How to Style a Nursery: A Practical & Beautiful Approach

Bringing a baby into your home is one of the most exciting times in life, but setting up their nursery can feel overwhelming. As a mum myself, I know the balance between creating a beautiful space and making sure it’s practical, safe, and adaptable as your baby grows. Let’s walk through how to style a baby’s bedroom with longevity, safety, and your own personal style in mind.

Beautifully styled nursery including cot change table / drawers and nursing chair

Planning: Start With a Vision

Before you start buying furniture and decor, take some time to plan your nursery. Here’s how:

Pinterest & Mood Boards: Pinterest is great for inspiration, but it’s easy to get lost in the endless options. I recommend pulling together a Canva mood board to refine your ideas and colour palette.
Measure Your Space: Make sure you have accurate dimensions for all the essentials: cot, changing table, wardrobe, storage, rug, and seating.
Plan Your Layout: Keep the crib away from windows, cords, and heavy wall hangings. Position it close to the door for easy check-ins at night.
Budgeting & Tracking Orders: Spreadsheets might not be glamorous, but they’ll help you stay on top of what you’ve ordered and what’s left to buy.

Safety First: Essentials You Can’t Ignore

A gorgeous nursery means nothing if it’s not safe. Here are the must-dos:

Always check safety ratings and regulations for all furniture.
Choose hypoallergenic, easily cleanable soft furnishings.
Ensure any paints, sealants, or furniture finishes are non-toxic and low-VOC.
Anchor heavy furniture like bookshelves and wardrobes to the wall.
No hanging decor above the cot, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Use blackout blinds for naps and safe, cordless window coverings.
Invest in a quality baby monitor to keep an eye on your little one.

Nursing chair and change table draws with sage green highlights.

Designing for Longevity

Your baby’s nursery should evolve with them. Choosing versatile furniture and decor saves time and money in the long run:

Opt for a convertible cot that transforms into a toddler bed.
Choose a dresser with a removable changing top to extend its use.
Consider neutral or minimalistic themes that can grow with your child.
Removable wallpaper and wall decals are an easy way to change up the space without a full redesign.

wall decals and shelves in a beautifully styled nursery

Colour Schemes: Keeping it Calm & Cosy

Colour plays a huge role in setting the tone of a nursery, and using colour theory can help create a harmonious space. A well-balanced room follows the 60/30/10 rule:

60% (Dominant Colour): The main colour, usually on walls and large furniture, should be soft and neutral to provide a calm backdrop.
30% (Secondary Colour): A complementary colour used for textiles like rugs, curtains, and bedding.
10% (Accent Colour): A bolder colour in smaller decor elements like cushions, artwork, and accessories.

Choosing the Right Colours

Soft Pinks: A classic nursery choice, pink promotes feelings of warmth and nurturing. Stick to dusty rose, blush, or peachy tones for a sophisticated and timeless look rather than an overpowering bubblegum pink.
Blues: Blue is known for its calming and serene effects, perfect for bedtime. Light sky blues and powder blues create a tranquil feel, while navy can be used as a grounding accent.
Whites & Off-Whites: Crisp white nurseries feel fresh and airy, but layering in warm whites, creams, and soft greys ensures the space doesn’t feel too stark or clinical.
Neutral Earthy Tones: Beige, taupe, soft browns, and muted terracotta tones work beautifully to create a warm, inviting space. These hues pair well with natural materials like timber and linen.
Green: Symbolising nature, green promotes relaxation and renewal. Sage, olive, and minty greens work well in a nursery for a balanced and soothing effect.

By choosing a palette that resonates with you and incorporating these colour principles, you’ll create a space that feels both stylish and restful—for you and your baby!

Decor: Personal, Practical & Beautiful

Decor is where you can add personality while keeping things functional:

Layer textures with rugs, curtains, and soft furnishings. This makes the space feel warm and inviting without cluttering it.
Cost-effective wall art: Framed prints, decals, or removable wallpaper add character without a big commitment. Low-cost frames from IKEA or Kmart can help keep it budget-friendly.
Sheer linen or cotton curtains: Light and airy while still practical, they help diffuse natural light gently so that your baby’s room feels soft and serene.
Rugs: Choose hypoallergenic, washable options for easy maintenance. A good rug can define the space and add warmth underfoot, making those late-night feeds a little more comfortable.
Lighting matters: Use dimmable, warm-toned lighting to create a soothing atmosphere. A soft nightlight provides just enough glow for nighttime feeds without being disruptive.
A cosy feeding nook: Invest in a supportive chair with a side table for essentials like a bottle, book, or glass of water.
Cushions and throws: A lovely way to introduce colour and texture while making your feeding area feel extra cosy. Keep these out of the crib but use them to add softness to a rocking chair.
Personal keepsakes: Adding sentimental pieces, such as a hand-knitted blanket, framed family photos, or heirloom toys, can make the nursery feel extra special.
Vintage and antique decor: If you love vintage finds, be mindful of potential lead paint hazards and always check that they’re baby-safe.
Plants: Non-toxic varieties like Boston ferns, areca palms, or spider plants help purify the air while adding a natural element to the room.
Wall decals & removable wallpaper: These offer a quick and easy way to inject personality and can be changed as your baby grows. Think gentle patterns, nature-inspired prints, or whimsical animals.
Storage-friendly decor: Woven baskets, cute fabric bins, or decorative shelves serve a dual purpose—keeping things tidy while looking stylish.

Storage: Smart Solutions for a Tidy Space

Babies come with a surprising amount of stuff, so storage is key:

Use vertical space: Floating shelves, wall hooks, and peg rails are great for keeping things tidy.
Bookshelves: A lovely way to display storybooks for bedtime.
Drawer organisers: Essential for keeping nappies, wipes, and baby clothes easy to grab.

Multi-use furniture: Consider a storage bench or ottoman that doubles as seating.

Bedding & Fabrics: Comfort & Safety

100% organic cotton crib sheets for breathability and softness.
Keep cot free of excess bedding—just a fitted sheet and a safe sleep sack.
Washable, hypoallergenic fabrics wherever possible.

Final Thoughts

Styling a nursery should be an enjoyable and thoughtful process. By combining safety, comfort, and personal style, you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but truly works for you and your baby.At Orli Interiors, we love helping families create stylish, functional spaces they’ll love for years to come. If you’d like a hand designing your perfect nursery, let’s chat! You can get in touch here.