With the price of housing increasing in most urban areas, more families are having to opt for smaller spaces to fit their budgets, especially if they’re also juggling the cost of a new baby. As such, your baby’s nursery may not be as big as you want or need it to be, especially if this is the room the child will likely grow up in But there’s no reason to feel discouraged. There are various designs tricks that can help make a space feel bigger and to simultanesouly maximize storage. Keep reading for how to make your child’s nursery feel bigger without breaking your budget.
Mirrors Will Open Up The Space & Reflect Light
For anyone who watches home décor shows, they’ll know that one of the biggest design tips is incorporating mirrors into a space. These help brighten the room by reflecting light and also make it seem more spacious, especially if there are mirrors on multiple walls. Plus, mirrors are a fun way for babies to entertain themselves, so it’s a win-win situation.
Budget-Friendly Tip: It’s true that mirrors can be pricy, but there’s no reason to go overboard when shopping for your baby’s nursery. Consider purchasing a mirror second hand, like at a thrift shop or online through Facebook market or a site like Craig’s List. You can always do a DIY project to elevate the mirror and give it a second life. Simply look up some turotials on YouTube for how to breathe new life into the piece.
Opt For Multifunctional & Storage-Saving Furniture
Furniture is where you will likely spend the most money on your child’s nursery, so ensure that what you’re opting for is a good investment in the long-run. Multifunctional furniture that serves various purposes (such as dressers with a built-in changing table) will help you cutback on the amount of furniture needed to furnish the space, and as such, may also save you more money.
BabyGaga recently got the chance to speak with Storkcraft CEO Adam Segel about how parents should furnish a small nursery and he elaborated on why multifunctional furniture is a good investment for parents. “Today, so many essential nursery pieces—cribs, changing tables, and chests—are available in multifunctional ‘combination’ form,” he explained. “Take for example chests with built-in changing table toppers, or cribs with an under-crib storage drawer.”
Similarly, go for furniture that has built in storage. Even if something looks stylish if it can’t store all of your baby supplies, then it won’t be nearly as practical. When it comes to design, less is more in terms of making a space feel more spacious, so the less cluttered the nursery is with furniture or other items, the more spacious it will feel. When things are out of sight, they’re out of mind.
Draw The Eyes Up With Artwork & Curtains
The higher you hang a piece of artwork or curtains, the larger the room will seem, as it will draw the eyes upwards and create the feeling of taller walls. Simply hang your curtain rod at the very top of your walls – make sure the curtains are long enough so they graze the floor, otherwise they may look out of place. However, be sure to follow proper safety precautions when installing window coverings.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Artwork and curtains can be expensive or inexpensive, depending on how thrifty you get. Consider purchasing artwork second hand, or if you’re feeling creative, buy a blank canvas and create your own artwork. Scour sites like Pinterest or YouTube to see what others have done in similar situations. Similarly, while you can also buy curtains second hand, it may be even more economical to pick up some fabric and make them yourself, especially if you would otherwise need to get a custom size done to match the height of your walls. Sewing your own curtains may seem scary, but after watching a couple YouTube tutorials, you’ll see that it’s an easier project than one would imagine.
The Smaller The Furntiure Pieces, The Better
Just like having less furniture makes a nursery feel more spacious, having furniture pieces that are smaller will also create a sense of having more space. So, don’t opt for the chunkiest piece of furniture. Rather, if you’re looking to maximize space, go for smaller pieces as it will drastically maximize your floor space.
Segal specifically recommends parents look into mini cribs. “Another great innovation we’ve seen is with regards to mini cribs. A mini crib is a great example of why selecting something of a more space-friendly size doesn’t mean needing to sacrifice on function,” he explains. “Like their full-size counterparts, today’s mini cribs are able to convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and twin-size bed – so they’re ready to adapt to your growing child, all the way from babyhood throughout childhood.”
Budget-Friendly Tip: Buying cribs second hand is not usually recommended, as the model may be outdated, damaged, or has been recalled, leaving parents in the dark until something tragic happens. In terms of saving money on baby furniture, pay attention to different sales and deals that may pop up. Don’t be afraid to ask stores when they are likely to have the next big sale or even try searching for coupons online for specific retailers or brands. If you can, consider waiting for a big shopping day like Black Friday or Boxing Day when things are definitely likely to go on sale. It wil require a bit of patience and research, but the financial savings will be well worth it in the end.
Be Careful With Pattern & Color Selection
The busier the room is, the more cramped it may feel. So, while it may be fun to choose a bold pattern or color for your child’s room, it may only add to making the room feel smaller. It’s best to stick to neutrals that will help blend in and will take up less space visually. You can add patterns in small spurts, like on a pillow or blanket, to add dimension to the room without it feeling overwhelming. Vertical stripes can also help make a space feel taller, particularly if you opt for striped wallpaper, rag, or even children’s bedding.
Sources: Buzzfeed, Blesser House, Remodelista,