Decorating a nursery can be a fun time for
soon-to-be parents. Whether you're a first-timer or you've already changed a thousand diapers, there's no reason to
skimp on decorating the nursery for your little girl.
While there are no rules for when you should start decorating your baby's nursery, starting early ensures that you'll have enough time to ventilate any fumes and will reduce any stresses of trying to finish before baby's arrival. Clearly, you won't want to be fussing over matching pillows in the last few weeks before your due date.
Plan the space
First things first, choose a crib, changing table and other essentials for your nursery. Choose a furniture set that will also grow with your baby girl. Many sets transform from crib to toddler and eventually to an older child.
Be sure to measure how much space you actually have before buying any furniture, otherwise you may end up with furniture that's
too big or too small for the space.
Theme
Although it's not a requirement to have a specific theme for your daughter's nursery, having a color palate in mind will help you narrow your focus throughout the process and you'll end up with a more cohesive design.
Don't limit yourself to
just a color for her room. Flowers, polka dots, butterflies or even stripes are great options for a girl's nursery. Think about the colors and patterns in the rest of your home and choose a palette that will work well.
Keeping a neutral background with pops of colors will keep the room a soothing, inviting and warm place for your baby girl to sleep. Later down the road, it will also be easier to redecorate as she gets older if you keep the walls and carpeting neutral.
Choose any rugs, bedding and other textiles
before painting. Keep in mind babies spend a lot of time on the floor so pick a plush rug with lots of padding so she can roll around comfortably.
You may also want to consider
decorating the ceiling or painting it a soothing color since they also spend a lot of time on their backs.
TIP: Choose a low-odor, VOC-free interior paint to prevent exposing your baby to dangerous fumes.
Lighting
Install blackout curtains or heavy blinds. They'll keep the room from becoming too hot during the day so your baby will be able to sleep longer and more comfortably.
Avoid using harsh lighting in the room. Install a dimmer on any intense overhead lighting fixtures, especially if they're located directly over the crib. It's also a good idea to purchase a small accent lamp for story time, or nighttime feedings. A nightlight will also provide safety and comfort for you and baby.
Personalize the space
A great way to decorate your baby girl's new space is to personalize it! Hanging photos of her family on the walls or making a photo collage of sonograms and baby's first photo would be a great way to make the space her own. Not to mention, it's easy to switch out the pictures in frames as she grows up.
Another easy way to personalize her room is with a custom monogram. She'll be in on the latest trend, and she'll be able to keep it in her room as she grows up.
Incorporating her name into her nursery décor is a wonderful way to create keepsakes for her that will always be unique.