How to Create a Beautiful Nursery on a Small Budget

By Kim Proulx

Nursery design on a dime may sound like an urban myth. We all know just how very expensive one small baby can be. However, transforming an ordinary space into a welcoming sanctuary that looks like it just stepped off the pages of a magazine is surprisingly easy and affordable. With the right furniture and accent pieces, you can change the attitude of a room in an instant, taking it from so-so to stellar. Remember, it's the little touches that truly make a big impact, so there's no need to go overboard or over budget. And, since your newborn is a little young to express his/her personal style, be sure to go with a theme that pleases your preferences. You'll appreciate having a sweet retreat that's warm and inviting when that 2 a.m. feeding rolls around!

Steps to Designing a Nursery

• Set a realistic budget
• Comparison shop online
• Decide on nursery essentials
• Choose a wall color and decorations
• Determine your storage needs

Budget

The most important part of nursery design is determining a set limit on how much you can truly afford to spend. Consider registering for items that are a bit pricey so that family and friends can pitch in and share the cost. They'll appreciate being able to buy something for your shower that you can really use. And, don't forget to comparison shop online. Utilize programs like our ever-popular Seen it for Less program, where we will match or beat a competitor's price.

Nursery Essentials

Start with the basics. Every nursery needs a place for a baby to sleep. A crib is an obvious choice, but what kind of crib? If you're tight on space, a portable crib is a good option. It's less expensive than a standard crib and can be used for travel, too. Some even convert to changing tables.

A convertible crib is a wise investment because it grows with your child from birth through the teen years. It starts out as a stationary crib, then transforms into a toddler bed or daybed, and eventually to a full-size bed. (Check our clearance department for sales and discounts on convertible cribs.) Convertibles can be a bit more expensive upfront, but you won't need to buy your child another bed for years to come so it will save you money in the long run.

With so many choices in crib bedding, it may be hard to narrow it down to just a few. This is one item that you may want to splurge on. Just remember to purchase bedding that is breathable and has a high thread count. You want to make sure that everything that touches your baby's delicate skin is as soft as can be.

Offering two useful nursery items in one hardworking design, dresser/changing combos are also great options for saving money. Even if the dresser you choose doesn't come with a changer, you can still place a changing tray or changing pad on top. We suggest a contoured changing pad that conforms to your baby's body. It's especially designed to keep your active baby safely put during diaper changes. You'll also need a diaper pail for cloth or disposable diapers.

If your budget allows, a glider is another nice-to-have item. A nursery favorite for decades, gliders provide a comfortable, ergonomically correct place to feed and rock your baby to sleep. No longer confined to the nursery, today's gliders have come along way. There are many designs to choose from that can easily transition to other parts of your home later on.

Wall Color Ideas for a Limited Budget

Nothing sets the tone of a room like a fresh coat of paint. And, with so many shades and painting techniques to choose from, your options are endless. Paint is also an inexpensive way to add color to the nursery. Look to books and magazines for inspiration; your local library is a great resource. Choose a neutral shade to create a subtle backdrop, or paint one wall with a bright color to make the room pop. You can even use light and dark tones in the same color family to create wide stripes.

Wall decals give the room instant personality and are oh-so-easy to use. These vinyl cutouts come in a wide variety of designs and stick to the wall without glue or tape. And, they can be easily repositioned or removed entirely. This is cheaper than buying several rolls of wallpaper.

Another cost-saving idea is to purchase one roll of wallpaper and cut out individual segments to paste randomly around the room. It will create the same look of wallpaper, but you'll only need to purchase one roll.

Last but not least, consider stenciling to add some fun touches to the nursery. It's an inexpensive way to let your creativity shine.

Storage Options

Babies come with A LOT of stuff. And, you need a nursery design that can accommodate everything from itty bitty booties to all those toys.

Dressers and armoires are a must-have for keeping clothing, bedding, diapering essentials, and more, neatly organized and at the ready. If you're tight on space and your budget only allows for one dresser or storage unit, consider rotating clothes and toys, utilizing another part of the home, like the garage, for storing excess items.

Opt for attractive storage solutions such as baskets, nesting totes or a toy chest to keep the clutter under wraps. Get creative and hang shelves to showcase treasured keepsakes, or place multiple shelves to house a library of nursery classics. Hanging square baskets on the wall to use as cubbie storage space is a money-saver option.

It's always a good idea to buy new baby furniture and accent pieces to ensure that they are compliant with the latest safety standards. However, if you decide to buy something that's used or handed down from a friend or family member, check to make sure that the item hasn't been recalled. And, look out for chipping paint and wear and tear that could pose a potential hazard.

Most of all, get creative and have fun!

Recommended Products:

Badger Basket Set of 2 Folding Nursery Baskets in White Waffle