July 7, 2025, 11:05 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Lots of Color and Wild Patterns: How to Really Succeed in Decorating Your Baby’s Room Expectant parents often decorate their future child’s room with plenty of color and wild patterns. However, this isn’t always the best choice for the child. Our editor shares insights on how to truly succeed in setting up a baby’s room.
During pregnancy, most parents, especially the mother, experience the nesting instinct. Naturally, they want the baby to have a beautiful and cozy environment from day one. Planning often becomes wild and colorful, but initially, a nursery doesn’t need much. MyHOMEBOOK editor and interior designer Odett Schumann explains what essentials are needed and what to consider when setting up a nursery.
Colors, Patterns, and Themes in the Nursery
Parents often tend to decorate the nursery very colorfully, associating bright colors with being child-friendly. However, too much color can overstimulate the child, making them more irritable. Sometimes, a few colorful accents are enough, as toys are often very colorful on their own.
A natural ambiance, which is also bright, is recommended. Natural colors, patterns, and themes have a calming effect on the toddler and make the room feel cozier. If that’s too bland for you and you want it to be more colorful, compromise by painting only two walls instead of all four or just the lower half of a wall.
Tip: The paint chosen for the nursery should be a natural paint like silicate paint. It promotes a healthy indoor climate, prevents the growth of mold or bacteria, and is free of harmful substances.
When setting up the nursery, avoid trends and too many classic motifs like pink for girls and car prints for boys—at least until the toddler can decide how their space should look. Keep it neutral! You can’t go wrong with colorful dots on the wall, stripes in blue, green, or yellow on a white wall, or natural motifs with plants or animals.
If you choose wallpaper over paint, consider a few parameters. Wallpapers with large patterns can frighten the baby, while small, busy patterns can be unsettling.
The Right Furniture for the Nursery
Initially, a nursery doesn’t need much furniture. Less is definitely more—especially at the beginning. There should also be enough space for crawling and playing. A crib, a changing table, and a wardrobe are sufficient for the first setup. As the toy collection grows, baskets, boxes, and chests can be added.
When choosing a wardrobe, opt for a model of medium size at most, as large furniture can be intimidating for the baby. Regardless of size, furniture should be securely fastened to the wall with anti-tip protection, as the baby will soon become a crawling and climbing child eager to pull themselves up on everything.
It’s also advisable for all furniture to have rounded edges and corners. Ideally, the crib, dresser, wardrobe, and other pieces should be made from safe materials like wood. Unfinished wood is better than painted, as babies tend to lick everything and could ingest harmful substances.
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What to Consider with the Crib
First, the baby’s sleeping area should not be near a window to avoid glare and drafts. Ideally, the crib should not be against an exterior wall, as the cold can affect the baby, especially in winter. Placing the crib in the middle of the room is also not a good idea, as it can be unsettling. Position the crib so the baby always has a clear view of the door and can see who enters.
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Today’s crib models are usually height-adjustable, and individual bars can be removed. The bars also ensure good air circulation in the crib. Some models can be converted into a toddler bed with a few adjustments. Although these pieces are often expensive, they are worth the investment, as they replace a second bed and can be used for many years.
Options for Changing Furniture
Changing furniture is essential in a nursery. This can be a separate changing table, a wall-mounted changing table, or a changing attachment that can be placed on any dresser. Some models can even be placed on the crib. Ensure the changing attachment is not too narrow. While the baby may look tiny in the first weeks, they grow faster than expected. Ideally, the changing pad should be well-padded and washable, making it easy to clean up small accidents. A wall-mounted changing table is especially suitable for a small nursery. After each use, it can be quickly folded away, freeing up space.
If you choose a changing table, ensure the height is at least 90 centimeters for comfort and to avoid constant bending. For the child’s safety, adequate fall protection on the sides is essential. All corners and edges should be well-rounded to prevent injury.
Don’t Forget Seating in the Nursery
A comfortable seat is often overlooked when setting up a nursery but is essential. A cozy seat is crucial for both mother and child, especially during nursing. A chair, ideally with a high back, is best. For a dynamic yet soothing option, a rocking chair is perfect. For those who prefer being close to the ground, a cozy lounge area with large floor cushions and fluffy pillows against the wall creates a comfortable atmosphere for mother and child.
Textiles for Windows, Walls, and Floors
There’s no question that a nursery should be cozy. Textiles play a significant role in achieving this. Curtains not only allow the room to be darkened for sleep but also help establish a sleep routine when drawn together with the child. If a baby is particularly sensitive to light, a blackout blind can darken the room more than curtains.
A crib with a canopy not only looks cozier but can also help shield the baby from incoming light. A small, fluffy rug in front of the crib is a nice touch. Carpet is a good choice for the rest of the room, providing a soft surface for crawling. If something falls during play, the neighbors will hear little of it.
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Ambient and Night Lighting
Choosing the right lighting for the nursery requires a delicate touch. Since infants don’t sleep through the night and need to be fed every few hours, sensitive lighting is necessary. It should neither be too bright nor have a harsh, cold tone. To avoid using the ceiling light at night, a small nightlight near the changing table is recommended.
A small nightlight next to the crib helps the baby quickly fall back asleep. Some models play soothing melodies and gently move. Plug-in lights cast a very atmospheric glow throughout the room. Most nightlights consume little power and can safely stay on all night.
Tip: For a child-friendly and cozy look, consider colorful string lights and mood wall lights in the shape of a cloud or balloon.