Simple Tips on How to Transition a Nursery to a Timeless Kids Bedroom
The time has come to transition Axel’s sweet woodland nursery, into a timeless “big boy” room! This change feels both exciting and overwhelming for David and me as it marks an important milestone—our little one is no longer an infant, but a toddler with his own personality and growing sense of independence! It feels right to update some of the more baby-friendly aspects of his room to allow space for that amazing growth.
While the process may feel daunting, with a little planning and creativity, you can easily transform a nursery into a beautiful and functional space that suits your child’s new stage of life. From space-saving storage solutions and playful decor, Wayfair offers everything you need to create a functional, stylish, and personalized space that evolves with your child’s changing needs and interests.
Read on for my seven simple tips on how to transition a baby nursery into a kids’ bedroom plus my classic, curated kids bedroom picks from Wayfair.
This post is sponsored by Wayfair and includes affiliate links. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Enjoy!
1. Start with a Blank Canvas: Clear Out Baby Items
The first step in transitioning your baby’s nursery is to clear out the old items that no longer serve a purpose. This may include:
The crib: As your child grows, they will need a toddler bed or twin-sized bed that’s safer and more comfortable for them.
Changing table: Your child is now potty trained or soon to be on their way, so you can remove the changing table and replace it with storage or other functional furniture.
Baby mobiles and soft toys: Remove any decor meant for newborns and replace it with decor that appeals to a toddler.
By clearing the space, you create room for new furniture, storage, and decor that reflect your child's evolving interests and needs.
2. Select the Right Bed for Your Growing Child
A bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom, and choosing the right one for your toddler is crucial. Some options to consider include:
Toddler Bed: These beds are smaller and closer to the ground, making it easier for toddlers to climb in and out of bed on their own. They often come with fun themes and colorful designs.
Twin Bed with Safety Rails: If your child is ready for a bigger bed, a twin bed with safety rails offers the comfort and space they need, while keeping them safe as they adjust to sleeping without the confines of a crib.
Convertible Crib: If you invested in a convertible crib that transitions into a toddler bed, this is an easy way to save money and ease your child into a larger sleeping space.
Choose a bed that not only suits your child’s needs but also complements the room’s overall design.
3. Incorporate Fun and Functional Storage
As your child gets older, they’ll accumulate toys, books, and clothes that need to be stored efficiently. Use the transition to introduce more functional storage solutions that encourage organization. Some great options include:
Toy Chests or Storage Bins: These are perfect for keeping toys off the floor and creating a clutter-free environment. Go for ones with easy-to-open lids and non-toxic finishes.
Bookshelves: Low-profile shelves or bookcases make it easy for your child to access their favorite stories and help them develop a love for reading.
Under-bed Storage: Make use of space under the bed by adding storage drawers or bins. This is perfect for extra blankets, shoes, or seasonal clothes.
By adding more storage, you’re not only keeping the room tidy but also teaching your child the importance of organization from a young age.
4. Update the Decor to Reflect Their Growing Personality
This is the fun part! As your child’s interests and personality begin to shine through, you’ll want to update the room's decor to match their growing tastes. Here are a few ideas:
Bedding: Opt for fun, themed bedding that reflects your child’s favorite animals, superheroes, or characters. Bright colors and playful designs can help transform the room into a space they’ll love.
Wall Art and Decor: Swap out baby-themed art for fun, child-friendly prints. Consider wall decals, framed art, or a growth chart to track their progress. Choose colors and designs that make the room feel lively and inspiring.
Rugs: Add a soft, colorful rug to the room to create a comfortable play area. This also helps to demarcate different zones, such as a sleep zone and a play zone.
Lighting: Switch out the soft, dim lighting for brighter, more playful lighting options like a fun nightlight, a pendant lamp, or a chandelier with colorful accents.
Your child’s bedroom should be a reflection of their growing personality, with decor that excites and inspires them.
5. Create a Play Area or Activity Zone
As your child becomes more active and independent, they will need a designated area to play, read, and explore. Consider adding a play zone to the room where your child can engage in imaginative play. This could include:
A play tent or teepee: This provides a cozy nook for reading or imaginative play.
A soft floor mat or play rug: Ideal for safe play, these rugs come in fun patterns and themes, from roads for toy cars to animals and shapes.
Activity table: A low table for drawing, building with blocks, or puzzles can provide a space for creative activities.
By creating a designated play area, you help foster creativity and give your child a sense of ownership over their space.
6. Incorporate Personal Touches
One of the best parts of transitioning your baby’s nursery into a kids’ bedroom is adding personal touches that make the space unique to your child. Some ideas include:
Name or Initial Wall Art: A personalized sign with your child’s name or initials adds a special touch to their room.
Memory Box or Display Shelf: Showcase your child’s favorite toys, art, or other memorabilia on a shelf or in a display case.
Custom Bedding or Pillows: Consider having personalized pillows made with your child’s name or favorite colors.
Personalizing the space will help your child feel a stronger connection to their new bedroom.
7. Maintain a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Safety is always a top priority, especially as your child starts to explore their space more independently. Ensure the room is both safe and comfortable by:
Securing furniture: Anchor bookshelves, dressers, and other tall furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
Using soft furnishings: Soft, padded furniture and rugs will make the space comfortable for play, while also reducing the risk of injury.
Checking for safety hazards: Ensure cords from blinds, electrical outlets, and other items are safely out of reach.
By keeping the room safe and comfortable, you create an environment where your child can explore and thrive.
Final Thoughts: A Room That Grows with Them
Transitioning from a baby nursery to a kids’ bedroom is an exciting and rewarding process. By updating furniture, decor, and storage, you can create a space that reflects your child's personality while meeting their new needs. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to transform the nursery into a room that grows with your child, offering them a comfortable and fun space to learn, play, and dream.
