Nobody puts baby in the corner – yeah, right. But just because space is tight, it doesn’t have to mean crowded. Here are clever ways to make room for your baby, even in a one-bedroom flat.
One of the most exciting things about expecting a baby is getting to plan thenursery. But what if you live in a one-bedroom flat with little space? Or maybe you just don’t feel like moving when you are heavily pregnant.
As house prices rise and moving up (or even getting on) the property ladder gets tougher, the urban trend for ‘corner’ nurseries is taking hold. Living space is at such a premium that many people who can’t afford – or don’t want – to move to bigger properties instead create a baby-sized nook in an area of their bedroom.
While this may sound like a passion killer, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice privacy – just be prepared to share your storage space. But at least you won’t need to invest in that pricey baby monitor now.
Main Pic: Loupe Images
Clever Ways To Do Storage
Floating shelves are ideal for stashing your baby’s clothes, toiletries and toys, plus you can utilise the area beneath. If you don’t want to do the DIY, collapsible storage bins or totes are another good way of keeping changing essentials in one place, and can be moved from room to room if there isn’t a permanent home for them. Try the range from DwellStudio (from £35, Lula Sapphire).
Alternatively, choose a cot with a built-in drawer or buy baskets or boxes that you can slide underneath. If you need more room, invest in a chest of drawers that can double up as a changing table by adding a securable padded mat.
Shelves, £220, nubie.co.uk
Create A Feature Wall
One easy way to create a baby haven is by papering a feature wall – just use modern, characterful paper you won’t mind looking at every day. Even if there isn’t a physical division, mark out the nursery area with a rug – head to therugseller.co.uk. Or add some animal wall stickers – you’ll find a great range at Decowall, from £6.
Stickers, £35.99, beckyandlolo.co.uk
Space Saving Sleep Solutions
You might have to skip the hefty matchingfurniture set, but you only need a Moses basket or crib for your newborn. The Cariboo Crib (£158.99, Cariboo Cribs) can be folded flat so you can store it away. As your baby grows, you’ll want a cot, so look for smaller models, such as the Compact (£49, Kiddicare) and the Petite (£79.95, Mamas and Papas). Or search on Punkin Patch for a vintage-style model. Investing in one with wheels means it can move around. To be even cannier with space, changing units that sit over the cot work well. Try the Polka Dot Cot Top Changer (£19.99, Toys r Us).
Wicker crib, £215, naturalmat.co.uk
Dividing A Room
Split a room using cupboards, curtains or blinds, so an alcove or corner is more private. Try web-blinds.com or wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk for styles that will fit every shape and size of space. If your bedroom is small, a screen is an effective way of creating a division and can be folded away during the day. Look for vintage ones on eBay or try specialist suppliers like The Screen Gallery for made-to-measure pieces. Ikea also have a wide range, starting from £30.
Screen, £40, ikea.com
Making A Bedroom For Two Children
If you’ve got an existing toddler bedroom and are moving in a second baby, use the same bedding to create a cohesive colour scheme. And, if the room is big enough, position bookcases to divide the space, so your toddler has an area to play. This will be handy for storage, too.
Are you planning your baby’s nursery? Share your tips and ideas below