How do you even begin styling a nursery? You could be a star interior decorator, but putting a nursery together is a whole other puzzle to solve, especially if you have no experience to refer to. It involves creating a safe space for a new human who’ll be in a precious, but fragile, developmental stage — as well as a space where you can care for them comfortably and conveniently! If you’re feeling lost on your nursery styling journey, we’re here to help. Here are our top tips to guide you as you build your nursery.
7 Tips for Styling Your Nursery
1. Plan the layout of your room
Before anything else, start by planning where the key components of your nursery will be. Whatever the size of your room, it should have dedicated spaces for sleeping, changing, nursing and playing.
Consider these key things:
- What will the room look like in the future? Where would their bed most likely be when they’re ready to advance from a crib? That’s where you’ll place their crib. Where would a desk fit? Your changing table can go there.
- Your own comfort. Your changing area should also be in a space where you can stand comfortably. While some might get a dedicated changing table, many also opt to work with a padded changing mat on the top of a dresser, which can come in handy for having supplies within easy reach.
- The nursing area. You’ll be spending a lot of time nursing, so make sure you have a set-up that you enjoy, and which will help minimise issues like a stiff back and shoulders.
Flexibly sized crib sheets, like the Sunday crib sheets, allow for transitions from a bassinet to a standard crib.
For a changing surface, consider a dresser that can work as versatile storage in the long term.
2. Think long-term for furniture and décor
The right pieces for your nursery are durable, functional, and classic enough to last for years and grow with your child. If you’re using a dresser top as a changing surface, consider a dresser that will serve well even as its contents graduate from diapers and feeding supplies to a larger toddler wardrobe, and even school supplies in the future. One easy way to do this is getting standalone furniture pieces rather than built-in furniture, so they can be rearranged as needs change.
Other items that can see your baby from infancy to toddler years and beyond are soft furnishings. A nursery rug can double up as a playmat, and a crib sheet with flexible sizing can be also be across bassinets and standard cribs.
3. Add fun, kid-friendly accents
When it comes to colours and materials, a simple and adaptable theme will transition well, especially as your little one starts having their own design opinions. Don’t forget about the inevitable staining either! Go for furniture, furnishings, and even wallpaper that can be easily washed or wiped down. Instead of painted murals, choose fun accents like wall decals and artwork that can be swapped out as your child outgrows them — and easily removed for cleaning.
Think ahead to how you’ll organise your space as your child starts to move around on their own as well. You’ll want to keep things that will be within their reach— like mats and toy bins — safe and easy to clean.
Go for playful accents in simple colour palettes for a gender-neutral and adaptable theme. Image c/o Winnie Chia.
Wall decals add a fun element to your nursery that can be easily switched out when you want to update the décor.
4. Consider a cart for essentials
Keep a cart for changing essentials like diapers, diaper cream and wet wipes, or nursing essentials like a burp cloth, storage containers, and gel pads or nipple balm if you’re breastfeeding. You’ll have everything within reach when it’s time to change or feed baby, or to grab easily when you’re packing.
Plus, it can also be a great storage solution if you’re short on drawer space.
5. Save space with wall-mounted decor
If you’re working with limited floor space, try placing decorative pieces off the floor. This will help you keep the ground level free for the essentials, or keep the ground clear for the illusion of greater space. Mount wall shelving for trinkets and figurines, consider light sconces, or hang family photographs or personalised prints that can become keepsakes in the future. Just make sure any wall-mounted items are kept away from the sleep area for safety reasons!
Move your décor to the wall to keep the floor free for storing essentials, or easier movement around the room.
6. Make blackout curtains a priority
Blackout curtains are an absolute must! Your baby will be relying on environmental cues to fall asleep, including how bright or dark the surroundings are. Blackout curtains will help you control the lighting in the nursery, so they have less trouble slipping into slumber when it’s time for a nap during the day.
7. Choose soft lighting options
You’ve got a handle on keeping your nursery dark, now what about keeping the room lit? When picking out lighting for the nursery, avoid spotlights and go for ambient lighting instead, as harsh lighting can hurt your baby’s eyes.
Pick lights that you can adjust with dimmers, and lampshades that will help soften the light. You can also consider recessed lighting on the walls — just don’t place them on the ceiling over the crib!
A nightlight will also be a lifesaver when you need to navigate the room in the dark without bumping into things. It goes without saying that keeping the floor free of clutter and wires will keep you from tripping, especially when you’re holding the baby.
Incredibly soft and hypoallergenic, our Crib Sheets don't compromise on either comfort or safety for your little one. Complement different colours in your nursery theme with our Bamboo Crib Sheets in sets of 2, featuring crib sheet pairs at a better price.
Ready to outfit the rest of your nursery? Here are some of our favourite places to shop for little ones in Singapore.
Where to shop
Urban Li’l
Urban Li’l creates customised decorative pieces including fabric decals, prints, signages and commemorative pieces perfect for nurseries and kid’s rooms.
Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store
Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store houses a selection of beautifully designed furniture, décor, clothing and toys for kids, from a mix of international and local designers.
Motherswork
Created for mothers, Motherswork retails products for both mother and child, and offers resources and services that support mothers from pregnancy to birth and beyond.
Piccolo House
Piccolo House sources and designs children’s furniture, including a wide range of bed frames and mattresses.
Deer Industries
Deer Industries’s contemporary collection spans furniture, décor, and accessories — and an astounding selection of Jellycat toys.
Hello Circus
Hello Circus offers non-toxic wallpapers and decals that are easy to clean, including a kids’ collection that’s both whimsical and evergreen.
Living DNA
Living DNA is your stop for soft furnishings, from rugs and cushions to storage baskets, designed with kids in mind.
Evercasa
Find art prints and fun wall decals at Evercasa, from understated yet playful patterns to bright and educational ones!
Liliewoods
Liliewoods crafts heirloom quality solid wood furniture that’s responsibly sourced and finished with eco-friendly materials.
FLEXA
FLEXA’s furniture collections are designed to be flexible and easily reconfigured to meet different developmental needs as your child advances through each age.
IKEA
IKEA needs no introduction — don’t overlook their collection of children’s furniture, toys, and tools.
Smallable
Smallable offers everything across kids’ furniture and décor, baby care essentials, and clothing for all ages, including teens and parents.