How to Decorate a Nursery
Creating your baby's nursery is probably the most exciting home decorating project you'll ever have. Getting everything perfect for the new family member, choosing a gorgeous colour scheme, and picking out the cot they'll snuggle up in—we're giddy just thinking about it.
It can be a little overwhelming, though, especially with everything else there is to get in order before the big day. That's why we've created this handy guide to help first-time mums and dads nail the nesting process.
The Essential Zones of a Nursery
The first part of decorating a nursery is getting in the zone… or rather, three zones. That’s because in a nursery, there are three areas you absolutely must have.
These are:
A feeding area with a comfy chair and table
A changing area with a table and drawers for bits and bobs
A sleeping area with a sweet little crib
Before you start shopping for all of the fun bits, think about where each zone will fit in your chosen nursery room.
What Curtains Are Best for a Nursery?
Curtains are super important in a nursery. Just as important as the cot, we say. That’s because getting a baby to sleep requires a quiet and dark space. Since newborns need 14-18 hours of sleep daily, that means some of that all-important slumber will take place during daylight hours.
So that your little one can sleep soundly through those daytime naps, be sure to fit your nursery with blackout curtains to keep out any rays of light that might disturb their sleep.
What Colours are Best for a Nursery?
Picking out a colour scheme is one of the most exciting parts of decorating a nursery. Don’t rush to cover the walls in a rainbow of paints, though. Bright colours can be very overstimulating for a tiny baby trying to catch forty winks, so instead, opt for very soft pastels or neutrals. For the most soothing hues, choose blues, browns, greens and creams.
If you’re really itching to give the room a burst of bright colour, stick to one accent wall. Here you can paint a whimsical mural, add a fun wallpaper or anything else that inspires you.
Want to make sure your nursery colour scheme works just as well for a giggling girl or a bouncing boy? Our gender-neutral nursery guide has plenty of decorating tips for you.
How to Decorate a Small Nursery
If you’re short on space, don’t worry. You can still create a beautiful nursery with some easy hacks.
Using a cabinet as your changing table doubles up as both surface space and storage space to save plenty of room. To save frequent furniture switching, you can also use transitional furniture pieces, such as a crib that can be turned into a toddler bed .
Another way to save space is by using a Moses basket instead of a crib, although this is a short-term solution that only works for the first three months as your baby grows and grows.
How to Decorate a Nursery for Safety
Decorating a nursery isn’t just about making it look lovely. It also needs to be a place where your baby is kept safe and sound. That means all furniture should be secured, with corner guards attached to the angles and childproof locks on the doors and drawers. You’ll also want to pop covers on any electrical sockets for when your curious baby learns to crawl.
How To Decorate a Nursery in a Rental
If you rent your property, you don’t have quite as much creative freedom when it comes to decorating your nursery. You won’t be able to paint the nursery, attach things to the wall, or fix anything down (unless, of course, you have a very nice landlord).
Not to fret, though. You can create character in your nursery with gorgeous furniture in your chosen colour scheme, adorable accessories like rocking chairs, cute cuddly toys, and, of course, the perfect crib.
How to Decorate a Crib
A nursery needs a crib, and at Secret Linen Store, bedding is what we do best.
While it’s lovely to pile our own beds with lots of comfy bedding, it’s not quite the same for a newborn. Plush pillows and downy duvets will have to wait until your tot is at least a year old. For now, stick with a simple fitted sheet .
Since babies have such soft and sensitive skin, you can’t choose just any material for their cot bedding. Opt for organic cotton. It’s breathable, cooling, long-lasting and hypoallergenic. Everything your little oneneeds.
For more tips on creating the comfiest cot, see our guide to baby bedding materials .
Finish with a beautiful mobile hung right above the crib. This isn’t just a very pretty decoration for your crib, it’s also a wonderful way to help with your baby’s development. Tracking the mobile with their eyes improves both their cognition and vision.
Mum and Dad Should Be Comfy, Too
It’s all too common for mums and dads to forget their own comfort when preparing for a new baby, but it’s oh so important to look after you too. So make sure you have everything you need in your baby’s nursery, as you’ll be spending rather a lot of time there. We’re thinking some cushions on your seat to sink into as you feed your little one, a throw blanket to keep you warm as toast, and a side table for you to perch a nice cup of herbal tea… lovely.
Now you know how to decorate your nursery, it’s only a question of what to decorate it with. For cot bedding , you can always trust our Secret Linen Store, with our baby bedding guide on hand to help you make the perfect choice.
