The following is a guest post by Jamie Sward. Jamie is a home decor expert for All Children’s Furniture.com, a part of CSN Stores, where he has been for over a year.  With a BA in Journalism from Indiana University, Jamie loves to write about the latest in design trends for the home.  He currently resides in Boston, MA.

How to Set up a Nursery on a Budget

Designing the perfect nursery for your baby should be a project that you take great pride in. A baby’s nursery has the potential to grow and change as your baby does, so you want the room to work for you, not against you. As with any renovation or interior decorating project, it’s very important to establish a budget – otherwise you will just keep spending and spending until you have nothing left. Here are some tips you can use when designing the perfect baby’s nursery on a budget.

The Crib

The focal point of your nursery most often is the crib. If you are going more money on any part of this design project, spend it on the crib. It’s a fact – babies sleep a lot. Therefore, finding a crib that’s comfortable, safe and durable is very important. When crib shopping, consider looking at some convertible cribs. Many convertible cribs convert into toddler beds, which saves you money. In addition to toddler beds, you can also find convertible cribs that turn into full size beds and settees – stretching your dollar even further by lasting you for many more years. Cribs can also be handed down, just make sure that the crib still meets today’s safety standards, as set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Changing Table

While you are free to buy a fancy changing table, it might be easier and more cost-effective to just use a dresser. Think about it – a changing table has a flat surface for changing the diaper, as well as space to store the diapers, ointments, powders, etc. A changing table may make it easier to compartmentalize your diaper changing duties, but a dresser has everything you really need. A flat surface – check. Storage space – check, just use all of the drawers. As your child gets older, you can use the dresser to keep clothes. A dresser is a more versatile piece of furniture than a changing table. The important thing to consider is how sturdy the dresser is – using an antique dresser probably isn’t the best option. A baby isn’t heavy but you don’t want to take any chances.

Finishing Touches

When it comes to putting the finishing touches onto your nursery, spruce things up with some low or zero-VOC paint. Low and zero-VOC paints are odorless and safer than standard wall paint. These special paints cost about the same as a standard can of paint so they aren’t ridiculously expensive. You’d be surprised at what a little color can do to a space! Create a little comfortable corner in your room for mother and baby, with a rocking chair, glider or even an upholstered loveseat from your living room. You can always move the chair back into the living room after your child gets older or leave it in as a reading chair. Buy a couple of inexpensive area rugs for the floor, decorative lamps, and a fun poster or two for added color and personality. If your baby has any older siblings, perhaps they can make some art for the walls. The nursery doesn’t have to be anything too fancy. It just needs to be safe and comfortable for your baby. That’s all that really matters.

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