25 Sweet Nursery Ideas for Baby and Parents
Think beyond the blue and pink with these sweet nursery ideas
For years, it’s been the tradition to decorate nurseries pink for baby girls and blue for baby boys. More and more, we’re seeing parents step outside these traditional decor styles and branch off into new territory.
These sweet nursery ideas for babies and parents will bring originality and playfulness to your space.
Gender-Neutral Baby Nursery Ideas
While blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and decor items are an adorable addition to any baby nursery, please note these ideas are strictly for styling inspiration. Visit the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) resource Helping Babies Sleep Safely for more information on infant sleep and crib safety.
Designing a gender-neutral nursery means moving away from the societal norms of what a baby boy or girl’s nursery is “supposed” to look like.
These gender-neutral baby nursery ideas not only break away from societal expectations, but also give you more room to play in terms of color and decor. And they're sure to help you create a unique space for your baby.
1. All White
Considering how messy babies can be, an all-white nursery may feel a little scary. But sticking to an all-white pattern can make a tiny nursery feel bigger and brighter. Color absorbs light, while fresh white walls reflect it, creating an airy and bright effect. Finish the room with tan light-blocking curtains to add a little color and, more importantly, create a nap-ready atmosphere.
2. Animal-Themed
A theme helps give your nursery decor some direction. Animal themes are popular for a reason, as it’s easy to find furniture, stuffed animals, and decor items that fit this style.
3. Neutral Shades
Give your baby nursery a boho look by decorating it in neutral shades. The great thing about incorporating neutral colors is that you’ll be able to repurpose a lot of the decor items once your baby has outgrown them. A wooden ladder, a dreamcatcher, or a wooden stool can all be used in other parts of the home.
4. Dramatic Backdrop
Decorating a nursery in a dark color can feel scary, but dark hues work great for gender-neutral spaces. Dark paint is a great way to bring a modern feel to the space. Additionally, darker colors serve as beautiful nursery backdrops for spaces where you want to feature additional pops of color, such as white clouds on a black wall.
5. Rainbow Hues
A gender-neutral nursery doesn’t mean you have to be confined to a soft pastel color palette. A rainbow-infused nursery will bring an eclectic feel to the space that doesn’t feel feminine or masculine. Instead, your baby’s room will feel full of life.
Boy Baby Room Ideas
There’s a lot of room to play when decorating a boy’s nursery. These baby room ideas will help you create the perfect space for your baby boy.
6. Nautical-Themed
A blue and white color scheme creates the perfect foundation for a nautical-themed nursery. Other small touches, such as an anchor wall decor piece, can help establish the theme even further.
7. Lime Green Embellishments
If you like the idea of sticking to one color but want to stay away from the traditional blue nursery theme, green is a great alternative. Lime green in particular is fun and playful, and while it doesn’t scream “baby,” it’ll still give the room a youthful vibe.
8. Colorful Accent Wall
For a more subdued, calming take on a green nursery, try a hunter green accent wall. Keep it from looking too grown-up with whimsical touches, including teddy bears, wall poufs, cotton ball string lights, and a sweet mobile.
Girl Nursery Room Ideas
Choosing the direction to take your girls’ nursery can be difficult. These fun girls’ nursery room ideas will help you bring your vision to life.
9. Pops of Pink
You can still incorporate classic pink hues into your nursery without it being overwhelming. Pops of light pink and peach add a touch of femininity to the space while still allowing other colors to shine.
10. Fun Wallpaper
Bright orange wallpaper is great for those who are looking to go bold with their baby girl nursery. Balance out the bright orange with some softer, neutral shades.
11. Hang a Chandelier
Hanging a chandelier is a great way to add drama and interest to your girl’s room. You can choose between modern, dramatic, or simple and cute to fit in with the rest of your decor.
Nursery Furniture Ideas
Function and comfort are the key components of nursery furniture. These nursery furniture ideas cover both of those key components while also adding some style.
12. Comfy Chair
Nursery chairs are a must for your parenting duties. While you want a chair that’s comfortable and cozy, you also want the chair to offer enough support so you can easily stand up after feeding without disturbing your baby. For the best of both worlds, consider an armchair-style rocking chair.
13. Rocking Chair
Babies love to be rocked, so your rocking chair will likely be your most used piece of furniture after the crib. Rocking chairs can serve both a functional and decorative purpose. Place a decorative pillow on your rocking chair or buy a chair with detailed legs to tie it into the rest of the room.
14. Multi-Purpose Changing Table
While a changing table needs to be functional, there’s no reason it can’t also serve an aesthetic purpose. Many parents choose white changing tables, as they allow for more room to play with when mapping out the rest of your decor.
Decor Ideas
The right decor can help bring your baby’s nursery to life. These decor ideas can create a playful, comforting space for your baby.
15. Fun Rugs
Choose a fun rug to add some vibrancy to your nursery. A larger rug will make the room look bigger and give it more of a cohesive look.
16. Hanging Canopy
A hanging canopy can add an ethereal feeling to your baby’s nursery. Canopies also protect against sunlight, drafts, pests, and other obstructions.
17. Wall Decals
A decal is a great way to add interest to the walls without completely covering them with wallpaper. Small star decals can be tied into a variety of themes.
18. Hanging Mobile
A hanging mobile helps develop your baby’s motor skills. Make sure the mobile pieces are big enough, so they don’t present a choking hazard and keep your baby safe.
Storage Ideas
Between diapers, clothing, and toys, there’s a lot that you need to keep handy in your baby’s nursery. These creative storage ideas will ensure the space stays organized and you have everything you need at an arm’s reach.
19. Storage Ladder
Using a ladder as a storage shelf can be a creative way to display your baby’s items. Look for one that’s low to the ground, so it doesn’t overpower the crib or other furniture in the room.
20. Storage Bench
Similar to a ladder, a storage bench allows you to display your baby’s toys. Try to match the bench’s cushion with at least one other piece of furniture in the room.
21. Baskets
Storage baskets add a decorative element to the nursery while giving you easy access to your baby’s belongings. Baskets with fun patterns can give you a chance to add more color and life to the room.
Color Scheme Ideas
The color scheme helps set the whole mood for the nursery. These color schemes work well for all genders.
22. Black and White
There’s no reason your baby’s nursery can’t have a chic edge to it. Decorating the nursery in black and white creates a sleek Scandinavian vibe. Adding some patterns will keep the space youthful.
23. Mixed Blue and Pink
If you can’t choose between blue and pink accents, why not incorporate them both? Add some neutral shades to balance blue and pink.
Lighting Ideas
Beautiful lighting can flatter your nursery design. Highlight your space with these nursery lighting ideas.
24. Task Lighting
Place task lighting next to a chair so you can easily feed or hold your baby without having to turn all the lights off. Task lighting can also help your baby wind down when it’s time to sleep.
25. Fun Wall Lights
Lights can also be decorative. Cloud wall decals with lights can serve as a statement piece for the room.