Baby + Kids
20+ Small Nursery Ideas for the Perfect Space
The arrival of a little one in your family is an exciting event. It’s such a special time and getting their nursery just perfect can make it all feel real. If you’re working with a small space, it may seem tricky to account for everything your baby will need, whether it's for a boy's, girl's or gender neutral nursery. Not to worry, though, we’ve compiled 21 of our favorite small nursery ideas to inspire you.
Small Nursery Furniture Ideas
Get out your measuring tape and start planning the layout of your nursery. Here are some of our favorite furniture ideas for this space.
1. Go with a Convertible Crib
If your little one is going to grow up with this room, a convertible crib is a must. You’ll be able to transition the crib into a perfectly sized toddler bed—with the addition of a conversion kit, it can convert from a crib to a toddler bed, and ultimately to a small bed for childhood. Most of our cribs are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made with sustainably sourced wood. Paired with child-safe, water-based finishes and the ultimate safety standards in mind, you can be confident in setting up your little one for a healthy childhood. Just be sure you know the correct crib dimensions before you make the switch!
2. Find Space You Didn’t Know You Had
Designing a small nursery is all about being creative with your space. While you may not have room for a large bookshelf, you can tuck a narrow bookrack against the wall without compromising floor space.
3. Pick Out a Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is a useful multipurpose piece of furniture that you’ll be happy to have. You can use it to store stuffed animals, blankets, coverlets, or extra toys. Plus, as your little one grows up, it will give them a soft place to start pulling themselves up to practice standing!
4. Shelve It
A storage console with ample shelving and cabinet space is the ultimate space-saving solution in a small nursery. You’ll be able to store daily essentials, like linens and bins, and display some of your favorite decor, like framed family photos and baby’s footprints.
5. Go Up the Wall
If you’re extra tight on floor space, there are still plenty of storage options! Floating shelves free up valuable space while still allowing you to display your favorite pieces of decor.
6. Two In One
A changing table is a necessity in every nursery, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to dominate your space if you’re concerned about tight quarters. You have options when it comes to style. A changing table with open shelving below gives you plenty of storage space and options for displaying things. If you prefer a neater look, a dresser-style changing table can help you tuck everything away.
7. Stash It
A classic that we love, a chest is the perfect multiuse piece of furniture to use for stuffed animal and toy storage in your baby’s nursery. Stash away toys and odds and ends at the end of the day and put a few throw pillows on top for an extra touch of decor. Plus, it can grow up with them.
Small Nursery Decor Ideas
Decorating your nursery should be fun and inspiring, and there are so many ideas to do it successfully in a small space. Here are some of our favorite small nursery ideas for designing the perfect decor.
8. Roll Out a Rug
A rug is the perfect way to make any space cozy and warm, and thankfully, it can also serve as decor! Go for a bold pattern to round out your theme or let it be the statement piece in the room. All of our nursery rugs are tested to be short piled and safe for children, plus with numerous handcrafted, Fair Trade and sustainably sourced options, you can be sure your baby’s nursery only has the highest quality items.
9. Hang Wall Decor
Just like with our go-to floating shelves, wall decor is a great way to design a nursery without taking up valuable storage space. Whether you opt for framed prints or sculptural wall art, hanging up a few of your favorite pieces will help make the space more comfortable.
10. Try Wall Decals and Stickers
Wall decals just exude fun, so they’re perfect as a small nursery idea! Have fun with individual stickers and create your own patterns. Bonus: You can swap them out over the years as your little one grows up and their style changes.
11. Play With Lighting
Warm and cozy lighting is perfect in a small nursery. A few small table lamps that you can tuck on a shelf or in the corner of a dresser will create the perfect ambience for soothing your baby to sleep.
12. Help Baby Sleep Through the Night
Don’t forget about window treatments! A pair of blackout curtains will help your baby sleep soundly through the night and during nap time. Pull them back during the day to let the afternoon sun stream in during play time.
13. Put Up a Mirror
A must in any small space, a mirror will instantly make the small nursery feel bigger. Hang one above the changing table or across from a window to reflect natural light. Bonus: Pick out one with a small ledge or hooks for an extra bit of storage space.
Small Nursery Organization Ideas
Organization and storage are so important, but can be some of the trickiest parts of navigating a small space. Here are some of our favorite go-to tips and tricks to keep the nursery neat and tidy.
14. Optimize Closet Space
The closet in your baby’s nursery has so much potential when it comes to keeping the room organized. Make use of closet organizers that can add storage space to your hanging bar, make use of the back of the door or utilize every nook and cranny.
15. Make The Most of Shelving
The high shelves in your closet can often miss their full potential—they’re so hard to reach! Think about using this space for seasonal items or items you don’t use frequently. More tips on how to make the most of this space later.
16. Use Baskets and Bins
Everyday items like diapers, wipes and washcloths are necessities and it’s extra convenient to have them on hand. Sort them in a few baskets and bins you can tuck on a shelf, next to your changing table or in the closet. Depending on your style and preferences, you can choose from various materials, including:
- Traditional rattan offers a classic look that can work in any space
- Clear acrylic for a modern look and easy cleaning
- Organic cotton baskets are perfect for a minimal space
- Sisal is a BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free material that helps your space feel natural
- Jute, seagrass and water hyacinth are natural fibers that offer a minimal look
17. Hang it Up
There’s nothing more convenient than a row of wall hooks to keep essentials close at hand, and thankfully, practicality doesn’t have to be boring. A fun set of animal-themed wall hooks will add a touch of whimsy to the space and complement any theme.
18. Shop Minimally
Whether this is your first child or you’re a pro parent, you know how much stuff your little one needs. Where possible, do your best to only shop for what you need. For example, buying clothes as they grow up will give you plenty of time to clean out their closet and make room for new sizes.
19. Rotate with the Seasons
On a similar note, if you live somewhere with distinct seasons, cycle through clothing with the changing weather. Summer clothes and bathing suits don’t need to come out while there’s still snow on the ground, so wait to pull them out from under the bed until things warm up.
20. Rely on Portability
When you’re working with a small space, having the ability to move things around and rearrange easily is a huge plus. For example, utilize caddies for quick and easy portability during bathtime, and for little essentials like diaper cream and wipes.
21. Pick Out Multi-purpose Furniture
Furniture is an important focus when it comes to designing any space in your home, especially if you’re trying to come up with small nursery ideas. This is where multipurpose furniture comes in—a crib that transitions to a toddler bed, an ottoman that doubles as storage and more.
Planning out your baby’s nursery is an exciting time, and we hope these ideas have inspired you!
