The Best Nursery Decoration Ideas When You’re Renting
When you’re expecting a baby, designing the nursery is one of the most fun and rewarding things you can do to prepare. However, creating a beautiful nursery in a rented home comes with challenges.
Many rental agreements restrict painting, drilling holes, or making permanent alterations, which can make achieving the dream nursery you envision tricky. However, it’s not impossible! With a little creativity, you can design a cozy and pretty space for your new baby without violating your lease terms.
In this article, we share the very best nursery decoration ideas specifically tailored for renters.
No. 1
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
One of the easiest ways to transform a plain rental wall into a soothing nursery backdrop is with peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals. These removable options give you the chance to add color, patterns, and playful designs to the room without damaging the walls. Choose soft pastels for a calming effect or go for fun, nature-inspired designs like animals, clouds, or stars.
Wall decals are another great option — they come in a huge range of themes and are easy to apply and remove. Whether you want a floral theme for a baby girl’s nursery or a space theme for a little explorer, decals are simple and rental-friendly.
No. 2
Temporary Wall Art and Decorations
If wallpaper isn’t your style, you can still add character to the nursery with temporary wall art. Use removable hooks to hang framed prints, fabric wall hangings, or even fairy lights.
Some other great ideas include:
Framed illustrations or quotes about childhood and dreams
Wooden name signs or monogram letters
Macramé wall hangings for a boho-chic look
DIY bunting or garlands to add a splash of color
These decorations bring warmth and personality to the nursery without causing damage to the walls.
No. 3
Rental-Friendly Storage
Storage is so important in a nursery, especially when space is limited.
Here are some creative, landlord-approved storage ideas we think you’ll love:
Over-The-Door Organizers – Use these for diapers, wipes, and baby essentials.
Rolling Carts – A small cart with baskets can store baby items and be moved easily.
Freestanding Bookshelves – Instead of wall-mounted shelves, go for a stylish bookshelf to display books and toys.
Hanging Storage Baskets – Use adhesive hooks to hang fabric storage baskets, giving you easy access to baby supplies.
If you’re in need of more storage, consider moving into a new place. SpareRoom is a fantastic website for finding roommates and rooms to rent in popular US cities. Finding roommates in Miami, NYC, Las Vegas, Boston, or anywhere else is made possible.
Furthermore, having the right people around can provide extra help, emotional support, and a more comfortable living environment for you and your baby.
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No. 4
Soft and Cozy Flooring
Many rental homes have standard carpeting or hardwood floors that may not be baby-friendly – especially when they start to crawl about.
To make the nursery more comfortable and safe for tummy time and crawling, consider these simple ideas:
Soft Area Rugs – Choose a soft, machine-washable rug to add warmth and texture to the room.
Foam Play Mats – Interlocking foam mats give your little one a cushioned surface. Not to mention, they come in stylish designs to match the room!
Layered Rugs – If the existing floor is too cold or hard, layering a few rugs can create a cozy play area.
No. 5
Smart and Movable Furniture
When renting, investing in clever furniture pieces is key. We recommend choosing lightweight, portable items that you can easily move with you if you relocate.
Some smart choices include:
Convertible Cribs – Many cribs transform into toddler beds, which grow with your child.
Changing Tables with Storage – A changing table with built-in shelves can save space and keep all your essentials handy.
Foldable or Stackable Furniture – Lightweight options make it easier to rearrange or take with you if you move.
Rocking Chairs or Gliders – A cozy corner for feeding and bonding time that can double as a stylish seat in any room.
No. 6
Portable Lighting
Many rentals don’t allow changes to light fixtures, which can be a problem for your baby’s sensitive eyes if the lighting is too bright or harsh. Adding soft lighting can create a warm and soothing atmosphere in the nursery.
Consider using dimmable plug-in lamps. These are perfect for nighttime feedings without exposing your little one to harsh overhead lights. Battery-operated or plug-in fairy lights or clip-on nightlights are also other fantastic options, creating a dreamy ambiance and a soft glow.
Soft lighting is so important. It helps create a peaceful environment for both you and your baby while being completely rental-friendly.
No. 7
Closet Organization (Without Drilling)
If the apartment or room you’re renting has a small closet, you can still increase the space without making permanent changes. We’ve already touched on general storage, but here are some of our favorite options specifically for your closet:
Hanging Closet Organizers – Fabric shelves for storing clothes, blankets, and toys.
Tension Rods – Add extra hanging space without drilling holes.
Removable Hooks – Use adhesive hooks for hanging accessories like hats and bibs.
Storage Bins and Baskets – Keep items neatly organized on closet shelves.
No. 8
Curtains and Window Treatments
Most rentals come with standard blinds, which may not match your nursery theme. A simple way to enhance the space is by adding blackout curtains or sheer drapes. Use tension rods or removable adhesive hooks to hang them without drilling.
Blackout curtains help block out light for better sleep, while soft, flowy drapes give the nursery a softer touch.
Takeaways
Decorating a nursery in a rental home doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can still create a beautiful space without making permanent changes. Whether you’re incorporating peel-and-stick wallpaper, layering soft rugs, or maximizing closet space, these tips will help you design the perfect nursery while staying within your lease guidelines.
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