Cheap nursery decorating ideas are all about saving money for important baby things, like a stroller, crib, clothes and toys. My favorite nursery decorating ideas are also easy to make, so a pregnant woman or new mother can implement them by herself. The ideas I gathered below mix nursery decorating with child development to help you decorate a nursery that is both beautiful and educational.
#1. Nursery Wall Decorations
Look online for the perfect baby nursery wallpaper border and buy enough to go around your nursery walls. With the help of a friend, hang the wallpaper border in the middle of the wall all around the nursery. Using a level to first draw a straight line on the wall will make the job easy.
#2. Butterfly Nursery Decorations
At a craft store or online look for silk butterflies. Buy a collection and attach them to fishing wire with glue or craft wire. Suspend the butterflies in clusters from corner ceilings.
#3. Glow in the Dark Nursery Decor
You can find glow in the dark star stickers at toy stores. You’ll need to climb on a ladder, so have someone with you to make sure the ladder remains stable. Adhere the glow in the dark star stickers above the crib and spread them like night stars.
#4.Create a Magnetic Wall
Above the wallpaper border and well away from the crib, draw a large square then tape all around it to protect the outer wall during the project. Paint the square with two layers of magnetic paint. Once it dries, paint the spot to match the rest of the wall again. Then use magnets to hang baby pictures. (Here’s my detailed article on painting a magnetic wall.)
#5. Create Sheer Curtains
At a craft store buy a sheer fabric to match your wallpaper border. Also buy no-sew hem tape and use it to hem the fabric all around, making the top hem extra-wide for slipping a curtain rod through. If you want to add flare to this nursery decorating idea, create 3 narrow curtains in matching colors and hang them side-by-side to create a colorful ensemble.
#6. Create Cheap Nursery Furniture
The nursery dresser and crib are very expensive when you buy them new. Instead, look for used furniture or closeout furniture. If the pieces don’t match or look old, simply paint them with water-based primer (like Kilz) then paint them again with semi-gloss latex paint. Choose a color that will match the wallpaper border. And if you are pregnant, look for a non-toxic paint alternative which will have no paint fumes to make you nauseas. Here’s how to make milk paint yourself.
#7. Create a Cheap Beautiful Rocking Chair
Look for an old wooden or plastic rocking chair in garage sales or in thrift stores or furniture closeouts. Paint the chair with water based primer as you did with the dresser and crib, then use a darker shade of the same color you used before to paint your rocking chair. For added comfort buy a matching seat cushion and hang a beautiful folded throw on the back of the chair.
#8. Create a Creativity Board
Set one corner of the room for creative learning. First draw a square on the wall just above the floor molding (so your baby will be able to reach it as he grows up.) Paint the square with chalkboard paint. When you play with your baby, use non-toxic chalk, and remember that babies love to put everything in their mouths, so be sure not to leave your baby alone while chalk is nearby. (Here’s my detailed article on making a chalkboard wall.)
#9. Create A Baby Library
Use cheap shelf brackets to mount 3 wooden planks near the creativity board. I recommend using a corner of the room, with the chalkboard wall to one side and the library on the other. Place baby books and stuffed animals on the shelves.
#10. Create a Baby Toy Chest
At a craft store you’ll find wicker baskets. Look for square ones that are no higher than 12 inches. Sew the baskets together using a strong, matching string. Each basket will form a compartment in this baby toy chest that you can keep in the creativity center. And if you don’t like the color of the baskets, spray paint them outside to match the colors of your decorated nursery (if you are pregnant, ask a friend to paint them instead as spray paint fumes can be strong.)
More of My Decorating Articles:
10 Lovely Living Room Decorating Ideas
10 French Country Decor Ideas for Your Home
10 Decorating Ideas for a Fun Family Room
