Decorating a baby boy's nursery requires some thought and preparation, but is relatively easy once you've got the basics determined. Have fun with the project, and make sure you provide plenty of time to get it done. Being pregnant can make some tasks seem daunting, but with a plan and some help, you can create a room that is enjoyable both for you and your soon-to-arrive son.
Step 1
Measure, or get the manufacturer's measurements if furniture is still on order, of each piece of furniture you want to include in your baby boy's nursery. For example, the crib and changing table are typically part of a nursery. Depending on the size of the room, you may also incorporate a nursing chair, side table and lamp. Use graph paper to cut out scaled pieces of furniture.
If you're planning a unique crib, such as one that echoes a NASCAR race car, get the measurements from the manufacturer before assembling. Also see if you the manufacturer will send you samples of the colors if you're decorating your boy's nursery well in advance of the crib's delivery.
Step 2
Measure the room with your tape measure. Using the graph paper, create a scaled drawing of the floor space of the room.
Step 3
Lay each piece of scaled furniture on your graph-paper floor plan to determine the optimal position for each piece of furniture. Keep in mind any large murals that you want to paint or decorations that you will purchase when placing furniture. Also keep in mind any future toys or decor you may add for your baby boy, such as a train table, Lego PlayStation or easel.
Step 4
Determine a theme for the room since this will help you choose accessories and colors more easily. Boy's nurseries lend themselves well to astronaut, space, train or zoo themes. Use your theme to determine your color palette. For example, an ocean theme might use cool blues and greens, with touches of white. Let people know of this theme, as well, since baby shower hostesses often find a theme helpful in setting the tone for the shower.
Step 5
Purchase paint colors, bedding and accessories that support the theme you've decided upon. Hire a painter or paint the room yourself, being careful not to overstress yourself and making sure you have good air circulation in the room. Let the paint dry for a few days.
Step 6
Assemble the crib in the room since most doorways are too narrow to move it from room to room. Move the changing table into the room along with any other furniture that you've planned to include. Make up the crib and hang up pictures, accessories and mobiles that complete the theme you've chosen for your son.
Tips and Warnings
- Never choose paint colors in the store. Either bring the sample home to view in your home lighting or buy a small paint sample and paint a small patch on each wall to see how the color is reflected by the light in the room.
- If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, don't hang pictures above the crib or play area.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
