A nautical-themed nursery offers endless possibilities to create a space that feels fresh, timeless, and full of adventure. Whether you are drawn to whimsical ocean characters, deep blue hues, or the sophisticated charm of Hamptons style, a nautical nursery can be tailored to fit your unique taste. Here, we share tips and inspiration to help you design the perfect nautical nursery, plus a free illustrated ocean print to add a finishing touch to your little one’s room!
Nautical Colour Palette: Light, Airy, and Timeless
The first step to creating a nautical nursery is choosing a colour palette that captures the calming essence of the sea. Start with light and airy neutral colours such as pale grey, soft white, or cream to establish a serene base that echoes the feel of an ocean breeze. These tones will also provide a beautiful backdrop for blue accents, allowing them to pop and create visual interest.
For larger furniture pieces, consider our versatile Sleigh Royale Cot Bed in white. It’s the perfect choice for a Hamptons-inspired nautical nursery, with its classic design and neutral colourway that will adapt effortlessly as your child grows and their room evolves. Pair this with other white or cream items like a wardrobe and chest of drawers to maintain a clean and cohesive look.
Beyond Navy: Exploring Blue Hues for a Nautical Twist
When imagining a nautical interior, navy blue often comes to mind, but there are many ways to freshen up this classic look with alternative shades of blue. Consider incorporating dusty blues, blue-grey, teal, or deep ink tones for a more contemporary feel. These colours offer a softer take on nautical styling while still providing the soothing and calming effect associated with ocean hues. Our blueberry coloured products offer muted blue options that blend perfectly with this theme.
Curtains and rugs are excellent ways to introduce a large splash of colour into your nursery design. For example, a large area rug can help zone your nursery space, creating a cosy corner for night-time feeds or a reading nook for when your little one becomes a toddler.
A Nautical Adventure: Add a Sense of Exploration
Infuse your nursery with a sense of adventure by incorporating vintage maps or other nautical elements that hint at exploration and discovery. Consider a rug with a vintage map motif, a classic wall map, or fun wall decals to create a themed mural. These design touches add a playful feel to your baby’s room and will spark their imagination as they grow, inspiring make-believe voyages across the sea!
Play with Pattern: Traditional Nautical Elements
For a more traditional nautical nursery, incorporating patterns is key! Look for playful shapes, rope-like lines, and ocean-inspired illustrations that can be brought in through textiles and accessories. Patterned or sea-grass baskets are perfect for storing essentials within easy reach on our Neat 3 Tier Changer. Add motif blankets draped over the Toy Box or hung on the Tidy Clothing Rack for both a design feature and easy accessibility.
Don't Forget Texture: Bring the Ocean Indoors
Textures play an important role in bringing your nautical nursery to life. Think of materials like wood, rattan, and sea glass that naturally connect to the ocean. Wood textures echo the timber of boats or driftwood found along the shore. Our Eden Oval Cot, with its rounded, bow-like shape, perfectly reflects a maritime feel, adding a unique touch to your nautical nursery.
For a Hamptons-inspired look, consider adding glass and mirror elements as finishing touches. Decorative mirrors not only enhance light and create the illusion of a larger, brighter space but also complement the light and airy aesthetic of coastal design. Glass jars or vases in hues matching our pebble colourway can be filled with essentials or dried flowers to add both practicality and a decorative touch to your nursery. Just remember to keep these items out of reach once your little one becomes more mobile!