Designing a Fabulous, Functional Twin Nursery
Two babies means two times the fun (and responsibility!). But it also means setting up a nursery space that will allow both of your little ones to thrive—while making your job as a parent as easy as possible. Twin nurseries, just like any other type of nursery, should obviously be cute, but you will also want to be thoughtful about factors such as storage and functionality, which become even more key when there are two babies involved.
Even if you don’t anticipate that your little ones will share a room forever, you’ll want to set yourself up for success for at least the first couple of years. To help you get started planning a twin nursery that will stand the test of time, we’ve rounded up some useful tips—and even tapped some of our designer friends in the process. Keep reading to hear what the pros say you should focus on in a space for two.
No matter the size of your twin nursery, you will want to strategically think about layout within the space to maximize square footage, notes Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs. “Measure the room and make sure two cribs can be placed where you want them,” she instructs. “It’s often helpful to get a roll of blue painter’s tape and create the outline of your furniture items. This will help you visualize how the room will function and flow.” After you complete this process, you will be able to determine whether you should place the two cribs side by side or across from each other. “If space is tight for two, consider doing a mini crib to save much-needed space,” Curtis adds. Nestig offers an array of convertible cribs that will come in handy here.
Be mindful that there’s no need to splurge on every item that enters your nursery—babies (not to mention, two babies) are expensive enough! “Kids grow up quickly and what you might like one day, can quickly change once they have started to grow into their own little personalities,” shares Gianpiero Gaglione of Gianpiero Gaglione Interior Design. On this note, keep in mind that Nestig offers furniture that is designed to have a place in your child’s room for the long haul. Wooden side tables are classic and durable; they can serve as a spot on which to rest board books and bottles at this stage in your child’s life but can easily transition into a side table in a tween’s bedroom.
One great place to start? By installing wallpaper, April Gandy of Alluring Designs Chicago says. “Every design detail matters, so when selecting a nursery wallpaper, ensure the pattern is eye-catching and stimulating for babies,” she explains.
Nestig now offers its own line of wallpaper designed to appeal to a range of styles. Read on learn more about this collection and gather additional wallpaper-specific tips.
When you’re wallpapering the nursery, don’t forget about tackling the ceiling, too! “Adding wallpaper to the ceiling gives babies something interesting to look at before bed, during diaper changes or when waking up,” Gandy comments. “It also creates an opportunity to select a bolder or busier pattern because it's not at eye level.”
Another option is to wallpaper just the ceiling and paint the nursery walls in a plain hue of your choosing.
Speaking of looking up, don’t forget to hang a mobile above each baby’s crib. Nestig offers so many different designs to choose from, whether you’re craving something whimsical or would prefer to go a simpler route.
It’s always important to be prepared when it comes to little ones; babies aren’t exactly known for being ultra predictable and messes can happen at any time! When you have twins, though, you’ll want to make sure to stock up on even more backup items, such as sheets and quilts. Pick a few patterns and colors that speak to you (you can even let older children play a role in the shopping process, if they wish) so that you’ll be all ready to go in the event of any incidents!
