Rustic Nursery Ideas

9 Rustic Nursery Ideas

Written by: Alyssa Larsen

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Time to read 6 min

Vintage furniture and home decor with natural elements and colors is a great way to create a cozy, rustic vibe in your home. You can carry the rustic theme into your baby nursery design as well. Check out these rustic nursery ideas to get started!

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9 Rustic Nursery Ideas for a Warm, Inviting Space

Rustic Farmhouse

A board-and-batten nursery wall creates a classic modern farmhouse look. You can incorporate rustic features by adding simple, wooden furniture and farmhouse nursery decor with neutral colors and nature-inspired textures.

Rustic Woodland

An earthy green color and a wooden crib bring the coziness of the forest into your baby’s room. To expand on the woodland nursery theme, you might choose wall decals with evergreen trees or nursery decor with woodland critters like owls, chipmunks, and foxes.

Mountain Adventure

A scenic mural of a mountain range may inspire adventure as your little one grows and plays. Complete your rustic mountain theme with dark gray tones and light, natural wood color like pine.

Rustic Girl Nursery

Combine classic pink with a vintage twist for a rustic baby girl nursery. A deep, dusty rose wallpaper pairs well with a white-washed, wood plank accent wall. Keep your nursery furniture neutral to make the rustic design stand out.

Wild West Baby Boy Nursery

Turn your baby boy’s nursery into an old Western movie. Decorate with cowboy hats, a wooden rocking horse, and a faux cowhide area rug to immerse your nursery in a rustic Western theme.

Rustic Boho

Highlight rustic nursery decor with an eclectic collection of vintage pieces. A combination of wall art in wooden frames and a mirror rimmed with an antique brass design builds a charming, rustic boho vibe.

Rustic Red

You may find nursery inspiration in the red clay dirt of the south. A dark, rustic red color complements earthy shades of brown for a cozy interior design. Include other outdoor components like bird-patterned wallpaper and potted plant decor to complete the look.

Old-fashioned Nursery Decor

Create a vintage atmosphere with rustic wood furniture and black accent room decor against a shiplap nursery wall. These rustic nursery staples provide the perfect opportunity to add wall art that highlights the past, like a double-winged plane from the early 1900’s.

Rustic Gender-neutral Nursery

Setting up a neutral nursery is a great way to keep your little girl’s or boy’s room simple. Elevate your gender-neutral nursery design with greenery and a wide range of shades of brown for a rustic theme.

What Makes a Nursery “Rustic”?

A rustic-themed nursery implies that your baby’s room is designed with the natural elements of the great outdoors. Earthy colors and nature-inspired textures evoke a warm and cozy ambiance.

As you search for furniture and rustic room decor, keep these key characteristics in mind:

  • Natural materials like brass, iron, wood, cotton, and wool should be considered for rustic nursery room decor.

  • Wooden furniture like a crib, dresser, and floating shelves complement the rustic theme.

  • An organic color palette including beige, brown, sage green, and dark gray adds warmth to a rustic nursery. Shades of dark red, navy blue, teal, and coral are beautiful companions to a rustic color scheme.

  • Nature-inspired fabrics such as a soft cotton blanket, linen curtains, and a vegan leather playpad incorporate cozy textures into your rustic nursery theme.

  • Handmade items like simple wooden toys, a floating shelf made of reclaimed wood, and a hand-woven wool rug add a unique sentiment to your little one’s room.

  • Animal decor works well with a rustic farmhouse or woodland-themed nursery. Watercolor paintings of farm animals, a plaque of woodland animal tracks, or antler-inspired light fixtures tie in nicely with your rustic design ideas.

What Furniture Is Ideal for a Rustic Nursery?

No matter what spin you take on the rustic nursery design, build your baby’s room with premium quality furniture that is functional for your family and keeps your baby safe.

Crib

A sturdy crib in a natural wood finish like pine, oak, poplar, or walnut fits the rustic theme. The Milan Crib has a sleek and simple appearance with an advanced design that allows for several conversion options. 


You’ll save time and money with one bed that can transform from a bassinet to a crib to a toddler bed with just a few adjustments.

Rocking Chair or Glider

Incorporate natural elements in your nursery seating with the Rocking Chair. It has wooden accents and the ability to convert to a stationary armchair.


The Glider is a more modern option for your rustic nursery. It’s made with new parents in mind and includes soft cushions, an adjustable headrest, and power recline for ultimate support. The Glider is enveloped in stain-resistant fabric that comes in an earthy shade of gray, ivory, or navy.

Dresser with Changing Topper

A solid, wooden dresser, like the Milan Dresser, brings another natural element to your rustic nursery and will help you keep baby clothes and supplies organized with six large drawers. 


Adding a changing topper to the dresser saves floor space by eliminating the need for a separate changing table.

Bookshelf

A simple wooden bookshelf is essential for keeping your baby’s nursery tidy. The Bookshelf has a sleek, natural wood design with four shelves. 


There’s plenty of space to hold books, toys, small baskets, and your rustic nursery decor.

How to Create Eco-friendly Rustic Nursery Decor

Creatively reduce waste and design your little one’s nursery with homemade decor, or have fun searching for unique items that you know are eco-friendly.

Here are some tips for creating your own rustic nursery decor:

  • Use reclaimed wood to make a nursery name sign or other wall decor.

  • Choose sustainable textiles like cotton, linen, and wool for blankets, curtains, and rugs.

  • Upcycle furniture and decor from garage sales, thrift stores, or other rooms in your own home. The crib should be an exception, since a used crib could become a safety hazard for your baby.

  • Select paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) that are better for air quality. All Nurture& products are made with non-toxic finishes.

  • Decorate with houseplants to bring a fresh look to your rustic nursery. Plants will improve indoor air quality and are an eco-conscious alternative to decor made of non-organic materials.

  • Pick sustainable toys like cotton stuffed animals and wooden building blocks to accompany the rustic nursery theme.

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Tips for a Gender-neutral Rustic Nursery

The classic features of a rustic nursery theme make it easy to create a gender-neutral baby room. Here are a few tips to create the look:

  • Start with a neutral color palette. Creamy white, smokey gray, and moss green are naturally found outdoors and create a calming environment in the nursery.

  • Select nature-inspired wall art and shelf decor that incorporate trees, animals, mountains, or lakes; this will enhance the ambiance of the neutral rustic theme.

  • Choose versatile furniture in a natural wood finish to complement the rustic aesthetic. Nursery furniture in neutral tones can often be used again when more babies are born into your family, or repurposed in other rooms of your home.

  • Add personal touches like family photos or handmade items that display your creativity and values.

FAQ’s

Can I mix modern elements with rustic decor?

Combining modern elements with rustic decor creates a balanced theme of the great outdoors and classic conveniences. To achieve the modern rustic look, you might use:

  • Natural materials with clean lines like a crib made from sustainably harvested wood in a sleek and simple design.

  • An earthy color palette with clean, white trim and accents to bring rustic and modern colors together.

  • Minimalist decor pieces from both sides, like soft geometric artwork and leafy plants in hanging baskets.

  • New furniture and vintage pieces, like a modern nursery glider and a floating shelf made from reclaimed barn wood.

Are natural materials used in rustic nurseries safe for babies?

Nursery furniture and accessories made from natural materials are generally safe for babies. Check for wood products made with water-based finishes and soft items made from organic cotton.


Nurture& offers nursery furniture made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic materials. Shop our collection to create a cozy, rustic nursery for your baby boy or girl. For more nursery ideas, you can look through the pages of our Journal.

Alyssa Larsen

Alyssa Larsen

Alyssa Larsen is a stay-at-home mom with a passion for writing. Before starting her career as a freelance writer, Alyssa devoted all of her time to her family and raising her young children. The evolution of her motherhood journey and parenting experience inspires her work. She strives to always tell a story that is helpful and relatable to the person reading it. Alyssa lives in Ohio with her husband and four hilarious kids.