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 story time 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. When shopping, look for "apartment-scale" furniture. Many gliders also come with a swivel feature, which is more practical in a tight space than a traditional rocker that needs clearance to move back and forth. You can also consider a comfortable, upholstered armchair (or even a high-back dining chair with arms) and add a rocking ottoman to get the motion you need without the bulk.

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. A standard crib is a fixed rectangle, demanding a huge, inflexible footprint. 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. A mini crib can save you valuable square footage, giving you more flexibility for your layout. For parents sharing a room, a mini crib can tuck easily into a corner or alongside the bed. 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. This is the number one rule of any small-space design. 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. For safety, make sure to use a changing pad with straps that can be secured to the back of the dresser, and always anchor the dresser itself to the wall. Another great multi-use item is a storage ottoman, which can serve as a footrest for your glider, an extra seat for a visiting grandparent, and a hidden toy chest all in one.

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. From simple hooks for baby carriers and diaper bags to full-length, over-the-door shoe organizers (which are perfect for baby shoes, swaddles, and onesies), this vertical space is pure gold. 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—especially bifold or swing-out doors—can make furniture layout tricky by creating "dead space" they need to open into. 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 the changing station itself. 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. Invest in a full closet organization system with double-hanging rods, drawers, and shelves. By turning your entire closet into a highly-functional storage wall, you may be able to eliminate the need for a bulky dresser in the room altogether.

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). This is also the perfect place for bulk diaper boxes or next-size-up clothing. 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. Low-profile, solid-colored bins with lids will look the most streamlined and uncluttered. If your crib doesn't have a solid "skirt," adding a tailored crib skirt will hide the storage and complete the look.

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. Floor lamps take up precious square footage, and table lamps require a table. 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 (just be sure to secure the cord safely to the wall) or use rechargeable, remote-controlled light bulbs. Installing a dimmer switch for your overhead light is another fantastic option, allowing you to control the room's ambiance for late-night feeds without needing multiple lamps.

Go Vertical with Smart Decor

Visual clutter makes a small room feel tiny. The solution is to draw the eye upward and keep surfaces clear.

• Use Floating Shelves: Instead of a bulky bookcase, install narrow floating shelves on the walls to hold books, monitors, and a few decorative items. Placing them higher up draws the eye toward the ceiling.
• Use Light, Airy Colors: Dark colors can make a small room feel cave-like. Opt for light neutrals, soft pastels, or a crisp white to make the space feel bigger and brighter. A monochromatic palette (using different shades of the same color) creates a seamless look without jarring transitions.
• Add a Mirror: A well-placed mirror is the oldest trick in the small-space book for a reason. It bounces light around the room and creates an illusion of depth, tricking the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is.
• Hang Curtains High and Wide: To make a small window feel larger, hang your curtain rod several inches above the window frame (as close to the ceiling as you can) and let it extend beyond the frame on either side. This makes the whole wall feel grander.

Create a "Nursery Nook"

If your nursery is just one corner of your own bedroom, you can still make it feel like its own distinct space. Use a small, low-pile rug to visually define the "nursery zone." Pair a mini-crib with a single, tall, and narrow storage tower that can serve as your changing station and storage all in one. By containing all baby items within that clearly defined nook, the rest of the room still feels like an adult sanctuary.

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].