When you’re initially designing a nursery for a new baby, your focus is probably on creating something that looks adorable, but also something that’s going to be comfortable for you. In those early months and even throughout the first few years of your new baby’s life, you’re going to be spending a lot of time there changing your baby, nursing your baby, and reading books to them.
As you are designing a nursery for your baby, it can be helpful to think down the road a bit and go with a design that will work well now but also in the future.
Custom Window Coverings
A lot of the items that you would traditionally put in a nursery aren’t necessarily going to be useful in a few years.
What will continue to be important, however, are the window coverings you choose. Having custom window coverings is an investment that will serve you well through the years. Blackout shades are a necessity no matter which curtains you choose.
As you’re selecting what kind of window coverings will look good in your nursery, think about something that’s neutral enough to withstand the test of time and the evolving needs of your child. You want whatever you go with to block out the majority of outside light when closed, as well.
Naptime struggles will be something that goes on for years, so you want to make it as easy as possible for yourself by blocking out light during these times.
The Furniture
If your focus is on creating a nursery that will transition easily, you’re in luck because there are a wide variety of cribs that will eventually turn into a twin toddler bed, or sometimes even a double-sized bed. This is a great investment, and if there comes a time where you’re going to have another baby, you can convert it back to a crib.
When you’re designing a nursery and choosing the style of a crib, particularly one that’s ultimately going to become a big kid bed, look for a timeless, sturdy design. The simpler it is, the more easily it will transition through your child’s life. You can always change the aesthetic with bedding, which is less expensive than buying an entirely new piece of furniture.
When choosing furniture, there are a few other pieces you can purchase that will be longstanding items. The first is a dresser. Choose a high-quality dresser, but skip the changing table. Put a changing pad on top of the dresser instead. This gives you more storage during the nursery years, and you can keep using the dresser and take the changing pad off when your little one is ready.
A great recliner chair is something else you can include in a nursery design that you will probably use for many years to come. Go with a recliner style chair rather than a traditional rocker. It’s more comfortable, and it’s a piece of furniture you’ll likely get more use out of.
Neutral Wall Color
Finally, there are plenty of reasons you might want to avoid painting your nursery pink or blue. One reason is because it’s pretty easy to tire of certain colors, so you might find that a few months down the road it’s not as cute as it once was.
Using a neutral shade in a nursery is chic, and it’s going to save you the trouble of having to repaint once it’s time to transition the nursery.
Designing a nursery is easier than you think. Just take one step at a time!
