Nursery décor can be a tricky business, however, don’t worry, the perfect nursery for you and your little one is closer than you think. Creating a nursery is a great chance to indulge in all things whimsical and sweet. You’ll be spending a lot of time in there, so it’s important to choose décor you love. Finding the perfect balance between the latest and greatest with the ever-changing flow of trends, themes, and well-designed, multi-functional pieces of furniture is difficult, but possible, so let’s start at the very beginning.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Creating a nursery full of comfort, function, and style can take a few days to think about. Consider the style you want for the nursery, no matter if it’s an entire bedroom or a special, smaller space, how do you want it to look and feel? Calming and peaceful? Engaging and playful?
Create a board on Pinterest for yourself that covers everything from color schemes to room layouts, theme ideas, furniture pieces, and accessories that draw your attention, and then narrow it down from there.
Recall the nursery rhymes of old. Allow nature and fashion to affect you. Use art as inspiration. Don’t worry about being too cutesy and frilly, or monotone and minimal. Let your personal style rule!
THE FURNITURE BASICS
You don’t need to have your definite choices right away, especially if you’re planning on co-sleeping with your little one or keeping a bassinet at your bedside. Decide what you will need – and what will fit – into the nursery. There are so many options available for cribs, bassinets, changing tables, rocking chairs, lighting, bedding, and paint colors. Here are a few essential must-haves:
THE CRIB
Did you know that while all newer cribs meet current safety standards, the older ones do not? Before recycling a secondhand crib, make sure it meets all present-day safety standards. If you aren’t planning on having another baby for a while, consider a convertible crib (one that converts into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-sized bed)!
THE ROCKING CHAIR (OR GLIDER)
This is your cornerstone of comfort and snuggling. You will spend hours in this chair – day and night – holding, soothing, and singing to your baby. From ergonomically designed and stylish options to well-priced and pricey, ask yourself: is this a comfortable chair for me; and is the fabric durable?
Every time we rock our babies in the night, we bring order back to a disordered world.
– Ben Shapiro
THE CHANGING STATION
Select a functional changing table at the best, most comfortable standing height for you. Do the drawers open and close easily and soundlessly? Is there enough room for wipes, a wipe warmer, diapers, more diapers, powder, cream, and extra onsies? For a piece of furniture that will serve for many years, you can add a changing pad to the top of a dresser.
KEEP IT SIMPLE, WITH ROOM – AND TIME! – TO GROW.
Add life and personality with unique accessories and details. Keep in mind, your overall color choice will affect everything. Setting up and decorating a nursery is an exciting experience. Take a deep breath. You can do this!
