Planning and creating a nursery for your new baby is an exciting endeavor for many expectant parents. Your nursery should reflect your style and should be planned based on the vision and dream you have for the space. Your newborn will need a peaceful and tranquil place to sleep, says Megan Connelly, author of "The Smart Approach to Kids' Rooms," and taking the necessary steps to carry out your plan will result in a nursery that you can take pride in.
Step 1
Choose a theme and color scheme for the nursery. Go to local baby stores and browse different themes. Visit home improvement stores and collect a variety of paint samples to help you make your selections.
Step 2
Lay drop cloths and secure painter's tape around windows and doorways. Apply your first coat of paint by rolling the paint on using a "V" formation. Allow the base coat to dry. Apply a second coat of paint, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Use a paintbrush to cover surfaces around windows and doorways. Let the paint dry completely.
Step 3
Decide where you want the nursery furniture to be placed. Map out different arrangements, recommend Jessica Strand and Jennifer Levy, authors of "Baby's Room: Ideas and Projects for Nurseries," so you can fit everything in. Make your decision, put your furniture together and arrange it in the nursery.
Step 4
Hang wall art. Choose art that coordinates with your nursery theme or with your color choice.
Step 5
Place accessories into the nursery. Bedding, stuffed animals, light fixtures, window treatments and rugs will enhance your theme and color scheme, says Connelly. Hang wall shelves to showcase special items, such as ultrasound pictures or family photographs.
Tips and Warnings
- Build your theme around something meaningful to you, such as a keepsake from your own childhood or a beloved children's book. When painting, use stencils to add borders or details to the walls. Wallpaper cutouts or borders can also enhance your chosen theme or colors. Arrange your nursery furniture so the crib is not placed in an area that receives direct sunlight.
- Pregnant women should not paint the walls because exposure to paint fumes can be harmful to unborn babies. Do not hang wall art above your baby's crib because it could come loose and fall into the crib.
Things You'll Need
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Roller
- Drop cloths
- Paint tray
- Painters tape
- Furniture
- Wall art
- Accessories
- Bedding
- Window treatments
- Light fixtures
- Wall shelves
References
- "The Smart Approach to Kids' Rooms"; Megan Connelly; 2008
- "Baby's Room: Ideas and Projects for Nurseries"; Jessica Strand and Jennifer Levy; 2002
