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Rustic Barn Twin over Twin Bunk Bed 6 Small Nursery Ideas for Big Design in a Tiny Space
6 Small Nursery Ideas
Find out how to get big design in a tiny space
Baby on the way but not quite sure how you’ll fit them into your tiny living space? Whether you have an apartment, are planning for your little one to sleep in your bedroom, or really just want a minimalist nursery, there are plenty of small nursery ideas to make the most of your layout and keep baby comfortable.
Read on for our top 6 small nursery ideas!
1. Start with a smaller crib
We get it: cribs can be overwhelming. With a seemingly infinite array of styles and finishes to choose from (yes, $10,000 marble cribs are a thing!), it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to find exactly the perfect crib for your space. But here’s a hot tip: babies aren’t picky when it comes to cribs. Give them a flat, firm surface to sleep on, keep them warm and safe, and they’re pretty much good to go.
So with baby cribs, big does not necessarily equal better, which is good news if you’re working with a small space! (Another bonus is that smaller cribs are typically more affordable.) If you’re planning to have the baby’s crib in your own bedroom, or if you have a small nursery layout, consider a folding crib, which has a much smaller footprint along with the added benefit of portability (while still being more solid than a pack and play or true travel crib). Child Craft's London Folding Mini Crib has wheels so it can easily be moved between rooms, and folds up to a slim depth of just 8.5 inches so you can stash it during the day if need be. It also happens to be super stylish, with solid wood construction, three modern color options, and Mission-inspired design details that blend in seamlessly with most rooms.
2. It’s all about multi-functionality
When you’re working with a small nursery layout, you should constantly be thinking about how you can maximize space: would shelves work on a particularly blank wall? Can you fit toy boxes in the closet or slide zippered clothing storage bags under the crib? The more you can make furniture work double duty – an ottoman that doubles as a play surface, a bed that has storage drawers, a dresser with a changing topper (negating the need for a standalone changing table) - the better. Generations have sworn by our Harmony Dresser, which comes in seven different finishes to match any room style and includes a removable baby changing topper (although we’ve kept ours on to create an easy-access bookshelf for the kiddos!).
3. Stay organized with stackable containers
We alluded to this above, but maximizing vertical space is a must when it comes to small nursery design. Clever closets can go a long way, but even if you don’t have extra closet space, furniture with drawers, shelves, and liftable lids for storage can all go a long way. Some of our other favorite hacks include low-profile clothing bins that can slide under the bed, crib, or dresser, as well as coordinating bins and baskets that can go on shelves without looking too cluttered.
Read more: Tips for Winter Clothes Storage
4. Don’t buy all your gear at once
This could be a challenge if you have a baby shower and try to register for all of the things, but if space is at a premium, you won’t actually need things like a high chair, walker, feeding utensils, etc. for at least 6 to 9 months. And when you are ready for them, you’ll be ready to cycle out newborn-stage things like the bassinet, car seat converter, and baby gym (because your little one will be on the move and might never want to lie in one place again!).
5. Go for light and neutral colors
According to paint gurus Sherwin-Williams, a monochromatic color scheme (including coordinated furniture, walls, and floor coverings) helps the eye take in the volume of a space rather than focusing on a single object, with gray and beige shades creating a particular warm, cozy feel. If you’re determined to add some color to the nursery, however, your best bet is to add it on the lower portions of the wall or near the floors for added contrast with the windows and ceiling. Or, if your nursery will be more of an alcove rather than a standalone room, you could use a single, bold shade to differentiate from the rest of the space.
6. Be ruthless about not accumulating “stuff”
Marie Kondo took the world by storm when she told us all to get rid of anything that didn’t truly “spark joy.” Take it from us: an overflow of baby gear will NOT spark joy. Before you buy two dozen swaddle blankets, ten rattles, and 15 different crinkly books (one of our favorite newborn toys, for what it’s worth), take stock of what you actually need and use on a daily or weekly basis. This is sound advice for any new parent, but is especially key for anyone with a small living space.
By the same token, once your baby has outgrown the swaddle, or the swing, or the baby gym, pass it on to friends, or unload it through a local parenting community.
At Child Craft we are committed to making safe high-quality furniture that grows with your child and your family. With cribs that can convert to a toddler bed and even to a full-sized bed, we hope that a single up-front investment creates value for your family for many years to come. You'll be amazed to see how your small nursery will change in that time; a little creativity will go a long way!
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