The Ultimate Guide to the Best Nursery Decor for Boys and Girls

Are you expecting a bundle of joy soon? Creating the perfect nursery is essential to welcome your little one into a cozy and enchanting space. From adorable animal-themed decor to versatile furniture, we've compiled the ultimate checklist of the best nursery decor ideas. Whether you're expecting a baby boy or girl, this article will guide you in selecting the most charming and functional items to create a dreamy sanctuary for your little bundle of joy.

NURSERY MUST-HAVES CHECKLIST

Nursery Must-Haves for Sleeping

1. Crib

There are many adorable crib options available for your baby's nursery. Although some can be expensive, there are also budget-friendly choices that look just as great. For my boys' nurseries, I opted for affordable cribs and have no regrets. Personally, I desired a vintage-looking metal crib for my newest baby boy's nursery and adore this crib from Wayfair. It has a simple and timeless design that is gender neutral, and it comes in various finishes. The gold finish is particularly lovely.

2. Crib Mattress

I highly recommend this crib mattress as it is my favorite. It is 100% breathable, reducing the risk of SIDS, and it is also 100% washable. Furthermore, it is non-toxic. The Newton Mattress is available in different options and sizes, and they even offer bassinets and travel cribs/play yards.

3. Crib Sheet and Mattress Pad

I recently purchased this Modal fitted crib sheet from Solly Baby, and it is incredibly soft. The patterns to choose from are also adorable. Additionally, a waterproof crib mattress pad is essential, especially during potty training.

4. White Noise Machine

A white noise machine is a must-have for your baby (and for yourself). This portable white noise machine is small, rechargeable, and perfect for on-the-go use. It works well as the main white noise machine for the nursery too. There is also a sound machine with a night light option which is great for a permanent solution. The "time-to-rise" feature is especially helpful for training toddlers when it's acceptable to get out of bed in the morning.

5. Black-Out Curtains

To ensure that your children sleep well, invest in good black-out window coverings for their bedrooms. These gold velvet black-out curtains are my favorite because they are high-quality, come in various colors and sizes, and are more affordable compared to similar styles from other retailers. If you prefer black-out roller shades, I recommend layering curtains on top to block light from the sides and create a cozy atmosphere.

6. Ceiling Fan

A good ceiling fan is essential in a nursery to maintain a comfortable room temperature during warm days and nights. Running a fan in your baby's room has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by lowering the room temperature and circulating the air. This 44" Dublin Fan from Hunter Fans is modern, cute, and perfect for smaller rooms. It is available in various colors to suit any kid's room. The fan is reasonably priced, easy to install, super quiet even at the highest speed, and the light is dimmable.

7. Monitor

The Owlet Dream Duo 2 bundle provides peace of mind as it monitors your baby's sleep habits, heart rate, average oxygen levels, and alerts you of any issues. The video monitor connects to the Owlet app on your phone, allowing you to keep an eye (or ear) on your baby while they sleep. It also monitors room temperature and humidity.

Nursery Must-Haves for Changing

8. Dresser / Changing Table

I prefer using a dresser as a changing table to save space. This white oak dresser in our baby boy's room is beautiful and functional. Its brushed finish and moulding details add a lovely touch, and the height makes it perfect for changing diapers.

9. Changing Pad

I highly recommend the Keekaroo changing pads. They are waterproof, easy to clean, and durable. These pads hold up well even with multiple uses.

10. Diapers and Wipes

I am impressed with Coterie Diapers. They are soft, hold a lot of liquid, and are made of non-toxic materials without any fragrance. The Coterie wipes are also worth mentioning as they are large, thick, and only require one or two wipes per changing. They are superior to other brands in my experience.

Nursery Must-Haves for Feeding

11. Glider Chair / Recliner

I upgraded to a recliner for my new baby boy's nursery, and it was definitely worth it. This swivel reclining glider chair provides comfort and convenience. The soft stain-resistant fabric, recline feature, and built-in chargers make it an excellent investment. I still use a glider chair in my 4-year-old's room for bedtime stories.

12. Side Table

A small side table near your chair is helpful for keeping essentials like your phone, water bottle, and burp cloths within reach. This round woven wicker accent table adds a cute boho touch to any nursery.

13. Floor Lamp

A floor or table lamp in the nursery provides a reading light or a dim light for nighttime changings.

14. Nursing Pillow

If you are breastfeeding, a nursing pillow is beneficial for proper positioning and to prevent neck and back pain. This nursing pillow helps bring the baby closer to you for a comfortable feeding experience.

Remember, a nursery doesn't need to be filled with everything. Stick to these essential items, and you'll have everything you need for your baby's nursery.

SHOP NURSERY ESSENTIALS:

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Baby Boy Nursery Decor

Designing our baby boy Ashton's nursery was a delightful experience. Despite the room's small size, I took a bold approach with colors, and I'm thrilled with the result.

The teals, blues, and mint green colors in the nursery create a calming and serene atmosphere. Ashton seems to enjoy staring at the wallpaper pattern as he always appears calm when I lay him down in his crib.

I appreciate how the colors and patterns in this nursery are gender-neutral. With three boys, I couldn't design my dream girl nursery, but I love how this design works for either gender. The wallpaper incorporates various colors, from blues to golds to pinks, allowing you to choose the perfect accent color based on your baby's gender.

Nursery Decor Ideas for Boys

Let's start with some amazing ideas for baby nurseries designed for boys.

Timeless Feature Walls

We are in love with this bold feature wall that doesn't overpower the space. The black silhouettes of airplanes and balloons create a stimulating contrast. The pale blue sky, white clouds, and subtle purple sponging effect add a soft touch to the wall.

This feature wall is made of washable wallpaper, which is very practical. The colors provide plenty of options for accent decor pieces and coordinating nursery furniture and fabrics from Mom Loves Best.

Blending Walls and Fabric

For those who don't want "babyish" decorations or plan to use the nursery for another purpose in the future, patterned walls and soft furnishings are a great choice.

This creates a cozy nursery atmosphere while keeping the room neutral in terms of age. It's easy to repurpose the room later on.

Embrace Dark Colors

While pale and pastel colors are common in nurseries, you can also go bold with dark blues, purples, greens, or even black for a striking and beautiful room.

This nursery features black furniture and a combination of white and black walls with patterned wallpaper. Even the built-in bookshelf is painted black to match the furniture. The overall look is coordinated and fabulous.

Layering for Cute Vibes

In this woodland-themed nursery, a cute and practical bear rug is layered on top of a warm and cozy sheepskin. This combination adds a dash of cuteness to the nursery.

The same principle is applied to the chair, which is a plain base piece of furniture. It coordinates with the rest of the room through a throw and a carefully chosen cushion.

Go All Out

When it comes to nursery decoration, don't be afraid to go big. This mural features bold and bright colors, along with adorable cartoon animals. Take this opportunity to use paints and colors creatively and embrace the process.

You don't have to be an incredible artist to create a similar mural in your nursery. The grid method is a simple technique that allows even the least artistic individuals to transfer a small picture onto a large wall (1).

Nursery Decor Ideas for Girls

Now let's move on to some amazing baby room ideas for girls.

Pink Can Be Bold

Choosing pink for a girl's nursery doesn't have to mean pale, pastel, and frilly. This room demonstrates how a bold, darker pink and brown wallpaper can work well with a natural, wooden crib. The pale chair, footstool, and white-with-a-hint-of-pink walls prevent the room from feeling overwhelming.

You can easily recreate this atmosphere in your own home. Choose a patterned wallpaper for the feature wall, paint the other walls and the ceiling in a contrasting pale color, and add neutral furniture. You can always change the room later by swapping out drapes, rugs, cushions, or adding accent decor pieces in different colors.

Simple Panels

You don't need to be a DIY expert to spice up a plain wall. This tutorial will guide you through the process:

Paint one part of the wall in a single color and the rest in another. You can base your color palette on the single-colored wall. In this example, the white furniture keeps things light and airy.

Whimsical Bugs

This unique girl's nursery decor is simple yet striking. The curtains and chair cushion feature fabric with butterflies and bugs. The fabric design is also incorporated into the artwork, with a cute ladybug picture on the wall. The color of the fabric stools is inspired by the wings of a butterfly from the print.

Explore Different Contrasts

Don't limit yourself to white woodwork, furniture, or soft furnishings for your baby girl's bedroom. Using alternatives like bronze or gold can maintain a feminine vibe while adding a cozy warmth that pure white lacks.

The artwork in this nursery was the starting point for all other decorating decisions. These pictures are timeless and have the potential to become heirloom pieces.

Eclectic and Enjoyable

Having a coordinated color scheme or a specific theme is not necessary to create a beautiful nursery. This eclectic design combines a mix of colors and styles to create a vibrant and unique space.

The nursery features colorful prints in primary-colored frames, a rainbow pom-pom garland, murals, decals, and washi tape. All these elements come together to create a playful explosion of color.

Victorian Elegance

Sometimes, your home itself can inspire the nursery decor. This elegant Victorian nursery showcases an incredible stained glass window above the crib, which adds a touch of sophistication. The period-correct wallpaper complements the woodwork beautifully.

When choosing vintage nursery pieces, it's important to be cautious about their safety. Many older furniture items are made with unsafe materials or construction techniques. This crib is a reproduction, ensuring both the metal and construction are safe.

Versatility

When choosing decor and furniture for your baby's nursery, consider investing in versatile, well-made pieces that can grow with your child. For example, a changing table that can function as a dresser or a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed. Pick a theme that can be enjoyed as your child grows, to avoid constantly buying new decor pieces.

Zebra Stuffed Animal

There's something truly special about a hand-knit lovey. This black-and-white zebra is a precious addition to any stuffed animal collection or playroom storage bins.

Ivory and Green Quadrant Striped Throw Pillow

Muted tones with a touch of baby charm. This crisp and clean throw pillow features embroidered lines in shades of green arranged in a quadrant pattern on an ivory base. The simple yet detailed pattern makes it a great addition to various nursery decor styles, from contemporary to beachy. Pair it with a coastal-looking recliner to complete the look.

Gold Metal and Whitewash Wood Moon Wall Shelf

This crescent moon-shaped shelf adds a dreamy radiance while providing practical organization for baby's room. Made from metal with whitewashed mango wood shelves, it's a stunning platform for small houseplants, knickknacks, and framed photos. You'll definitely have plenty of framed photos to display soon!

The Little Market by Lauren Conrad

Let's take a moment to appreciate The Little Market, a nonprofit fair-trade shop founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla. The Little Market features ethically sourced, artisan-made products, sustainable gifts, accessories, and home decor. Each product carries a powerful narrative, representing the artisans who created them. The founders are committed to upholding the dignity of these artisans, celebrating their cultural techniques and traditions, and raising awareness about social justice and human rights issues faced by their communities. When you shop at The Little Market, you have the opportunity to choose unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add a handcrafted touch to your nursery.

Popular nursery decor: Frames, baskets and hampers, garlands, quilts, baby rattles, stuffed animals, and puppets.

Cloud Island Cloud Bookends in White

Bring a dreamy dimension to baby's nursery with these cloud-shaped bookends. Made with sturdy wood, they feature charming cut-out designs in the shape of clouds on a lightly stained "L"-shaped wood piece. They are perfect for organizing books or adding an air of whimsy to your baby's room.

Popular nursery decor: Decorative pillows and throws, wall art, mirrors, creative ottomans, lighting, vases, faux plants and trees, and more.

Cloud Island Muslin Blanket With Felt Frame Triangle in White and Black

Capture your baby's monthly milestones with this adorable muslin blanket. It features numbers one through twelve and a felt triangle frame to place your baby in. Snap a picture at the appropriate month to celebrate each milestone. When not being used for photos, the soft cotton muslin blanket is perfect for cuddling or swaddling your little one.

Speedy Cheetah Wall Art

Bring the safari look into your nursery with this mid-century-inspired wall art piece. Playful and eye-catching, it adds a touch of personality to the room.

Popular nursery decor: Name signs, custom bookshelves, tailor-made bunting banners and garlands, macramé wall hangings, dreamcatchers, personalized block sets, and more.

ModWoodCo Freestanding Wooden Name Sign for Nursery

A wooden name sign is a cherished addition to any nursery. Choose from a variety of fonts and paint colors to complement the overall ambiance of the room.

BrightGiftUs Kids Wooden Growth Height Chart Ruler

Track your baby's growth with this charming rocket-ship growth chart. Made of puzzle-piece-constructed ruler, it comes in various configurations and offers personalization options. This is a beautiful heirloom-worthy find.

Ariana Ost Tassel Mobile

Add a touch of whimsy to your baby's room with this delicate mobile. It features curved metal bands adorned with twinkling chains and hand-sewn tassels in soft pink and cream colors.

Loomwell Bedding Patterson Crib Sheet by Clara Jean

Switch up the traditional neutral tones with this stunning watercolor crib sheet featuring a safari scene. It's a statement piece for a wild animal-themed nursery.

Handcrafted Shaped Fox Storage

If you prefer a boho and natural design for your nursery, this natural rattan fox-shaped storage is perfect. Use it to store toys, blankets, or other baby supplies. It adds a touch of charm to the room.

Acrylic Wall Pockets

Add a touch of glamour to your nursery with these clear acrylic wall pockets. They provide modern design and space-saving storage, making them both practical and stylish.

Popular nursery decor: Decorative pillows and throws, wall decor, animal-mounted heads, area rugs, storage bins and baskets, decorative bookshelves and floating shelves, mantra signage, plush loveys, and more.

Remember, all these decor pieces and ideas are available from various retailers, such as Maisonette, Pottery Barn Kids, Target, World Market, Crane Baby, and Nordstrom. Explore their websites for even more inspiration and options to create the perfect nursery for your little one.

As you prepare to welcome your bundle of joy into the world, don't overlook the power of nursery decor in transforming their space into a haven of comfort and style. With our carefully curated checklist of nursery must-haves, you'll find everything you need to create a dreamy sanctuary for your little one. From whimsical cloud bookends to adorable animal-themed wall decor, each piece has been thoughtfully chosen to bring joy and wonder to your baby's room. With the right nursery decor, you can spark their imagination and create memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, embrace the magic of nursery decor and watch as your baby's space becomes a haven of love and creativity.