How To Design A Child’s Room or Nursery: Pro Guide You Need

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a baby's nursery in a grey and white color scheme

Creating a cozy and stimulating space for your child can be a rewarding and fun experience. Whether you are expecting a new baby or want to update your kid’s room, there are many aspects to consider, from furniture and storage to themes and decor. We’ll share some tips and ideas on how to design a beautiful and functional children’s room or nursery that both you and your child will love.

Safe Furniture Selections

One of the most important factors in choosing furniture for your child’s room is safety. You want to avoid furniture that can tip over, have sharp edges, or contain harmful chemicals. Here are some tips on how to select safe furniture for your child:

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  • Buy furniture with a wider base, heavier back panel, and/or interlocking drawers. These features will make the furniture more stable and less likely to fall over if your child climbs on it.
  • Buy furniture that meets ASTM F2057-19 standard, a voluntary standard regarding furniture stability. This means that the furniture has passed certain tests and comes with anti-tip devices and warning labels.
  • Anchor furniture to the wall using brackets, straps, or screws. This will prevent the furniture from tipping over even if your child pulls or pushes it.
  • Do not put a TV on furniture that is not intended for that use. TVs can be heavy and cause the furniture to topple over. Use a TV stand or mount the TV on the wall instead.
  • Avoid floor lamps or other tall items that can be easily knocked over by a baby or toddler. Use table lamps or wall sconces instead.

Themes and Decor Ideas

Choosing a theme for your child’s room can help you create a cohesive and attractive look. You can base the theme on your child’s interests, hobbies, favorite colors, or characters. Here are some examples of popular themes for children’s rooms and nurseries:

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  • Rainbow: A rainbow theme can brighten up any room with its vibrant colors and cheerful vibe. You can use rainbow decals, curtains, bedding, rugs, or accessories to create a colorful space for your child.
  • Forest: A forest theme can create a cozy and natural feel in your child’s room. You can use wallpaper, decals, or paint to create a forest scene on the walls, and add animal-themed accessories, such as stuffed toys, pillows, or lamps.
  • Space: A space theme can spark your child’s imagination and curiosity about the universe. You can use starry wallpaper, decals, or lights to create a night sky on the ceiling, and add rocket-themed furniture, bedding, or art to complete the look.
  • Bohemian: A bohemian theme can create a relaxed and eclectic atmosphere in your child’s room. You can use woven baskets, rugs, pillows, or blankets to add texture and warmth, and mix and match patterns, colors, and styles to create a unique space.

Storage for Toys and Books

Keeping your child’s room organized and clutter-free can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space. However, there are many clever storage solutions that can help you store and display your child’s toys and books in an easy and stylish way. Here are some ideas:

how to design a child's room or nursery
  • Use cube storage units to store toys and books in bins or baskets. Cube storage units are versatile and modular, allowing you to customize them according to your space and needs.
  • Use wall shelves or ledges to display books and toys. Wall shelves or ledges can save floor space and create a visual interest on the walls. You can also use them to create zones for different activities, such as reading or playing.
  • Use storage crates or baskets to store toys and books under the bed or in the closet. Storage crates or baskets are easy to move around and access, and they can also add some color and texture to the room.
  • Use a utility cart to store toys and books that need frequent access. A utility cart is a great option for storing art supplies, puzzles, games, or books that your child uses often. You can roll it around the room as needed, or tuck it away when not in use.

Choosing Durable and Cleanable Materials

When choosing materials for your child’s room or nursery, you want to consider durability and cleanability. You want materials that can withstand wear and tear, spills and stains, and frequent cleaning. Here are some tips on how to choose durable and cleanable materials for your child’s room:

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  • Choose flooring that is resilient, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. Some good options are vinyl, laminate, cork, or natural linoleum flooring. These materials are also low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), which means they emit less harmful chemicals into the air.
  • Choose fabrics that are washable, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant. Some good options are cotton, polyester, or acrylic fabrics. These fabrics are also less likely to trigger allergies or asthma in your child.
  • Choose furniture that is made of solid wood, metal, or plastic. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to harbor dust mites, mold, or mildew. Avoid furniture that is made of particle board, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or plywood, as these materials can contain formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.

Lighting and Sound Considerations

Lighting and sound are important factors that can affect your child’s mood, sleep, and development. You want to create a lighting and sound environment that is comfortable, soothing, and stimulating for your child. Here are some tips on how to achieve that:

  • Use a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness of the lighting according to the time of day and the activity. A dimmer switch can help you create a calm and cozy atmosphere for bedtime, or a bright and cheerful one for playtime.
  • Use different types of lighting for different purposes. For example, use a ceiling light for general illumination, a table lamp for reading, a night light for comfort, or a string light for decoration.
  • Use curtains, blinds, or shades to control the amount of natural light entering the room. Natural light can help regulate your child’s circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns. However, too much natural light can also interfere with your child’s nap time or bedtime. You can use curtains, blinds, or shades to block out unwanted light when needed.
  • Use rugs, carpets, curtains, or wall hangings to reduce noise and echo in the room. Noise and echo can be distracting and annoying for your child, especially if they share a room with a sibling or live in a noisy neighborhood. You can use rugs, carpets, curtains, or wall hangings to absorb some of the sound and create a quieter and more peaceful space.
  • Use white noise machines, fans, or humidifiers to create a soothing background noise for your child. White noise machines, fans, or humidifiers can produce a steady and gentle sound that can mask other noises and help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found some useful tips and ideas for designing your child’s room or nursery. Remember that the most important thing is to create a space that reflects your child’s personality and needs, and that makes you both happy and comfortable.

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