How to Create the Perfect Nursery on a Budget

Designing a nursery doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can create a beautiful, functional space for your baby without spending a fortune.

Start with the Essentials

Focus your budget on the items that matter most: a safe crib, a firm mattress, and fitted sheets. Everything else is secondary. You don’t need the matching dresser, bookshelf, and glider from the same collection — mix and match to save.

Choose a Simple Color Palette

A neutral color palette (whites, soft grays, natural wood tones) looks timeless and grows with your child. You can add pops of color with affordable accessories like throw pillows, wall art, or a colorful mobile.

DIY Wall Decor

Skip the expensive nursery art sets. Frame some family photos, print free downloadable art from the internet, or create simple geometric shapes with washi tape. Your baby won’t know the difference, and it adds a personal touch.

Shop Secondhand (Strategically)

Items like dressers, rocking chairs, bookshelves, and storage bins are perfectly fine to buy secondhand. A fresh coat of paint can transform a thrift store find into a nursery centerpiece. Just always buy cribs and car seats new for safety.

Think Multi-Functional

Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes. A dresser with a changing pad on top eliminates the need for a separate changing table. A crib that converts to a toddler bed extends its life by years.

The best nurseries are made with love, not expensive purchases. Shop our newborn essentials for affordable must-haves.