Inexpensive nursery decor

karaelaine1991

I'm starting to think about decorating baby's room... and I'm appalled at how expensive anything with the word "nursery" attached to it is! I'm bypassing the "theme" kits that I've come across - too expensive and they seem to come with WAY more than is necessary, anyway. I've found the necessities for her bedding without breaking the bank, and now, my focus is curtains. Has anyone found a good place to find nursery-appropriate curtains without the "nursery" price tag? I'm seriously wishing I'd taken my middle school home ec classes more seriously; then I could just make curtains to go along with my mint-and-coral theme... 

lilitaliangirl

I just ordered my nursery set from Sears today. I'm with you and think the prices are ridiculous. I don't personally care for themes either (animal, sports, character, etc) and found a collection for $79 for 13 pieces! !!! The one I got is Greenny Baby Boy Artist. I think my mom said all baby stuffb is on sale right now. Good luck!

courtyowl427

Check out Pinterest for DIY projects. I purchased a used glider and ottoman for a fraction of the price and bought fabric on sale at Joann Fabrics. I plan to paint and reupholster it myself with a little help from mom. Not only did I get it on the cheap, it's going to be a custom piece. Nothing in the babies room is "nursery" but the crib and glider. I repurposed a dresser and will register for a changing pad. I also don't have a total "theme", just a look and color plaette that I like. Hope this helps!!

Trampslikeus

Ikea and Etsy are your friends, truly 

carolyngrace

Fabric can be expensive, too, but I suggest finding a friend with a sewing machine (and some skills) and learning to make your curtains. They are one of the EASIEST things to make, you just have to sew along the edges basically. 

But yeah, I got my crib (and curtains) at Ikea and am using an old dresser/bookshelf that I will paint. I'm not into "themes" but everything will go together!

laurendutch

I sew a ton but still wouldn't see my own curtains (too much money for the fabric yardage). I'm using some old purple sheer curtains that I already had. IKEA and Target are great places to find great deals. I bought some some cute frames and postcards at IKEA. Repurposing an old frame into a bow holder. My friend made a cute wall hanging. And another friend sold this cute saying on Groopdealz. I'm getting it printed on a wood panel at Walgreens

laurendutch

Here's the wood panel and kind of what I'm basing my decor on

ruby2315

What pattern and theme are you using for the nursery?  I hate baby-themed nurseries, so I'm planning on a purple/grey/white color scheme with chevron and some nature prints.  I think you could easily find nice curtains at Target or a similar store depending on the color or print you're looking for. As others have said, Joann Fabrics has great patterns.  I have a sewing machine, so if I can't find curtains I like, I'll just make my own.  Do you have a friend or relative who sews?

karaelaine1991

Thanks so much for the suggestions, everyone! Ikea and Sears will be my next places to look. I'll definitely keep an eye on Etsy and Pinterest, but knowing me, I don't know that they'll be the best places for me to find stuff. I don't have the time or craft skills for most Pinterest DIY projects that I've seen (SO wish I did!!) and, while I've fallen in love with some of the curtains that I've seen on Etsy, the ones that I like are all out of my price range, go figure. 

I really appreciate all of the helpful feedback!  

karaelaine1991

ruby2315 said:

What pattern and theme are you using for the nursery?  I hate baby-themed nurseries, so I'm planning on a purple/grey/white color scheme with chevron and some nature prints.  I think you could easily find nice curtains at Target or a similar store depending on the color or print you're looking for. As others have said, Joann Fabrics has great patterns.  I have a sewing machine, so if I can't find curtains I like, I'll just make my own.  Do you have a friend or relative who sews?

I'm going with a coral and mint color scheme (basically this but not with the exact decorations, sheet sets, etc that you see here). I also love fairies, so I'm going to try to tie in some fairy stuff, too - I have a bunch of super pretty fairy figurines that I collected when I was a kid and I'm looking around for other fairy-esque accents that I can add here and there. My  mother-in-law does sew - she's making baby sundresses already, which will be so special for her. I don't want to take too much advantage of her kindness, since she's very busy as a first grade teacher, but if I can't find anything I like, you're right - she'd be a great resource! Thanks for the suggestion  

karaelaine1991

laurendutch said:

Here's the wood panel and kind of what I'm basing my decor on

Oh my gosh, that's adorable!!

laurendutch

karaelaine1991 said:

ruby2315 said:

What pattern and theme are you using for the nursery?  I hate baby-themed nurseries, so I'm planning on a purple/grey/white color scheme with chevron and some nature prints.  I think you could easily find nice curtains at Target or a similar store depending on the color or print you're looking for. As others have said, Joann Fabrics has great patterns.  I have a sewing machine, so if I can't find curtains I like, I'll just make my own.  Do you have a friend or relative who sews?

I'm going with a coral and mint color scheme (basically this but not with the exact decorations, sheet sets, etc that you see here). I also love fairies, so I'm going to try to tie in some fairy stuff, too - I have a bunch of super pretty fairy figurines that I collected when I was a kid and I'm looking around for other fairy-esque accents that I can add here and there. My  mother-in-law does sew - she's making baby sundresses already, which will be so special for her. I don't want to take too much advantage of her kindness, since she's very busy as a first grade teacher, but if I can't find anything I like, you're right - she'd be a great resource! Thanks for the suggestion  

Another thing to consider is just to add a panel of fabric to store bought curtains. It wouldn't be too much for your MIL also if your MIL, is like me or my Mom should would be happy to do it.

ms.maryellen@gmail.com

There are some great consignment events around the country with the organization Just Between Friends. My aunt sewed all the nursery blankets (vintage peter rabbit fabric I found super cheap on eBay) and I found great coordinating color pieces for $5-10 between three events near me! Good luck!!

karaelaine1991

ms.maryellen@gmail.com said:

There are some great consignment events around the country with the organization Just Between Friends. My aunt sewed all the nursery blankets (vintage peter rabbit fabric I found super cheap on eBay) and I found great coordinating color pieces for $5-10 between three events near me! Good luck!!

Oh that's a good idea! I actually just found out that they'll be in my area in April. I'll definitely keep that in mind, thanks!

gabriellamason93

Not exactly nursery related but we have ginormous windows so the drop on our curtains is like 10ft and the cheapest I found was amazon, maybe try there? They usually have random amazing discounts too

trambo78

Have you considered Craig's list? EBay?

karaelaine1991

trambo78 said:

Have you considered Craig's list? EBay?

I hadn't considered either, but I will look into them! Thanks for the suggestion!

juliep91080

I totally second the idea of kids consignment sales! Google the ones in your area. Just between friends Is a great one. They do them in spring and fall.

turtletyme

Just saw some cheap curtains today on zulily. I have been bargain hunting for them and other posters are all right on with their recommendations too. (I just have to figure out my measurements bc I don't sew!)

mjschenk

I actually will be glueing and framing a puzzle which is a pretty affordable wall decoration.

bossybluejay

We got a pretty inexpensive crib/dresser/topper set from Babies R Us. I plan on getting prints from Etsy and framing them myself and getting an area rug from Target. As far as the curtains go, I'm not sure. The ones I love are from PB Kids and are like $70 a panel and we would need 4; not a reasonable price. I'll probably start looking on overstock.com once I figure out exactly what I want, colorwise. We also are doing the Ikea spice racks in lieu of an actual bookshelf. 

I will get little things from PB Kids during sales, like the mobile, changing pad cover, bed sheet, etc. I think that you can save a lot of money if you look for sales, use ebates, etc.

ElRuby

IKEA had really cute nursery stuff and amazing curtains for cheap!

ruby2315

karaelaine1991 said:

ruby2315 said:

What pattern and theme are you using for the nursery?  I hate baby-themed nurseries, so I'm planning on a purple/grey/white color scheme with chevron and some nature prints.  I think you could easily find nice curtains at Target or a similar store depending on the color or print you're looking for. As others have said, Joann Fabrics has great patterns.  I have a sewing machine, so if I can't find curtains I like, I'll just make my own.  Do you have a friend or relative who sews?

I'm going with a coral and mint color scheme (basically this but not with the exact decorations, sheet sets, etc that you see here). I also love fairies, so I'm going to try to tie in some fairy stuff, too - I have a bunch of super pretty fairy figurines that I collected when I was a kid and I'm looking around for other fairy-esque accents that I can add here and there. My  mother-in-law does sew - she's making baby sundresses already, which will be so special for her. I don't want to take too much advantage of her kindness, since she's very busy as a first grade teacher, but if I can't find anything I like, you're right - she'd be a great resource! Thanks for the suggestion  

That's really cute.  I'm sure you could fine coral or mint curtains at Target or somewhere similar.  Curtains are super easy to sew.  If your MIL is making baby sundresses, she'll have no problem making curtains if you get her the fabric (seriously, it takes like 15 minutes to sew curtains).  Maybe look on Etsy for some fairy themed accents.  You could probably find prints or throw pillows, or you may even be able to find free prints online and just frame them yourself.  Another thought, buy a fairy book second hand and cut out and frame illustrations from it.

jessila9

Our house has a ton of beautiful windows that needed curtains when we moved in. I've had great luck at Marshalls, Home Goods, and even Ross. It may take a few trips and some patience but it will be worth it.

betsyplunkett12

I am reusing old curtains from college. They are colorful and striped. When it comes to other decor - I cut out the ABCs from cardboard and will be covering them in fabric or scrap booking paper. Our 2 dresses were mine from when I was in HS. Also, there are ALOT of free printables for framing on Pinterest. Ex: "You are my sunshine, little girls are made of..., etc" I also don't plan on buying a whole crib set with the quilt and bumpers. I'm just gonna buy a few different mattress covers. I did buy some shelves for books off of ikea for $9.99 - not too bad. Also we have a store here that sells everything for a dollar that might have some nursery items - organizing totes, etc.

Catline1

I second homegoods/marshalls/t j maxx. I've bought all my curtains from there. They usually come in a 2 panel pack for $20-35

karaelaine1991

AngieBMcG said:

I found mine at half priced drapes .com. With the coupon code they had, they ended up being 39.99 a panel. Pretty Expensive, but they were 80" long and blackout, and the quality is way better than the kid's colors blackout curtains at walmart and target. (Not sure if that's what you wanted)

I hadn't heard of that website - I'll have to check it out! I want something a bit shorter so she won't be able pull on them when she's older, but that probably means they'll be cheaper thanks for the suggestion!

hswan26

Bed bath and beyond has nice curtains of varying price points.

mlindzz

Lots of great ideas above.

I second Pinterest for DIY ideas, as well as Etsy and Ikea for inexpensive furniture.

I'm not buying anything 'themed'. We're leaning towards one feature wall having a vintage wallpaper pattern, and sticking with cool shades of grey and blue.

mlindzz

.. Oh, and consider buying used items!

I was looking online last night at a few things on kijiji. Lots of stuff was posted for a great price, I might just need to slash a fresh coat of paint.

CateOfChicago

I bought dd's curtains at kohls on sale, plus 30% and kohls cash. I get tons of compliments and several family members have bought them for their home. Don't restrict yourself to nursery curtains. I agree with checking out ikea.

karaelaine1991

Thanks so much for all of the feedback, everyone! Just wanted to give you all an update - I did manage to find curtains that I like for a reasonable price at Target. Again, I really appreciate all of the advice; I checked out all of the sites that you sent me to, you all have great taste! 

These are the ones that I went with: 

https://www.target.com/p/tadpoles-basic-solid-green-2-pc-set-63-curtain-panels/-/A-10104303#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=Tadpoles+Basic+Solid+Green+2-pc.+Set+-63"+Curtain+ 

Best of luck to all of you as you decorate!  

HomeLiveLove

Etsy is wonderful for affordable nursery items!

ajgerber

I've had good luck with Target.  JCPenney also has sales during the year that make them pretty reasonable.  I like the idea of buying a basic curtain and then add fabric to the bottom to dress it up.  It would make the curtains look custom and more expensive.

aliciac2008

A somewhat related question about nurserys: We have a pretty small nursery. We are having a girl, and have decided the colors for the nursery will be teal, bright green, and grey, with a theme of elephants. We went out the other day and bought a rug for the nursery and we're now looking at curtains. The window is pretty small, but we're going to get full panels to make the window seem bigger. My question is, the rug is teal and patterned so do you think that getting patterned curtains would make the room too busy? Again, the room is kind of small. Also, what color would you consider getting? Perhaps a neutral?

Btw, the walls are painted grey.

karaelaine1991

aliciac2008 said:

A somewhat related question about nurserys: We have a pretty small nursery. We are having a girl, and have decided the colors for the nursery will be teal, bright green, and grey, with a theme of elephants. We went out the other day and bought a rug for the nursery and we're now looking at curtains. The window is pretty small, but we're going to get full panels to make the window seem bigger. My question is, the rug is teal and patterned so do you think that getting patterned curtains would make the room too busy? Again, the room is kind of small. Also, what color would you consider getting? Perhaps a neutral?

Btw, the walls are painted grey.

Without having seen it, I'd say go with either solid curtains, or curtains with just a border print rather than a full on pattern. Maybe get teal curtains to match the rug?

karaelaine1991

@aliciac2008‌ super cute theme, by the way!

afwifey2014

I've gotten curtains at JCP when they go on sale. If you use furnishing or thick fabric, you're better off buying them made than fabric at Joanns. I've also heard of using paint drop clothes or shower curtains as curtains.

leightrain

Thought I would throw out Giant Tiger for the Canadians.  We found a bunch there for our cottage this past summer at $10/panel.  They were long and needed hemming, but they had lots of colour options.

Also, Jysk seems to have a few inexpensive options, too.