How to Design a Nautical Nursery

Designing a nursery is tricky business because the nursery must be both soothing and stimulating for your baby. A nautical nursery theme is perfect because it creates a soothing picture of the endless sea, while at the same time its splashes of primary colors offer visual stimulation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Maritime signal flags
• Nautical wall hangings
• Area rugs
• Paint
• Nautical bedding

1. Begin with wall color. Pale neutral colors are best because they often have a calming affect on babies. White, pale blue and khaki are good choices when determining wall color.

2. Paint a mural on one wall. Choose a simple ocean scene with a sailboat gently gliding on its surface.

3. Buy bedding. Seek crib sheets and blankets with nautical pictures of sailboats, lighthouses and anchors.

4. Purchase nautical-themed wall hangings. Consider purchasing a custom wall hanging that includes your child's name, like a ship's flag with "S.S. (you child's name)."

5. String maritime signal flags around the nursery. These flags have many bright colors that will visually stimulate your baby.

6. Throw down a couple of area rugs. Try to find one that has a picture of a sailboat or lighthouse on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy only low- or no-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint for your baby's nursery. VOCs are emitted into the air and can be unhealthy for anyone, especially babies.
• Be sure your area rugs are washable and have a non-slip backing. Rugs harbor dust mites and dirt, which are unhealthy for babies.

Resources

• Get nursery design inspiration at Motherearthnurserydesign.
• Find maritime signal flags at Unflags.
• View examples of nautical-themed nursery bedding.