Whether you’re planning to be surprised by your baby’s gender, or simply prefer taking a more general approach, decorating a gender-neutral nursery is a great way to go as it can work beautifully for a boy or a girl. Plus, that means you can get started with the decorating fun even sooner! Here are some of our favorite tips for decorating a gender-neutral nursery that will be just perfect for your precious bundle. 

Start With a Neutral Palette

When decorating a gender-neutral space, it only makes sense to set a neutral foundation that will give you the freedom to build upon it as needed. Soft whites and grays are perfect neutrals that will work with anything else you throw its way. In other words, sticking with a palette like this is one of the easiest ways to obtain balance when another color is worked into the mix. 

Keep in mind, however, that there are other colors that can be considered neutral, include: taupe, navy, and certain shades of green. Colors such as these can also make it a cinch to work with various themes should you decide to go that route. 

To mix it up a bit, consider playing with different tones of one color or try two-tone walls for visual interest. Remember that colors often look darker on the walls than they do on a paint chip, so test large swatches of paint on the wall before making a commitment. Remember, balance is the key to a peaceful space so keep furnishings light if you go darker with the wall color and opt for darker furnishings when softer, soothing hues are chosen.

Choose a Theme Whether Trendy or Classic 

While choosing a theme certainly isn’t necessary, it can be so much fun for your baby! At one time, themes revolved around animals, sea life, nature, and the alphabet. Although those are still incredibly popular and acceptable, nursery themes have upped their game. 

Today, gender-neutral nurseries are typically a little more sophisticated than a nursery exclusively themed toward a specific gender. That means, more and more, the nursery is getting a decor upgrade that blends in well with the rest of the house. 

So, just what are some of the latest themes in the baby decor world? 

• Scandinavian-inspired boho (often centered around light woods with earth-tone pops) 
• Tribal wild (complete with cozy teepees and whimsical arrow and feather motifs)
• Big sky (think soft, glowing stars, gentle moonbeams, and sweet, puffy clouds) 
• Rustic woodland (think furry friends, graphic prints, mountain wall murals, and whimsical, play-inspired decor that give nod to the great outdoors)
• Under the sea (beachy, nautical, or whimsy) 
• Little traveler (maps, modes of transportation, and fun details like tickets and steamer trunks— all the things to create wanderlust)
• Rustic farmhouse (rustic finishes, earth tones, and vintage woods)
• Geo-centric (circles, hexagons, or quatrefoils, oh my!)
• Storybook classics (clean and neutral décor with a handful of creative tributes thrown in)

Honestly, there are so many more options out there when it comes to baby and kid decor, there’s literally something for everyone. All it takes is honing in on what theme works best for the particular space and your home in general. And, the good news is that most of these themes have longevity, which is especially great if you don’t have a desire to redecorate for at least a few years out. 

Find Bedding That Will Work With a Boy or a Girl

Although they do exist, textiles can be one of the most difficult things to find that are truly neutral. The good news is that with enough searching, you’re likely to find something. If not, however, having bedding custom-made is a perfect option. By going this route, you can pick the best fabrics that will work best for the nursery. 

Add Functional Details and Personal Touches

Little details and personal touches are what will make your baby’s nursery unique. Focus on incorporating functional features such as wicker baskets for storage, a rug, or decorative pillows for the glider. Not only will those things come in handy, but they’ll also help polish off the nursery’s design.

Personal touches encompass many things and make the room one of a kind. Consider fun art prints, decorative stenciling on the wall, unexpected lighting, or personal family photos and keepsakes. Wall letters or numbers can be painted in a fun way and used to decorate the space as well. When possible, have something custom-made (in addition to the bedding previously talked about). Something like an upholstered glider or crib bedding can be extra special when custom-made in a fabric you love. To top it off, don’t forget to throw in some soft toys that the baby will love to play with once he or she is at home.

Cutting Corners for Custom Fabrics and Accessories

When the time comes to incorporate some textiles into your little one’s nursery, let us help. We have a variety of gorgeous discount designer fabrics that would be perfect for window treatments, bedding, and more. And, let’s not forget about our beautiful area rugs! With the right touches, your little one can have a room that you can both enjoy.