Top 7 Classic Nursery Ideas

Top 7 Classic Nursery Ideas

Written by: Alyssa Larsen

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Time to read 7 min

A classic nursery theme is a great choice if you’re looking for a simply-styled baby room that matches well with the rest of your home, or if you want to set up a space with a timeless look that can grow with your child. Consider using our top classic nursery ideas to help create a room you love.

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7 Classic Nursery Ideas

Before you start your nursery design, check out these style ideas to find classic nursery inspiration.

Neutral Color Palette

Nothing creates a soft and calm atmosphere like a neutral nursery. Varying shades of white, beige, and gray are the foundation of a relaxing, neutral nursery. 

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This color palette creates a classic, yet modern nursery that works well with pops of pastel accents. You can easily personalize a neutral nursery with wall art and toys for your little one.

Simple Furniture

Nursery furniture with clean lines adds an elegant simplicity to a classic nursery. A baby crib in white or a dresser in a natural wood finish are staple pieces that work for a baby girl or baby boy nursery. 


The simple appearance of the Glider from Nurture& can be used in your classic nursery now and later be seamlessly incorporated into the interior design of your living room or sitting area.

Warm Lighting

Proper nursery lighting is imperative for new parents. You’ll appreciate the soft glow of a tabletop lamp next to the changing table in the middle of the night and an adequate shine of wall sconces or an overhead chandelier while playing on the floor with your little one.

Minimalist Wall Decor

You can prioritize function and comfort in a classic baby room with minimal nursery decor. Sleek floating shelves or framed wall art can add subtle design to the nursery theme without overwhelming the space.

Luxurious Fabrics

Soft fabrics like cotton, linen, and velvet in floor-to-ceiling curtains or a lumbar cushion on the rocking chair bring warmth and texture into a classic nursery. This will be a room where you and your baby like to snuggle up together at the end of the day.

Boho Nursery

Use natural elements like wooden furniture and plant decor to build a classic boho nursery. The earth-tone color palette of the boho theme keeps with traditionally classic ideas while allowing for bold designs in wallpaper or a large patterned rug.

Vintage-inspired Nursery

A classic vintage nursery brings a retro design into your modern home. Dark shades of wood and black iron fixtures help set the tone for a timeless vintage-themed nursery. A bookshelf filled with age-old children’s stories or a black-and-white gallery wall will add a nostalgic touch to your classic design.

What Makes a Nursery “Classic”?

The essence of a classic nursery stems from tradition. Many new moms and dads, especially first-time parents, find comfort in doing things the tried and true ways of generations before—including setting up the nursery.


Blending traditional function with a timeless design develops a classic baby room. The key to creating the clean and serene look of the classic theme begins with a soft neutral, or pastel, color palette. 


Once you add elegant wooden furniture and cozy cotton accessories, the classic nursery pieces start to come together.

What Are the Differences Between a Classic Nursery and a Vintage Nursery ?

A classic-themed nursery and a vintage-inspired nursery are similar with overlapping ideas, but some major differences stand out.

Style

Classic Nursery

  • Clean and simple

  • Neutral colors or pastel shades

  • Focuses on a contemporary minimalist aesthetic.

Vintage Nursery

  • Inspired by designs from past eras

  • Rich earth tones and muted colors

  • Focuses on antique home decor.

Color Palette

Classic Nursery

  • Soft and calming colors

  • White, gray, light pink, and baby blue.

Vintage Nursery

  • A mix of muted and dark colors

  • Light yellow, mint green, dark orange, and navy blue.

Furniture

Classic Nursery

  • Straight lines and smooth finishes

  • A crib, rocking chair, and changing table in a neutral color

  • Built for function and durability.

Vintage Nursery

  • Ornate pieces with detailed carvings

  • A vintage-inspired crib or heirloom armoire

  • Built for a nostalgic appearance.

Decor

Classic Nursery

  • Minimal accessories refined to one collective theme

  • Modern lines and shapes with balance throughout the room.

Vintage Nursery

  • Use of old-fashioned pictures and retro toys

  • An abundance of repurposed items in an eclectic array.

Ambiance

Classic Nursery

  • Fresh and peaceful with a focus on simplicity

  • Light, bright, and airy.

Vintage Nursery

  • Warm, cozy, and nostalgic

  • A sense of history and charm.

What Are the Best Color Schemes for a Classic Nursery Design ?

In a classic baby room, you can steer your color scheme in several directions depending on your preferences or whether you’re designing a baby boy’s or baby girl's nursery. Here are our top favorite color schemes for a classic nursery.

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White and Beige

These two light shades are the epitome of a neutral nursery. White and beige are perfect choices for your little one’s room if you don’t want to find out the gender until they’re born. Pink, blue, and green are a fine complement to this color palette if you decide to add pops of color later on.

Soft Gray and Pale Yellow

A soft shade of gray brings a subtle elegance to the nursery, while light yellow adds cheer and brightness. This combination is sophisticated, gender-neutral, and works well with classic Winnie the Pooh nursery decor ideas.

Powder Blue and White

Blue and white are classic colors for a baby boy nursery. This traditional color palette is easy to find in crib sheets and nursery wallpaper for your baby’s room and is neutral enough for a future big kid’s room or playroom.

Lavender and Gray

Lavender has a calming effect in the room when balanced with gray. This color duo sets the stage for the whimsy of a floral theme or accents.

Warm White and Dusty Rose

Covering the nursery walls in a deep, dusty pink surrounded by a warm white trim brings a charming color scheme into a baby girl’s nursery. You can keep these paint colors when you upgrade your child to a big girl's room.

6 Tips for Classic Nursery Decor

The elements of your baby’s classic nursery should flow together for a cohesive look in your home. These tips can help you pull all your classic nursery ideas together.

Start with a Soft Color Palette

Whether you prefer neutral tones or pastel paint colors, soft shades will lay the foundation for a soothing atmosphere in the nursery.

Arrange Timeless Furniture

Practical and comfortable pieces of furniture are essential to a classic nursery.


  • A glider or rocking chair will serve as seating for feeding, storytime, and late-night snuggles. The Glider from Nurture& features power recline and a smooth glide built to be cozy and durable.


  • A convertible crib is an investment that your family will use for many years. The Milan Crib has a unique design that changes from a bassinet to a full-size crib to a toddler bed so your child can sleep safely and comfortably through each early childhood stage.


  • A dresser changing station eliminates the need for a separate changing table in the nursery. The Milan Large Dresser has six smooth-close drawers and accommodates a changing topper, making diaper changes easy and convenient for parents.


  • Multipurpose storage in the nursery adds to the function of the space while keeping the room tidy. The Storage Ottoman can hide away blankets or soft toys and serve as extra seating.

Choose Elegant Wall Art

Adorn the nursery walls with framed pictures or classic wall hangings. Stick with simple watercolor paintings or alphabet letters in neutral tones to complete the classic style without overwhelming the room.

Include Statement Lighting

A modern chandelier or pendant light will add an elegant charm to a classic nursery. Multiple lighting options are ideal for different times of day when you need more or less of a glow in the room.

Do a Safety Check

No matter what style you design your baby’s room, choose your nursery items wisely and research before purchasing. Consider these safety factors before adding anything to your baby’s room:


  • Nursery decor and furniture are made with non-toxic materials.

  • Products with JPMA and ATSM certification to ensure quality testing.

  • A properly fitting crib mattress that doesn’t allow gaps between the mattress and crib rails.

  • Breathable materials that come in close contact with your baby’s face.

  • Hypoallergenic materials in clothing and crib bedding that will touch your little one’s sensitive skin.


Nurture& is here to help you through every stage of pregnancy and parenthood. We offer premium furniture to prepare the nursery for your sweet baby’s arrival and in our Journal you’ll find tips for navigating life with babies and toddlers.


Visit our collections of nursery essentials to find everything you need.

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.