13 Baby Nursery Ideas to Inspire Your Planning

You're likely hoping lights-out time is drama free. But statement-making lighting such as large chandeliers, including this Q&S Boho Chandelier Wood Beaded Ceiling Light Fixture ($59), add a unique element to a streamlined nursery. Neon signs displaying your wishes for your child, like this Dream Big neon sign ($110), are a fun alternative to framed artwork or stick-on murals, which can be a challenge to remove when you transition your babe to a big-kid room.

A dresser that looks like it was passed down through generations — but was actually purchased on Amazon, like this Linsy Home Dresser ($600) — adds Victorian-era flare to this nursery. Small details such as the classic-looking Jellycat's Stuffed Bunny ($25) and a small embroidered piece punch up the sweetness. But they also serve a functional purpose: entertaining the baby during diaper changes, which get even more fun as the little human becomes more mobile.

Recently, nursery styles have leaned so heavily into gray and beige that a hybrid has formed "greige." A bright accent wall brings an element of interest to the room. Putting it behind the baby's crib brings focus to the nursery's centerpiece (and primary function).

Bohemian rainbows are having a much-needed moment, and are easy enough to achieve, with simple decor like a Rainbow Wall Hanging ($16) . But this nursery puts a fun, sparkling twist on rainbows with a bright, glittering accent perfect for celebrating a rainbow baby or just pops of color. If you prefer a more muted palette (and prefer to hold off on glitter as long as possible), these Polka Dot Wall Decals ($30) make a more subtle, boho-aligned statement.

Parents-to-be place a ton of emphasis on walls, bedding, and furniture when designing a nursery — and for good reasons. But the floor is a perfect spot to make a statement. Black and white polka dots, like this Safavieh Kids Collection rug ($128), feel fresh and classic at the same time.

This nursery exudes whimsical charm at every turn. The framed bunny artwork, similar to these Sweet Jojo Designs Wall Art Prints ($30), is so sweet. Ditto for the teddy bear and starry-night wall decals — these Wall Stickers ($11) are in line with the look. But the charming play tent takes center stage — and likely will for years of fun to come. Snag a similar style with this West Elm Kids Gathre Play Tent ($215).

Blame the Lovevery toy kits, but Montessori is having a moment. Inspired by the century-old approach that emphasizes respect and independence for a child, a Montessori space grows with a child. Floor beds are a staple in Montessori rooms, including during babyhood, but you can always transition your little to one like this Finka Floor Platforms Bed ($280). In the meantime, a minimalist motif and simple playthings like these Marlowe & Co Stacking Cups ($15) in natural hues set the stage for playtime.

Like the classic Amelia Hepworth bedtime story, this nursery leans into nighttime with sweet starry-night decals. It's an inexpensive way to add a little character to a room. You can find similar decals for under $15 on Amazon, like these Moon and Stars Wall Decal Vinyl Stickers ($11).

Hand-stitched details passed down from generations or made by you or a loved one feel so personal in a baby's nursery. Not crafty and lack heirlooms? Etsy is a logical go-to, and Amazon has a baby shop full of handmade items, too.

Another way to add homemade details to a nursery? Child artwork. Hanging an older sibling's pieces from school or daycare is a great way to get an older sibling to be involved and excited about their new friend.

Whether you already have a bucket list of trips to take with a baby or not, planes, trains, and automobiles make classic additions to a nursery. A wooden train set like the Wondertoys Wooden Train Cars ($21) will be fun for your child to play with as they grow — and until then, you can decorate them with the seasons, circling them with fairy lights in the winter and placing a few sprigs of flowers in one of the open cars in the spring.

Even small, multipurpose spaces can have a big impact. Whether the nursery is a stand-alone room or doubles as your home office, a jazzy wall decal can break up a space and draw attention to a focal point, This Decalmile Green Tree Wall Sticker ($18) feels stylish, regardless of which way the wind is blowing.