If you're expecting a baby, one of the most enjoyable aspects can be designing and decorating your little one's nursery. When it comes to decorating, there is a wide variety of themes and designs from which to choose and the range of options can seem overwhelming. You and your baby will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so it's important to make it as comfortable and functional as possible.
Furniture
When decorating your nursery, it's important to choose furniture that is stylish, safe, durable and functional. Yvette Muller of Baby's 1st Furniture, writing for The Expectant Mother's Guide, recommends choosing convertible furniture that is designed to last your child from infancy to young adulthood. This type of furniture can typically be purchased as a set, with the crib converting to a larger twin bed and the dresser also doubling as a changing table. Also consider purchasing a glider rocker or armchair and ottoman combo.
Bedding
The type of bedding you choose should tie in to the room's theme, accent the finish of your furniture and reflect your personal style. For instance, Muller recommends contrasting darker furniture with lighter bedding and vice versa. Bedding may reflect a particular theme, but non-themed bedding is versatile and can continue to be used even if the theme changes. In addition to fitted sheets, bumpers and quilts, choose accent pillows, dust ruffles and throw blankets. Custom bedding is also an option if you have more specific tastes.
Theme
Choosing a theme can be the most difficult aspect of decorating a nursery. Potential theme ideas include nursery rhymes, specific characters such as Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse, ocean themes, farm themes, circus or zoo themes, nature, birds, nautical, sports, princess, flowers or anything else you can think of. If you don't want to choose a specific theme, consider using contrasting colors such as pink and brown or blue and green to create your own theme.
Storage
Storage is one of the most important elements of your baby's nursery and getting organized doesn't have to be expensive. Lexi Walters of "Parents" magazine recommends using prefabricated kitchen cabinetry to create shelving and storage space in place of more expensive bookcases or hutches. Wicker baskets with fabric liners not only complement your theme but help to keep toys or clothes organized. Installing a sturdy shelf above your changing table can help to keep creams, lotion or powder easily at hand.
Accessories
There are a number of different accessories you can use to tie the theme of your room together and make it feel complete. Lamps, rugs, wall hangings, framed photographs, a small table and chairs, throw blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, mirrors, clocks, hanging mobiles, antique toys, books, posters, light fixtures, family pictures or special toys can all be used to add a personal touch to your baby's nursery.
