Nursery Decorating Ideas

Selecting a Crib

When designing your nursery, selecting a proper crib and mattress is probably one of the most important things since your child will hopefully spend the majority of their time sleeping in their room.  When selecting a crib, the number one thing to keep in mind is safety.  Be cautious of second hand cribs, especially if they are older.  You need to make sure that they follow the latest crib safety rules outlined here.  Once you have a firm understanding of the safety aspects of selecting a crib, then you can begin looking for something that fits your design tastes.

Crib Bumpers are Illegal in Chicago, Please Do Not Use Them

Many cribs featured in magazines, catalogs and online show beautiful bedding and crib bumpers.  In Illinois and Chicago, crib bumpers are illegal and should not be used.  There are a few horrific cases of infant deaths reported by the Chicago Tribune.  We know its tempting to make a beautiful nursery and crib bumpers are really cute, but its not worth the risk.

Rocking Chairs

One of the best parts about being a new parent is rocking and snuggling on your little one.  You will spend many hours in the rocking chair comforting your new baby.  Make sure to select something that is comfortable for both parents, especially if you are both different heights.  Like when selecting a couch, what may be comfortable for one parent may not be for the other.  Also, make sure to pick a fabric that is durable and easy to clean since it will get stained with milk, formula and spit-up.  We also recommend picking something with a coordinating leg rest, flip-up legs or a foot stool.  After spending a long time in the chair snuggling your baby, you will probably want to shift positions and put your feet up.

Changing Tables

Every expecting parent feels that they have to buy a new, top of the line changing table.  In reality, most parents we talk to barely use their changing table because they are never around it.  If you are going to select a changing table, make sure to select one that is safe and can be fastened to the wall.  Also, select something with a lot of storage to keep extra diapers, wipes, onesies and other clothes.  When the baby is on the changing table, they can quickly wiggle around so you want to make sure that everything is close and accessible.  After the safety precautions are out of the way, then you can start looking for something cute and attractive.

Nursery Artwork and Accessories

After you have selected the crib, rocking chair and changing table, then it comes down to the artwork and accessories.  Be sure to pick items that can be fastened to the wall or kept up high out of the way of little hands.  We love using stuffed animals, portraits of family members including the parents, brothers and sisters and grandmas and grandpas.  The interior designers at Design Inside also love to use canvas artwork.  It can be printed really large, is reasonably priced and is not heavy in case it gets pulled off the wall.

Nursery Paint Ideas

Selecting a paint color for a nursery can be a challenge.  Even if you know the gender, we prefer to go fro a neutral paint color that is easy to coordinate.  Though it may be tempting to paint a nursery blue for a boy or pink for a girl, resist the temptation and keep it simple.  Bring in the splash of bright color with artwork, accessories or bedding.

Still Need Help

After looking through the photos of nurseries that we have designed in the Chicago area, if you still feel that you need help do not hesitate to call or email us to setup a meeting to have one of our designers help you out.