20 Small-Space Nurseries That Are Big on Style

Pint-sized rooms are the perfect space to create beautiful nurseries. With some smart space-saving ideas and clever design techniques, you can maximize every square inch for the tiniest member of your family.

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February 08, 2018

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Max Out the Space You Have

Save floor space by using your wall space to the max. In this under-eave nursery, the changing station folds up and out of the way when not in use. For visual interest, whimsical wallpaper by Makelike fills the cozy crib nook. A sleek, contemporary dresser adds much-needed storage, and the warm woods balance the room's crisp whites. Bright pops of color from the lamp and mobile add a playful element.

From: Stefani Stein

Endless Color

Rather than producing a cave-like, enclosed environment, deep hues blur the edges of the room to create an expansive look. In this gender-neutral nursery, bright colors in the striped area rug, abstract artwork and bedding combine with the white crib to bring dimension to the space while allowing the walls to recede. Tip: Look for a crib with drawers for additional storage — always a plus in any kid's room.

Shapely Solution

An oval crib not only looks more modern, but it's also a smart choice for smaller spaces. The rounded edges will fit into tighter quarters than its rectangular counterpart. This natural wood crib is met in warmth by gray walls and burnt orange accents. Wherever baby looks, from the zigzag-painted ceiling to the houndstooth carpet, the bold patterns and textures will stimulate the senses.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Perfect Proportions

Low furniture serves a myriad of purposes in a nursery. A crib you can easily bend over allows you to put baby down without waking them — fingers crossed — while a short dresser is ideal as kids get older and are able to reach their clothes, giving them the independence they crave. And in smaller rooms, petite pieces give the illusion of more space. Two-toned furniture in this contemporary nursery mixes clean white with warm woods for an organic contrast, while the smoke-glass chandelier adds an industrial edge.

From: Kari McIntosh Dawdy

Customized Organization

Babies may be little, but they come with a massive amount of stuff. When space is tight, take storage vertical. This colorful and modern nursery uses simple white floor-to-ceiling cabinets, as well as a built-in dresser with open shelves, to house all of baby's clothes, blankets and diapering needs.

Embrace Excitement

Wallpapering just one wall in a small room keeps your cost low while providing maximum impact. The dark blue bird-and-cloud wallpaper in this eclectic nursery recedes from the neutral walls surrounding it, visually giving the room more space. A brilliant yellow-and-white rug adds another burst of color because kids' rooms are the best place to have a little fun.

From: J&J Design Group

For the Love of Reading

Excite imagination by always having a collection of books at your child's fingertips. Book ledges take up minimal space and still allow you to display a variety of favorite reads. Hang them lower on the wall and within kids' reach so they can lose themselves in a story anytime they want.

From: J&J Design Group

Only the Essentials

When designing a small nursery, consider editing down to the basic furniture needs. A crib, a changing station (a double-duty dresser works best since it'll add storage) and a comfortable chair are all you really need in that first year. And the less clutter, the better. Your nursery will feel like a calm retreat by keeping decorations and accessories to a minimum.

Hideaway Storage

We'll never stop preaching the benefits of double-duty furniture, especially in kids' rooms. Keep an eye out for elements, like this tufted leather ottoman, that open up for extra storage. Teal walls combine with peacock-inspired curtains for a high-energy backdrop to this eclectic nursery. A pair of handy woven baskets can be used to stow away toys or dirty laundry.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Choose the Unexpected

Trade in your floor lamp (which was going to get knocked over anyway) for a ceiling-mounted accordion light fixture — saving you floor space and the headache of a broken lamp. In this nursery, clean-lined furniture embraces a contemporary aesthetic, while a mix of fabrics, from the leather pouf and faux fur rug to the fringed yellow throw, bring in tactile appeal. Behind the crib, a black-and-white arrow motif creates a simple yet striking accent wall.

From: Regan Baker

Full-On White

An all-white room brings an instant openness to any space. Crisp white book ledges and contemporary crib blend seamlessly into the snowy walls of the room. Pale hardwood floors add a small element of warmth without distracting from the minimalist feel. Whimsical giraffe and flamingo heads, as well as the panda mobile appeal to any animal-loving kiddo.

From: Stefani Stein

Add Natural Touches

Infuse even the smallest space with a breath of life. This nursery's fiddle leaf fig doesn't take up a lot of square footage on the ground, but makes for an impressive glossy green leaf sculpture (that's still safely out of baby's reach) above. This botanical-inspired nursery uses a mix of fabrics in florals and fronds to bring Mother Nature's beauty indoors.

From: Bri Moysa

Keep It in Proportion

Balance larger furniture pieces, like the convertible crib and dresser in this delightfully feminine nursery, with smaller furnishings. The cozy armchair paired with a delicate pink end table doesn't take up a lot of square footage yet still serves its much-used purpose. Also, never underestimate the power of a neutral palette in a kid's room. This space will easily grow with its inhabitant by switching out the sweet pink details as she gets older.

From: Gail Wright

Designed With a View

Soft, soothing hues bring instant serenity to this little boy's nursery, as well as visually opening up the space. All-white furniture adds to the light and airy setting. The mountain mural brings in the parents' love of the outdoors, while a hot air balloon mobile promises a life filled with adventures.

From: Sara Touijer

Balancing Act

In a narrow room, there aren't a lot of options for furniture placement. One designer trick to try: Balance each side with pieces that have equal weight. In this nursery, a modern natural wood crib sits opposite the clean-front white dresser. A nubby rug adds texture underfoot, while a simple Eames rocking chair serves for bedtime stories without taking up a lot of the limited space.

From: Alison Jennison

Sleep Quarters Times Two

Even when space is tight, a new parent will never regret having an extra bed in the nursery. This urban-inspired space doubles as a guest room when needed, but the twin bed's main use is giving mom or dad a place to rest during those sleepless nights. The gray, white and gold color palette evokes a calm atmosphere, while the skyline graphics and mix of patterns exerts a decidedly modern feel.

From: YouthfulNest

Shift Your Focus

Bold patterns and textures not only add excitement to a nursery but also keep your eye moving around the room, a smart trick for any small space. A classic black-and-white striped wall lengthens the room and is a strong anchor for the mix of fabrics and finishes. Apple green accents add a note of cheery color.

From: J&J Design Group

Lofty Aspirations

Just because kiddos often get the "extra" rooms in the house, doesn't mean they can't be wonderfully cozy and full of charm. The loft area of this rustic home is transformed into a tiny getaway for little one with an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories. Tongue-and-groove boards are painted dove gray for a calming atmosphere, and a faux fur-covered armchair and ottoman add warm texture.

Simplicity Reigns

No frills or ruffles in this nursery to take up extra space. Simple, clean-lined furniture in alabaster whites and blonde woods are paired with a delicate pastel color palette for a girly nursery that is of this moment, but will also stand the test of time.

From: Little Crown Interiors

Expand With Stripes

Two-toned horizontal stripes visually stretch out this nursery. Irregular-shaped rooms often work well for nurseries, since cribs easily fit into little nooks or alcoves. This petite space also has enough room to tuck in a comfortable rocker and ottoman for nighttime feedings. Accents of turquoise and orange add a playful contrast against the neutral-striped walls.

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20 Small-Space Nurseries That Are Big on Style

Related To:

Max Out the Space You Have

Endless Color

Shapely Solution

Perfect Proportions

Customized Organization

Embrace Excitement

For the Love of Reading

Only the Essentials

Hideaway Storage

Choose the Unexpected

Full-On White

Add Natural Touches

Keep It in Proportion

Designed With a View

Balancing Act

Sleep Quarters Times Two

Shift Your Focus

Lofty Aspirations

Simplicity Reigns

Expand With Stripes

Shop This Look

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