7 Tips for Turning a Couple's Bedroom into a Nursery

Many new parents choose to transform their bedrooms into nurseries, at least in the earliest months of a baby’s life, so that they can easily keep an eye on their little one. This is also the most practical solution for those who live in small homes and don’t have an additional nursery room available yet.

But if this is the situation you and your partner are in, you may be anxious about making it work. How are you going to make the space newborn-friendly and still comfortable enough for a couple? What type of bedroom furnitures should you purchase to maximize the space for you and your new baby?

Thankfully, with careful planning and creative solutions from an online marketplace like LookingFour, you can turn the space into a cozy and functional nursery that you, your partner, and your new baby will all love staying in. Here are seven useful interior design tips for new parents:

1. Assess the Space

Before creating a nursery in your bedroom, you’ll want to assess how much available space you have. This will allow you to plan accordingly and purchase pieces that will fit in the room and suit all of your and your baby’s needs.

Start by measuring the dimensions of your bedroom and considering its layout. Then, determine where the crib, changing table, and storage units will fit best. Also assess whether the furniture in your room will fit your needs as a growing family. It may be the best thing to do to move, sell off, or give away furniture that detracts from the space and gives you very little wiggle room. Invest in bed frames, chairs, or nightstands that will free up space for your baby’s things.

You’ll also want to set a budget for your bedroom transformation project. Consider how much you’ll need to spend, and see if you can decrease the financial burden of buying new things by opting for quality secondhand options. Doing so will help you make smart decisions when shopping for furniture and décor.

2. Get Space-Saving Furniture

Next, to make the most of your bedroom’s limited square footage, consider investing in space-saving furniture and storage solutions. For example, opt for a compact crib that can fit snugly against one wall. Also look for double-duty pieces like a changing-table-cum-dresser that can store clothes and be your baby’s diaper station.

3. Install Storage Solutions

If you live in a small space like an apartment, you’ll want to make the most of the vertical space available to you. Install wall-mounted shelves and organizers to make the room functional and clutter-free. This will also allow your baby some horizontal space to themselves as they safely learn how to crawl and walk.

Also make sure to utilize any dead space in the room. If there’s an unused alcove there, turn it into additional storage. You can also install closet rods to make it a hanging space for your baby’s clothes, and even hang portable shelves there for extra storage.

4. Create a Comfortable and Safe Environment for Your Baby

When repurposing your couple’s bedroom into a nursery, remember to prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort. Secure heavy furniture to the wall, including bookcases and shelves, and put away items that might fall into your baby’s crib and hurt them, like lamps or clocks.

As your baby grows, consider other safety measures according to their age. When they start crawling, install baby-proof locks on your room’s drawers and doors. Also ensure there isn’t any furniture that they can inadvertently climb and fall off of, and that all electrical cords are out of your baby’s reach.

Since a newborn needs all the rest they can get, make sure to create a soothing sleeping environment for them as well. Consider getting blackout curtains for the room to help regulate light and keep the room dim. Upgrade your fan or air conditioning system in the room to achieve comfortable temperatures for the whole family’s comfort and wellbeing.

5. Organize and Declutter

Having a cluttered space can add stress to an already hectic life with a newborn. That said, be sure to regularly declutter your nursery bedroom to keep it organized and functional.

Buy storage bins and baskets to corral baby items. You can also label them for easy access. These efforts will help you maintain a clean and tidy nursery.

6. Soundproof the Room

In a shared bedroom, it's important to address soundproofing and privacy concerns. To ensure a peaceful sleep environment for you, your partner, and your baby, add rugs or carpets to muffle footsteps. You can also use white noise machines to drown out background noise. For privacy, consider adding room dividers or curtains that can create a separate space for the nursery when needed.

7. Choose the Right Color Palette and Décor

Apart from creating a functional and comfortable nursery for your baby, you’ll also want to keep the aesthetic of the room in mind. This will help everyone who will call the space home feel more at ease in it.

You can do a lot to pep up your nursery by choosing an appropriate color palette and décor scheme. Since you’re sharing the room with your baby, opt for gender-neutral tones like yellow, white, beige, gray, or mint green. Soft tones will achieve a soothing ambiance and a more beautiful and cohesive-looking space.

Don’t hesitate to incorporate wall decals, artwork, and soft furnishings in your room as well. These little additions help give your room a personal touch while still keeping it a serene place for you and your baby.

Even with limited space, it’s possible to transform your bedroom into a cozy nursery. You can also achieve this without compromising on style or comfort. Consider the recommendations mentioned here on LookingFour, and create the perfect backdrop for your first precious moments with your little one.