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21 Practical Small Nursery Ideas Packed With Major Style

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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 the best small nursery ideas to help you create a well-designed nursery.


small nursery ideas


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


21 TOP SMALL NURSERY IDEAS


1.KEEP IT LIGHT AND AIRY

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

small nursery ideas


2.KEEP IT MINIMAL

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

small nursery ideas

3.NURSERY LAYOUT IS EVERYTHING

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

small nursery ideas


4.INTRODUCE NURSERY ACCENTS WITH COLOR

Your nursery design shouldn't be boring because you've chosen white nursery paint. Use nursery accessories to bring color and vibrancy to the space.

nursery chair ideas


5.MAKE USE OF EVERY CORNER

When the nursery's square footage is limited, maximize the available space and utilize every corner. Set up a pretty and comfortable nursing nook in one corner and place a rolling cart in another for storing diapering essentials, swaddles, and more.

small nursery ideas


6.HIDDEN NURSERY STORAGE

Hidden nursery storage solutions are essential when it comes to small nursery storage. Get an ottoman for the nursing nook that doubles as storage, and bring in storage boxes to keep under the crib to store blankets, clothes, etc. With clever storage solutions, you'll be able to get the nursery organized and keep it tidy.

Ridley's nursery

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.

NURSERY CLOSETS OF 2022

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 a moody vibe. Dark colors can make a smaller nursery appear bigger.

bold and moody nursery

9.DECORATE A STATEMENT WALL

Don't be afraid to add a large statement wall in a smaller nursery. A bold, beautiful wallpaper or a mural can elevate your small nursery while keeping the space from feeling claustrophobic.

brett nursery

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.

ways to store diapers in the nursery

11.LAYERING THE NURSERY LIGHTING

Layered lighting can make a big difference in the ambiance of your nursery, and 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.

nursing nook ideas

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.

WAYS TO DECORATE ABOVE THE CHANGING TABLE

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.

top modern nurseries of 2022

14.OPTIMIZE THE NURSERY CLOSET

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

nursery closet designs

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.

BABY DRESSER ORGANIZATION


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 without compromising your space.

ways to store diapers in the nursery

17.ADD A ROLLING CART

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

WAYS TO ORGANIZE SWADDLES IN THE NURSERY

18.CREATE SYMMETRY IN THE SMALL NURSERY DESIGN

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

modern nurseries


19.MIX TEXTURES

Adding 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.

modern nurseries


20.CORRAL CLUTTER

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

nursery chair ideas

21.ACCESSORIZE THE SMALL NURSERY

In a compact nursery, where furnishings are minimal and design is streamlined, accessories play an essential role. Accessories add interest and keep the space from falling flat.

WAYS TO DECORATE ABOVE THE CHANGING TABLE


SMALL NURSERY DESIGNS FROM OUR NURSERY LOOKBOOK

Find these nursery designs and 100's more on our Nursery Lookbook- Industry's Most Coveted Lookbook

Sophs nursery
Gray's nursery
Jane's nursery
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