21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (2024)

Decorating a small nursery can often be challenging as you figure out how to maximize space while balancing styling with functionality. Luckily, there are many brilliant ways to make a small nursery look and feel spacious. We've rounded up thebest small nursery ideasto help you create awell-designed nursery.

Initially, when the nursery square footage is at a premium, you might feel boxed in and your nursery design possibilities somewhat limited. This curated collection of the best small nursery ideas proves that regardless of the size of the nursery, you can design a space that's gorgeous and practical.

From the best ways to utilize the square footage to tricks that make a small nursery appear bigger to clever ways to sneak in nursery storage-we've got you covered.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (1)

Read on for 21 small nursery ideas so you can make the baby's room dreamy.

21 TOP SMALL NURSERY IDEAS TO COPY

1.KEEP IT LIGHT AND AIRY

When choosing either nursery paint colors or wallpaper for the small nursery, go with a muted color palette to keep things light and airy. White nursery paint is a great choice that reflects light and makes the small nursery feel bigger and brighter.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (2)

2.KEEP IT MINIMAL

When decorating your small nursery, make the most of space by sticking with the essential nursery furniture. A crib, nursery chair, dresser, footstool, and side table are must-have nursery furniture.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (3)

3.NURSERY LAYOUT IS EVERYTHING

One of the most important decisions you'll make when decorating a small nursery is figuring out thenursery layout. Given that the square footage is limited, you'll want to find the best possible floor plan to accommodate the must-havenursery stations- sleeping, feeding, and diapering.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (4)

4.INTRODUCE NURSERY ACCENTS with color

Just because you've opted to go with white nursery paint color doesn't mean your nursery design has to be boring. Use nursery accessories to bring in color and vibrancy to the space.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (5)

5.MAKE USE OF EVERY CORNER

When the nursery square footage is limited- maximize the available space and utilize every corner. Set up a pretty and comfortablenursing nookin the corner and place a rolling cart in a corner for storing diapering essentials, swaddles, and more.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (6)

6.HIDDEN NURSERY STORAGE

When it comes to small nursery storage, hiddennursery storagesolutions are essential. Get an ottoman for thenursing nookthat doubles as storage, bring in storage boxes to keep under the crib to store blankets, clothes, etc. With clever storage solutions, you'll be able to get thenursery organizedand keep it tidy.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (7)

7. ADD SHELVING

One of the best small nursery ideas is to incorporate shelving to maximize the space in the nursery. Use the shelves to store nursery essentials or add a personalized and stylish touch by styling it with your favorite accessories.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (8)

8.GO WITH A DARKER COLOR

Sometimes the best way to make a small nursery work is to lean in and go with a dark nursery color that gives the space amoody vibe. Dark colors can make a smaller nursery appear bigger.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (9)

9.DECORATE A STATEMENT WALL

Don't be afraid to add a large statement wall in a smaller nursery. Abold beautiful wallpaperor amuralcan elevate your small nursery while keeping the space from feeling claustrophobic.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (10)

10.USE WALL SPACE

If you don't have an inch of floor space to spare in your small nursery, look to your walls to add storage. Add a pegboard to store diapering essentials or hang shelves to create a library for the baby.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (11)

11.LAYERING THE NURSERY LIGHTING

Layered lighting can make a big difference in the ambiance of your nursery. It is even more impactful when designing a small nursery. Go with a gorgeous overhead light fixture that gives the space a warm glow. Pair it with wall sconces on either side of the dresser/ changing table.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (12)

12.BRING IN A MIRROR

Incorporating a mirror into your nursery design is a brilliant small nursery hack. Hang a mirror strategically to reflect light and make the small nursery feel bigger.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (13)

13.PLAY WITH PROPORTIONS

A small nursery idea that makes a big impact on your nursery design is to choose simple and streamlined nursery furniture that doesn't overwhelm the space.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (14)

14.OPTIMIZE THE NURSERY CLOSET

If you are lucky enough to have a nursery closet- optimize the space so you can store more and get organized. From adding extra shelves to bringing in more hanging rods,brilliant small nursery closet ideas will help maximizeyour nursery closet.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (15)

15.CREATE VERTICAL STORAGE

Tidy any nursery clutter away and get the small nursery organized by bringing in vertical storage solutions. Opt for tiered stands, baskets and storage racks.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (16)

16. ADD STORAGE TO THE BACK OF THE DOOR

When square footage is at a premium, try incorporating over the door organizers or even wall hooks to add more nursery storage that won’t compromise your space.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (17)

17.ADD A ROLLING CART

Tuck a rolling cart into an alcove in the small nursery to store swaddles, burp cloths, and more.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (18)

18.CREATE SYMMETRY IN THE SMALL NURSERY DESIGN

A brilliant small nursery design tip is to stick with the principle of symmetry when decorating the small nursery. Create symmetry on the wall the crib is on to bring visual balance and harmony to the space.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (19)

19.MIX TEXTURES

Bringing in textures is a great way to take your small nursery design to the next level. From rugs to plants and textiles- texture adds dimension and visual interest.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (20)

20.CORRAL CLUTTER

Corralling clutter is crucial when it comes to decorating a smaller nursery. To keep a small nursery tidy and organized, add baskets and bins to stow blankets, books, and toys.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (21)

21.ACCESSORIZE THE SMALL NURSERY

In a compact nursery, where furnishings are minimal and design is streamlined-accessories play an important role. Accessories add interest and keep the space from falling flat. A gorgeous throw pillow, colorful artwork, and layered textiles can give the small nursery oomph.

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (22)

SMALL NURSERY DESIGNS FROM OUR NURSERY LOOKBOOK

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (23)

Soph's nursery

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (24)

Gray's nursery

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (25)

Jane's nursery

21 PRACTICAL SMALL NURSERY IDEAS PACKED WITH MAJOR STYLE (2024)

FAQs

How do you organize a small space in a nursery? ›

Top 5 Tips for Keeping a Small Nursery Organized
  1. Maximize Vertical Space. If your child's room lacks square footage, work with vertical space by using shelving and wall hooks. ...
  2. Use a Removable Changing Table Topper. ...
  3. Use a Portable Folding Crib. ...
  4. Label Everything. ...
  5. Declutter Regularly.

How to layout furniture in a nursery? ›

In a classic nursery layout, you can see the crib upon entering, a chair with an ottoman is tucked into the corner next to the crib, and the changing table, on the opposite wall, is nice and wide, with lots of surface room. If you have a compact space, consider sticking with a classic design.

What is a Montessori style nursery? ›

Montessori environments are set up in a way that facilitates children in different kinds of learning. It encourages children to engage in hands-on activities and collaborative play. This method can help children to deepen their learning of different subjects and improve their social skills in the process.

What not to do when decorating a nursery? ›

Mistakes Everyone Makes When Decorating A Nursery
  1. Not setting up a diaper changing station. ...
  2. Buying furniture for the baby to grow into. ...
  3. Having too much clutter. ...
  4. Being too gendered. ...
  5. Not having a theme. ...
  6. Picking a crib that doesn't meet safety violations. ...
  7. Not having a dark enough room. ...
  8. Choosing the wrong lamp or lights.
Jun 9, 2022

What do you put in the corner of a nursery? ›

How to Create a Cozy Nursery Corner
  1. Upholstered rocking chair- any chair that's comfy for you! ...
  2. Side table- a must have to put a bottle down, glass of water or a book.
  3. Task lighting- a table lamp, floor lamp or sconce, preferably dimmable.
Jan 20, 2022

How do I maximize my closet space in my nursery? ›

Vertical Organization in a Nursery Closet

Use existing rods to hang formal clothes and built-in drawers to store folded clothes. If the layout is open and space allows, some parents place the baby's dresser inside the closet to maximize space in the room.

Where should a crib be placed in a nursery? ›

Choose a safe place for your crib
  • Place your crib away from windows. ...
  • Make sure that your window coverings do not have long accessible cords. ...
  • Place your crib away from other furniture so your baby cannot use it to climb out of their crib.
Nov 8, 2023

How to make a nursery nook? ›

If your bedroom is large enough and you're clever with the space, you can organise a whole cosy baby's nook with a cot, storage, changer and accessories. It's vital to choose functional and adaptable furniture with a small footprint to keep your master bedroom light and airy.

Can you use a closet as a nursery? ›

To make their small home work with their new little one, the couple transformed a space they already had -- their closet -- into a nursery, and decided to use bloom's space-saving alma mini crib as the centerpiece. Whitney's #ClosetNursery is total nursery goals.

Can you make a closet a nursery? ›

The only “room” we had was our walk-in closet so we decided to convert that to our nursery. Or what we so lovingly call, a “Closery.” It took us about 2 months to purge all of our stuff and find wardrobes to replace the clothes we were keeping. The empty closet was quite spacious and actually fit a mini crib perfectly.

What are the four rules in furniture arrangement? ›

5 rules for arranging your furniture
  • Develop a focal point. Every room deserves a focal point that emphasizes the style and character of the space. ...
  • Keep traffic flow in mind. ...
  • Don't be afraid to float your furniture. ...
  • Create an atmosphere for conversation. ...
  • Experiment.
Sep 26, 2018

Which wall should crib be on? ›

The best place to put the crib is near the door of your baby's room so you can quickly reach them when you're stumbling around in the middle of the night, or in case of an emergency. Also, follow these safety guidelines as you place the crib. Never put your baby's crib near a window.

How do you style a nursery shelf? ›

Nursery Shelf Styling Tips
  1. Mix pretty & practical . Incorporate both pretty items like greenery and art with practical items like baby necessities and toys. ...
  2. Shop small for unique handmade items. ...
  3. Layers and levels! ...
  4. Add art or meaningful photos. ...
  5. Freshen up with plants or flowers.
Feb 9, 2022

How do I decide to decorate my nursery? ›

Top 10 tips for designing your nursery
  1. Be practical.
  2. Be consistent.
  3. Create your own mood board.
  4. Keep it simple.
  5. Choose soft, tranquil colours.
  6. Choose adaptable decor.
  7. Think safety.
  8. Choose key pieces first.

How do I make my nursery cozy? ›

Soft textures can make a nursery feel warm and inviting. Plush rugs, fluffy blankets, and cozy cushions can add layers of comfort to the space.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6240

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.