DIY Decor: Designing a Dream Nursery on a Budget

As a co-sleeping parent, who coslept until my kids were older than toddlers, having and decorating a nursery was never even a consideration for me. But for many parents, especially first time moms, decorating a nursery is something they've dreamed of, often even before they were pregnant. But doing so can really eat away at your pocketbook. Here are some ways that you can have your dream nursery without breaking the bank.

DIY Decor: Designing a Dream Nursery on a Budget

Having a baby is expensive. From countless diaper purchases to hospital bills, the costs really add up. It’s estimated that the average parent spends thousands of dollars on hospital bills alone. Whenever possible, saving money is key. While designing a nursery is one of the most rewarding baby-planning tasks, many expecting parents tend to overspend unnecessarily. If you’d like a beautiful nursery without breaking the bank, it’s good to learn the best ways to save money on the design process first.

Choose a Paint Color Scheme

It’s incredible what a single inexpensive paint gallon can do for a room. Whether you’re an excellent artist or more prone to drawing stick figures, you can make a nursery stand out with just a few splashes of paint and some creativity. You can use stencils or hire help to paint a beautiful nursery scene on the walls, or you can choose a simple, cohesive color scheme to bring the walls to life. You can even paint the ceiling for a unique and immersive touch. Browse paint selections and compare costs to save money. You can even go for an accent wall only if you really want to save. Consider painting the room yourself to save on labor costs as well.

Take Advantage of Used Furniture

Your baby deserves nothing but the best, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy everything brand new. Most baby furniture is barely used before it is rehomed, meaning you can save a lot of money without sacrificing quality or safety. Browse used marketplaces on social media or thrift stores for gently used or repurposed baby furniture. Consignment stores offer high-quality, gently used high-end furniture and can often include pieces like cribs or children’s beds. Give some places a visit; you may be surprised at what you can find for a low price.

Add Smaller Personal Touches

When it comes to decorating your baby’s nursery, less is often more. You don’t have to buy a massive furniture set to create a charming sanctuary for your baby. A tiny hanging mobile or framed picture usually sets quite a mood for the room without breaking the bank. For a personalized touch, you can take advantage of customized decor, like some adorable nursery name signs. These accents are low in price and small in size but can make a nursery stand out and feel like home.

Save Money on Labor With DIY

Whenever you hire someone to paint a wall or assemble furniture, you’re spending hundreds of dollars on labor alone. While you shouldn’t ever do unsafe labor, especially when pregnant, many tasks are safely and easily done yourself and at your own pace, like painting. You can split tasks up into smaller pieces to avoid frustration and exhaustion. Don’t be afraid to try doing a task yourself. You can always hire help later if it proves to be too much for you.

Visit Thrift or Discount Stores

There are tons of thrift stores like Goodwill that offer gently used items at very cheap prices. You can find plenty of nursery decor and baby toys at lower prices. Thrifting is a common practice, and you may find your favorite designer crib or baby brands there. You can also find some affordable maternity outfits as well. If you’re not a fan of the idea of pre-used items, you can alternatively visit discount stores that offer new items at lower prices. Stores like TJ Maxx or Ollie’s can provide affordable baby items at times, though selections change often.

Consider Convertible

When you’re choosing a bed for your baby, you may want to consider your crib purchase carefully. A crib will only be usable for a short period before you need to upgrade to something bigger for your baby. A convertible crib will allow you to transition from a crib to a larger daybed without the purchase of additional furniture. Many parents swear by convertible beds to save money and reduce unnecessary purchases.

Go With Multipurpose Furniture

When choosing your nursery’s furniture, you can go beyond the convertible crib in terms of multipurpose furniture. If you will only use furniture for one purpose, skip buying it. For example, a changing table may seem like a convenient idea, but it only serves one purpose—to change a baby’s diaper. You’ll likely need to rehome or recycle it once your baby is past the diaper days. Instead, a dresser or vanity can easily become a changing table with a waterproof pad placed on top. You can save a lot of money by only buying necessary furniture and converting it when needed.

Conclusion

Having a baby is an exciting time. Try not to stress too much about expenses; spending money is a part of the journey. However, you can save money by doing tasks yourself and being smart with your furniture purchases. Starting a budget when planning for a baby can help you prioritize expenses and avoid getting into financial trouble. You don’t need to sacrifice fun or decorations when designing your dream nursery; just be smart about what you spend!