Decorating the baby’s nursery is a rite of passage for expectant parents. It is one of the jobs people most look forward to during the pregnancy. Nine months is a long time to wait for your precious bundle and decorating the nursery is a great way to keep yourself busy as you wait.

Decorating the baby’s nursery is also the perfect ‘nesting activity’ as you prepare to bring your new baby home. You’ll want to carve out some space in your home for your baby – not only as somewhere to keep baby’s things but as a place to make memories and spend time together.

Top tips to make a baby’s nursery stand out;

#1. Choose some ‘wow’ furniture

Furniture with the ‘wow’ factor will definitely make your nursery stand out. Rather than opting for the same nursery sets as everyone else, choose inspired pieces to add something special to your baby’s bedroom. Mocka has some simply gorgeous statement pieces for your nursery. Why not choose one of Mocka’s iconic baby cots to make your baby’s nursery one of a kind?

No matter what your style, Mocka will have something you love. They have a huge range of nursery items – each piece stylish, high quality and made to stand out. We absolutely love their Aspen Classic Cot; the black/bronze colour scheme will look amazing in a modern nursery.

#2. Create a room that will grow with your child

Choosing subtle or neutral colors for the room will give you a versatile base to work from in the future. Not only will neutral tones create a stylish space, but they will also allow the room to grow with your child. Choose a color palette that leaves you with lots of options when it comes to adding complementary color pops.

#3. Take storage seriously

Don’t tackle storage as an afterthought. A newborn won’t arrive with many belongings, but you will be amazed at how quickly baby stuff accumulates. From bedtime storybooks and soft toys, to colourful teethers and stacking blocks, your baby’s nursery will be filled within months. Plan for plenty of storage when you decorate the nursery. Bookshelves and storage cubes are ideal for displaying reading books and aesthetically pleasing toys. Baskets and storage cubes are great for storing and hiding toys when you need a quick tidy-up.

#4. Prioritise comfort

You’re sure to spend lots of time in the nursery, whether you’re playing during the day or singing lullabies at night, so make sure it’s comfortable. The room should be cosy for your baby, for you and for any other caregivers likely to spend time in the nursery. A comfy nursing chair is a must for sitting in and for reading bedtime stories. Create a room where you can make memories –somewhere you’ll want to spend time with your child.

#5. Include personalised items

Choosing your baby’s name is one of the first parenting decisions you and your partner will share. It will probably take hours to pick the perfect name, so celebrate the name you choose. Make your baby’s nursery unique by including personalised items. There are so many to choose from – colourful prints, door signs, teddies or wooden blocks. Don’t go overboard, of course, but a couple of personalised items will give your child ownership of the room. It’s also a good way to encourage young children to recognise the letters in their name.

#6. Think about the lighting

First, you’ll need blackout blinds to keep out all that pesky sunlight during summer. There’s nothing worse than your baby being woken prematurely by overly enthusiastic sunbeams. Opt for decent-quality blackout blinds that will keep the nursery dark, even on light summer evenings.

As well as the main ceiling light, a lamp in the nursery is a good idea. Not only is it a stylish detail but it also adds versatility in the way you use the room. A reading lamp, for example, will provide you with a place to read bedtime stories. Having a lamp in the room also allows you to avoid the glare of the main overhead light, which is particularly helpful at bedtime.

Your baby’s nursery wouldn’t be complete without a nightlight. The faint glow of a nightlight will help you move around the room easily when it’s dark. The nightlight is really for you during the early months, when your baby is unlikely to be bothered by the dark. However, as time goes by, the nightlight will be helpful when your baby wakes at night.

#7. Display family photos

Although many people choose to hang wall art in the baby’s nursery, not many choose to display family photos. Your baby is joining your family; having photos on the walls is an excellent idea. Not only will this help a child to recognise family members, especially those who live far away, but it will also show your baby that these people are important. Be sure to include photos of you and your partner together, before you became parents. You might even put up a photo of your pregnancy bump.

Why not try some of these ideas? After all, you will probably want your nursery to be as unique and perfect as your baby is.