We love a good themed nursery, and if you’re planning on designing one for your baby, note that you may be able to source some incredible accessories at home before loading up your online shopping cart. For example, perhaps you already have maps on hand that you can frame and display in a travel-themed nursery. If your nursery is nature themed, bring a few potted plants in there to add some charm. If there’s a room in your home that is looking a bit too “busy” and could use some decluttering, think about how you can repurpose pieces to make the nursery look extra fab. It’s truly a win-win. 

Not sure if a themed nursery is right for you? Keep in mind that there are so many directions to go. You can honor a favorite city, sport, hobby, movie, restaurant, and so much more.

No nursery is complete without artwork! However, that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all new pieces in order to make your nursery look stunning. Take a look around your space (and in your storage bins) and see if there’s anything that would shine in Baby’s room. If that gallery wall in the living room is looking a bit too full, maybe there are a couple of pieces that you could take down and utilize. Alternatively, perhaps you’ve held onto some of your favorite wall decor from when you were a child or have been gifted something meaningful from a relative. Maybe your grandmother loves to paint and has passed down some of her works from years’ past. Simply pop these pieces into frames and you’re golden. Additionally, if you have older children who bring artwork home from school, you could even frame one of these masterpieces and hang it in the nursery. It’s sure to make your big kid feel extra special! The options are endless. 

Fact: You can never have too many baskets on hand when there’s a little one around! You’ll need them to store toys, blankets, diapers, medicines, and so much more. Baskets can be surprisingly pricey brand new, so take a peek around your space first. Maybe you’ve kept a few baskets in the pantry or hall closet over the years but have never really used them to their full potential. Off to the nursery they go! Keep in mind that you will likely want to keep a mixture of basket styles on hand. Lidded ones are great for stacking; clear bins will help you locate essentials in a hurry, and oversized bins that your little one will eventually be able to access on their own are great for housing stuffed animals and other toys.

Every nursery needs an adult-sized chair or two. But before you order something, note that you may have seating in your home that is currently underutilized but could actually come in handy for late night feedings and story time. A plush accent chair that’s been sitting in the basement can finally come out of hiding and get the attention it deserves. You can even opt to recover a piece that’s ultra comfy but has been looking a little sad or dated. Why not have a little fun with a bold new fabric that speaks to you? Any print that will hide stains is a bonus.

If you’re wondering what to do with all of those framed family photos around the house, here’s your solution: Incorporate some into your nursery design! After all, Baby will love being surrounded by images of his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, and family friends. Place a few on top of your little one’s dresser or pin some on a memo board so that your child is always reminded of friendly faces.