure to the sun and prevent choking and hanging hazard by keeping drapery cords out of reach.
- Make sure to cover all electrical outlets in the room and put window guards on all windows.
Think Retro
If you are searching for a fun, non-traditional nursery theme, look to the past for inspiration. I'm not talking about buying all antique furniture or decorating with quilts from your great grandmother. There are a number of ways to create a hip, modern nursery using decor options that are influences by past times.
For example, if you are having a girl, look to the roaring 20's for a flapper inspired theme. Choose red and black bedding and decorate using feathers and sequined art. For a more girly option, go back to the 80's with a “material girl” theme. Create a super-girly environment with pink walls and decorate using oversized costume jewelry.
For a boy, go with a classic car theme. There are a variety of nursery products available, like lamps and wall hangings, which feature different car models. Mix and match colors and styles for an eclectic look. For a great room accessory that doubles as a toy, check out some of the options from American Retro Cars. They offer a selection of kids pedal cars that are inspired by the famous automobiles of the 1940's.
Rock-A-Bye Baby
No nursery is complete without a rocker/glider with matching ottoman. In fact, it might be the most important piece of baby furniture you can buy. It will quickly become the most important seat in the house as you sit in it night after night feeding and soothing your new baby.
When selecting a rocker/glider for your nursery, make sure it is comfortable yet fashionable. You want to enjoy sitting it, but also enjoy how it looks as part of your overall room design. Angel Song offers some very elegant options that feature plush seating upholstered with top-of-the-line fabrics. Choose from classic or contemporary styles, depending on your nursery theme. No matter what style you choose, an Angel Song rocker/glider will be an elegant, sophisticated addition to your nursery.
For when your child is older, Angel Song offers kids chairs, loveseats and rocker/gliders with toy box ottomans. This combination provides seating and storage for a truly functional addition to your child's room.
Don't Forget About Storage
When designing your nursery, make sure to incorporate lots or storage. Babies have a lot of stuff and they just accumulate more as they grow. There are many types of storage needs, so make sure to address each one with the right equipment.
A great solution for diaper storage is a combo changing table and dresser. Generally, it will have a drawer on one side for clothes and a pull-out section for diapers and wipes on the other. A bookshelf will double as a place to store books and to display pictures and knickknacks. Toy chests are especially handy since they can hold just about anything. They are a great solution for blankets and bedding for baby and, of course, toys when your child is older. Some toy chests are also equipped with cushions that provide additional bench-like seating. Nursery storage solutions come in many colors and styles. Some even feature whimsical murals to compliment your décor.
Spell It Out
When decorating a nursery, wall letters that spell out your child's name are a excellent way to add a personal touch. Historically you would have to go to a craft store to buy wooden letters and create your own design. Now, as wall letters are becoming more popular, there is a wide-variety of colors and styles to choose from.
When selecting wall letters, you first need to decide what you would like to spell out - your child's entire name or just the initials. Next choose whether you want all upper or lower-case letters, or a combination of both. Also, determine if the letters will be used as a focal point or if you want them to blend with the wall color. Other things to consider include font, color combinations and additional accessories. To satisfy your overall nursery décor, your wall letters can be as simple or intricate as you want.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
