How to maximise the space in your dream nursery
Nurseries are often the most compact room in the house, so maximising the space can be essential to creating a comfortable but practical space for your little dreamer.
Discover our top tips for making the most of your room, along with some of our small nursery ideas. From designing a simple, functional layout to choosing multi-purpose nursery furniture to maximise the space.
1. Focus on the essentials
The first step in designing your nursery is to decide exactly what you need. It might sound obvious, but when you’re working with a smaller room, space is seriously precious! Keeping the layout, furniture and décor simple will not only prevent the room from feeling overcrowded but also create a more welcoming environment for you and your baby.
Start with the essentials – your furniture. If you don’t have room for a full 3-piece nursery furniture set, then a cot bed and dresser with changing table are the perfect starting point. Discover our range of 2-piece sets here, which have been thoughtfully designed with space-saving solutions and smaller rooms in mind.
To maximise storage and save precious floor space, consider adding clever wall shelves and storage solutions to keep toys, books and treasures neatly displayed. If you have extra storage elsewhere in your home, you could also keep some toys in the living room or playroom to free up even more space in the nursery.
2. Choose multi-purpose furniture
Multi-purpose nursery furniture is ideal for a smaller room. These pieces will not only save you space but will help keep the nursery organised without compromising on features you love.
Silver Cross cot beds suit each stage of your child’s development, from newborn nights through to their toddler years. With three base heights, the cot bed can be gradually lowered as your baby starts to roll, sit and stand. As your child grows, the railings can be removed effortlessly and, using the same base and Silver Cross mattress, the cot bed can be transformed into a toddler bed suitable up to 4 years old.
As well as three deep drawers, our collection of dressers also feature integrated or removable changing table tops – ideal for nappy and outfit changes during those late nights and early mornings. Plus, when no longer required, the changing tops can be easily removed or left in place to double up as an extra storage tray.
3. Under-crib storage solutions
Another smart place to store bedding, towels, and sleepsuits is in you cot bed’s built-in storage drawer. For example, our Geneva cot bed includes an under-crib trundle drawer, giving you a discreet yet accessible space for all your baby’s essentials. Designed with smaller nurseries in mind, this cot-to-toddler bed offers complete practicality. If your cot bed doesn’t come with storage, you can achieve a similar effect with baskets or boxes neatly tucked away underneath.
4. Maximise vertical space
When it comes to decorating the room, utilise your wall space for shelving and hanging storage baskets – perfect for keeping books and toys organised and within easy reach. Rather than adding a lamp, consider wall-mounted lighting to free up valuable floor space, while also creating a cosy atmosphere for bedtime.
Practical touches like over-the-door coat hooks and organisers will instantly add extra storage without taking up too much room, making them a smart solution for smaller nurseries. You might also want to use floating shelves for keepsakes or photo frames.
5. Create a simple, functional layout
A well-planned nursery layout is essential to ensuring safety and convenience in a small space. Positioning key pieces of nursery furniture close together, such as your cot bed and dresser, will make moments together smoother. Consider keeping frequently used items like nappies, wipes, and muslins within reach for easy access during changes and feeds. Safety should always come first, so you should always secure décor to the wall, keep cords out of reach, and leave clear pathways for easy movement around the room.
Final tips for making a small nursery feel bigger
By choosing storage-smart furniture, designing to a thoughtful layout and maximising your space, even the smallest nursery can feel both practical and inviting. Prioritising the essentials, investing in multi-purpose pieces to grow with your little one, and making use of every inch of space will keep the room organised, so you and your baby can make the most of those special moments together. For further advice on interiors and creating your dream nursery, read more articles on The Edit here.
