9 Nursery Decor Items to Bring Your Little One's Room to Life

Remodeling can be fun and exciting but it can also be a source of stress, especially when the purpose is to make a living space for a new baby. Not only do you want everything to be perfect, but you also want it to be safe and comfortable. We have some news for you, nothing is going to be exactly as you expect it when having a child. There are many guidebooks and helpful resources but when it comes down to it, your child is ultimately different from any other child. That also means, no matter what you choose, you are choosing what works for your family. So relax and take the stress out of decorating your nursery with these nine decor items that will bring your little one’s room to life!

Color Schemes

Begin your design by identifying a color scheme. Since babies don’t actually see color for the first few months, it might seem unimportant to consider color when decorating a nursery. As your child grows, however, color can play a role in early visual development. It’s not actually important to match the color to gender or anything like that, but it can be beneficial to add contrast to the room. Bright primary colors with stark contrasts can help your child develop spatial reasoning skills.

Themes

There are many reasons to choose a cohesive theme for your nursery. The obvious reason is that one theme will help develop a polished, finished-looking design for the room. Beyond that, it can actually help your child! Geometric shapes are great for early development. In order to provide a comfortable level of stimulation, focus on a few select shapes that will help your child develop recognition without being overwhelmed.

Pillows

Baby decorative pillows can be a simple yet effective way to liven up your nursery and provide comfort to the space. Babies need stimulation, but they also need comfort. Fun designs such as animals and fruits or a moon pillow can create an interactive element to your decor that will help your child develop fine motor skills. They can also create a soft, calm environment for your child to relax and rest in.

 

It is important to remember that it is not recommended to have pillows, cushions, or stuffed animals in the crib when your child is sleeping. A good practice is to place your baby decorative pillows or cushions on a nursing/rocking chair while your child is sleeping. They are, however, safe to be in the crib during the day.

Blankets and Throws

Consider using functional items as decor when you're putting your nursery together. By simply matching your blankets and throws to the theme or color of the room you can tie the design together while incorporating useful elements. Throws are great for warming your baby (or you) up during feeding times or providing extra protection during tummy time. You could even match them to your burp cloth!

Decals or Paint

As mentioned above, geometric shapes and contrasting colors are great for early childhood development. While there is no need to add a complicated mural to your nursery wall (although it won’t hurt if you want to), painting simple designs with solid colors on the walls is enough to stimulate a developing brain. This could be anything from simple shapes to moon and stars to animals and fruits! The choice is yours!

 

If you are a renter or perhaps you aren’t particularly artistic, vinyl decals are a great alternative to paint. They are easy to apply and can be removed without damaging the paint underneath. Be sure to check the brand to ensure you are getting vinyl and not something with a damaging adhesive. Decals come in many different designs and colors from simple shapes like stars and moon to fun characters like Winnie the Pooh or even Mario!

Area Rugs

Adding an area rug to your little one’s space can help bring the room together. They can also provide extra protection for both the floor and your baby. You can use an area rug to center the focus of the room and incorporate the color schemes or themes of the room. This can improve the overall design of the room in a big way while taking up virtually no space.

Mobile

During the early stages of development, your child can not actually focus on anything further than a few feet away. A mobile can be a great way to incorporate design elements and stimulate your child. Some mobiles also play music which is also beneficial for early childhood development.

Pictures

Pictures can be an easy, fun way to bring in new design elements to any space. You could put pictures of the family around the room or simple, cute designs to match your themes. Similar to paintings or decals, pictures can help develop spatial reasoning skills. They can also help your child develop recognition.

Light Source

While it is not necessary to have a light source for your child’s room, it can be a helpful tool for you. Having a nightlight or lamp can help you see during late-night feedings or tantrums without having to turn on the overhead lights. In addition, it can be a great decor item to bring the room together. There are night lights that cast designs on the walls and ceiling or there are lamps shaped like animals and fruits. With so many customizable options, you are sure to find a light source that matches your space.

 

Whatever elements you decide to add to your little one’s room, be sure to bring in the feeling of your home into the design. After all, your home is going to be the most comfortable place for your child for the next several years. As your child grows, they may develop their own sense of design, however, there will always be aspects they will want to keep such as baby decorative pillows, pictures, or baby blankets.