Add wow factor to your baby's nursery room with these clever design tips and tricks.
Sleigh Royale cot bed, Boori.com
Whether you've got months or weeks to go before baby comes home for the first time, you'll be wanting to get your new nursery ready in time for their arrival.
From what wall decor to consider to the most useful, convertible cot to buy, read on for our handy nursery room decorating ideas.
Nursery wall decor
Nursery furniture and all accessories from a selection at Mothercare
White-walled nurseries are a thing. Not only do they look fresh, they also offer a neutral backdrop to play with. Little ones love visual stimulation and mamas love to teach, which makes wall stickers featuring letters of the alphabet the perfect motif. If you prefer wallpaper, don’t be afraid to use pattern in a smaller room; just try it on a single feature wall.
DIY DECORATING TIP: "If you have wallpaper remnants, cut out the motifs and glue to plain walls in groups above the door and/or cothead," says Ashlyn Gibson, founder of Olive Loves Alfie and author of Creative Family Home.
Buy the right cot bed
Sleigh Royale cot bed, Boori.com
There’s no more clichéd a saying than ‘they grow up so fast’, but it’s also true that before you know it your baby will be at school, and you need to keep this in mind when choosing furniture for their bedroom. An easily converted cot bed comes with removable sides and end panel so it can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. It’s a logical way of lengthening the life of a cot, and can make the eventual move from a crib to a bed as smooth as possible for your little one – and you.
BUY A MULTI USE COT: "If you get a changing tray that clips to the top of your cot, you won’t need a separate changing table. Once your little one can roll and move you’ll have to change nappies on the floor anyway for safety, so a separate unit isn’t necessary if space is tight," says Ellie.
Notting Hill dresser and changing unit, Silvercrossbaby.com; Bookshelf: Mosslanda picture ledge, Ikea.com
Studies show that children who are read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary and more advanced mathematical skills, compared to other kids of the same age. Also, making reading part of your regular family routine teaches your little one that reading is something to be enjoyed, rather than a chore. So you’d be crazy not to incorporate a book nook. Mount narrow shelves or a picture ledge on the wall and fill with all their favourite books. If you hang the shelves at your tot’s level then they can choose what they want to read and, dare we say it, put it away when it’s time for bed.
READING NOOK DECORATING IDEA: "Displaying bright books on a shelf with a ledge can add colour," says Neev Spencer, Kiss FM DJ and Prince’s Trust and Heads Together ambassador.
Blackout blinds and curtains
Carousel elephants roman blinds: Curtains.com
You may think you’re fighting a losing battle when it comes to getting your little one into a regular sleeping pattern but trust us, the right window treatment could help your baby sleep well – potentially even a whole 12 hours; kind of dreamy, don’t you think? The key is making sure you line blinds or curtains with blackout material to block early morning sunlight (a weight of 200-205GSM ensures a draught-free zone too). If you’re fitting blinds, go for cord-free or get safety devices too.
WHAT BLINDS TO BUY FOR BABY'S ROOM: "Choose a crease-resistant blackout lining so the curtains fall nicely, and a soil-resist finish to help keep them clean," says sleep expert Sharon Stiles at curtains.com.
Choose space-savers
Shaker peg rail: gltc.co.uk
Time to move your baby into their own room? If it’s a small space and you’re wondering how to fit in all the stuff you’ve acquired, don’t worry. Make use of the room’s height with tall pieces and, rather than a wardrobe, keep clothing in boxes or drawers under the cot. If you’re set on a wardrobe, look for one with sliding doors that don’t need space to open.
FIT A PEG RAIL FOR EXTRA STORAGE: "Fit a simple peg rail along one wall in your nursery where you can hang handy storage bags, clothes and decorations," says Ellie.
Source- Gurgle