10 Nursery-Decorating Ideas You Can Afford
If you're expecting, then you already know how expensive babies are; from prenatal visits to diapers, the dollars add up fast. Don't let money take the fun out of what should be one of the most joyful preparations: putting together the nursery. There are easy ways to keep costs down while creating the nursery of your dreams. Discover them ahead. Source: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
Shop Secondhand
Craigslist and yard sales are treasure troves of used baby goods. From bassinets to gliders, you're sure to find what you need at the right price if you look long enough — so start early! This Craigslist shopping guide is filled with helpful tips.
Use Paint and Decals to Make a Big Statement
The easiest way to make an impact in a room is also, fortunately, one of the cheapest: paint. Pick a bold color and grab a brush. Want a more stylized look? Throw on a few cool wall decals. Photo by David Tsay via Emily Henderson
Make Decor, Don't Buy It
Save yourself from overpriced nursery decor by making your own. You don't have to be a creative mastermind to put together a cute animal-hook rack or simple mobile.
Turn a Dresser Into a Changing Table
Transform your favorite dresser into a changing table by installing a changing-table topper kit. You'll save money, gain nursery storage, and end up with a great piece of furniture you can use long after your baby is out of diapers. Photo by Meghann Gregory via Style Me Pretty
Buy Bedding Separately
With their adorable patterns and coordinating pieces, baby bedding sets are irresistible in spite of their astronomical price; however, the safest bedding for a newborn is a flat sheet. That's right — just a flat sheet. So that baby bumper, quilt, etc., they're all going to wind up in the linen closet for some time. Save yourself some money and buy a few fitted sheets (you'll be changing them often enough) instead. Photo by Yazy Jo via Style Me Pretty
DIY Wall Art
Nursery art can get pricey, so save yourself a few bucks by hanging DIY art pieces. From framing pages of illustrated books and calendars, to mounting family heirlooms in shadow boxes, to more involved masterpieces, there are numerous nursery art DIY tutorials online. Photo by Tim Gibson via Oh Happy Day
Check Out Affordable Retailers
It's hard not to be enamored by the beautiful displays at Pottery Barn Kids and Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, but many affordable retailers are now offering equally stylish nursery furniture and decor at much more budget-friendly prices. Check out places like Ikea, Target, and H&M for some great options.
Buy Versatile Furniture
Pick pieces of furniture that work beyond the nursery. Gliders and bookshelves that can transition into the living room or office once the baby is older are better investments than nursery-specific pieces.
Pick a Convertible Crib
You might end up spending a little more up front, but you'll save big in the long run if you buy a crib that grows with the baby by converting into a child's bed.
Mix and Match
The cost of a complete nursery furniture set can be overwhelming. Skip the matchy-matchy, overpriced set and mix your way to a complete nursery; pair a new crib with a bookshelf you already own and a vintage dresser you converted into a changing table for a one-of-a-kind nursery look. Photo by Tessa Neustadt via Emily Henderson