Today I am showing you how to design the nursery of your dreams.
Designing our daughter’s nursery has been one of my all-time favorite projects!
Get the look of a Pinterest-perfect nursery without paying an interior designer.
Let me take the guesswork out of it for you, and help you ENJOY the process!
Below are the simple steps you need to know to design your baby’s nursery.
Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post, at no cost to you.
Start a Pinterest Board for Your Nursery
First, start a Pinterest board for your nursery and use it as inspiration throughout the design process.
This will help you streamline your style and determine what you ultimately want it to look like.
Ask yourself a few questions like these:
- Do you gravitate towards neutral colors or bright colors?
- Is there a particular color palette you’re drawn to?
- Have you come across an area rug you love already that could serve as a statement piece?
- Do you have a family heirloom you want to incorporate or work around?
These answers may help you identify your first few design elements.
Next, you’ll want to decide on what nursery theme you want to use.
It doesn’t have to be a traditional set nursery theme such as baby animals, boho, nautical etc. Identifying a “theme” can be as simple as choosing a color scheme to work within.
If you need some quick inspiration, here’s a great post with 50 nursery ideas for a baby girl or 10 baby boy nursery themes rising in popularity.
Finally, pin images of any nursery themes or nursery ideas you love!
Here are the top three photos I drew inspiration from while designing my daughter‘s nursery… I’m drawn to mostly neutrals with girly accents.
Related: Top-Rated Neutral Nursery Rugs
Plan Your Nursery Layout in Advance
Draw the layout of your nursery room to see exactly where your biggest furniture pieces will go.
Measure each wall and be sure to choose appropriately sized furniture so you have enough space.
Below is the layout of our nursery – keep in mind it’s not drawn to scale so you’ll need to consider the square footage of your own nursery.
I’m terrible at drawings, but they give me an idea of where I want everything.
Here are a few Before shots of this room completely empty.
Pick Out Your Nursery Wall Paint Color
Pick out your nursery wall paint color towards the beginning so you can build on the rest of your design with it in mind.
We’ve got a great post on the best nursery paint colors to help you decide.
As for the actual paint type you should buy, check out this list of baby safe paint options as a guide.
Finally, if you’re renting your home or just don’t feel like painting, this list of 20 ways to decorate your nursery without painting may inspire you.
Decide on Your Key Nursery Furniture Pieces
Decide on your key nursery furniture pieces – the crib, glider, and dresser.
Read through all the online reviews you can find and try to see them in person if you can.
Selecting Your Baby’s Crib
Look for a convertible crib that your baby can transition into.
They may start crawling out of their crib before they’re ready for a twin bed or toddler bed.
Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a safe, sturdy crib.
I almost got swept up by all of the fancy options, but ultimately we went with this low-cost one that had amazing reviews.
Related: Top-Rated Blackout Curtains for Your Nursery
The ONLY things that should be in your child’s crib are the crib mattress and crib sheet.
There should be NO additional bedding like bumpers, blankets, and pillows.
The ones you see here are purely for decoration and will always be removed while she is in the crib.
I partnered with Newton Baby to use the Newton crib mattress in our nursery.
Their mattress has no foam, latex or adhesives, and allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation which can reduce the risk of suffocation.
I did a full review HERE if you are curious.
I put a breathable, muslin cotton sheet from Aden + Anais over the crib mattress.
The simple, neutral design of this crib will work for our next child whether we have a boy or girl.
I’ll use my favorite blush, vintage rug in her next bedroom.
Shop My Crib:
Choosing Your Nursery Glider
The number one piece of advice I received is to splurge on the nursery glider since you will spend A LOT of time on it.
You’ll likely sleep there at some point so you want it to be comfortable!
Overwhelmed by the number of options? Cut right to the most stylish and top-rated nursery gliders over on this post.
We went to see ours in-store to sit and rock on it.
I also read through TONS of online reviews to make sure it was worth the cost.
You’re probably thinking I’m insane for choosing white!
Trust me we will take care of it – I put Scotchgard on the fabric and I’ll leave this blanket draped over it.
Plus if it survives a few years in the nursery, I plan on using it in our master bedroom one day.
Shop My Glider:
Picking Out Your Nursery Dresser Changing Table
The dresser will serve as your changing table AND provide you with additional storage.
It’s great for storing diapers, wipes, and creams within reach.
It’s also perfect for swaddling blankets, clothes, burp cloths, bibs, etc.
Save yourself a ton of time researching by checking out this roundup of the best nursery dressers of this year.
I plan on using this dresser in her next bedroom once this becomes a nursery again for baby number two.
The changing table topper can be removed without damage to the top of the dresser – it simply screws into the back.
Some mamas opt to skip the changing tray and put the changing pad directly onto the dresser.
There’s really no right or wrong answer, just be sure to keep your hand placed on a corner of the changing pad so it never slips.
Related: The Best Round Baby Name Signs for Your Nursery
I love the simplicity of this natural cotton wall hanging from Lorena Canals Rugs, and the muslin cotton changing pad cover from Aden + Anais.
Shop My Nursery Dresser & Topper:
Consider Adding Multiple Lighting Options to Your Nursery
Consider adding multiple lighting options – your main source of light, a significantly dimmer option, and a nightlight.
Our main source of light comes from the ceiling fan, and I put this lamp next to the glider with a dim bulb giving off ambient light for nighttime nursing.
We also put a motion-activated nightlight right by the doorway.
You also want to keep sunlight OUT while your baby is sleeping, so blackout curtains are a necessity.
We love these thick, high-quality blackout curtains. They keep the room dark and they just happen to be gorgeous as well!
Shop My Curtains & Hardware:
Fill In the Remaining Floor Space with Storage
Fill in the remaining floor space with storage for toys, books, blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, etc.
Use a combination of baskets, toy boxes, or storage cubes.
We love these large, stackable toy boxes that fit ALL of the things.
OK, I may or may not have a basket obsession.
There are so many cute ones… how could I not pick up them all?!
Baskets are one of the easiest ways to corral loose items that clutter the room.
Both of these are from Home Goods, and the blankets were gifts from my baby shower.
I love these bookshelves from IKEA and they were only $9.99 each!
Each one is four inches deep, so they will eventually fit a ton of baby books.
The tassel basket is also from Home Goods.
Finalize the Design of Baby’s Room with Coordinating Décor
Once you’ve decided on the furniture and storage, it’s time to pick out the fun stuff like various pieces of nursery wall decoration!
This is where I’d go a little crazy on gender-specific décor.
These are the things that will give you ALL THE FEELS 🙂
Related: 10 Easy Ways to Organize Your Nursery
I absolutely fell in love with this gold star ceiling mobile, and it makes a huge statement!
Is there anything cuter than baby animal prints in a nursery?
Both my cheetah & elephant prints are from Tiny Toes Design.
I framed them in 16 x 20 gold frames from IKEA.
Tulle & sequins fit for a princess – I had to have this crib skirt!
Here’s a sneak peek of her all-new closet – find the full DIY tutorial HERE.
Shop Additional Sources:
Wondering about our wall color? It’s Benjamin Moore Big Bend Beige which we had mixed up at our local Sherwin Williams paint store.
How to Design a Nursery: Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start designing a nursery?
Preparing the nursery in your home is really fun and can even be one of the most enjoyable times of your pregnancy! There are so many fun things to pick up along the way, but you might also be surprised how long some items like nursery furniture will take to arrive.
Start between 18-20 weeks to ensure you’re able to take pleasure in the process and not be stressed at the end. Now if you are already well past this already, we don’t want you to stress either! There are plenty of quick-ship nursery furniture pieces available as well.
A lot of expecting parents prefer to wait to start on the nursery until they are out of the early miscarriage stage. It also makes the most sense to wait until you have found out what gender you are having. That’s why 18-20 weeks is the perfect time to get started!
Related: 50+ Modern Baby Rooms You’ll Love
What should I keep in mind when designing a nursery?
Learn what the best things are to save on in the nursery, such as saving on your crib choice. All cribs for sale must meet the guidelines of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and come in a standard length & width. The greatest difference between cribs is style and price.
You don’t have to have a crib from Pottery Barn Kids that cost between $700-$1,000. You can get an affordable crib that’s both beautiful and well priced. The white crib and natural wood crib we used cost between $100-$300 and I did NOT sacrifice on style. Take my suggestion and save yourself hundreds of dollars here. You’ll be glad you did the first morning you come in and find your little one has chewed up the crib rails.
Another way to save is on your changing table choice. It will get beat up over those first few years. You’ll be wiping poop off of it and it will likely get scratched on the top. If you have the budget, Pottery Barn Kids does carry many of my favorite changing table dressers but they will cost you between $700-$1,200.
Once again, I’ve found great nursery changing tables for under $300. Check them out and see for yourself over on this post.
Finally, you can also save by spending less on your rug. A gorgeous, eye-catching rug is key to any stunning nursery, but thankfully there are websites like Rugs USA that have high-quality rugs at a very low price. Chances are it’s going to get messed up over the years anyway.
How do you layout a nursery?
Here are some guidelines on where to place your furniture:
- Center the crib on the wall you see when you first walk into the room. If that wall has windows in the center of it, or if it’s too small, use another wall, preferably the largest one in the room. You want this to be a feature wall!
- Put the glider in a corner facing out, ideally by a window if you have one.
- Place the dresser, which will be your changing table, centered on the smallest wall, preferably on its own. If that’s not possible, put it on the same wall as your glider, tucked on either side of it.
Have a small room for your baby nursery? Check out these 12 tiny nursery ideas to give you some layout ideas.
Need More Help with Your Baby’s Room Setup?
Tour our daughter’s custom nursery closet that we built for $100!
It’s a great DIY project to make your child’s closet a little more functional.
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This turned out beautiful, Kelly! Wow, great job! Love every detail, and fabulous pictures!
XO,
Courtney
Thank you so much Courtney! Now we just need baby 🙂 XO, Kelly
What is the paint name of the pink walls ?
Hi Claudia, her nursery walls are actually a beige! The paint color is called Sherwin Williams Big Bend Beige. It may look slightly pink to you just because of all of the pink accent decor 🙂 XO, Kelly
Where did you find the pain?
Hi Els, sorry for the delay. Our paint in this room is Big Bend Beige and we got it from Sherwin Williams. It’s a really pretty neutral color! XO, Kelly
As expected, the nursery is beautiful. Such great attention to detail but not overdone. You are a pro. Lucky baby!! Can’t wait to see you all enjoying this lovely space ?
Thank you! So happy with how it turned out 🙂 I definitely won’t mind being in here for hours on end!! See you guys soon. XO – Kelly
It’s so gorgeous Kelly!!! Love everything you picked out! Your daughter is going to be one lucky girl to have that gorgeous room!
Yay! Thank you, Bethany. Like I said in my post, your little girl’s nursery was so inspiring to me! XO – Kelly
Kelly, this room is absolutely dreamy!! I love every detail! Can’t wait to see her in it! ??
Yay! Thank you Jess 🙂 Really happy with how it turned out. Hoping she makes her appearance any day now!! XO, Kelly
Hi Kelly – I am so happy that I came across your page. I have been searching for a paint color to go with gold and blush accents. I love the Big Bend Beige that you chose. What white paint color did you choose for your trim and ceilings?
Beautiful nursery. What color did you use for your wall?
Hi Kristell! Our walls are Benjamin Moore Big Bend Beige, and the white board and batten wall is Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. Sherwin Williams can match & make Benjamin Moore colors by the way! Thanks for following along 🙂 – Kelly
Where did you get the small light on the wood end table by the glider?
Hi Julie! It’s from Pier 1 Imports 🙂 I bought it this spring actually, and shortly after it sold out and I haven’t seen it on the site since. Bummer! XO, Kelly
Yay! Thanks so much for sharing this product link with me. I’m going to link it again now with Like to Know it 🙂 XO, Kelly
Hi, I love the mobile but I am a little afraid of the possibility of it being too heavy and falling on top of baby. Do you feel is safe?
Hi Katherine! We put a hook in the drywall and then hung the mobile with clear fishing wire. It’s sturdy and I’ve never had to worry about it falling on baby. I’ve hit my head into it a few times but it just sways LOL. I do think it’s safe! XO, Kelly
Do you mind sharing where your crystal lamp is from?
Hi Sara, it was from Pier 1 Imports 🙂 – Kelly
Hi!! Where is your glider from?
Hi!! Can you share the details on your glider? Where is it from? Thanks!
Hi there! Here’s the link to our glider 🙂 https://rstyle.me/+kijkylGORYQAqILLZV-hNA
XO, Kelly
What is the name of the crib?! It is just taking me to a general wayfair page 🙁
Hi Lauren, I think the product page was taken down because it’s out of stock. I looked all over the internet and the only place it’s currently in-stock is on Amazon and it’s not as cheap as when I bought it from Wayfair unfortunately. Here’s the link though if you want to check it out 🙂 https://rstyle.me/+69Xm532AWqdcrFqdbv3HhQ
XO, Kelly
Hey Kelly! Beautiful nursery. Could you upload the links for the crib set? Thanks!!!
Hi Luisa!
I think the product page for our white crib was taken down because it’s out of stock. I looked all over the internet and the only place it’s currently in-stock is on Amazon and it’s not as cheap as when I bought it from Wayfair unfortunately. Here’s the link though if you want to check it out ???? https://rstyle.me/+69Xm532AWqdcrFqdbv3HhQ
Do your curtains have the blackout liner? They look so thin! Do you have blinds too? Thank you
They do! They keep the light out super well. Check out the product page I have linked, they have the blackout lining 🙂 I do not have any blinds in addition. XO, Kelly
Hi Kelly! Beautiful nursery! I’m using a lot of your great looks as inspiration for my next nursery. One thing I haven’t noticed that was mentioned or asked was your accent board and batten wall. Do you have helpful tips for how you put everything together? Measurements in spacing, top border etc.? Thank you!
Hi Cara! I want my husband to put together a blog post on this sometime because he was the one who did it a few years ago. I love the way it turned out. Unfortunately I have no idea what measurements he used LOL. BUT I know we put thin wood paneling across the wall first and then used 3″ boards as the vertical board size. I think he just picked out moulding from Home Depot to do the ledge. Tag me on Instagram when you’re finished with your nursery! Love it 🙂 XO, Kelly
Wow1! Being in the middle of putting together a nursery myself, I’m AMAZED you were able to do all of that for so little money! You go, girl!!
Hi was wondering if you could tell me the paint colour you used on the wall thank you
Hi Sana! It’s Benjamin Moore Big Bend Beige. XO, Kelly
I love this nursery and plan to use it as inspiration! Wondering if you happen to have any photos of the whole room so I can see it all together and get an idea of what is where in relation to each other? Thanks!
Hi Jessica! So sorry I missed your comment earlier. Unfortunately these are the only photos I have of the space. I did include the layout drawing at the top of the post so you could see the furniture placement. Hope that helps! XO, Kelly
Absolutely gorgeous! By chance, do you remember what color your walls were? Looks like Taupe. I love the color flow!
Hi LS, our wall color is Benjamin Moore Big Bend Beige 🙂 XO, Kelly
I love the glider and ottoman! Do you know what color of fabric you chose? There are so many white ones to choose from on their site.
Hi Lisa! I have the white linen blend 🙂 XO, Kelly
Beautiful! Can you confirm if the rug is blush or light pink. It’s hard to tell on pottery barns website and I was already looking at it but they didn’t have samples of both colors to compare! Thank you!
What color and sheen of paint did you use on the wainscoting behind the crib. I am doing a similar wall behind my crib.
Where did you get the little wood side table. I can’t find it anywhere and I love it!! Thanks
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