Babies' rooms – their first bedroom

It's so exciting decorating a room for the arrival of a new baby! With such a wide palette of colours available, it's easier than ever to let your imagination run free and create something really original. There's a wide choice of furniture, too. Here's a roundup of the latest decorating trends for babies' rooms.
Project guide service
Paint calculator
Wallpaper calculator
Moulding calculator
Moulding design
Colour it!
Related Projects
Related Tips
Page 1/2
Playing with colours
Furnishings: a question of style
Liven up the floor
Bedding fabrics and window treatments
Light, light, and more light…
Storage ideas
Safety concerns
Before you get started, you'll have to make some decisions that will influence your choice of colours and furnishings. Will the room need to "grow" with the child? If so, it's wise to consider convertible furniture, which can be adapted as your little one gets older. On the other hand, if you're planning to have more babies in the future, this bedroom could become the official "nursery". This option definitely has its advantages (as long as you have the space, of course) because the decoration and furnishings you choose will last for several years. Bear in mind, however, that the furniture should be of good quality, resistant to wear and tear, and painted in colours that appeal to both boys and girls.

Playing with colours

Put the emphasis on soft, calm colours, which will help your baby to sleep peacefully. Use the bedding – or any other accessory you like – as a starting point when choosing colours. The classics – blue, pink, yellow – have been updated and are softer than ever. Alternatively, you could go for something completely different such as mellow greens, warm beiges, delicate lilacs or appetizing oranges, which are currently popular. Go for a monochrome scheme, or mix different colours. To achieve the right balance, you should select four: one dominant colour for the walls; another several tones lighter or darker (according to the desired effect) for the mouldings; a different colour altogether for the ceiling; and finally, an accent colour for a key element of the decor and a few accessories. Vary the types of finish used (matte or gloss) to create attractive effects.

The decor will also play a part in awakening your baby's senses. From their crib, babies have an unrestricted view of the ceiling and the top of the walls, so you need to pay special attention to these areas. They're the ideal place to paint geometrical shapes, animals or flowers, or any other subjects popular with little ones. If you're handy with a pencil or a brush, how about drawing a fresco to frame baby's bed right up to the ceiling? For less-gifted artists, stencils make the task even easier. Wallpaper is also an appealing option, but watch out for patterns that are too babyish, or you'll want to change the paper as soon as your baby grows older.

Furnishings: a question of style

Essentials include a crib and a changing table, a rocking chair (or bergere) with foot rests for added comfort during nursing, a bookcase, armoire and dresser. Don't be afraid of mixing different styles: your grandmother's antique armoire will go very well with a contemporary bed. Natural wood furniture also looks great with painted furniture. Eclecticism is in vogue.

In the last few years, children's furniture has taken on more colour: faded blue, corn yellow, leaf green. Faux finishes such as crackling and antiquing are also popular. There's something for everyone. A number of manufacturers offer convertible furniture that grows with the child. By removing certain parts of the crib, it transforms into a small bed and storage space. Overall, it's comfort that matters most. Your baby (and you) will spend a lot of time in this bedroom in the first few months, so it's important that you furnish it with comfort and practicality in mind.
Page 1/2