Nursery Essentials That Will Make the Space More Enjoyable for You, Too
The nursery isn’t just about your little one—parents spend a lot of time in this space, too, after all! In order to ensure that your space suits both you and your baby, we’re rounding up some essential pieces that will help take things to the next level. You’ll thank us later when you feel nice and comfortable spending time in this cozy spot!
Purchase one of these to put next to your glider, suggests Molly McGinness of Molly McGinness Interior Design. “It’s helpful to have a small table that can hold food, bottles, books, et. cetera,” she explains. “Having things at arms reach is helpful.” You can also add a coaster or portable charging pad on top of the table so that it’s easy to sip coffee and give your phone some extra juice as you spend time with Baby. Our simple, classic side tables are great for the nursery but will also shine in playrooms and big kid bedrooms down the road.
This is an obvious pick for many, but parents agree it’s a staple for a reason. “A lounge chair can be a destination for many things; cuddling, feeding your baby, reading books, and more,” explains Eilla Pradier of Eilla Adi Design. “Having a recliner is a nice addition for comfort and function.”
Caitlin Kah of Caitlin Kah Interiors loves the idea of incorporating a daybed or loveseat into the nursery if space allows. “A rocker is of course essential, but it is fun to have a cozy seating area for more than one person to sit with you and baby and read books or be a part of a feeding,” she notes. Older siblings and grandparents, for example, will love being able to join in on the fun when it’s storytime. Brittney Ferguson of Brittney Ferguyson Interiors shares similar sentiments and highlights the value that even a piece as small as an ottoman has in the nursery. “As a mom of a four month old myself, there is nothing I need more than to prop my feet up after a long day with a baby that refuses to rest,” she says. “An ottoman and daybed in the nursery are exactly what an exhausted parent needs.”
You may still wish to read or check your email in the nursery as Baby doses off, so ample lighting is sufficient. McGinness suggests placing a floor lamp next to your glider.
What parent isn’t crossing their fingers hoping that their little one will be a great sleeper? “Every new parent wants to make sure that bright sunlight will not wake up their baby,” says Cory Connor of Cory Connor Designs. “I will often do motorized blackout shades on the windows with a pretty decorative window treatment over it.”
“I find that wall to wall carpeting works best in nurseries to absorb noise and create a soft area for playtime,” McGinness says. “If allergies are a concern and hardwood floor is required, certainly area rugs that can be cleaned might be the way to go.” Our washable rugs are definitely up for the challenge, and there are many sizes and designs available. They can even be layered over existing carpeting for some extra flair. Either way, rugs are beneficial for parents spending time playing with Baby on the floor—it’s no fun to plop yourself down onto a hard wood surface, after all.
