Getting Your Nursery Layout Right: Tips for Essential Nursery Furniture Placement

 While choosing cute decorations and soft furnishings is enjoyable, one of the foundations of a truly functional and beautiful nursery is thoughtful furniture placement. In this post, we will explore how you can arrange your nursery furniture in such a way that you create a space that's not only visually appealing and practical, but also safe for your child.

The Essential Building Blocks of Your Nursery

Before we talk placement tips, let's take a look at the key pieces of furniture you'll need in your nursery. Understanding the purpose and importance of each item will help you make informed decisions about what to include and how to arrange it.

• Cot or Cot Bed: This is where your baby will spend a significant amount of time sleeping and playing. A cot is suitable for the first few years, while a cot bed can be converted into a toddler bed, offering longevity.
• Changing Table or Dresser with Changing Topper: Essential for nappy changes and dressing your baby. A dedicated changing table offers convenience, while a dresser with a changing topper provides storage and can be used long-term.
• Comfortable Armchair or Rocking Chair: Rocking chairs or gliders will be your place for feeding, cuddling, and soothing your baby. Look for something with good back support and armrests.
• Storage Solutions: These could include a wardrobe, chest of drawers, or shelving units. Adequate storage is important for keeping the nursery organised and clutter-free.
• Side Table or Small Bookshelf: A side table or small bookshelf is useful for keeping essentials within arm's reach during feeding times or for displaying books and small decorative items.

The specific items you choose will depend on your space, budget, and personal preferences. You should start with the basics and add more as you discover what works best for you and your baby.

That said, let’s get into it.

FURNITURE PLACEMENT TIPS

Create Zones for Different Activities

A well-organised nursery typically includes three main zones, each serving a specific purpose. This zoning approach helps in maintaining order and makes navigating the nursery easier. The zones are the Sleeping Zone, Changing Zone, and the Feeding and Bonding Zone. By clearly defining these areas, you create a space that flows naturally and supports your daily routines with your baby. Let's explore how to set up each of these areas for maximum functionality and comfort.

1. The Sleeping Zone

The cot is naturally the centrepiece of the nursery, so let's start here. Proper placement of the cot is crucial for your baby's comfort and safety, as well as your convenience. Here’s how to do so:

• Position the cot away from windows: This helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces exposure to drafts or direct sunlight. Ideally, place the cot along an interior wall. If you must place it near a window, ensure you have good quality blackout curtains or blinds to control light and temperature.
• Keep the cot away from radiators: Ensure there's enough distance to prevent overheating. A general rule of thumb is to keep at least 60cm between the cot and any heat source. This also applies to air conditioning units or heating vents.
• Consider accessibility: Place the cot where you can easily reach your baby from both sides. This is particularly important for comforting your baby, changing sheets, and for safety reasons. Ideally, you should be able to approach the cot from at least two sides without obstruction.
• Think about room to grow: If you're using a cot bed, ensure there's space around it for when it converts to a toddler bed. This might mean leaving extra space at the foot of the cot or ensuring that other furniture can be easily moved when the time comes.
• Avoid placing under shelves or wall hangings: For safety reasons, don't position the cot under shelves, wall-mounted televisions, or heavy artwork that could potentially fall.

Expert Tip: If space allows, position the cot perpendicular to the wall rather than flush against it. This creates a more open feel and makes it easier to change bedding. It also allows you to create a cosy corner with some soft textures or a mobile above the cot, creating a focal point in the room.

2. The Changing Zone

Nappy changes are a frequent occurrence in the early months, sometimes happening up to ten times a day! A well-planned changing area is important to make these moments as smooth and comfortable as possible for both you and your baby. So, you should:

• Place the changing table near storage: Position your changing table or dresser close to where you'll store nappies, wipes, and clothing for easy access. Ideally, you should be able to reach everything you need without taking your hand off your baby.
• Ensure good lighting: Natural light is great for daytime changes, but also consider a soft, dimmable lamp for night-time changes. A wall-mounted adjustable light can be perfect, allowing you to direct light where you need it without disturbing your baby's sleep.
• Think about safety: Keep the changing area away from radiators and ensure there's a barrier or guardrail to prevent falls. The changing surface should be at a comfortable height for you to avoid back strain. Remember to never leave your baby unattended on the changing table.
• Organise supplies efficiently: Use drawer organisers, small baskets, or a caddy to keep changing supplies neatly arranged and easily accessible. Consider having a small laundry basket nearby for soiled clothing.
• Add a personal touch: While functionality is key, don't forget to make this area visually appealing too. A cheerful mobile above the changing table can help distract and entertain your baby during changes.

Expert Tip: If you're tight on space, consider a wall-mounted folding changing table that can be tucked away when not in use. Alternatively, a changing mat on top of a dresser can serve dual purposes, providing both a changing area and storage space.

3. The Feeding and Bonding Zone

A comfortable spot for feeding and cuddles is essential for both you and your baby. This area will see a lot of use, especially in the early months, so it's worth putting thought into making it as comfortable and functional as possible. To do so, you should:

• Choose a quiet corner: Place your armchair or rocking chair in a peaceful nook, away from drafts and foot traffic. If possible, position it where you have a nice view — whether it's out of a window or towards a lovely piece of nursery art.
• Add a side table: A small table within arm's reach is perfect for holding a glass of water, your phone, or a book for those long feeding sessions. Look for a table with a drawer or shelf for extra storage.
• Consider a footstool: This can make your seating position more comfortable and aid in proper posture during feeding. Some footstools, like the Salome and Madison Nursery Glider footstools, even come with built-in storage, perfect for keeping burp clothes or a spare blanket.
• Ensure good lighting: A soft, adjustable reading light is ideal for this area. It provides enough light for night-time feeds without being too bright and disturbing your baby's sleep patterns.
• Create a cosy atmosphere: Add a soft, washable throw blanket and a supportive cushion to make the area extra comfortable. A small, soft rug under your feet can also add warmth and comfort.

Create Flow and Accessibility

As you arrange your furniture, consider how you'll move through the space. A well-planned nursery should allow for easy movement, especially during middle-of-the-night care sessions. To promote accessibility, you should:

• Leave clear pathways: Ensure you can easily walk between the different zones. Aim for pathways at least 70-80 cm wide.
• Keep essentials within reach: Position frequently used items where you can grab them one-handed while holding your baby. This might mean placing a small basket of nappies and wipes near your feeding chair, or keeping burp clothes in every zone.
• Consider emergency situations: Ensure there's a clear path to the door and that you can quickly and easily reach your baby from any point in the room.
• Think about door swing: Make sure furniture doesn't block the full opening of doors or drawers. This includes the room door, wardrobe doors, and dresser drawers.
• Consider the room's natural light: Arrange furniture to make the most of natural light during the day, but ensure that glare won't be an issue during nap times.
• Plan for night-time navigation: Consider installing dim night lights to create a safe path between your bed and the nursery, and between the different zones within the nursery.

Remember that what works in theory might need some tweaking in practice. Be prepared to make small adjustments once you start using the nursery regularly.

Plan for Evolution as Your Child Grows

Your nursery layout may need to evolve as your child grows. When initially placing furniture, you should therefore:

• Leave room for play: As your baby becomes mobile, you'll want to create a safe space for exploration. This might mean moving some furniture to the edges of the room to create a clear play area in the centre.
• Consider future furniture needs: You might want to add a small table and chairs for toddler activities or a desk for school-age children eventually. Think about where these might fit when planning your initial layout.
• Be flexible with storage: As your child grows, their storage needs will change. Toys will replace nappy supplies, and books will become more prominent. Choose versatile storage solutions that can adapt to these changing needs.
• Plan for a big kid bed: If you're using a cot bed, think about how the room will look when it's converted. If you're planning to move to a separate bed, consider where this might go in the future.
• Reassess safety regularly: As your child grows and becomes more adventurous, continually evaluate the room for potential hazards. This would most prominently involve moving breakable items out of reach. You should read more safety measures for babyproofing the nursery here.

Getting the ideal nursery layout right is a balance of practicality, safety, and personal style. Place the most essential pieces of furniture right with help from the tips we’ve shared, and you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also functions smoothly for both you and your baby.

P.S. A properly laid-out nursery space is the perfect place to ensure your child grows feeling at home and at ease. Getting nursery layout right is therefore very important. It is for this reason that The Baby Cot Shop’s interior design service exists. Whether you’re looking to get assistance in planning and furnishing your baby’s nursery, or you simply want the best hands taking charge of the nursery layout and furnishing process from start to finish, our interior design service guarantees that you will get the nursery of your dreams. With expertise that spans years and multiple countries, our team of interior designers have turned bare rooms into paradise with incredibly beautiful kids’ room layout and designs. Want to give your child a present that will grow with them? Reach out to us at design@thebabycotshop.com let’s give your child a space that will never lose the wow factor. We guarantee it.