How To Create A Small Nursery For Baby That’s HUGE on Style

I almost put my baby in the closet. Not in the, you’re-in-timeout kinda way, but in the wouldn’t-this-tiny-space-be-perfect-for-you kinda way.

When I told my husband I wanted to turn our master closet into our newest little one’s room there was a blank stare. I’m pretty sure he thought the pregnancy hormones were messing with my head.

*Cue the Harry Potter music and the scene of poor Harry being locked in his under the stairs closet.*

No, it’s not like that at all.

In fact, I was shocked at the beautiful rooms parents have made their babies from the closet (like this awesome one). And why not? Having a smaller space means fewer items to fill the room. You can spend more on each piece in the room or just keep baby’s room on a strict budget.

Whether your baby has a tiny room of her own, she’ll be using a closet as her room or she’s sharing her room with you, it’s important to know the steps to take to get a functional and stylish nursery in a small room.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to plan, but there are a few points you should always remember when designing a nursery in a small space. Read on for all the details.

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 How To Decorate A Small Nursery

1. Consider A Mini Crib:

   Whether you want a mini crib or not will probably depend on two major factors such as the size of your space and the length of time your baby will use the mini crib (dependent mostly on the height of your baby). If a mini crib is in your future, the Origami crib by Babyletto, is modern, has rolling wheels and folds up when not in use!

2. Pay attention to scale:

   It may be obvious that you want to keep most items in a small nursery on the smaller size, but if you buy online, it becomes especially important to read (and envision) the size of all your major pieces of furniture in the room. You don’t want to end up with an oversized glider or a jumbo lamp; talk about awkward. The Madison swivel glider is comfy, has 360-degree rotation and is smaller in size.

3. Think vertical:

   Unless you want to feel completely crammed, try to think vertical. Don’t opt for a horizontal dresser unless you know you have space. Instead choose a vertically oriented one, like the Zosia chest, and save yourself some much-needed breathing room.

4. Utilize wall space:

   You can’t add any more floor space to a small room, but you can utilize the wall space for an extra bonus. Think about adding a few (read: don’t go overboard here) decorative items or essentials (like toys and books) to a shelf.

5. Keep overhead lighting high:

   Low hanging lights or chandeliers can make a small nursery feel even smaller. Stick to flush mounts or adjustable hanging pendants, like this Sea Gull Lighting ceiling light.

6. Choose statement art: 

   While gallery walls might be a trending topic in nurseries, resist the temptation to add them in a small nursery. Instead, stick to one (or a few) statement art pieces to bring the room to life. Choose an art piece that conveys the theme or feeling you want in that room. The statement piece in this room, Soft Succulent #2, is my pick for a nursery that feels airy, peaceful and organic.

7. Choose attractive storage pieces: 

   You’ll likely need extra storage outside of the dresser and since you may not have the convenience of a closet, you will want to stick to storage bins and baskets that are attractive and blend in with the room. The Kneatly Knit Rope Bin checks both of those boxes.

8. Keep accents minimal:

   If there’s one thing to stress in a small space it is to make sure that every item in that room has a function or meets a goal. When you’re low on space you need to be ruthless in your selection of products so the room doesn’t end up feeling cluttered and overwhelming. A well-placed pillow, like this striped one, can help the room feel lived in and fresh. Just don’t add your 5 favorite pillows. Please, just don’t.

9. Capitalize on cozy:

   Why not just embrace what you have? A small nursery space doesn’t have to be a negative thing. Instead of worrying about size, capitalize on the feeling of cozy. Choose a plush rug to add depth, warmth, and a cozy feeling. The Windham rug is perfect for adding that special touch.

pendant light/succulent print/striped pillow/mini crib/wall shelf/glider/table lamp/rug/storage bin/dresser

Do you have any other questions about planning a nursery in a small space? If so, let me know in the comments below.

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