Designing a nursery in a small space can feel like a challenge, but with a little creativity, it’s totally doable! From smart storage solutions to space-saving furniture, there are plenty of ways to make the most of every inch.
Whether you’re working with a tiny room or a shared space, these 32 small nursery ideas will help you create a cozy, functional, and stylish spot for your little one.
How to Design a Small Nursery
- Think About Balance and Proportion: Choose furniture that suits the scale of the room. A compact crib or mini cot can save space, and wall-mounted shelves free up floor area. Avoid oversized rocking chairs or bulky wardrobes—every inch counts in a small space.
- Choose a Focal Point: Create a visual anchor—this could be the crib beneath a statement mobile, a painted accent wall, or a beautiful piece of wall art above the changing table. This gives the nursery a sense of purpose and helps everything else fall into place.
- Match the Style to Your Home: Whether you love Scandinavian minimalism, vintage charm, or soft cottage style, echo the look of your home for a cohesive feel. Choose nursery-friendly materials like soft woods, matte metals, and cozy textiles that still reflect your taste.
- Let Light and Texture Work Together: Use sheer curtains to let in natural light, and layer in soft textures—like muslin, knits, and woven rugs—to make the room feel warm and comforting. A small space doesn’t need bold color to feel special—tone-on-tone textures do a lot.
- Group Items for Calm and Function: Keep clutter at bay by grouping essentials—like baskets for nappies, or a tray with lotions and wipes. Place similar colors together for visual calm, and add soft toys or books in neatly styled corners to keep it functional but charming.
Our Top Small Nurseries
There are a number of simple ways you can style small nurseries to give your child a warm, cozy space that doesn’t feel compact. We’ve picked out some of the very best small nursery designs below. Remember, if you see one you like then hit that Pinterest button to save it:
1) Soft & Simple with Statement Name Art
This nursery uses a crisp white crib and neutral palette to create a clean, open feel—ideal for a small space.
The wall-mounted bookshelves add vertical storage without cluttering the floor, and the custom name sign draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller. Soft textures and minimal furniture keep the room serene but personal.
2) Earthy Boho with Functional Furniture
This corner setup cleverly combines storage and function by using a wide dresser as a changing station, removing the need for extra furniture. Natural textures, greenery, and a macrame wall hanging give the space warmth and interest without taking up floor area.
Wall hooks and narrow mirrors add utility and charm while keeping everything off the ground.
3) Bold Wallpaper & Neutral Anchors
A dramatic wallpaper can work beautifully in a small nursery when balanced with neutral furniture and accessories.
Here, black and natural wood accents add contrast without crowding the space. Low furniture and light wood flooring help the room feel airy, while the curated wall gallery adds personality and vertical impact.
4) Scandinavian Calm with Clever Storage
Open storage with rattan baskets keeps this room organized while adding natural texture and warmth. The grid shelving maximizes wall width and hides clutter, perfect for tight rooms. A low-profile crib, simple shelves, and soft accent decor give the space a curated but relaxed look that won’t feel cramped.
5) Cloud Theme with Split Wall Color
Using a soft two-tone wall (light green and dusky blue) helps visually define the space while keeping it calm. The slimline dresser with minimalist knobs works well in smaller rooms, and the cloud shelves bring in playful charm without needing bulky accessories. A great example of how simplicity can be stylish and functional.
6) Oversized Plush & Soft Pink Touches
This cozy corner uses a classic glider and oversized plush elephant for comfort and whimsy. The half-painted pink wall adds a soft pop of color without overpowering the room. A sleigh-style crib keeps the look timeless. Perfect for small rooms where softness and comfort take priority over excess styling.
7) Nautical Neutrals with Natural Light
This dresser-turned-changing-station keeps the look streamlined while a rolled blanket stack and small wall mirror add character. Lightweight fabrics and a rattan mirror reflect the natural light flooding in, making the room feel larger. Warm wood floors and neutral linens help the room breathe.
8) Modern Minimalist with Soft Texture
A white crib with soft, neutral bedding and just a couple of wall prints keeps this nursery looking airy and modern. The large artwork adds vertical interest while avoiding clutter. The focus here is on texture and shape, making it ideal for compact rooms that benefit from light-reflecting simplicity.
9) Playful Jungle-Inspired Corner
This playful corner uses a bold green feature wall and fun accessories like a cloud light and knitted elephant to create a personality-packed space without overcrowding. The striped cushion and soft toy add cozy contrast. Wall-mounted lighting saves precious surface space and keeps cords tidy and out of reach.
10) Charming Rustic Baby Nursery
A cozy and compact nursery featuring distressed white furniture, knit blankets, and floating wooden shelves with charming toys. Warm fairy lights and beige tones add a soft, welcoming glow. Achieve this look with secondhand finds and warm, neutral textures.
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11) Chic and Cozy Baby Nursery
Muted pink and cream tones set a serene mood, complemented by elegant wallpaper, a lace canopy, and vintage lighting. This space blends timeless charm with small-space efficiency. Use delicate textiles and classic lighting for a similar effect.
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12) Cozy Farmhouse Baby Nursery
Shiplap walls and weathered wood furniture give this small nursery a farmhouse feel. Gingham textiles, handwoven baskets, and lantern lighting create warmth. Incorporate rustic elements like soft fabrics and natural storage solutions to emulate this look.
13) Minimalist Small Nursery
An all-white color scheme with a simple wooden crib and sheer curtains creates a serene, clutter-free space. Soft wool rugs and sunlight add warmth. Keep furniture minimal and embrace natural light for a clean, airy aesthetic.
14) Petite Parisian Baby Nursery
This nursery charms with pastel hues, an ornate gold mirror, and vintage crib details. Plush floral bedding and French-inspired accents enhance elegance. Use pastel shades and curated vintage pieces to achieve Parisian flair.
15) Petite Traditional Baby Nursery
A classic wooden crib with soft bedding pairs perfectly with muted striped wallpaper and an antique dresser. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Opt for timeless furniture and soft lighting to recreate this traditional style.
16) Small Botanical Baby Nursery
Floral wallpaper and sage green accents combine with wooden toys, a cotton canopy, and woven textures for a soothing natural vibe. Add botanical prints and earthy tones to bring nature indoors.
17) Small Cozy Woodland Baby Nursery
Soft earth tones, wooden furniture, and forest animal prints set a rustic woodland tone. Knitted blankets and natural fiber rugs add texture. Incorporate rustic decor and forest-inspired artwork for cozy charm.
18) Small Gender-Neutral Baby Nursery
Beige and taupe tones with a wooden crib create a versatile space. Organic cotton bedding, woolen textures, and golden lighting add warmth. Choose neutral palettes and soft textures for gender-neutral elegance.
19) Small Nature-Inspired Baby Nursery
Sage green walls and botanical prints harmonize with a handcrafted wooden crib and woven textures. A rattan light fixture completes the look. Use natural materials and soft greens for a serene, nature-inspired space.
20) Small Scandinavian-Inspired Gender-Neutral Nursery
Minimalist and warm, this nursery features soft wood tones, cozy woolen textures, and natural lighting. A clean aesthetic is achieved through simple furniture and understated decor.
21) Small Scandinavian-Style Baby Nursery
Neutral tones with a wooden crib and linen textiles evoke Scandinavian simplicity. Floating bookshelves and natural light complete the design. Use clean lines and neutral colors for a minimalist Scandinavian feel.
22) Small Vintage-Inspired Baby Nursery
Floral wallpaper, an antique white crib, and a soft tulle canopy add romantic charm. Wooden rocking horses and lace details enhance coziness. Embrace vintage decor and soft fabrics for a timeless look.
23) Soft and Dreamy Small Baby Nursery
A cloud-inspired neutral palette with plush textiles and embroidered details creates a dreamy atmosphere. Floating cloud mobiles and ambient lighting enhance softness. Combine whimsical elements and soft textures for a calming space.
24) Tiny Art Deco-Inspired Baby Nursery
Blush and gold accents meet geometric wallpaper and vintage-style furniture for a chic atmosphere. Velvet details and cozy lighting create refined charm. Add metallics and geometric patterns to echo Art Deco luxury.
25) Tiny Baby Nursery with Pastels
Soft pastel walls, a vintage wooden crib, and delicate lace curtains set a serene tone. Plush rugs and ambient lighting complete the look. Incorporate vintage furniture and soft pastel tones for a calming ambiance.
26) Tiny Bohemian Baby Nursery
A rattan crib, macrame wall art, and knitted blankets create boho charm. Pampas grass and earthy tones add warmth. Layer cozy textiles and natural accents for a relaxed, bohemian feel.
27) Tiny Classic Baby Nursery
Soft blue walls and a timeless white crib with a chandelier exude classic style. Knitted blankets and vintage details add coziness. Choose elegant lighting and soft fabrics for a classic aesthetic.
28) Tiny Elegant Baby Nursery
Champagne hues and tufted crib bedding pair with gold-accented lighting for luxury. Soft velvet details enhance the refined ambiance. Use soft neutrals and metallics for a luxe, cozy space.
29) Tiny Enchanted Baby Nursery
Whimsical wallpaper with stars and moons combines with plush cloud pillows and fairy lights for magic. Knit blankets add warmth. Use whimsical prints and soft lighting for an enchanting nursery.
30) Tiny Nautical Baby Nursery
Navy and white stripes, vintage toy sailboats, and ocean-themed art create nautical charm. Knitted blankets and warm tones complete the cozy vibe. Add maritime accents and classic blue hues for a nautical touch.
31) Tiny Vintage Floral Baby Nursery
Floral prints, lace curtains, and cottagecore elements create a romantic nursery. Handwoven baskets and antique-inspired details add warmth. Use floral patterns and vintage finds for this aesthetic.
32) Whimsical Tiny Baby Nursery
Light pastel walls, floral patterns, and plush animal toys combine for whimsy. A corner reading nook with fairy lights adds charm. Blend delicate patterns and cozy lighting for a magical space.
