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Baby Nursery on a Budget
Decorating your baby nursery can be very exciting... and very expensive! How can you achieve the adorable sanctuary you envision and still afford diapers? Do your research and plan, plan, plan!
The first step is determining your budget for your baby nursery idea. With so many baby nursery themes these days, it is easy to get carried away. But remember, your little bundle of joy also comes with many expenses such as formula and diapers so you don't want to go into debt just to have a cute nursery! Once you've set your budget, you can start shopping!
The furniture for the room will eat up a significant amount of your budget. Most nurseries consist of a crib, changing table, dresser, and rocking chair. These items are sold at a variety of stores from discount stores to department stores to specialty baby shops. Your budget will determine the type of store you will use. More budget-friendly options are secondhand children's stores, Goodwill stores, factory outlet centers, and garage sales. My son's convertible crib was purchased from a garage sale at a quarter of the retail cost and was in perfect condition. Used furniture that has some wear can be renewed with a fresh coat of paint and stencils or decals. Decorative drawer pulls are an inexpensive way to jazz up furniture, and they come in a variety of colors, styles, and themes.
Another way to make the most of your money is to purchase items that serve dual purposes. A traditional changing table doesn’t serve much purpose once your child stops wearing diapers. We selected an inexpensive dresser that was the perfect height for a changing table. We bought an inexpensive changing pad to place on top of the dresser, along with a decorative basket to hold the diapers and other supplies. The changing pad can easily be removed and the dresser will still be suitable as my son grows older. Convertible beds are also another multi-functional piece. Selecting classic pieces that will grow with the child will save money in the future. Baskets and shelves work as decorations and as storage. Get creative!
The other portion of your budget will go towards decorating the nursery. When planning my son's jungle-themed nursery, I brainstormed a list of decorative ideas and then narrowed it down to the most appealing and affordable items. A few simple decorations in your baby nursery theme can go a long way. An easy and inexpensive way to spice up the room is with paint color. Color on the walls can set the tone for the entire nursery.
Baby nursery bedding can also be a focal point for the nursery. Many complete bedding sets are quite expensive. Comforters and bumper pads are not recommended for babies because they present the risk of suffocation. Eliminating the comforter and bumper pad will save you a significant amount of money. When you find a collection of baby bedding that you like, search for it online. Not only is the internet a great source of information, it also allows you to compare prices from the comfort of your home. Many online stores sell the same brand of bedding. Look on several sites before purchasing so you can find the lowest price. Many sites also offer free shipping on larger orders.
Many bedding collections offer a variety of room accessories, including wall decorations, curtains, mobiles, and lamps. While some of these items will be cute in your room, you can save money by purchasing items at discount stores that are similar color schemes. Some websites also sell coordinating fabric by the yard. If you know someone who is proficient at sewing, this can save you a bundle. If you're feeling creative, visit your local craft supply store. Many decorative items can be made at home with a few inexpensive supplies. Not only will you save money, you will have the personal touch of handmade items for your baby.
Just because you're on a budget, you don't have to give up your vision of an attractive baby nursery for your impending arrival. With a little planning and a lot of hard work you can sit back and enjoy the sanctuary you have created!
Written By: Shelley Frost