How to Decorate Your Nursery

Decorate your baby's nursery without spending a lot of money.

Decorating the nursery is a fun activity while waiting for the arrival of your baby. It is important to create functional and safe nursery, while demonstrating your style. You do not need to spend a lot of money to decorate your nursery, with good ideas and creativity you can get more bang for your buck.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a theme and colors. Choose a decoration you love and base the theme and color on that item. Use light colors for a calming effect, or bright colors for a fun nursery. Decide on prints and fabrics for the rest of the decoration. Read magazines and look for images of nurseries online for inspiration.

2. Purchase functional furniture. Buy a crib, changing table and recliner that are comfortable and functional. Avoid spending too much money on furniture, as it will probably be used for a short period of time, unless it is convertible. Choose furniture in neutral colors if you are using bright colors on the walls and decorations. Choose dark colors for the furniture as your child might get them dirty and might draw on them when he is older.

3. Add a few accessories. Avoid spending too much money on accessories; just add a few attractive ones that match your theme and colors to keep the room together. Use pictures on the walls, a lamp, a bedding set, a rug and a few toys. Stencil the room using simple designs and acrylic paints. Paint a wall, drawer front or closet door with chalkboard paint.

4. Add plenty of storage, as diapers, wipes and clothes accumulate fast. Use baskets, toy boxes, drawers, pails and other articles you can use for storage. Organize the closet to help you find everything you need once your baby is born. Use storage as decoration, choosing fun colors and designs.

5. Create a safe nursery, as your baby will be mobile before you know it. Childproof the nursery before the baby is born so you don't need to do it later. Cover all outlets, avoid using sharp furniture, remove cords, keep dangerous items out of reach and put locks on drawers and closets.

Tips & Warnings

• Start a few months in advance to have enough time to decorate before the baby arrives.

References

• Parenting; A Chic (But Cheap!) Nursery; Patty Onderko
• Parents; 25+ Nursery Design Ideas; Suzanne Morrissey, Emma Sarran, Joanna Smith

Resources

• Babycenter; Childproofing Your Nursery; August, 2006