Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby. But with so many nursery essentials to choose from, it can be tough to know which items are worth the investment and where you can save money without compromising quality. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-have nursery items, from cribs and gliders to decor and storage, sharing tips on when to splurge and when to opt for budget-friendly options.
Whether you’re creating a cozy, comfortable nursery for the first time or refreshing your current setup, these tips will help you prioritize quality, comfort, and style—while making the most of your nursery budget. Let’s explore how to design a beautiful, practical space that feels just right for your little one.
Investment pieces
The Crib
Choosing a high-quality crib is an investment in both safety and timeless style for your nursery. A well-crafted crib offers lasting comfort, often with versatile features to grow with your little one. We believe a beautiful crib is more than just furniture—it’s a centerpiece that elevates the room and creates a nurturing space where memories begin.
Our favorite cribs:
The Wave Crib – by Nestig
Why we love it: The Wave Crib is not only beautiful, but incredibly practical. Made from sustainable Brazilian wood in a family-owned factory, The Wave is a convertible 3-in-1, on wheels, making it very accessible and easy to move in mini crib form.
Bondi – by Babyletto
Why we love it: Another consciously crafted beauty, the Bondi is made with New Zealand pine wood, one of the most sustainable options on the market. We’ll forgive it for not having wheels because of the seriously stunning side-caning.
Eloise 4-in-1 Convertible Crib – by Namesake
Why we love it: You’ve heard of the 3-in-1, this is it’s sophisticated and versatile older sibling. The Eloise is a creative mix of traditional and modern, with a final transformation into a full size bed that can work in any bedroom of your home.
The Changing Table
Opting for a quality changing table that can later transition into a dresser is a smart choice, providing convenience now and lasting style as your child matures. A well-crafted piece adds both function and timeless design to your nursery.
Our favorite changing tables:
Scalloped 6-Drawer Changing Table – by West Elm Kids
Why we love it: This stylish changing table transitions flawlessly into an elevated dresser. We’re currently saying yes to a lot of scallops, and this table’s beautiful texture effortlessly adds a sense of warmth and detail to any nursery.
Liberty 6-Drawer Assembled Dresser – by Namesake
Why we love it: Did we mention we are loving scallops? The Liberty feels heirloom and vintage, and immediately makes the nursery feel like the coziest space in the house. We are faulting it, however, for the changing table accessory being sold separately.
Sloan Changing Table – by Pottery Barn Kids
Looking for something a little more minimal and light? Standing at only 36″ wide, the Sloan fits nicely into smaller spaces, includes a full-width drawer, and two open shelves for additional storage and display. If you need a changing table space but don’t want to make the commitment of a large, heavy piece of furniture, this option turns into a wonderful console table.
A Comfy Nursery Chair
Let’s be real—you’re about to spend countless hours in your nursery chair. And why wouldn’t you? From late-night snuggles to quiet bonding moments, that chair becomes a cozy sanctuary for you and your little one. Investing in a quality nursery chair means choosing comfort that supports those precious moments and style that harmonizes with your home. Plus, with the right design, it can serve as a beautiful focal point, anchoring the theme of your nursery and elevating the space into something truly special.
Our favorite chairs:
Dream Deluxe Swivel Glider Recliner – by Pottery Barn Kids
Why we love it: The Dream Deluxe Swivel Glider Recliner (try saying that five times fast!) is designed to meet all your needs—and at this price point, it should. With a range of upholstery options, from cozy performance chenille to textured boucle, this chair is about as versatile as they come. Fully powered with a built-in USB port and a gentle undercarriage nightlight, it’s crafted with thoughtful details to make those late nights a little easier. Plus, adjustable headrest and lumbar support mean you can settle in comfortably for as long as your little one needs.
One thing to keep in mind: the Dream Deluxe does come with a premium price tag, and for certain upholstery choices, you may need to allow up to 12 weeks for delivery. If time is of the essence, check out the ‘In Stock and Ready to Ship’ options for faster availability.
Nami – by Babyletto
Why we love it: The Nami’s soft, rounded design adds a playful touch to the nursery while keeping things cozy and inviting. It’s also impressively quiet for a power recliner, perfect for those late-night moments when you don’t want to disturb a sleeping baby. Keep in mind, the USB port works best for smaller devices, like phones rather than larger tablets.
Rollin’ Cream Boucle Nursery Rocking Chair – by Leanne Ford
Why we love it: Leanne Ford’s nursery rocker is a piece of art. If you’re looking for something a bit more manual, but design forward, this chair is bold without skimping on comfort.
An Area Rug
A cushioned rug is a lifesaver for your knees during playtime and keeps the nursery warm and inviting. Choose tufted, padded options for extra comfort, and double-check that it fits under doors with the rug pad in place. Prioritize safe, nontoxic materials to create a cozy, healthy space for your little one.
Our favorite rug brands:
Washable Area Rugs by Lorena Canals
Why we love it: We’re big fans of Lorena Canals nursery rugs. They’re super soft, made from safe, nontoxic materials, and—bonus—they’re machine-washable, which is a lifesaver for life with little ones. With their beautiful designs and cozy feel, these rugs bring so much warmth and personality to a nursery, all while being practical enough for everyday messes.
Washable Rugs by Nestig
Why we love it: We love Nestig washable rugs for their playful shapes and thoughtful design—perfect for smaller spaces where a full area rug isn’t ideal. Handcrafted by Brazilian artisans using organic cotton and nontoxic dyes, these rugs are as safe as they are beautiful. Plus, they’re washable, making them a practical and stylish choice for any nursery.
Washable Rugs by Nestig
Why we love it: We love Ruggable rugs for their incredible versatility and practicality. With customizable options for size, style, and pad thickness—plus a huge range of beautiful designs—it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your nursery. Best of all, they’re washable, which makes life with little ones so much easier. While Ruggable rugs are nontoxic, they do contain some recycled polyester, so they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a completely plastic-free option.
Where to save
storage
Kakamay Large Woven Hamper – from Amazon
Why we love it: Budget-friendly options can handle all the diapers, laundry, and toys without missing a beat. With so many stylish, affordable choices out there, it’s easy to find pieces that look great and do the job— This large woven hamper from Amazon seller Kakamay comes in assorted color combinations and is plastic-free.
StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Baskets – from Amazon
Why we love them: The StorageWorks Water Hyacinth baskets are a stylish and budget-friendly way to stay organized. Perfect for everything from bottles to postpartum essentials or open storage in cubbies, these versatile rattan baskets are your go-to solution for all those “where do I put this?” moments.
NaturalCozy 5-Piece Rectangle Storage Basket Set – from Amazon
Why we love them: We love the NaturalCozy five piece set for its simple, functional charm. Made from natural cotton rope, these baskets are soft, durable, and perfect for organizing all your nursery essentials. We especially love them for all things breastfeeding, or an elegant solution to storing burp cloths.
Best Choice Products 6-Cube Storage Organizer – from Amazon
Why we love it: A budget-friendly nursery solution that doesn’t skimp on function. With a sleek design and plenty of room for bins, books, and toys, it keeps everything organized while blending seamlessly into your space. It’s a smart choice for creating a tidy, stylish nursery without overspending. If you don’t want white, we recommend painting it a fun accent color.
nursery accents
Blackout Linen Curtains – from Amazon
Why we love them: Take it from us—blackout curtains are a game-changer for better sleep, for both you and your little one. But you don’t need to splurge to find a set that’s both functional and beautiful. This linen option comes in 16 gorgeous colors and multiple lengths, making it a perfect fit for any nursery.
Fun Memories Picture Ledge Shelf – from Amazon
Why we love it: It’s a charming, affordable way to add both style and storage to your little one’s space. Made from pine wood, this shelf comes in multiple lengths and wood tones, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your nursery.
Oneach Portable Cordless Table Lamp – from Amazon
Why we love it: This lamp is a wonderful mix of thoughtful design and ease of use. This rechargeable, cordless lamp features a touch-activated base, so you’re never fumbling for a button during night feeds or changes. Its soft, calming light and variety of beautiful finishes make it both practical and stylish—perfect for those quiet nursery moments.
Blissful Diary Muslin Crib Sheets – from Amazon
Why we love them: Simple, stylish, and effortlessly functional, these crib sheets are a winner for their soft texture and timeless aesthetic. Made from 100% muslin cotton, they’re breathable, gentle on baby’s skin, and come in a palette of beautiful earth tones that add a cozy, natural vibe to your nursery. A major plus is that this brand makes matching changing pad and nursing covers.
Parker Baby Diaper Caddy – from Amazon
Why we love them: A favorite among moms everywhere—and for good reason—the Parker Baby Diaper Caddy is both lightweight and sturdy, with plenty of pockets for all your diapering essentials. Perfect for moving from room to room or packing up for trips, this heathered felt caddy is collapsible and easy to take on the go, keeping everything organized no matter where you are.
