Practical Ideas for Your Small Space Nursery

Practical Ideas for Your Small Space Nursery

Designing a tiny nursery? The best baby rooms in small spaces make the most of the square footage available, have an emphasis on storage and function, and appear uncluttered thanks to smart decor and a dedication to making every inch count. 

If your little one will be sharing a room with the parents, taking over part of a guest room or home office, or living in an otherwise very small nursery, do not despair! You can create a special, beautiful, inviting corner of the world for your new bundle of joy with smart hacks and a little bit of planning. These are our favorite practical ideas for your small space nursery. 

A Rocker or Glider with a Slim Profile

Although not an absolute necessity, we think a rocker or glider is a worthwhile investment—not only will you appreciate a cozy and comfy spot to feed your baby, they’re also great for extra snuggles and storytime once you’ve outgrown the baby stage. If you’ve only got a narrow space or small corner to spare, there are plenty of stylish options for cramped nursery nooks, like the Monte Luca Glider (it’s only 30” wide with an overall stationary depth of 32”).

Downsize to a Mini Crib

A crib is typically one of the largest pieces of furniture in any nursery plan—not so great if you’re short on space. While bassinets are a smaller option, they’re also outgrown pretty quickly (usually within three months or so). Instead, consider opting for a mini crib, which is safe for them to sleep on from night one and can be used for months longer than a traditional bassinet. And some mini cribs, like the Stokke Sleepi, can be converted to a toddler bed—also smaller than a standard twin bed—with the purchase of an extension kit.

Double Duty Furniture

Forget impractical “single use” pieces of furniture, and look for multi-purpose items that earn their floor space. Consider using a dresser (which really is an essential piece of furniture) as a base for organizing all those nursery basics. Not only do you have loads of storage in drawers, you can also pop a changing mat onto the top and add a caddy with all your diapering supplies and grooming tools.

Door Storage

There are so many storage system options that can be mounted to or hung from the back of doors, and they won’t take up any floor space. They’re an easy spot to tuck away stuffed animals, lovies, extra sheets, burp cloths, and your diaper stash. 

Rethink Your Closetspace 

In a nursery that’s squarefoot challenged, closet doors can make furniture layout tricky. Consider ditching the closet doors and replacing them with curtains (or nothing if you’re super organized and your closet contents aren’t an eyesore) so that you have more usable space.

You can also use your closet to house nursery furniture—depending on the size, you could squeeze in extra storage cabinets, dressers, or even a bassinet. Baby and toddler clothes are tiny, so there will be plenty of space beneath any hanging items for nursery essentials that can’t quite fit in the room.

Under Crib Storage

The space under the crib is an ideal spot for storing bulkier items, like towels, blankets, and toys (especially ones they haven’t grown into yet). 

Take a moment to measure the height between your floor and crib bottom (save yourself the hassle of buying a bin that won’t fit) then look for baskets, totes, or bins that you can slide underneath easily. 

Creative Lighting

When you’re working with limited space for furniture, tabletops and other surfaces can be hard to come by, and that can make finding a spot for lamps challenging. Consider using a wall-mounted sconce in lieu of a table lamp or floor lamp, which can be risky once your baby becomes more mobile.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of an electrician, there are plenty of good looking sconce options that either plug into an existing outlet, or use rechargeable light bulbs.

Finding What’s Right for You

Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].