Choosing the perfect pieces of furniture for your nursery is one of the most exciting and important decisions you will make as a parent. Making sure that you pick out pieces that meet all safety requirements, provide comfort for your little one, and coordinate with the overall design style of your nursery can seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be!
Whether you’re a first-time parent or preparing for your next bundle of joy, this guide will provide you with all the information you need on how to choose nursery furniture that is both functional and stylish.
This guide will walk you through every step required to choose quality baby furniture and create a safe and beautiful room for your new addition. So jump in with us today as we explore what fixtures are needed to create the perfect nursery look.
What Will You Need?
When selecting nursery furniture, there are a few essential items to consider.
- Crib or Bassinet: Your baby’s first bed. When choosing a crib or bassinet, safety should be your top concern. Look for a sturdy model with slats that are close together to prevent your baby from getting their head stuck.
- Changing Table: A convenient location to change your baby’s diapers. Some models also provide additional storage for diapers, clothes, and other essentials.
- Dresser: For storing your baby’s clothes, blankets, and other small items. Look for a model that is sturdy and can grow with your child.
- Glider or Rocking Chair: A comfortable place for feeding and rocking your baby to sleep.
- Nursery Decor: From rugs to light fixtures to wall art, these pieces add personality and warmth to your baby’s room. Be sure to consider the nursery’s overall theme and color scheme when selecting decor.
It’s worth noting that these are just the basic essentials—you should also think about other items that might make life easier, such as a diaper pail, a baby monitor, or a white noise machine.
10 Easy Steps on How to Choose Nursery Furniture
Step 1. Establish a Budget:
Nursery furniture can range from affordable to high-end. Determine how much you want to spend overall and allocate amounts for each piece of furniture. This will guide your shopping and prevent overspending.
Step 2. Measure the Space:
Before you start shopping, measure the space available in your nursery. This will help you choose furniture that fits perfectly without crowding the room. Remember to consider the placement of doors and windows, as they can impact where furnishings can be placed. Sketching a floor plan can be extremely helpful in this stage.
Step 3. Choose a Theme or Color Scheme:
Identifying a theme or color scheme for the nursery will help guide your furniture choices, ensuring a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing environment. You may opt for a classic nursery theme, like nautical or woodland, or perhaps you prefer a more minimalist, color-based design. Remember, this is your baby’s first room. Make it a space that you and your baby will love. Keep in mind that lighter colors make a room feel more spacious and airy, while darker colors create a cozier feel.
Step 4. Prioritize Safety and Comfort:
Safety and comfort should be your top priorities when shopping for nursery furniture. Ensure the crib meets safety standards—look for a certification seal. Ensure the changing table has rails on all sides and secure straps to keep your baby safe. When choosing a glider or rocking chair, consider one with a locking mechanism to prevent it from moving when you get up or sit down.
Also, ensure the furniture has no sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard. For comfort, consider the height and accessibility of the furniture and check that the mattress in the crib is firm, fits snugly in the crib, and is covered by a tight-fitting sheet. It’s about balancing style with functionality to create a safe, comfortable space for you and your baby.
Step 5. Consider the Longevity:
Investing in nursery furniture that can grow with your child will save you both money and time in the long run. Look for convertible pieces, like cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds and dressers that can serve as changing tables.
Also, consider the durability and quality of the furniture to ensure it can withstand the test of time. Remember, the nursery is a space that should evolve with your child, so choose versatile pieces that can adapt to changing needs and preferences.
Step 6. Evaluate Storage Needs:
When designing your nursery, storage is key. Babies might be small, but they come with a lot of stuff – from diapers and wipes to clothes and toys. Consider selecting furniture pieces that offer additional storage options.
Look for dressers with plenty of drawers, cribs with built-in storage underneath, and changing tables with shelves or drawers. Try to maximize your space, but remember to keep things accessible and organized. Well-planned storage solutions will make your life easier and keep the nursery tidy and serene.
Step 7. Check the Quality:
Quality is an important factor to consider when purchasing nursery furniture. After all, these are items that your child will be using constantly. Make sure to check the construction of the furniture. Look for items that are sturdy and durable. The paint or finish should be non-toxic, and the furniture should have no loose parts or sharp edges.
Pay attention to the drawers and doors; they should open and close easily. It’s often worth investing more upfront for furniture that will last several years rather than opting for cheaper, lower quality pieces that you’ll have to replace.
Step 8. Read Reviews and Do Your Research:
Before you make a purchase, it’s important to do your research and read customer reviews. They will give you valuable insight into the furniture’s quality, durability, and practicality from people who have already used it.
Check websites, parenting forums, and social media groups for comments and recommendations. Take your time buying the first item you see; careful research will ensure you choose nursery furniture that is safe, comfortable, durable, and suitable for your specific needs.
Step 9. Think About Delivery and Assembly:
Furniture delivery and assembly are often overlooked but are essential factors to consider. Check if the furniture you plan to buy is assembled, requires assembly, or offers professional assembly for an additional fee. If you’re assembling it yourself, ensure you have the right tools and assistance.
Also, consider the delivery process. Will the furniture pieces fit through your doorways or up your stairs? Does the company offer doorstep delivery, or will you have to pick it up from a depot? Planning for these things in advance can save you a lot of stress later on.
Step 10. Don’t Forget About the Little Extras:
Once you’ve chosen the main pieces of furniture, consider the smaller accessories that add functionality and personality to the nursery. Think about lighting – a soft lamp for night-time feedings, window coverings to ensure the room is dark for daytime naps, and perhaps a playful nightlight.
Don’t forget about a toy box for storage, a bookshelf for all those bedtime stories, and wall shelves to display keepsakes. Remember, these small details can make a big difference in creating a warm and welcoming nursery.
Choosing nursery furniture may seem daunting, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you’ll create a safe, comfortable, and beautiful space for your baby.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Consider Longevity: When choosing nursery furniture, consider items that can grow with your child. Convertible cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds or dressers that can be used for years are good investments.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety when choosing nursery furniture. Ensure that the pieces you choose meet all safety standards and have no sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overcrowd the nursery with furniture. A crib, changing table, a comfortable chair for feeding, and storage for baby essentials are usually sufficient.
- Choose a Comfortable Chair: You’ll spend a lot of time feeding and soothing your baby in the nursery, so a comfortable chair is necessary. Consider chairs that offer good back and arm support.
- Storage is Key: Babies may be small, but they come with much stuff. Choose furniture with built-in storage to keep the nursery organized and clutter-free.
With these additional tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to choose nursery furniture that looks great and meets your practical needs. Remember to prioritize safety, consider longevity, and keep the overall design simple yet functional.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoiding a Theme: While it isn’t necessary to have a nursery theme, having one can help you choose nursery furniture that complements each other well. It adds cohesiveness to the room and can make shopping more manageable.
- Choosing Style Over Comfort: Looks matter, but comfort is paramount for nursery furniture. Avoid choosing furniture solely based on aesthetics. Always consider the comfort and functionality of each piece.
- Ignoring Dimensions: Not measuring the nursery before buying furniture is a common mistake. Only buy items that are just enough for the space. Always measure your room and furniture to ensure a good fit.
- Overlooking the Quality: While budget is an important consideration, it’s crucial to maintain the quality of the furniture. Nursery furniture will undergo a fair amount of wear and tear, so choose durable pieces that can withstand this.
- Buying Everything at Once: It can be tempting to buy every piece of nursery furniture you come across, but this can lead to a cluttered space. Buy the essentials first and then add other items as needed over time.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you choose nursery furniture that looks great and meets your practical needs.
How Do You Style a Small Nursery?
If you have limited space for your nursery, don’t worry! There are many ways to style a small nursery without sacrificing functionality and comfort. Here are some tips:
- Choose Multi-Functional Furniture: Look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as cribs with built-in storage or changing tables that can also be used as dressers.
- Utilize Wall Space: Instead of adding bulky furniture, utilize wall space for shelves and storage units. This will free up floor space while still providing storage options.
- Opt for Neutral Colors: A neutral color palette can make a small nursery feel more spacious. Consider light shades like white, pastels, or warm neutrals to create an airy and open feel.
- Use Mirrors: Adding mirrors to a small nursery can create the illusion of a larger space by reflecting light and making the room appear more open.
- Maximize Vertical Space: Don’t forget about utilizing vertical space in your nursery. Consider adding shelves or hanging storage options for diapers, toys, and books.
With these tips, you can create a stylish and functional nursery even in a small space. Remember to keep it simple, utilize multi-functional furniture, and make the most of wall and vertical space.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect nursery furniture for your new baby is an exciting and meaningful decision. Do your research, talk to friends and family members who have been down this road with their children, and visit different baby furniture stores.
That way, you can ensure you select a piece of nursery furniture that suits your budget but also meets the needs of both you and your baby – now and in the future.
Sometimes, you may even find pieces so perfect for your family’s home that they become heirlooms handed down over generations! And no matter what style you choose, remember not to forget one of the most important factors – safety.
Ensure any furniture meets the latest safety standards from industry organizations like ASTM International for your total peace of mind. With any luck, you can discover something unique and special to welcome your little one into the world!
Hopefully, the article on how to choose nursery furniture has helped you gain a better understanding of the important factors to consider when making this decision. By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful and practical space for your baby to grow with them through their early years. Happy shopping!
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