Whether you’re working with a nook in your main bedroom, a shared kid’s room, or simply a smaller nursery space, style is still one of your top priorities — and we like where your head’s at. Creating a well-designed nursery has nothing to do with the amount of space that you have, and there are plenty of ways to make even the tightest of rooms feel big. Here are five of our top tips for designing a chic, space-conscious nursery.
1. Start with a mini crib. The crib is a key piece of any nursery space, but you don’t need to have room for a full-sized one. Opt for a bassinet that you can use for the first three to four months, or simply start right off with something called a Mini Crib. Styles like our Lolly 4-in-1 Mini Crib and Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib measure smaller than your standard crib, but can still convert to toddler beds and twin-sized beds over time. The Yuzu 8-in-1 Crib is an even more flexible option with additional conversions, and works great if you end up transitioning to a bigger space down the line. Each one offers a space-conscious solution that lasts well into the big-kid years.
Featuring: Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib in Natural Walnut & Gold Feet
2. Choose a 3-drawer dresser. You’ve probably seen a ton of nurseries outfitted with full-sized, 6-drawer dressers. But baby clothes don't take up a lot of space, making a 3-drawer dressers perfect for smaller spaces. Plus, they can double as changing tables. Pieces like the Yuzu 3-Drawer Changer Dresser, Gelato 3-Drawer Dresser Changer, and Sprout 3-Drawer Dresser Changer come with removable changing trays, so you don’t need to worry about your little one growing out of them when they’re no longer in diapers.
3. Go with a glider. You may not have space for a full-on recliner, but you still want a comfy and aesthetic nursery seat you can use to soothe your babe. The solution? A glider. Nursery chairs like the Cali Swivel Glider and Madison Swivel Glider glide back and forth on their base without taking up extra room. From boucle and cane to velvet or shearling, you can find gliders in plenty of colors and fabrics to suit your taste — and many are stylish enough to go in your living space if needed.
Featuring: Madison Swivel Glider in Ivory Boucle
4. Storage, storage, storage. If you're looking for additional storage space beyond your 3-drawer dresser, there are plenty of ways to get creative. Use ottomans like the Cali Storage Ottoman to tuck away spare toys or blankets, and if you have room for a side table, choose one with extra drawers like the Lolly Nightstand. Wall-mounted bookshelves like the Booksee Clear Acrylic Wall Bookshelf Set work just as well as freestanding ones, and you can even find something mobile like the Presto Acrylic Bookcase and Cart. Simply wheel the storage piece into the nursery when you need it, and free up space when you don’t.
5. Don't forget to decorate. Decorating your little one's space with pieces that speak to you is essential for creating a stylish nursery. Wall art, area rugs, and window treatments can bring life to your baby's room without taking up a lot of floor space, and you can even consider pieces like hanging plants. You can also try out some playful bedding prints. The key is getting creative, and loving the items that you do have space for.
Featuring: California Bedding Collection - Ocean Waves Crib Sheet & California Quilt