How to Save Money When Decorating a Nursery

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.

1 / 10

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

2 / 10

Make Decor, Don't Buy It

Image Source: Liz Stanley via Say Yes

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.

3 / 10

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

4 / 10

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

5 / 10

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

6 / 10

Check Out Affordable Retailers

Image Source: Ikea

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.

7 / 10

Buy Versatile Furniture

Image Source: Paul Costello for Domino

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.

8 / 10

Pick a Convertible Crib

Image Source: Ikea

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.

9 / 10

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

10 / 10