Baby + Kids
25+ Gender Neutral Nursery Ideas
Your little one’s nursery is a special place. It may be where they take their first steps or say their first words. Designing a unique space for them is a fun part of preparing for their arrival, and we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas. Here are 28 of our favorite gender neutral nursery ideas.
Gender Neutral Nursery Themes
First things first, pick out a theme for your little one’s nursery before you start shopping for decor and furniture. This will help you design the whole space and make everything cohesive.
1. Modern
Clean lines and classic patterns never go out of style. A modern theme for your little one’s nursery is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something that will grow with them. Plus, you can adapt the theme if you’re planning to have more kids.
2. Minimal
Baby toys and supplies can easily get cluttered and messy in no time. Plan ahead with a minimal theme that gives everything a place and doesn’t overwhelm the space with too many bold patterns or designs.
3. Animals
This is one of our favorite themes! Classic and fun, animals are a beloved feature of childhood and the perfect theme for a gender neutral space. Whether you pick a farm animal theme or you make the room feel like an at-home safari, your little one will love growing up with various creatures.
4. Bright Colors
This one screams “fun.” Bright colors are perfect for a whimsical theme and can be easily adapted as your little one grows up. Opt for a few cohesive hues that you can incorporate into the various features of the room, like bedding and wall decor.
5. Patterns and Prints
Stripes, chevron, color blocking or polka dots, a fun pattern is a sure bet when it comes to having a unique gender neutral nursery. We love a patterned wallpaper or a rug that makes a statement.
Gender Neutral Nursery Decor Ideas
Once you have a theme in mind, it’s time to think about the nursery decor elements. This is an exciting stage—you start to see everything come together!
6. Pick Out a Rug
A rug is the perfect way to tie a room together. Whether you’ve picked a bold theme or want something a little more understated, this can help make the baby’s room cozy and comfy. It’s the perfect place for them to practice crawling!
7. Hang Wall Art
Wall art is one of our favorite ways to decorate any space, and when it comes to a nursery, it’s a quick and easy option. Think about the theme you’ve chosen and go from there. If you have other children, get them involved in the decorating process!
8. Display a Wall Hanging
For a little extra dimension, put up a wall hanging. Pick out an elegant metal piece or a woven rope design for a touch of softness. This is a piece that can grow up with your little one or can later be moved to another space, like a home office.
9. Frame Family Pictures
Accent your wall art with framed family pictures. This is the perfect option for a nursery and lets your little one grow up with family first. Pick out your favorite family portraits of people they don’t get to see very often and change the look by swapping out the snapshots every year or so.
10. Accent with Lighting
Lighting is a great way to make your little one’s space whimsical. Opt for a fixture with bold colors and a unique design so they always smile when they see it.
11. Choose a Mobile
Every crib needs a mobile. Suspend a mobile of safari animals to fit with your theme or a simple assortment of shapes. Choose complementary decor like stuffed animals or wall art.
12. Put Up Wallpaper
No need to buy gallons of paint and deal with all the fumes—that’s the last thing you need while you’re nesting. Opt for wallpaper that can grow up with your little one. Pick out an elegant pattern or put up a dry erase wallpaper that they can use as a canvas when they get older.
13. Decorate with Wall Decals
If wallpaper is too big of an ask, wall decals are a quick decorating trick that can be swapped out as they grow up and their interests change. Pick out characters and creatures, or keep it simple with multicolored polka dots or elegant swaths of greenery.
14. Pick Out Toys
No nursery is complete without favorite toys. Pick out an assortment of stuffed animals, soft toys and interactive games to help them grow and play.
15. Store Them In a Toy Box
Any collection of toys needs the perfect storage solution so you’re not constantly dodging dolls and blocks. A classic toy box fits in with any decor and offers plenty of storage. As they grow up, it can adapt to store bedding or seasonal clothing.
16. Be Ready for Bath Time
Bath time is an important time for any little kid, and having a fun collection of toys and cute towels can make it a fun time for everyone. Hang wall hooks by the door of the nursery to easily access their favorite hooded animal towel and bath toys.
Nursery Furniture
The furniture in your baby’s nursery is a great way to reflect your home’s style and create a cohesive theme.
17. Crib
A necessary element of any nursery, the crib is a perfect statement piece. A rich wood will complement any modern or natural theme, while a white painted crib will help other pieces in the space pop.
18. Rocker
You’ll need a comfortable spot in the nursery too! For late-night feedings or afternoon snuggles, a rocker is a cozy seat that you can tuck into the corner.
19. Ottoman
Be sure to pair your glider with an ottoman for a place to put up your feet. Bonus: Get one with storage space inside so you have room for odds and ends. You can never have enough storage spots in the nursery!
20. Changing Table
The changing table is an important part of the nursery, so you want to be sure it works for you and your needs. Plenty of storage space on the bottom shelves and in the drawers will help you keep track of all the essentials, from diapers and wipes to burp cloths and bibs.
21. Dresser
If a changing table doesn’t work with your space, a classic dresser is a great adaptation. Be sure to get it in the nursery with plenty of time before your little one arrives—you’ll want to have enough time to get organized and fold all those onesies!
22. Storage Baskets
A must for any room, from your closet to under the bed, storage baskets will help you keep track of everything you need in the nursery. Opt for fun patterns or animal designs to fit with your theme.
23. Bookcase
Reading is important at any age! A designated bookcase for their favorite picture books and board books will give you a place to keep everything. It can be used as an art supply shelf as they grow up.
Nursery Bedding
Finally, don’t forget about their bedding. We’ve included some basics below to get you started.
24. Sheets
An essential in any bedroom, their crib sheets should be soft and cozy. Pick out a plain design if the rest of their nursery has bold decor elements, or go for a fun print with whimsical colors to let the crib pop.
25. Blankets
Cozy and warm, every nursery needs a blanket! Drape one over the back of your rocker so you can snuggle up during late-night feedings. Keep one on hand to spread out on the rug during tummy time.
26. Quilt
For an extra cozy feel, a quilt is the perfect option. The classic woven pattern will help make the space a bit more snuggly and comfortable, especially when draped over the back of your glider.
27. Swaddle Set
Many babies feel more comfortable sleeping in a swaddle. Keep a few extra swaddle sets on hand so you always have what you need.
28. Pillows
Floor pillows and a few extra throw pillows can help make the nursery feel more comfortable. Store these under their crib or in the closet and pull them out for floor time—you can never make their play area too soft!
Planning out your nursery is an exciting time and we know how overwhelming it can be, especially if you’re planning for the arrival of your first child. We hope these ideas inspire you and help welcome your new little one home!