How to Decorate Baby’s Nursery Beautifully, Functionally, and on a Budget

Updated 19 Dec 2024

Decorating your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. From browsing little boutiques and choosing baby registry items to searching the Internet for inspiration, it’s fun to focus on all the beautiful decor options. There are practical issues to consider when decorating a nursery as well. Not only should your baby’s nursery feel peaceful and comfy, but it should also be functional and safe. 

For many parents, decorating the nursery starts with converting a room that was previously a guest bedroom or home office. Re-furnishing a new space takes time, so try to start at least three months prior to your baby’s due date. If you’re able to start sooner, so much the better. This will also give you time to shop sales and look for deals, which is especially helpful if you’re trying to decorate a nursery on limited funds. 

With that in mind, take a look below at our tips for decorating a nursery that’s beautiful, comfortable, and within your budget.

Safety Considerations

Install anchors. 

Affix heavy furniture directly to the wall in order to prevent accidental tipping.

Position furniture away from windows. 

When it comes to blinds or curtain cords, cut, remove, or place them out of reach.

Create a diaper changing station. 

Make sure everything you could possibly need is within easy reach of the changing table, including diapers, wipes, changing table covers, laundry hamper, diaper pail, and burp cloths. Don’t risk having the baby roll off the table because you needed to step away to grab something to clean her up.

Get help with paint. 

While you may want to apply that perfect wall color all on your own, it’s best to get assistance for this one. While the research isn’t completely definitive, some studies indicate potential dangers, especially during the first three months when the baby is still developing vital organs and systems. If you want to paint, use well-ventilated areas, avoid extended exposure, and carefully choose the kind of paint used in order to limit your exposure to chemicals that haven’t been well-studied for use in pregnancy.

No fluffy sleep spaces. 

Avoid placing comforters, pillows, bumpers, stuffed toys, or any loose, fluffy bedding in the crib. These items all pose a potential suffocation risk. Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.

Forego carpet, if possible. 

If you’re replacing the flooring, opt for something other than carpet. It’s much simpler to clean and will hold less dust and allergens. If you’re using a rug, add double-sided tape to the bottom to keep it from slipping (you won’t want to trip and fall with a baby in your arms).

Check the slats. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats. There should be no missing or cracked slats.

Let there be light. 

Any light with a soft, soothing glow can be a nightlight. It’s comforting for your baby, and it keeps sleepy caregivers from bumping into things during middle-of-the-night feedings.

Comfort Considerations

Invest in a comfortable glider and ottoman. 

You’ll likely rock a thousand miles before your baby's first birthday. ANB Baby offers a wide range of comfortable nursery seating.

Install light-blocking curtains if possible. 

They’re extra handy for rooms with east-facing or west-facing windows that receive direct hits of light during the day or rooms that have a streetlight right outside.

Keep the room cool. 

This not only ensures a good night’s rest for everyone, but it can prevent fatal sleep accidents and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s recommended that babies sleep at a temperature between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C). 

Add a mobile. 

Mobiles add more than just a decorative touch – they can help settle your baby when it’s time to sleep. Look for one with slow, gentle movement that plays soothing music. 

Tiny Love Black and White Take-Along Mobile, Magical Tales

Budget Considerations

Stick to the basics. 

Keep in mind that your baby won’t judge you if you don’t decorate with the latest trends, and probably won’t remember this space at all. Remind yourself the baby is just that—a baby. She won’t be "mad" at you if her furniture isn’t some name brand. A crib, a comfy place to sit, and a dresser or other functional storage space are the most important pieces to have.

Decorate with books and toys. 

Place books on picture ledges or shelves and throw on a few stuffed animals. Roll up pretty swaddling blankets and add them to a basket for a fun pop of color.

Use what you already have. 

Update a dresser with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware. Recover a favorite chair.

Keep nursery colors simple and practical. 

This makes it easy to update or swap out decor as your baby gets older.

Visually enlarge the room. 

Dealing with a small space? Paint the room a lighter color. Add a mirror to reflect more light and open up the appearance of the room. Add wall shelving to utilize vertical space. You may want to consider investing in a rounded crib, as opposed to a traditional one. They offer more flexibility than rectangular ones when it comes to room placement options.