Designing a Small Nursery: Space-Saving Tips and Tricks

Are you in the middle of designing a small nursery? Finding small nursery ideas can be a real challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a few space-saving tips and tricks to help you create a functional and beautiful nursery, even if you’re short on square footage. From choosing the right furniture to making the most of every inch, these ideas will help you turn a small room into a dreamy, organized space for your little one.

Create Zones for Functionality

One of the first things you can do for a small nursery is to make it more functional. One way to do this is by creating zones. Zones are areas in your nursery that have been set up to keep everything at arm’s reach and carefully organized. This allows you to put all your baby’s essentials right where you need them—saving you time and stress. Here are a few examples of zones you can include in your nursery:

• A Comfortable Feeding Nook for Parents and Baby

• • Set up a small chair or glider in a corner for feeding, reading or snuggling with your baby.
  • Add a small side table for bottles, books or your own drink. (Having a drink close at hand if you’re nursing is an especially big deal!) You can also add a nursery basket with essentials like burp cloths and blankets so they’re easy to grab.

• Diaper Changing Station

• • Use a compact dresser or changing table in a designated area stocked with diapers, wipes and creams.
  • Keep everything within reach for quick and easy changes, and add storage bins or baskets for extra organization.

• Clothing and Storage Zone

• • Dedicate a small dresser, closet or hanging organizers for baby clothes, blankets and accessories.
  • Use drawer dividers or closet organizers to keep everything tidy and easy to grab.

• Play and Tummy Time Spot

• • When it’s time for tummy time, set up a high-quality playmat in a corner for playtime, tummy time or early crawling. 
  • Add a few baby plush toys or books within reach to keep your little one entertained.
  • You can fold up the mat when you’re done so that the area can be reused for other things, as needed.

These zones help make the nursery feel spacious and organized, even when space is tight. By giving each area a purpose, you’ll create a cozy, clutter-free nursery that works well for both you and your baby.

Decor Tips for Making Small Nurseries Feel Bigger

When it comes to smaller spaces in general, to make the room feel bigger, choose lighter colors and tones. A good example of this would be our Ezra Woodland Collection or the Kendi Safari Collection. By using light, neutral tones for walls and nursery accessories, the nursery will feel more airy and open.

You‘ll also want to pick high-quality nursery decor that you really love and is on theme with your nursery. Picking out a few statement pieces such as the Lion Handmade Wooden Wall Decor or the Cove 4-pc. Coastal Wall Hooks. Each of these will make a statement while not taking up too much space. They’ll give your nursery a finished and polished look without adding too much to the room. 

Also, consider mounting other things to your nursery walls and utilizing your vertical space in creative ways. For example, instead of using a floor lamp or even a lamp on a bedside table, consider wall sconces or pendant lights instead. This will help you save space while creating a cozy atmosphere.

Buy Furniture That’s Multifunctional

In a small nursery, every piece of furniture needs to be multifunctional. Did you know furniture pieces can work double (or even triple!) duty? This small nursery idea can help you to make the most of the space. Look for multifunctional furniture, like a changing table with drawers and shelves. With extra storage, you can use it as a changing table and also a place to keep essentials close by and neatly organized. You can store diapers, wipes, clothes and more right on the changing table! This makes diaper changes and outfit changes quick and easy while keeping the room clutter-free.

Another small space nursery idea to consider is a multifunctional crib with storage underneath. This extra space is perfect for storing all of the linens for your baby. This means extra fitted crib sheets, hooded towels, wearable blankets, burp clothes or even out-of-season clothes. This keeps everything stored neatly but also easy to reach. 

Don’t forget about a rocking chair! We touched on this in the section above, but a comfy rocker is perfect for feeding and soothing your baby. It’s also a cozy spot for reading and playing as they grow. Try keeping a basket of books nearby so you’re ready for storytime, and drape a soft quilt over the back of the chair for snuggly reading sessions. (Never put the quilt in baby’s crib, though!) It’s amazing how a few well-chosen small nursery furniture pieces can turn a small space into a perfectly organized and cozy little retreat for you and your little one.

Be Deliberate About the Products You Buy

When you’re designing a cozy little nursery, it’s all about picking quality items that make life easier and keep things feeling happy and simple. Choosing high-quality essentials—like snuggly wearable blankets, soft fitted crib sheets and cozy hooded bath towels—makes a huge difference. Not only do these items stand up to everyday use and lots of washing, but they also create a safe, comforting space for your baby. Plus, with durable, well-made items, you won’t have to worry about replacing things as often, so you can just enjoy those precious moments together!

Keeping the nursery uncluttered by choosing only the essentials is key to making it feel cozy and easy to move around. When you focus on versatile items that serve several different purposes, like a dresser that doubles as a changing table, you’ll have everything you need without feeling crowded. Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing each item has a purpose, making the room both functional and sweet.

As you start picking out items and the ideal small nursery layout, keep these tips and tricks in mind. They can really make a huge difference when it comes to a nursery that’s functional, organized and beautiful.

For all of your nursery decor and baby sleep items, be sure to shop our collections at Crane-Baby.com.