Designing a nursery: Tips & inspiration for your perfect nursery

Designing the nursery is one of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for your baby’s arrival. Whether it’s cosy furnishings, practical furniture, the right colours or lovely decorations – here you’ll find all our ideas and guides on nursery design. Be inspired and discover helpful tips for every room, every style and every budget.

Why a cosy nursery is important

A cosy nursery can help your little one sleep better and settle down more quickly. Choosing the right furniture and accessories also plays an important role in creating a cosy nursery. There should be plenty of space for playing and exploring, but also quiet corners for rest and relaxation.

Baby’s Room Checklist: What You’ll Need

Our little new arrivals have lots of needs at the start that need to be lovingly met. That’s why certain areas in the nursery are essential. Whether you combine all these areas in one room or just set up a corner, it should be both practical and decorative. With our ultimate checklist for a cosy nursery, you’ll be perfectly prepared!

Wickelkommode aus IKEA HEMNES im Babyzimmer

1. Changing table with plenty of storage space

Changing nappies will soon become part of your daily routine. To make this as straightforward as possible, a changing area is a must in the nursery or bathroom. Having a dedicated space for all your changing essentials helps you stay organised. We find a ‘ changing table topper’ particularly practical, as you can repurpose an existing ‘ chest of drawers’ such as the IKEA MALM or IKEA HEMNES for nappy changing.

Discover changing tables

The best place for your changing table

In small flats in particular, it’s not always possible to have a separate room for the baby. But that’s not necessary at all! After all, our little ones don’t necessarily need their own room to start with. You can also place the changing table in the bedroom, the hall or the bathroom. When choosing a spot, however, there are a few things to bear in mind to ensure you can change your baby comfortably.

Go to the changing table guide

Organisation In the changing table: Organiser for the drawer

Things can quickly get messy in the drawer of a changing table. With a few simple tricks, everything can be put in its place and you’ll have a clear overview.

Setting up a changing table

Checklist for your changing table

Safety on the changing table: Make sure your chest of drawers is sturdily built and stands securely.
A sustainable purchase decision: Do you already have a suitable chest of drawers at home? You can turn many IKEA chests of drawers or vintage pieces of furniture into a changing table by adding a changing mat.
Everything you need for nappy changes: A changing table with plenty of storage space for nappies, clothes and care products makes your daily routine easier. Use baskets or boxes in various sizes for nappies, care products or clothes.
Distractions on the changing table: To make nappy-changing fun for your little one, have some distractions to hand. Toys, cuddly toys or even a hairbrush will keep the little ones focused whilst you change their nappies in peace.
Cheerful decorations: You can give the changing table in the nursery a child-friendly makeover with handles and cute stickers.

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2. Cot for sweet dreams

In their cot, your little one processes all the new experiences of the day. Whether it’s a co-sleeper or a separate cot: the important thing is that your baby feels completely safe and secure. Models that grow with your child are particularly practical, for example those with removable side rails. This often makes it very easy to convert the cot into a cosy little sofa later on.

Find out more about IKEA baby furniture

Checklist for a cot

Cot, co-sleeper or family bed? The decision for or against a cot is entirely personal and depends on your individual circumstances and your baby’s needs. Thinking about sharing a bed? You can find all the information and IKEA hacks on family beds via the link.
Safety in the cot: Make sure the cot is stable and complies with current safety standards. A suitable mattress is also essential. Make sure the cot isn’t overfilled with pillows, blankets and soft toys. Too many soft items could, under certain circumstances, pose a suffocation risk to your baby.
Location of the cot: Whether to place the cot in the parents’ bedroom or in the nursery is also a personal choice. How can you all sleep best? Often, it’s a matter of trying things out.
Buying sustainable furniture: Many cots can be flexibly converted. As your baby grows, with many models you can lower the base and remove one side of the bars. A cot that grows with your child can be used for much longer.
Cosiness with stylish décor: A bed snake wrapped around the edge makes the cot extra cosy. And matching wall stickers around the cot turn the sleeping area into an eye-catching feature in the nursery.

3. Breastfeeding and cuddling in the nursery

A comfortable armchair or a cosy sofa is ideal for cuddles with your baby or for breastfeeding. You can also sit down comfortably whilst helping your baby drift off to sleep.

Of course

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you don’t always have to breastfeed and cuddle in the nursery. However, having a designated spot where you can retreat in peace encourages routines and can have a soothing effect on your baby.

Ordnung in den Schubladen der Wickelkommode schaffen

4. Storage & organisation in the nursery

Practical storage in the nursery is essential for keeping things organisation and ensuring you have everything you need to hand. This is particularly important on the changing table, but ideally everything should have its place in the rest of the room too.

organisation checklist for the nursery

Tidy away small items: Use baskets or boxes of various sizes for toys, nappies and clothes.
Organisation In the drawer: Use drawer organisers with dividers. Your baby’s clothes are so small that it’s easy to lose track of them in a large drawer.
Enclosed storage: At first, your little one won’t be able to do anything on their own, but that will change quickly. Any items left out in the open and within your baby’s reach will catch their interest. That’s why you should also have closed storage, such as a wardrobe. Bear in mind that, for safety reasons, this should be secured to the wall.
Decorative wall storage: Shelves on the wall save floor space and can be used to showcase lovely items. Tip: You can create cute shelves in the nursery using wall decals.

5. Rugs in the nursery

Rugs create a cosy atmosphere in the room and ensure that your baby can play on the floor barefoot. A high-quality natural rug creates a cosy atmosphere in the nursery.

Checklist for your rug in the nursery

Natural materials: These are not only more environmentally friendly, but also healthier for your child.
Easy to clean: When choosing a rug, look for hard-wearing materials that are easy to clean.
Safety: Make sure the rug is non-slip and doesn’t pose a tripping hazard. Alternatively, you can place an anti-slip mat underneath the rug.

6. Lighting in the nursery

The right lighting in the nursery is important for your child’s wellbeing. It shouldn’t be too bright, but nor should it be too dark. A dimmable lamp or indirect lighting is ideal here. Overall, the right lighting plays a key role in your baby’s wellbeing. With well-planned lighting, you can create a cosy atmosphere in the room and support your child’s healthy sleep and daily routine.

Checklist for lighting in the nursery

Avoiding hazards: Make sure that the lamps are securely and stably mounted.
Indirect light: You should also ensure that the light does not shine directly into your baby’s eyes. A good option is to fit the light with a lampshade or a cover. Night lights can also help to soothe your baby as they fall asleep.
Cosy colour temperature: Make sure the lighting in the nursery is not only functional but also creates a cosy atmosphere. A warm yellow or orange light creates a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and falling asleep.
Saving energy: Another important aspect when choosing the right lighting for the nursery is energy efficiency. Make sure to choose energy-efficient light bulbs – this way, you’ll not only save money but also do your bit for the environment.
Supporting the circadian rhythm with light: There are also special lamps for the nursery that can support the natural day-night rhythm. These so-called ‘light alarm clocks’ simulate sunrise and sunset and help your baby get used to a regular sleep pattern.

7. Decor & Colours in the Nursery

As well as practical considerations, the design of the nursery shouldn’t be overlooked. With a harmonious colour scheme and cute details, you can create a cosy retreat for your baby. And, of course, decorating is the most fun part.

Checklist for décor and colours in the nursery

Colour selection: Choose a soothing colour palette for your baby’s room, such as pastel shades or soft natural tones. Avoid bright and overstimulating colours, as these could potentially irritate your baby.
Wall design: Opt for a neutral colour or a subtle pattern as a backdrop. Ideally, use washable paints or wallpaper that are easy to clean in case your baby smears something on the wall. You can also incorporate wall stickers into the décor to liven up the room.
Window decoration: Choose sheer curtains or blinds to let in natural light and create a cosy atmosphere. Avoid long curtains with hanging cords or ribbons, as these could pose a potential hazard to your baby.
Mobiles: Hang a mobile above your baby’s cot to provide visual stimulation. However, this should be hung out of your baby’s reach.
Safety: Make sure all decorative items are secure and firmly attached to prevent them from falling or tipping over. Remove any small objects or decorations that could pose a choking hazard to your baby. Check the safety of the decorative items regularly.

Babyzimmer für Jungen oder Mädchen gestalten

Du suchst noch mehr Inspiration? Entdecke unsere Ideen für das Babyzimmer für Jungen und das Babyzimmer für Mädchen. Von passenden Farbkonzepten über liebevolle Dekoration bis hin zu praktischen Einrichtungstipps findest du dort viele Anregungen für ein individuelles Babyzimmer ganz nach eurem Geschmack.

Babyzimmer Mädchen Babyzimmer Jungen

8. Safety in the nursery: What you need to bear in mind

Having a baby at home brings with it many responsibilities and tasks. Whilst it’s important for your baby to have a cosy and safe place to sleep, you also need to think about safety when setting up a nursery. Using a checklist, you can ensure that your baby is well looked after and safe in their room.

Checklist for safety in the nursery

Reducing the risk of injury: Start by choosing furniture with rounded edges to minimise the risk of injury.
Secure sockets: Also remove any objects that your little one might be able to reach and ensure that cables and plugs are protected by safety clips.
Furniture stability: Also make sure your furniture is sturdy and won’t tip over easily – particularly wardrobes and chests of drawers. Ideally, these should be secured to the wall.
Curtain No risk: You must also be careful when choosing window coverings. Avoid curtains or roller blinds with long cords or strings, as these can pose a strangulation hazard.
Securing toys and decorations: To avoid strangulation risks, you should also avoid hanging any dangling toys or other objects on the wall near the baby’s cot. You should also avoid having too many or overly large cushions, blankets or soft toys in the cot.
In case of an emergency: For added safety, you can install smoke alarms and have an emergency plan ready for all family members. You should also check whether your home has a fire extinguisher and whether it is easily accessible. A first-aid plan for babies is also a good idea.
Check regularly: Check all furniture and appliances regularly. Make sure everything is stable, remove any unsafe items and test the smoke alarms. Then you’ll be well prepared for a safe nursery!