8 Temporary but Adorable Ways to Dress Up a Nursery
As your belly bump has grown, so has the mini-mountain of baby gear you’re building, and now you need somewhere to put it. Here’s where the nursery comes in. And not only is a nursery a place to put your little one-to-be’s onesies, stuffies, binkies, blankies, and bed — it’s also a chance to play the role of decorator. But what do you do when that room isn’t going to be a nursery forever? Whether you’re renting, planning to move from a starter home into a larger abode, or just not into changing your home’s décor every year, check out some not-so-permanent ways you can still accent your newborn’s nursery.
1. Wall Decals: Wall decals — like these little cuties from ElecMotive ($9) — have come a long way since the days of cheap-looking stickers that barely stayed put for more than a few hours. Today’s wall decals are available in an awesome array of designs, many of which look like painted murals or artsy wallpapers. Even though these stay in place with gusto, they’ll easily peel off later on when you’re ready to change things up.
2. Area Rugs: Forget about cutesy-cute duckie and bunny rugs. Pick something with loads of color and an architectural style, such as this area rug from nuLOOM ($287). Are you moving soon? Roll up the rug and take it with you. Or if you just want to switch up the space, you can move the rug into another room, swapping it for a new one in a fresh style.
3. Cute Curtains: Window treatments provide you with a super-easy way to change your nursery’s décor. Combine form and function by opting for light-blocking panels, like this polka-dot pattern from Cloud Island ($20), which help your baby sleep during daytime naps. Don’t forget that safety is key here, and only use window treatments that are “baby-proof” — avoid anything with cords, ties, or other loose parts that could cause a safety hazard.
4. Light Fixtures: Whether you are designing a sleek modern nursery or going for something more traditional, a light fixture can add to the aesthetic without much work on your part. You can even create a glam room for your little princess or prince with a chandelier — check out this luxe pick from Pottery Barn Kids ($149).
5. Charming Lampshades: If you’re going for something that’s even less permanent than a light fixture, a lampshade is one of the easiest ways to switch up your nursery’s décor. A cute cartoonish print such as IKEA’s Trollakulla ($10) works right now, but a few years down the road your kiddo may want something more “mature.” You can keep the light base and simply swap one shade for another.
6. A Growth Chart: As your little one grows, you’ll want to measure just how big they’re getting. Even though you might not start tracking your kiddo’s height yourself until they’re walking (and can stand against a wall to be measured), a growth chart can add to the nursery décor. A hangable chart is way more portable than making marks on a door frame. These versions by Tree by Kerri Lee ($88) have adorable animal toppers made with birch wood.
7. Wall Letters: Celebrate your baby’s thoughtfully chosen name with their initials! Hanging letters on the wall is a personal way to decorate your little love’s room. If you move (or even just move your kiddo to a different room), you can take the décor with you. The custom acrylic monogram print from Pottery Barn Kids ($129) is an example that goes beyond your typical stencil.
8. Awesome Art: Get artsy and dress up your baby’s nursery with something that’s truly special. This hand-painted papier-mâché fox head from Crate & Barrel ($29) is a 3-D piece of art that you can hang now and later take with you or switch for something else as your child grows.
What’s your favorite piece of nursery décor? Tweet us your pick @BritandCo!
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