Whether you’ve just found out that you’re expecting a boy (congratulations!) or you’re in your third trimester and frantically trying to pull your nursery together, your mind is probably swirling with baby boy nursery ideas.
You and your little man will spend a lot of time in his nursery, so you want it to be a cozy space where he can sleep, grow, play, and dream!
With that in mind, Newton Baby has 20 baby boy nursery ideas to help you create a nursery that you (and your little one) will love.
But making your nursery functional andF easy to use is just as important as making it cute! So, before we get to our decorating ideas, we’ve got a few tips on how to set up a functional nursery that will serve you well.
Table of Contents
- How To Set Up A Functional Nursery
- 20 Baby Boy Nursery Ideas
- Create A Safe Space With Any Baby Boy Nursery Idea
How To Set Up A Functional Nursery
You're going to be spending a lot of time in your son's nursery, so you want it to be a comfortable space for you and your baby. Here are a few tips!
Plan For The Space You Have
When dreaming up baby boy nursery ideas, keep in mind how much space you have to work with.
The crib is one of the bigger (and arguably one of the most important!) pieces of furniture in the nursery. It’s essential to invest in a good-quality crib that’s safe for your baby and fits in his nursery.
If you’re tight on space, you might consider a mini crib. Your son will grow out of it within a year or two, but it can work well in a small nursery in the meantime!
But if you have the room, consider purchasing a standard-sized crib. This crib will fit your little one for a lot longer — and a standard-sized mattress can later be used in a toddler bed for years of sound sleep!
Choose A Safe Crib Mattress And Bedding
The point of bedding isn’t just to add a cute touch to the nursery. Your baby boy’s bedding and crib mattress actually affect safe sleep in a huge way.
Save the cute pillows and patterned blankets for the rocking chair — they aren’t safe for your little one to sleep with. To give your infant the safest possible sleeping space, keep all toys, pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers out of the crib.
The crib mattress is another big player when it comes to safe sleep. It should be firm, not soft. Fortunately, firm doesn’t necessarily mean hard and uncomfortable.
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is firm enough to keep your baby safe and comfortable enough for night after night of sound sleep. Plus, it’s breathable, which helps to regulate your baby’s body temperature.
Our Crib Mattress allows for the best breathability because both the mattress and the mattress cover are 100% breathable. If your baby rolls onto their stomach at night, this breathability will help reduce the risk of suffocation.
Bonus: The cover is completely washable to make your life easier. No more dust, bacteria, or allergens!
Make It Convenient
We have no doubt your baby boy’s nursery will be cute as a button. But don’t forget to make it convenient for you as a parent!
Arrange the room so that bedtime, diaper changing, and breastfeeding are as easy as possible.
For example, consider setting a table next to the rocking chair where you can place your coffee mug, phone, or baby bottle without disturbing your baby. Then, when you’re nursing, you’ll have everything you need without having to get up.
You’ll also need to have all the necessities within easy reach when you’re changing your son’s diaper at the changing table. You don’t want to leave your baby alone for even a second in case he tries to roll over!
Make sure to keep it stocked with plenty of clean diapers and wipes. You can also keep a spare outfit nearby in case your little one has a blowout.
Prepare For Messes
A white rug might seem like a good idea now, but how easy will it be to clean up dirt and messes? Choose items that you love but that are also easy to clean.
Washable wallpaper is always a great idea, as are rugs that are easy to vacuum. When buying furniture, choose pieces that will be easy to wipe off or come with a removable, washable cover.
If you have (or plan on purchasing) a Newton Baby Crib Mattress, keep an extra Crib Mattress Cover on hand. Easily zip off the dirty cover and throw it in the wash without skipping a beat (or a nap!).
And to protect your crib mattress, go for a waterproof, washable mattress pad, like Newton Baby’s Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad (fits most standard crib mattresses as well as twin mattresses, not just Newton Baby’s!).
Hang Blackout Curtains
Your baby’s sleep is precious, and you’ll want to do everything you can to make it happen! Blackout curtains allow you to make the room dark during those early bedtimes when the sun hasn’t gone down outside yet.
Keeping your son’s room dark helps him develop healthy sleep habits. He’ll learn that it’s time to sleep when it’s dark, even if bedtime happens before it’s dark outside.
And when he’s a bit older and wants to nap during the day, blackout curtains will make it easier for him to stay asleep.
These useful curtains come in various colors and patterns. If you prefer, you can also add blackout liners to curtains you already have.
Plan For Storage
As you probably figured out when you created your baby registry, babies require quite a lot of things! Plan for storage space when you’re brainstorming baby boy nursery ideas.
You’ll need to organize and store things like diapers, toys, clothes, and books, just to name a few. There are lots of storage options available, and you’re sure to find something that fits your decor.
If you're running short on floor space, don't worry! You can look for furniture that doubles as storage space, like a dresser with deep drawers or a changing table with shelves.
Wall shelves are another great solution to keep the nursery organized. You can use them to store baby items or even display family photos and other decorations.
And if you want to get really creative, try using baskets, crates, or mason jars to organize small items, like lotions, socks, or burp cloths. Have fun with it!
20 Baby Boy Nursery Ideas
Now that you’re equipped with a few tips for designing a nursery that’s easy to use, let’s get to the fun part of decorating with cute colors and adorable themes!
Here are some baby boy nursery ideas to consider.
1) Feature His Name Or Initials
You picked your son's name for a reason, so why not show it off in his nursery? There are several options for featuring your son’s name or initials on one of the nursery walls.
For example, you can stick the letters of his name on with wall decals, paint them on with a stencil (or freehand if you’re an artist!), or buy wooden or metal letters to hang. You could also find large, Scrabble-style letter tiles or sew a fabric banner with his name to display.
Your son’s name is a great wall decoration that will go with any baby boy nursery theme!
2) Use A Wall Decal
Speaking of wall decals, which are basically big (removable) stickers, try a wall decal to spice things up — no matter what your nursery theme is. They come in all shapes and sizes and can set the tone for the entire room.
Decals aren't difficult to install, but you'll want to read the directions carefully before you begin. For instance, you may need to prep the wall by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol first to ensure the decal sticks.
3) Create A Starry Night
If you love deep, dark blue, go for a starry night effect in the nursery.
Paint the ceiling or sky a deep blue, mixing in a bit of white paint for a lighter effect on various areas. Then dot the stars on using white paint and a variety of sizes of paintbrushes.
For a slightly different look, consider using glow-in-the-dark paint for the stars so your baby can fall asleep looking up at the soft glow.
If you prefer not to go through the hassle of painting stars, you can also find projectors that will do the job for you. Turn this on before your baby goes to sleep, and images of the heavens will shine on the ceiling.
4) Incorporate Travel And Adventure
Parents who are travel lovers or want their little boy to be a bold adventurer may want to consider choosing a travel theme in his nursery.
Depending on your style, you can use this fun theme in various ways.
If vintage is your jam, incorporate vintage maps, distressed wood, boats, and old globes. Or go a more modern route with clean lines, compasses, and planes.
To keep the theme going, use old suitcases for storage or as an end table. You can even put your baby’s clothes in them instead of using a dresser!
5) Don’t Be Afraid Of Black And White
Black and white as a nursery theme doesn’t have to be boring! Use a black and white patterned wallpaper, statement rug, or an impressive piece of artwork.
You could even paint one wall with black chalkboard paint for years and years of fun!
When using black and white in the nursery, make sure to add pops of color, so the room doesn’t feel too stark. A few green plants or some colorful throw pillows should do the trick. Just make sure you remove the pillows from the crib before you put your baby down for a nap.
6) Embrace A Mountain Theme
Think deep green, plaid prints, bears, and all things mountain! Decorate your little boy’s nursery with a mountain theme, but take it any direction you want.
You might go with light colors, geometrical prints, and whimsical mountains. Or maybe deep green, woods, and camping is more your style.
If you're artistically inclined, paint a mural of mountains on one wall. You can also find many mountain-themed wall decals, which are great for baby boy nurseries (or any room in the house!).
7) Go On Safari
It’s always fun to decorate a nursery with animals, especially when they’re lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras! Make use of animal prints, yellow and brown, and even a fake tree in the corner to round it out.
To add to the theme, decorate with plush toys, like lions, tigers, and elephants. As your son grows, he can play with these animals, and they’ll look great in his room.
8) Make It Musical
If your family is musical, a music-themed nursery might be just the ticket! The possibilities are endless — music notes and soft colors, bold colors and electric guitars, or a vintage feel with old records hanging on the wall.
Incorporate your baby’s future love of music into the nursery decor with a fun set of baby instruments. You could also frame some sheet music or put up a few posters of your favorite musicians.
9) Keep It Clean And Modern
A baby nursery doesn’t have to be full of pastel colors and cutesy things. Your son will spend a lot of time in the nursery, but so will you!
If clean lines and modern designs are what make you happy, decorate your little man’s nursery that way.
10) Keep It Simple
A themed nursery might not be your thing. If you’re not into dinosaurs or sports or all things that go vroom, consider baby boy nursery ideas that are simple and understated.
For example, maybe stripes or a triangle pattern will be exactly what you need to provide interest but keep things simple.
11) Shoot For the Moon
With spaceships, stars, and planets, you can create an amazing space-themed nursery for your little man. Even throw in an astronaut or two if you want. The sky’s the limit!\
12) Go Nautical
This baby boy nursery idea is perfect if you live near the beach or just want to give your son a taste of the ocean life. Start with a navy blue and white color scheme, then add some nautical-themed decorations.
Frame a map of the world or your local area to hang on the wall. And for other decorations, pick sailboats, seagulls, anchors, or starfish.
13) Create A Rustic Vibe
If you want your baby boy’s nursery to feel rustic, there are plenty of ways to achieve it. Start with a woodsy color scheme, then add some rustic furniture and decor.
For example, you might use a distressed wooden crib and dresser and add burlap curtains and deer antlers to the wall. You can also find plenty of rustic baby boy bedding sets to complete the look.
14) Add An Accent Wall
Try incorporating an accent wall if you’re looking for a baby boy nursery idea that is a little bit different. This is a great way to add visual interest to the room without going overboard.
Paint one wall in a bold color, then hang some framed artwork on it. Alternatively, you can use thin boards or trim to create a unique pattern on the wall.
Whatever you do, the contrast between this wall and the others will give your eyes something to focus on, while keeping the rest of the room’s design simple.
15) Go Green
You don’t have to sacrifice style to create an eco-friendly room. Instead, you can incorporate green elements into your son's space by picking suitable materials.
For example, look for a crib made of solid wood with a low-VOC finish that uses nontoxic glues. You also want to pick a mattress with low chemical emissions. To help you narrow your search, look for GREENGUARD Gold-certified options.
Our crib mattress has been independently tested and found to help improve indoor air quality. It's a must-have in a green nursery.
But don't stop at the crib and mattress. You want to make sure all the baby boy nursery ideas you incorporate are eco-friendly. That includes everything from the paint on the walls to the baby bedding and toys you select.
You can find plenty of green baby products these days, so it's easier than ever to create a healthy space for your little one.
16) Get Inspired By Your Favorite Children’s Book
You can find plenty of baby boy nursery ideas in the pages of your favorite children's book.
For example, if you love "Goodnight Moon," paint the walls gray and white and add some bunny-themed decor. Or, if you're a fan of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," go with a green and brown color scheme and add some caterpillar-themed decorations.
If there’s a quote from the book that speaks to you, turn it into wall art. You might be able to find one online, or you can use stencils and create your own unique version.
You can use any book for inspiration, so flip through a few and see what inspires you.
17) Bring In A Plant
Adding a plant or two to your baby boy's nursery is a great way to add some life (literally) to the space. Plants look nice, but they also help purify the air.
One of the best plants for a nursery is the snake plant. It's virtually indestructible, so you can keep it alive even if you don't have a green thumb.
Another option is the spider plant. It's also easy to care for and can help remove toxins from the air.
If you're not sure which plant is right for your nursery, ask your pediatrician or a local nursery for recommendations. You want to make sure the one you pick is non-toxic, so if your little one does put it in his mouth, he won't get sick.
18) Add A Toy Tent
While your newborn son won't be crawling inside a toy tent to play right away, it won't be long before he'll love this fun nursery element.
Toy tents are great because they give your baby a place to play that's close to the ground. Plus, they're just plain cute!
Look for one that goes with your overall nursery theme. For example, if you have a woodland-themed room, you might want a tent that looks like a treehouse.
You can also keep it simple and select a white tent. This style is versatile and will go with nearly any theme.
19) Use The Ceiling As Your Canvas
If you're looking for ideas that will help the room feel bigger, look up! The ceiling is often overlooked as a design element, but it's a fun place to add visual interest.
One way to do this is by painting the ceiling a color that’s different from the walls. You could also add patterned wallpaper or even glittery stars.
You might also consider hanging a mobile from the ceiling. This is especially cute if you have a baby boy who loves to watch things move. Just make sure the mobile is out of your baby's reach so he doesn't pull it down on himself.
20) Make A Statement With Lighting
Your baby boy's nursery is incomplete until you add the perfect lighting. And there are lots of options to help you pull the room together.
You might want to install a dimmer switch to adjust the light level depending on the time of day. During nighttime feeds, you’ll be happy you went with this feature.
Another option is to add a lamp to the room. You can find them in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it's easy to find one that fits your nursery theme.
You can also add string lights to create a cozy, magical feel in the room. But keep them up high so they don’t become a choking hazard.
Finally, don't forget about the main light in the room. Some charming nursery ceiling lights can complete the look of the space.
Create A Safe Space With Any Baby Boy Nursery Idea
With our baby boy nursery ideas, you’re well on your way to designing a fun, convenient nursery that fits your family’s style. But remember, the perfect baby boy nursery is fun, comfortable, and safe.
So, start with safety first. Purchase a breathable mattress — like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress — so you can have peace of mind while your son sleeps. Then keep our functional nursery tips in mind as you decide on decorations.
And before you know it, you’ll be putting your baby to sleep in the nursery that you created. Happy decorating!
