Caught up in the joyous whirl of discovering you're about to welcome a tiny new addition to your family? Along with the bliss, we bet you're bubbling with questions. One that tends to pop up among soon-to-be parents is this – when's the perfect time to start decorating the nursery? We're ready to share a cup of wisdom (or two!) on this front.
The amount of time most expectant parents wait before planning their nursery varies greatly. Some parents want to get through the early stages of pregnancy before starting the nursery design. Others start gathering inspiration and working on their nursery early in the pregnancy. On average, most expectant parents start working on the baby's nursery around 18-20 weeks.
Below is a Nursery Decorating Timeline we've put together. This timeframe gives parents an ample window to decorate the nursery without stressing out.
NURSERY DECORATING TIMELINE
1. DEFINE THE NURSERY STYLE, 18 WEEKS
At the earliest stage of your nursery decorating project you'll want to define your nursery style. Gather inspiration from our design Nursery Lookbook. We've got hundreds of curated nursery designs in every style, theme, etc.
2.TAKE THE STYLE QUIZ, 18 WEEKS
Still unsure of your style preferences? Take this nursery style quiz and see what designs you tend to gravitate towards.
3. SET A BUDGET FOR THE NURSERY PROJECT, 19 WEEKS
Before you move any further with your baby's nursery decorating project, take sometime to set a firm budget for the nursery design project. The nursery design budget you identify determines most of your design decisions, so figure this out early and be precise.
4.CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE, 20-22 weeks
Choosing a nursery color palette is both exciting and an important step. Most of your design decisions in the coming weeks will depend on this decision, so you can achieve a cohesive look in the nursery. Here's how to choose a nursery color palette.
5. PUT TOGETHER A MOOD BOARD, 20-22 WEEKS
Having spent time finding your nursery design style and zeroing in on a nursery color palette- it's time to put ideas to paper. Choose nursery furniture, decor, and accessories you'll want to see in the baby's room. Put all of your choices together to make a mood board. Edit relentlessly until you love what you see!
6. FIGURE OUT THE NURSERY LAYOUT, 20-22 WEEKS
The nursery layout is equally important as the style for a nursery that's equal parts stylish and functional. After you've finalized your design, but before you buy any furniture, take the time to plan an efficient nursery layout. Learn more about how to configure the nursery here.
7. FURNITURE SHOPPING, 22-24 weeks
With a nursery layout that works for your space and the knowledge that the furniture you choose for the design works for your space, it's time to do some shopping and buy the big-ticket items that take a bit longer to get delivered.'
8.BUY NURSERY LIGHTING, DECOR AND ACCESSORIES, 23-25 weeks
Complete your nursery design by purchasing the lighting, decor, and accessories to create your dream nursery.
9. PAINT/ WALLPAPER THE NURSERY, 25-28 weeks
As you eagerly await your deliveries, it's the perfect time to work on the nursery walls, whether painting the walls, decorating with wallpaper, or putting up a statement accent wall.
10. SET UP THE NURSERY 28-30 weeks
With the stage set, it's time to set up the nursery with furniture, decor, and accessories. If you haven't received any items- no worries, you have plenty of time. Take your sweet time, enjoy the process, and don't stress out!