Nursery ideas to welcome your baby into the world

As you prepare for your new arrival, it’s time to consider plans for creating the nursery of your dreams.

Designing the perfect nursery for your little dreamer is an exciting time for any prospective parent, but it can be challenging to know where to start. From out-of-this-world astrological themes to sweet and simple botanicals, there has never been more variety when it comes to nursery décor.

In this article, we’ll guide you through our favourite themes and trends, with some tips to guide you on your journey to welcoming your bundle of joy.

How do you decorate a nursery?

Like most rooms, it’s best to start with paint. Clear the room as much as you can – not only will this help with getting into every nook and cranny, but it will also help you consider the space you have in the room objectively. Take this opportunity to think through how you’ll plan your space out, paying close attention to where the crib, changing station and key storage areas will be placed around the room.

At this time you’ll need to decide on your primary colour scheme, bearing in mind the best colours to aid sleep for your little dreamer. If you’re struggling to choose just one colour or have your heart set on a colourful nursery, consider tonal choices such as earthy hues or pale pastels. Having a theme in mind, such as botanical or safari, can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by options.

When should I start decorating my nursery?

This really depends on your own personal feelings and experiences of pregnancy, but most expectant mums agree you shouldn’t leave it too late. Those last precious months are your time to rest and recharge, not pick up a paintbrush!

In the second trimester, you’re likely to feel most up to the task and may even know the sex of your baby which could influence your design choices. Don’t forget, everyone’s experiences of pregnancy are different, so listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

What do you need in a nursery?

We’ve already mentioned that the cot, changing station and storage – such as a chest of drawers or wardrobe – need most attention whilst decorating your nursery. When choosing the crib, don’t forget about a cot mattress. Our range includes handy features you’ll love as a new parent – from water-repellent sleep surfaces to cosy, breathable fabrics to help regulate your baby’s temperature.

Everything else depends on how you’ll be spending time with your baby in their nursery. You could consider adding bookshelves to display their favourite bedtime stories and precious toys, or focus on practicality with storage bins and toy chests. You may choose to also add a cosy corner where you can comfortably feed, or rest as your baby drifts off into sleep.

Nursery design inspiration

Cosy natural textures

Your baby’s nursery should be a primarily comforting space – one where both you and your little one feel comfortable spending time during those first precious years. Soft textures can add to the feeling of comfort that a space exudes, from natural rattan lampshades to soothing linen curtains.

Whilst wooden floors are practical in their ease of cleaning, soft carpets provide a safe and welcoming surface for your little one to crawl, explore and play as they grow. Try textured jute or flat weaves for a hardy finish, which can always be softened with an additional rug for snugness.

To expand on this look of an organically inspired nursery, introducing botanicals can add an extra element of tactility without the need for impractical soft furnishings. Natural plants are helpful for aiding sleep, but fake plants offer an excellent low-maintenance alternative.

Layered lighting

An often overlooked but incredibly important aspect of a nursery is lighting. To create an instant cocooning effect that’s oh-so comforting for little sleepers, try layered lighting – by which we simply mean lots of different lighting options!

Add black-out blinds so you have an easy way to create complete darkness to help your baby drift off, paired with lamps and dimmable overhead lighting to help you find an optimal level of illumination. Battery powered lamps can be handy, so you don’t have to worry about reaching for the light switch once you’ve got settled with your little one. Plus, no risk of tripping over those pesky wires.

Play with the positioning of your lighting to make sure it’s practical for how you’ll be using the space (because no one has time to stumble around in the dark for a late-night feed). Lighting can also be used to accent areas of your nursery that particularly inspire you, such as canopies, wall art or shelving. Speaking of wall design…

Wall décor

We’ve discussed that painting is the first order of the day when it comes to your nursery, but don’t let us limit your creativity! There are plenty of options for dressing your nursery walls, from graphic wallpaper to hanging decorations and versatile wall art.

If you’re considering your options for décor, wall stickers are endlessly versatile, with minimal effort required to create the effect you’re dreaming of. Plus, they’re super easy to remove from the wall once you’re ready to refresh.

If we’re speaking practically, shelving is always a good idea – but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Consider furniture accents with soft curved edges, like the shelves in our bright and airy nursery pictured above. Not only are these practical for little explorers to prevent bumps and bruises, but they also add welcome dose of whimsy.

Multi-functional furniture

For new parents, we know that more really is more. And, of course, we’re talking about storage. The list of things you’ll supposedly need for your new arrival can seem never ending, and the only thing more daunting than the thought of tracking it all down is trying to find somewhere to safely store it all.

Luckily, our range of nursery furniture is designed to do just that. With multifunctional features you’ll love, including discreet hanging rails, extra drawers and teething rails, our collection of cots, changing stations and storage options is there to lend a helping hand, for bedtime and beyond.