There are many ways to decorate a nursery without altering or damaging the walls. This is especially important for renters, who are often restricted from painting. Furniture and decorations can compensate for bare walls, and certain wall adhesives can be applied, and later removed, without leaving any lasting traces.
Furniture
A bassinet, crib or other bed is a necessity. Choose one in a shade that matches the overall feeling of the room. Consider buying a furniture set that includes a matching diaper changing station, dresser, crib and hutch.
Nurseries exist more for the enjoyment of the parents than the child, and the room should be decorated in a style that contributes to parental comfort. Soft rocking chairs with ottomans, large reclining chairs, and other seats should be plentiful.
A special diaper receptacle, such as a Diaper Genie, will be useful. A laundry basket or hamper should also be present somewhere in the room. Consider other practical items, including baby soothers such as bouncers and swings.
Depending on the existing lighting in the room, it may be wise to purchase some soft floor lamps. These can cast a peaceful glow in the room that will help the baby sleep and be soothed during middle of the night feedings and diaper changes.
Decoration
Shelves can provide wonderful decorating opportunities, but are certainly not required for an attractive nursery. Display a variety of children's toys, including stuffed animals, rattles, books and building blocks. These can alternate between functional use and décor as the child grows.
Throw rugs in theme colors can decorate the floor and give the child a designated play area. Large stuffed animals, rocking horses, and other toys can be decoratively displayed on the floor.
Depending on the gender of the child, additional toys can add to the room's décor. These include dolls, trains, cars, princess clothes, building sets and playhouses. Although these will not be needed until the child reaches a certain age, they can add to the overall warmth and feel of the nursery.
Wall Decorations
There are many paint-free ways to decorate nursery walls. These include traditional ways, such as adding shelves and hanging artwork, as well as nontraditional ways, such as adding removable wall mural images.
Selecting large pieces of art and placing them in thick frames can help cover blank wall space. However, it is important to keep the artwork within the general theme and feel of the rest of the room. Frames also should match the artwork as well as the rest of the room. The goal of any nursery wall decoration is to add to the ambiance of the room without directly drawing attention to itself, as the baby should always be the highlight of the nursery.
Wall images come in a wide variety of styles, including small images and full wall sized pictures. Carefully read the packaging on any mural before applying. Most, but not all, can be adhered and removed without any surface damage to the walls. This allows renters and other residents to modify their living spaces without causing any damage or violating contractual agreements.
