Many moms-to-be have an idea of their “dream nursery.” But their visions may not always be the most practical for a new baby. Here are some things to keep in mind before decorating the room for your new arrival:
1. Plan for the room to last through childhood. Avoid giving it too much of a baby feel — once your child hits preschool, light blue or pink might seem like it’s “for babies.” Choose wall treatments and furniture that are appropriate for any age and use accessories to give the room a baby feel. Also make sure there’s a place for a bed once your baby grows out of the crib.
2. Take note of the light in the room. Check out the angles that the sun comes in at different times of day. Don’t put the crib in a spot that gets direct sunlight in the morning, or in a spot that a streetlight shines on all night.
3. Consider double-duty furniture. You might find a changing table that can convert to a dresser once your baby grows out of diapers. The longer you can use the furniture, the better the value.
4. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting. Use area rugs on a wood or cork floor, if possible. Hard floors are easier to clean up and they don’t harbor allergy-aggravating dust. Area rugs can be replaced much more easily than carpeting as they get dirty or your child’s tastes change.
5. Give yourself lots of storage space. You’ll probably need more room than you think. Once the clothes get bigger and are joined by shoes and other accessories, you’ll need every inch of closet space you can get. Not to mention a place to put all those toys!
6. Don’t forget a place for you to sit in the nursery. Pick a comfortable chair. You’ll be spending many nights there with your baby, reading her stories or rocking her to sleep.

Sources: Better Homes and Gardens; Sheffield School of Interior Design