15 Small Nursery Ideas That’ll Transform Your Space

Decorating a nursery space takes creativity, especially when the space in question is roughly the size of a suburban closet. Need a little inspiration? Whether you’re making the best of a smaller-than-average bedroom or designing a shared space, these small nursery ideas can make a big difference.

Don't get discouraged! Your “Eureka” moment is just a few short moments away.

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Downsize Your Crib

Cathie Hong

Looking for a traditional crib without the traditional bulk? Try going for a smaller crib. You can opt for a slightly smaller version of a traditional crib, and to take it a step further; you can even swap out for a mini version! Mini cribs look and feel like the real thing, but their scaled-down frames and flexible features make them ideal for small nursery spaces. And with many models ringing up at less than $400, a mini crib may even help take the squeeze off your budget!

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Skip the Changing Table

Chelius House of Design

We all know babies have “business” to do, but taking care of that business shouldn’t mean sacrificing half your nursery space. Need a better option? Skip the traditional changing table, and opt for a clever, space-saving alternative, like a crib-top changing station. These portable changing trays sit vertically across the crib, secured with straps and rail-hugging grooves. When the diapering is done, the entire unit disappears under the crib. Genius!

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Reclaim Unused Space

Crystal Sinclair Design/Photographer: Claire Esparros

When you have a small nursery, every square inch counts. Have space under the crib? Evict those dust-bunnies and reclaim their grubby realm in the name of sensible storage! If you have small hidden pockets of space that you're unsure what to do with, turn them into shelving or other storage options. You’ll be surprised how much extra space you can find when you think outside of the box.

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Get Creative With Shelving

Ann Living/Instagram

Shelving is an absolute game-changer for small spaces, and there are plenty of ways to go about it. Just because you have a small nursery space doesn't mean you can't incorporate shelving ideas that are both helpful and aesthetic. There are creative options you can try—like this shelf that looks like a tree in this gorgeous gray nursery. Perfect for storing stuffed animals and other small items.

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Shelve Your Storage Woes

Burchard Design Co./Instagram

Floating shelves are a must-have for small spaces. These versatile beauties offer a wealth of storage without stealing an inch of precious floor space. They can even be used in place of furniture. Additionally, you can install shelves that serve multiple purposes—like the one displayed here that has a hanging rod attached to hang up a few of the baby's outfits. Multi-purpose furniture is always an asset in small spaces.

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Get the Hook Up

Calimia Home

Wall hooks are a great way to make use of vertical space. Want to maximize the storage potential? Hang large canvas bags from each knob, and stuff them full of toys, plush animals, socks—anything!

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Install Book Ledges

Design: Alex Nino Interiors; Photo: Kirsten Francis

If you have three inches of space behind your baby’s bedroom door, you have room for a small library of your little one’s soon-to-be favorite storybook. Book ledges can hold dozens of books while taking up a fraction of the space of a traditional bookshelf. They’re inexpensive and fairly easy to install. You can even make your own.

15 Small Nursery Ideas for Making the Most of the Space

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Double Your Closet Space

Stephanie Hoey Interiors

Adding a second rail to your kiddo’s closet is a quick and easy way to double the closet’s capacity. Staggering the rails allows for closer placement, leaving plenty of room for additional storage below. You can also opt to install multiple rods customized to fit into storage cubbies, allowing you plenty of space to store clothing, as well as a perfect way to help keep things organized.

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Ditch the Closet Door

Ashlee Marie Plus 4/Instagram

Closet doors can make furniture placement tricky, especially in small rooms. Removing them will save space that would otherwise be needed to accommodate the open door, giving you more room and more decorating options. As a bonus, working with open storage tends to make smaller spaces look larger than they are.

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Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture

Crystal Sinclair Designs

Storage options are always necessary but aren't always easy to fit into small spaces. Investing in furniture that functions for multiple purposes is an easy way to keep all your necessities within reach without taking up extra room. We love how this crib uses the extra space beneath it as two extra drawers.

8 Toddler Room Ideas That Kids and Grownups Alike Will Enjoy

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Try a White Color Scheme

Becca Interiors

It's no secret that white can open up a space, which makes it ideal for a nursery that's on the smaller side. Choosing a soft white paint color or wallpaper can help make the room seem larger, and white furniture can help extend that feeling. As a bonus, white gives off a calm, soothing atmosphere, which is perfect for keeping your baby calm and soothed.

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Go Floor To Ceiling With Your Storage

M Starr Design

It's always important to use up blank wall space, and there are plenty of ways to go about it. Don't focus solely on filling horizontal space, but aim for vertical as well. Choosing shelving that extends from floor to ceiling can do wonders and can draw the eye upwards. Just opt for items you often use to go on lower shelves and keep decorative items higher up.

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Mount Your Lighting

M Starr Design

Rather than choosing a floor lamp for soft lighting, try mounting a sconce on the wall to free up some space. Having a small amount of light comes in handy when rocking your little one to sleep or sitting in with them at night, so a small wall-mounted lamp makes a perfect addition without taking up space unnecessarily.

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Use Your Closet Door

The Fallon Rice/Instagram

If you don't want to remove the closet door entirely, put it to good use. While you may have storage options inside the closet, try mounting additional shelves inside the door to hold extra items. Adding a pegboard with small hooks to hang items and can be an asset to keep things close by and easily accessible. There is plenty of untapped potential, and you can customize it to what works for you.

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Don't Shy Away From Natural Light

Calimia Home

Another tip for small nurseries (and let's be honest, nurseries of any size) is to allow natural light in as much as possible. While indoor lighting is a viable option, natural light does wonders for the look and feel of a space—so don't cover up those windows too much. Privacy is still very much a necessity, so go for blinds that can fully cover the window when needed but can be easily be lifted to allow the sun to shine through.