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 dreamy nursery you’ve always imagined, from beautiful nursery designs to practical layouts.

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. Whether you are looking for baby boy nursery ideas or inspiration for a baby girl nursery, the goal is to create a calming space for you and your newest family member.

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 and your colour scheme. 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. This is your chance to think through how you’ll plan your bedroom space, paying close attention to where the baby cot, changing station and key storage areas will be placed.

Nursery design inspiration

Good nursery design is all about the details and how they come together to create a cohesive, comforting atmosphere. It’s a mix of practical choices and personal touches.

Planning a practical nursery layout

Before you get lost in colours and themes, let’s talk about flow.

A practical layout is the invisible backbone of a peaceful nursery. Think about your future self, likely sleep-deprived and with your hands full. What will make your life easier? Many parents find it helpful to create a ‘work triangle’ between the three key areas: the cot for sleep, the changing station, and a comfortable chair for feeding.

Position these three points so you can move between them easily and safely, even in low light. Ensure your changing station has all the essentials – baby wipes, nappies, creams – within arm’s reach. And when considering the whole bedroom space, make sure there are clear pathways. You don’t want to be navigating an obstacle course during a 3 am wake-up call. This is where planning your sleep space becomes more than just the cot; it’s about creating an entire environment of calm efficiency.

Calming nursery colour schemes

Let’s be honest, choosing a colour scheme can feel monumental. If you’re aiming for a tranquil retreat, a neutral background is a great starting point.

You can create interest by using neutrals in blocks, a technique known as colour blocking, which adds a modern touch without overwhelming the space. You could pair a soft pearly grey with a gentle lilac, or even a muted slate grey for a more contemporary feel. These classic colours create a serene atmosphere perfect for a sleepy baby.

For those who love colour, there are plenty of options. A classic baby boy nursery might feature a gentle baby blue, and a baby girl nursery could include blush pink. Still, you could introduce bolder colours on accent walls or through fun accessories. If you’re considering a specific brand, the Estate range from Farrow & Ball offers a beautiful, chalky finish. It is a good idea to get some colour testers to see how they look in your natural light.

Exploring nursery themes and trends

Now that the practical foundation is set, you can have fun with the design. Today’s nursery themes are more creative and personal than ever.

Sweet and simple botanicals

This is a trend that is calming, gender-neutral, and connects the room to the natural world. Think beyond just a few leaf prints. You could choose a feature wall with a delicate floral wallpaper, use natural wood for furniture, and bring in textures like linen and cotton. The colour palette is beautifully simple: soft greens, earthy terracotta, and creamy whites.

Out-of-this-world astrological themes

For a touch of magic, look to the stars. A deep navy or charcoal wall can create a dramatic backdrop for a gallery wall of star charts or planetary prints. Metallic accents in brass or gold on lamps and drawer handles add a little sparkle. You can even find constellation projectors that cast a gentle starscape on the ceiling, creating a mesmerising and comforting night light.

Modern animal nursery

The classic animal nursery has had a stylish update. Forget cartoonish characters; think sophisticated safari or whimsical woodland. An animal-themed nursery can be achieved with a stylish, large-scale wallpaper print, a statement nursery rug with an animal design, or a collection of beautifully crafted stuffed animals and wooden toys.

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 blackout 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, but don’t let that limit you! There are plenty of options for your nursery walls, from graphic wallpaper to a gallery wall of prints and stuffed animals.

If you’re considering your options for nursery decor, wall stickers or decals are endlessly versatile. They require minimal effort and are super easy to remove once you’re ready for an instant update, or when your baby becomes a determined toddler with their own opinions!

If we’re speaking practically, shelving is always a good idea. Consider furniture with soft curved edges, like the shelves pictured above. Not only are these practical for little explorers, but they also add a dose of whimsy.

Multi-functional and adaptable furniture

For new parents, we know that more is more when it comes to storage. The list of things you need can seem endless, and finding a home for it all is a challenge.

Luckily, our range of nursery furniture sets is designed to help. With multifunctional features you’ll love, including discreet hanging rails and extra drawers, our collection is there to lend a helping hand. You can find a chest design that offers ample closet space, or look for cots with built-in storage underneath. Good book storage is essential for all those bedtime stories, too.

A truly smart nursery is one that grows with your child. Many modern baby cots are designed to convert into a toddler bed, which is a fantastic way to make a big-ticket item last longer.

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! The aim is to get the nursery ready without adding any extra stress.

So, there you have it. A whirlwind tour of ideas to help you create a space that’s not just beautiful, but practical and personal, too. Remember, the goal isn’t to create a show-home, but a sanctuary. A room that feels right for you, your family, and the little person who will soon fill it with life.