17 Adorable Ways to Decorate Above a Baby Crib

Dress your nursery like a creative pro with these adorable, designer-inspired ideas.

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By: Allie Holcomb King

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Botanical Prints

A nursery design should calm baby and parents alike, and a soft, neutral color palette accented with botanical artwork does just that. Hang framed prints symmetrically above the crib for a look that feels both clean and organic. This is also a great idea for the perpetual houseplant killer — you get the color of nature without the upkeep.

Framed Name

Though there are countless ways to display your baby’s name, this one works best to make those precious letters pop. Choose a frame that speaks to your nursery’s design style — while a beveled gold frame looks lovely in this space, your nursery might call for rustic wood or modern simplicity. Here, the name is captured in string art, but handwritten letters and typography work well, too.

From: J&J Design Group

Moonlit Forest

Let your little one sleep under the stars and the moon. Pair tree-and-star-patterned wallpaper with a moon marquee light for a look that’s both natural and modern. Choose a dark-hued wallpaper to evoke a nighttime feel and a light-hued crib to keep the color scheme balanced.

From: Studio V

Boho-Style Nursery Complete With Macrame Mobile

Do bohemian babies dream of macramé mobiles? We'd like to think so. If you’re going for a casual, global vibe, a macramé mobile is a must-have. A neutral-hued variety, like this one crafted by The Forest Fern, can be kept and used in future nurseries, no matter the baby’s gender.

Pom-Pom Initial

This budget-friendly idea is easy enough for even a first-time DIYer. Buy or make a hollowed initial, and glue colorful pom-poms inside. Choose pom-pom colors based on your nursery’s color scheme — or go all in with a rainbow-hued initial.

From: J&J Design Group

Dreamy DIY

For a sweet, simple look, craft a DIY mobile from long tassels, bows and simple driftwood.

From: HGTV Magazine

Plush Art

Three-dimensional wall art goes a long way if you’re working with lots of blank space, and the plush variety is so fitting for a nursery. To achieve a more playful feel, mount a stuffed animal head above your crib. Thanks to the internet, you can find just about any animal you’d want — from a deer to a flamingo to a unicorn. For a more modern look, mount a plush geometric shape, like the edgy, black-and-white rain cloud here. Or, do both, like designer and stylist Live Loud Girl. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to fun, pillowy wall art.

A Touch of Nostalgia

Designer Jamie Keskin created a nursery that was eclectic and trendy with a touch of nostalgia. She selected pieces such as this cool Hawaii travel print and heirloom pieces like the mother's vintage rocking horse to pull off a laid back, antique vibe.

From: Jamie Keskin

Industrial Letters

If you thought a monogram was out of the option for a boy’s nursery, these wire letters are here to prove you wrong. The cool, masculine letters pair beautifully with rustic reclaimed wood. If you want more contrast, consider installing white shiplap as the backdrop for your name or monogram.

From: Vanessa Antonelli

Mounted Antlers

Southwestern style is having a major moment right now, and with it we’re seeing fresh ways to use classic pieces. Here, mounted antlers are used to hold a dream catcher and printed banner, but you can use antlers to display a variety of things. When searching for pieces to display, use the desert as inspiration. Think cacti and warm, sun-baked tones like terra cotta.

Romantic Canopy

A sheer canopy works with a variety of nursery styles, adding a soft, airy quality to any space. The best part? The canopy can transition with your little one as they grow, eventually crowning a bed rather than a crib.

From: Allison Lind

Transportation Prints

Tractors, trucks and wagons, oh my! Framed transportation prints make for an adorable gallery wall that’s playful yet sophisticated. White mats and frames of the same size ensure symmetry and balance, while bold-colored vehicles keep the space feeling youthful.

From: Chango and Co.

Florals + Gold

Talk about glamor from the get-go! Pair berry-hued floral wallpaper with a gold statement piece to achieve this look. Instead of wallpapering the entire wall, frame wallpapered panels, like J&J Design Group did here. Many retailers even offer removable wallpapers for a less permanent option.

From: J&J Design Group

Minimalist’s Mobile

Master a modern nursery design with crisp white walls and a small-scale geometric mobile. If you’re aiming for a minimalist look, a mobile is a great way to add a touch of bright color without overdoing it. Before purchasing (or making) a mobile, consider the feel certain shapes and figures will bring to your space. Here, hot air balloons add energy and whimsy to the design.

From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

Adventure-Themed Gallery Wall

Prepare your newest addition for all the places they’ll go — or welcome them into all the places you’ve been. Frame travel-themed prints and photos of beautiful destinations. Mix in other shapes, like arrows or triangles, to create interest. Let your gallery wall guide your color choices for the rest of the space.

Mountain Mural

Let your favorite mountain range inspire your design. Here, blue ombre mountains mimic the Alaskan tundra, creating a space that feels calm and serene yet rugged and adventurous. Complete your nature-inspired room with playful animals and woodland-themed accessories.

From: Rebecca Zajac

Pendant Lighting

If your crib is situated in a dark portion of your nursery, a pendant light may be a great option. For safety, hang the pendant on the far end of the crib and high enough that’s it’s out of baby’s reach. Woven, basket-like pendants made of materials like wicker or rattan are totally on-trend, and their natural color can blend with just about any color palette.

One Thing Three Ways

17 Adorable Ways to Decorate Above a Baby Crib

Related To:

Shop This Look

Botanical Prints

Framed Name

Moonlit Forest

Boho-Style Nursery Complete With Macrame Mobile

Pom-Pom Initial

Dreamy DIY

Plush Art

A Touch of Nostalgia

Industrial Letters

Mounted Antlers

Romantic Canopy

Transportation Prints

Florals + Gold

Minimalist’s Mobile

Adventure-Themed Gallery Wall

Mountain Mural

Pendant Lighting

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