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Minimalism – the trend dedicated to a life and home without excess – is big news right now. But only singletons and career couples are able to maintain an uncluttered, minimalist home, right? After all, one look at any list of newborn must-haves would leave you convinced that minimalism and babies do. not. mix.
While we’d agree that all the gear babies needs might suggest otherwise, new parents shouldn’t have to give up any hope of creating a minimalist nursery for their new arrival. There are plenty of ways to create a clutter-free baby nursery without depriving your little one of everything they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a devoted minimalist or a parent-to-be with a limited amount of space, keep reading to find out how incorporating minimal nursery ideas into your child’s room can invite some calm into your newly hectic life.
In This Post:
1. Invest in Adaptable Furniture
Save money and create a chic nursery at the same time by choosing baby furniture that adapts to your baby’s growing size and needs.
For example, to avoid wasting money and space on temporary sleep solutions like bassinets and mini-cribs, invest in a crib you can convert into a toddler bed. Since you’ll only have to buy one mattress, you’ll also avoid creating clutter when you replace the mini-mattress and matching crib sheets.
Other adaptable furniture solutions include a changing table that converts into a child’s desk or a bookcase. Often, these convertible pieces have a minimal design to ensure they match the changing décor as your child grows, making it easier to achieve an aesthetically pleasing nursery that also stands the test of time.
2. Choose Multi-Purpose Accessories
Bouncers, Moses baskets, changing pads, playmats…in reality, it’s the accessories rather than the baby furniture that create the most clutter in a nursery.
By choosing accessories that serve more than one function, you can save a whole lot of space and minimize costs too. One such multi-purpose accessory is a baby relaxer. As these baby relaxer bedding options show, a relaxer is the perfect solution whether you’re changing, feeding, burping, or setting down your baby. What’s more, it’s super portable so you can take it with you on playdates or family visits, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment for your baby wherever you go.
3. Stick to Muted Colors
Neutral tones are more relaxing for babies, ensuring better quality sleep that rooms decorated in bright colors. And, if you’re aiming for a minimalist nursery, a neutral palette of whites, greys, and beiges also helps create the perfect low-key base to work with.
You can then add soft pops of color in muted shades that complement your palette. Try not to overload your space with too many different hues, though. Doing so can detract from the minimalist theme and overloads the eye in the same way that clutter does.
4. Hang Monochrome Artwork
Artwork is a great way to add interest to your baby nursery without adding clutter and taking up floor space. That said, you should stick to minimalist wall art so as not to detract from the theme of the room.
Clean and simple line drawings work well, as do monochrome abstract prints featuring basic geometric shapes. You could even try your hand at creating some DIY minimalist artwork. You could take inspiration from nature by drawing simple leaves and flowers, and animals, or get out your ruler and create a series of abstract designs.
5. Select Double-Duty Decoration
When decorating a nursery, try to avoid items that add clutter with no purpose. Instead of dust-collecting trinkets, aim to add character with toys that double-up as decoration, such as a wooden abacus or a standing blackboard.
And, if you do want to add a personal touch with something decorative, don’t feel the need to cover every last inch of space. Instead, focus on emphasizing two or three areas. For example, while keeping most of the room clutter-free, you could create a cozy reading space in the corner by adding an armchair and accent pillows. Or, if you want to hang a trio of minimalist prints above the dresser, keep the other walls bare.
6. Incorporate Natural Textures
Add depth without clutter by bringing natural textures into your baby nursery. These natural textures could be in the form of a wooden dresser, wicker reading chair, faux sheepskin rug, or wool blanket. Such items can help create a chic yet cozy aesthetic that you and your baby will find relaxing and comforting, inviting calm into the space without overloading it with unnecessary objects or distracting colors.
7. Rotate Toys and Books
While smart storage solutions like a crib or changing table with drawers can help hide your child’s stuff away, you will still need to keep some items out within easy reach for your baby to play with during the day.
One way to minimize the amount of clutter these items can create is to start a book and toy rotation. Divide your child’s toys and books up into themes or preferences and change the selection every week or so.
This technique keeps things fresh for your baby and encourages them to find new and inventive ways to play with and read neglected toys and books instead of their usual favorites. Plus, it ensures that the nursery isn’t full of baskets and boxes bulging with their whole collection of toys and books.
Creating a Minimalist Nursery
As these tips show, creating a minimalist nursery is about making smart choices when it comes to accessories, furniture, and decorative pieces.
Yes, it can be tempting to buy every baby accessory, stuffed animal, and educational toy out there. But, by staying strong and following these minimal nursery ideas, you and your baby can enjoy a calm, comfortable, and oh-so-chic nursery.
For more parenting tips and inspiration, be sure to check out our other blog posts!