ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR NURSERY DECORATING
Today the world is going through quite a few things. Among them, we have a pandemic, elections, and baby-boom. Baby-boom is real!
Every day we get the news of celebrities getting pregnant or secretly giving birth. Imagine how many of your friends, colleagues, relatives, and neighbors are getting ready to welcome a child into their families.
Why not? If you think about it, a few decades back, the lives of newborns were less rainbowy that they are now. Well, maybe not newborns’ lives, but their parents’.
Can you imagine that years ago, there were no disposable diapers? It sounds mortifying because this is a rudimentary item.
Nowadays, the market has so many things to offer in order to make parents’ lives easier. You can find whatever you want, and the price spectrum is broad as well. All you need is a plan and a clear idea of what you want.
Easier said than done! It might seem overwhelming because, very often, parents don’t know where to begin.
Luckily for you, in this article, we will go through all of the things you need to pay attention to, and basically through all of the stages of setting up a fascinating nursery.
Of course, you will add some things or maybe even leave something out because of personal tastes and ideas. However, you will have the ideas to put you on the right track.
Remember to divide your list of purchases into primary and secondary. You will not need all the things at once. Our plan will provide you with the information that will help you set up a nursery with all the things required for the first time.
Then you can buy items that you feel you the room lacks as the time goes forward. So get your notepads out and come with me!
Check our The Ultimate Guide to Baby Nursery Essentials. Read to avoid unnecessary purchases, wasted money and uncertainty.
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR NURSERY DECORATING
Whenever you start something, create a plan. It is not rudimentary, but it is timesaving.
You will organize your thoughts and ideas to see a bigger picture. It is instrumental in day-to-day life, so be sure to try it.
Creating a room is a long and nerve-tickling process. Therefore here are some small tips for you to put your mind on the right track:
- Only a person who has millions can say that money is not one of the essential things in life. However, we need them in each and every aspect of our lives, so we take count of them.
When planning a nursery, think about expenses and the amount of money you are ready to spend. It is best if you get to this in the first place as it will help you narrow down the search circle and make shopping easier. This is much easier to choose out of 10 things instead of out of 1000, isn’t it?
If you are looking for an affordable version of a nursery, you will need to think it through. However, remember that there are items and pieces of furniture for which you should be prepared to pay good money.
- As I have already mentioned, you need a plan. Personally, I always start with the basics. Start with the walls, colors that you prefer, move on to the floor and windows.
While you are on the topic of windows, think of textiles, for it is difficult to find something that is both beautiful and of high quality. Write down the things you think you need for sure and those you would like to get. When you go over all of the items on the list again, you will see what you need and what is not that important.
On these and more aspects, we will be dwelling as we go through the guide. Right now, let us take a look at the plan itself:
- Brainstorming
- Themes & Colors
- Textile and Beddings
- Floor
- Furniture
- Storage
- Decorations and Extras
- Baby Shower
- Avoid buying this!
Now that we know how to structure our work let us get down to business!
Check our Helpful Hints on How to Set Up a Nursery. Learn how to make your baby’s nursery room beautiful!
1. Brainstorming
Always look before you leap. Nursery décor requires thorough planning. In order to start decorating the room, you need to estimate it.
Dimensions matter because they determine the amount of furniture you can place in the room. Width, length, and height are the beginning you are looking for. Start by estimating the situation and the resources you have.
After, you can move on to the furniture you can fit into the room. However, start with basic and primary things such as a crib, rocking chair or glider and drawer or dresser.
If you have space and some extra money, you can buy a changing table, but it will become useless in a year or so. Think of a layout and then proceed to the extra furniture, such as bookshelves, toy bins, and storage.
Think of space for storage beforehand. Do not be fooled by the newborn’s tiny size and know that it needs many things and these things require a place to reside. Therefore, always keep in mind the storage.
2. Themes & Colors
When it comes to baby room décor, there are so many ideas and combinations that you have a tremendously hard time deciding what exactly do you want. Furthermore, if you are looking for a baby boy or baby girl room décor ideas, you can make things even more difficult for you.
Thankfully, it is 2020 outside, and people are drifting further away from the idea that cold colors are boyish and warm – girlish. For this reason, you might want to consider neutral themes and colors for a baby. It will give you more time to prepare the nursery; besides, children are not that picky when it comes to nursery decor.
The Internet is overflowing with nursery themes. You can look some of them up, flip through the magazines, or come up with your original ideas.
Also, there is a different way to make a room colorful and stylish. In this case, you can turn to the nursery wall art.
For instance, you can combine the kid wall decals with some colors. It will let you visually divide the room into sections. It will look excellent and create a comfortable contrast to keep things interesting.
Besides, they are easy to use. They are easy to apply and take off. As time flies and a child grows older, one day, you might want to change the décor of the room because, at this point, a kid will care about the walls.
Nursery wall art is also quite popular. The picture (same as wall decals) are easy to apply. If you live in a rented apartment, you can put a picture on the wall and take it off as easily when you leave.
Baby room décor is a field for creativity. Use your imagination and think out of the box. For example, one day, your child will start walking, and a little one will find crayons or anything that you can use to draw on the walls.
What if instead of drawing on the walls, a kid could draw on the chalkboard or a blackboard? You can create a perfect décor, including things that can help develop a kid’s creativity.
3. Textile & Beddings
The suitable textile of high quality is possible but difficult to find. It was quite a challenge for me, so I hope it will be easier for you. Anyways, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, choose textiles before color. Nursery wall art and colors are easy to find. There are various shades, so it is better to find beddings and curtains first and then proceed with the walls.
Second, make sure that curtains are made from lightproof materials. You see, sleep occupies 50% of the child’s time. Besides, it is the only time you can leave a baby alone and go back to your plans.
Remember that if you want to make the room look taller and bigger, try hanging the curtains higher and not being afraid to use bold colors. In general, curtains and textiles are an essential component of nursery décor. Here, you can play with colors and contrasts.
When it comes to beddings, first pay attention to quality and then to how good it looks. A child’s skin is susceptible, so it would be better to get the bedding is of good quality.
Quick reminder: do not forget to buy a gentle laundry detergent! It will prevent a little one from getting allergies.
Check our Choosing Baby’s First Blankets: How to Select the Perfect Blankie. Learn tips in choosing the best blanket that is suitable for your baby’s needs!
4. Floor
Weird enough, but people do not pay that much attention to the floor. I have to admit that it is also a tricky topic because pretty does not always mean functional. Let me explain what I mean.
In the beginning, it does not particularly matter what covers the floor. However, remember one day, your baby will start crawling and walking around. It means direct contact with the floor, spilled water and juice, watercolors and crayons everywhere, etc.
Nursery décor is about beauty, coziness, and functionality. People are different, and it means that the preferences also vary. Let us take a closer look at all options.
The first option is a wall-to-wall carpet. It makes you feel cozy and warm just by looking at it. You can get a carpet that will cover the entire floor in the room.
There are different materials to choose from, such as synthetic fibers (polyester and nylon, which in most cases contain VOCs) and natural (wool, jute, cotton, and sisal that are VOC-free). Besides, there is low-VOC fiber, which is more affordable than a natural one.
Advantages: it looks and feels nice; natural carpeting is much better and safer in terms of VOC content. Disadvantages: it is extremely easy to get it dirty; it is a perfect environment for dust mites and mildew; natural fiber is quite expensive.
The second option is hardwood. It is easy to keep clean it looks classy and long-lasting. The problem is that it can be quite expensive, and you will need a big carpet to cover most of it.
This way, you will protect the floor from being ruined – for children are unpredictable- and soften the child’s landing, for falling is the part of learning.
Bamboo is a cheaper and better alternative to hardwood as it is long-lasting, resists scratching (unlike hardwood), and eco-friendly. Bamboo is believed to be a Terminator among flooring options and can handle any baby and any damage that a little one can cause. Besides, it is available in various colors and looks.
Cork is eco-friendly as well. Furthermore, it is cheaper and softer than any of the previous flooring options.
Its structure will be better for children, and it will not be that painful to fall and more comfortable to walk. Cork is not as expensive as hardwood and hypoallergenic.
Last but not least, laminate. It is easy to install, relatively affordable, and scratch-resistant.
The thing is that it is quite dangerous for health. It is made from pressed wood and fiber that is usually treated with chemical toxins, including formaldehyde.
5. Furniture
Go through the essential furniture. When choosing what you need, go through some nursery décor ideas that you can find inline or in magazines.
As you know, companies create the whole set of furniture in order to decorate a room and provide a customer with everything a little one will need. Also, keep in mind that it is best to look for furniture convertibles because they will be “growing” together with children.
In order not to forget anything, start with a crib and a mattress. I would advise you to go with the crib because children will outgrow bassinet and cradle pretty fast.
A mattress is a significant investment so make sure that it is of high quality. The best choice would be to buy a breathable and easy-to-clean mattress.
Mattresses cost a little more than average ones, but a child needs a perfectly comfortable place to sleep, as we have already mentioned. Also, be sure to get a waterproof mattress cover, which you will find to be a priceless finding for a baby nursery.
A glider or rocking chair is one of the things you will need for sure. You can feed the baby and calm it down, thanks to the chair’s smooth rocking movements. Besides, it will give you a moment to relax.
Dresses or Drawer
Although a child is tiny, a little one’s things need a lot of space. Therefore, consider getting a dresser or a drawer organizes things so that you can quickly get whatever you need. It is better than a changing table because it will serve you much longer.
Check our How to Choose a Perfect Baby Crib. Read on to learn helpful tips on choosing your baby’s crib!
6. Storage
Baby-closet will need as much space as adults would. Why? Because there are tons of things that a little one needs. There are also as many of those that a kid will need.
As we know, children grow every second, so that a baby will need bigger baby clothes every time. Therefore, you will need storage.
If you have a small room, you need to be creative. First of all, think of what furniture you need and get what you can fit into the room. Next, look for convertibles and additional shelves for the furniture.
Nowadays, many life hacks are aimed at making the most use of a small space. Therefore, look for ideas or come up with your own.
In case you have a big and bright room, you can get plastic bins or baskets. Keep in mind that you will need storage for clothing, toys, and other baby stuff.
You can organize the boxes or baskets. Therefore think of this space-saving idea and always keep it in mind, because as a child grows a little, one will need even more things.
7. Decorations & Extra
Baby nursery décor includes decorations, extras, and nursery art. In order to make a room even cozier or contrasting, you can get some decorations.
These can be garlands and lights. While the first is optional and depends totally on your sense of style, the second one is a must.
The thing is that you will need to walk into a child’s room without waking a little one up or traumatize its eyes with a sudden pang of bright lights. Walking in the darkness through a child’s room as the same as walking through a minefield – you never know when you step on a loge block or a doll’s shoe.
Therefore, instead of quietly creeping in the darkness and suppressing all of the sounds from pain, get a nightlight.
The nightlight will help a little one fall asleep better, for dim light has a soothing and calming effect. Besides, a little one will not feel scared when waking up in total darkness.
The next thing you should turn over in your mind is a baby monitor. It is difficult and probably even impossible to constantly be around a child because you need some time to do your things, work, or relax.
Therefore, the baby monitor is a great helper: their audio- and video-only baby monitors. You can choose either one of them merely to keep an eye on a baby.
Also, don’t forget about the playtime. You can get a nice small rug for a child so that it could lie there or try to sit as you play together. Get some toys and books.
There is no need to buy tons of toys because children are interested in them for a day or less. Therefore, buy a few good toys and show them to a child one by one (this way, you will continuously show a kid “new” toys whenever a little one gets tired of the previous one).
Buy books and read them to a baby. The thing is that reading helps a little one’s development. Get books with different nice and calming pictures so that you could show them to a kid. Remember about the storage to keep the toys and books!
8. Baby Shower
This is not a guide for a baby shower, rather a useful tip. When we first think of baby décor, different cute details come to mind. When we start writing them down, we get a long list of things for both the baby and nursery’s atmosphere.
Therefore, think about what you will buy on your own and what you would like to get for a baby shower. People will come anyway, and they will bring presents regardless.
With this thought in mind, create a list with the things you need for the baby and send them to all people invited. At the end of the day, this is what baby showers are for – to celebrate a child together with parents and to help with the things for the baby.
Check our How to Throw a Great Baby Shower? In this guide, you will learn the best things you can do for an effective and successful Baby Shower.
9. Avoid buying this!
Parents would do everything for their children. For this reason, they want to provide all of the best things to their little lump of love.
In shopping haste, parents can buy some unnecessary stuff, so to say. Here are a few things you’d better avoid buying.
Toys. I am not saying that you don’t need to buy your children’s toys. I mean that withhold from buying dozens of them. A child is small, and it is not interested in toys that much.
You can buy a few rattles, stuffed animals, and soft blocks. Buy a few toys and give them to a kid one at a time. When a little one is bored, you can give it a toy that a kid hasn’t seen before.
White noise makers and mobiles. These can be a good addition when speaking about nursery décor, but they are quite useless in terms of functionality. More and more parents find them to be a waste of resources.
A white noise maker produces the same sound that a child heard in a womb. However cool this sounds, a child lives now in the “outer” world, and a little one can easily adapt. A kid has no choice.
Mobiles are a part of the baby room décor that most parents think to be a necessity. Let me stop you right there. It is unnecessary, and a child gets bored of it pretty quickly, so you will stick it somewhere into the closet to collect dust.
Changing table. I love the topic of changing the table because it is a controversial one. The thing is that some parents say that it is essential. It has enough space for baby things, and there are additional shelves.
The other half of parents (usually those who have two or more children) think it is pretty useless. Of course, if you have enough space and plan on having more kids, you can get a changing table. However, when a child becomes older, you stop using it.
Therefore, I love the idea of a drawer or a dresser and a changing pad on it. It is your choice to make, so do as you think will be best for you and your baby.
Blankets, pillows, and Bumpers
Pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, and blankets are a part of nursery décor. Parents put them into a crib to make it look cozy. However, you need to understand a few things:
1) A child does not care about these things.
2) SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is usually a result of excessive materials in a crib. Blankets, toys, and pillows are made from thick materials. A kid tosses and turns, so there is a risk that a little one can suffocate.
Therefore, get things made from breathable material and don’t put a child into an ocean of materials that pose a potential threat to a little one.
Check our To Buy or Not to Buy – What Not to Get For a Newborn Baby, to make sure that your baby’s needs are met and that you have everything perfect for them.
FINAL WORD
Children are the loveliest creatures that can storm into your lives and don’t feel guilty about it. Welcoming a new person into your world is pivotal.
As soon as the realization hits you, you want to give this little creature the whole world. Joy and fear that come with it are understandable and make these moments even more precious.
You can start preparing this world by creating a beautiful place for a kid, where a little one will grow and get to know the world. Nursery décor plays a significant role in expecting the baby because it gives you time to prepare yourself for the idea of becoming a parent. You will put effort into creating a perfect space for a little one and anticipate the child’s arrival even more.
This guide for nursery decorating will help you find the commencement you are looking for. You will find here information concerning things you need to buy, ideas to organize your space, things to avoid buying, and nursery décor per se. I hope it will be helpful. Take care!
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