Creating a cosy nursery on a budget

Waiting on the arrival of a new baby is an incredibly exciting time. Equally as exciting is designing your baby’s nursery. It can be tough building the comforting and cosy space your little one needs on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together these four tips for creating the perfect nursery for less.

Reuse old furniture

There’s so much more to a nursery than just a changing table and a crib. Consider just some of the common pieces a nursery often needs:

• Cots or pack-and-plays
• Dressers
• Wardrobe
• Baby equipment (bouncer, rocker, etc.)
• Nursing or rocking chair

The price of these furnishings can seriously add up, and if you have to purchase everything yourself, it can become impossibly expensive to find everything you need on a budget. A great way to both save money and responsibly furnish your baby’s new room is by reusing and recycling used furniture pieces.

Is there a set of drawers in a spare bedroom that could be better suited for the nursery? Does your local thrift store or charity shop have used chairs and wardrobes that are still in good condition? There are even speciality 2nd hand shops and charities that deal exclusively with items for babies and young children.

By using extra pieces around your house and shopping for thrifted items, you can save hundreds in comparison to buying these pieces brand new.

Buy clothes in bulk

Babies grow incredibly fast.

In fact, it’s common for babies to change sizes every few months, and within the first year, they grow almost 24 centimetres alone. With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why some parents can use a single outfit only a handful of times for their little one before it ends up in the donating pile.

Though children’s boutiques have temptingly cute outfits, they can be very pricey, especially if they will be worn for such a brief time. Rather than spend too much of your budget on brand-new clothes, consider reusing clothes that are in good condition.

Thanks to online marketplaces, selling and buying clothes is easier than ever, and many mums sell their children’s outgrown wardrobe in bagfuls at a hugely cheap price. Try exploring social media marketplaces or sites like Vinted or Depop to connect with other moms selling their baby’s old clothes in bulk.

Use discounted paint

Decorating your nursery can be a challenge, even if you’re simply looking to add a splash of colour to your walls. If you’re looking to liven up the room, try purchasing discounted paint or “oops” paint from one of your local hardware stores.

These cheaply discounted paints are often paint that’s been returned or left by customers who change their minds after the shade has already been mixed. You can find a variety of colours from these paints, and soft neutral tones that are popular in these rooms are quite common.

Install energy-efficient heating

An important way to keep your baby safe in the winter is to ensure you have proper heating throughout your home and in their room. Besides ensuring windows are properly sealed, having a reliable heating system is crucial to keep you and your baby cosy.

For a stylish touch that’s also energy efficient, consider installing a new radiator in your infant’s room. Vertical radiators are a great energy-efficient option to save on floor and wall space. Installing a new unit can save significantly on your heating and energy bills every month.

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful and functional nursery on a tight budget isn’t impossible. It just takes some preparation and patience to shop for discounted deals and used alternatives. By trying these tips, you’ll create a sustainable and special space that’s ready for your little one’s arrival.