The Best Full Baby Room Refresh on a Budget
I just updated my daughter’s baby room from a junk storage zone to a space we can actually use. There were several obstacles to getting the look that I want but I made do. I’m not completely finished, because I still want to hang decor to tie it all together, so suggestions are welcome. I was on a shoe string budget, but here’s how I did it.
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Toddler/Baby Room on a Budget
Step 1: The Big Clean
Currently my daughter is still in my room sleeping in her pack n play. I realized with my son that there was no need for a crib because I did the same having his pack n play in my room. However, this meant her room became a dumping ground for things we no longer used for her. Step 1 is tackling that mess and selling, throwing out, or moving things to the basement that did not need to be In her room.
This step is also super helpful in deciding what you have space for, seeing things you already have, and determining things you still need to purchase. For example, I already have some pictures, a footprint mold that I want to hang, a Hello Kitty light, and a pink rug from Five Below so I wasn’t totally starting from scratch. Clean, assess, and purge!
Step 2: Purchasing the main items
The only items I really had to buy were the bed (frame and mattress), covers, and decor. I was able to secure the frame with a great deal on Amazon that helped me to get it for under $70. However, it was one of those you get what you pay for situations. Because one of the screw holes had something lodged in it that made it impossible to get the screw in. However, the sellers were really helpful in offering solutions. I ultimately opted for a partial refund instead of sending it back or redoing it because it was at step 2. Overall, I think it’s a great bed but I requested the refund because I don’t know how long it will last with a screw in an important enforcement place missing.
I had a similar experience buying the mattress. I found a good deal on TikTok Shop. However, they sent me a completely different model. It is less firm and a different color than what I purchased. The color was less important because I always intended to get a mattress protector on top of it anyway. But I still wanted what I ordered! I sanitized the mattress with Lysol spray. The mattress came in around $75 and the protector was about $19.
The only other thing left to order was bedding. I got the Hello Kitty Quilt Set from Amazon and I had to purchase a white sheet set from Target. I made sure to wash everything including the mattress protector with Dreft. The quilt set was more than I wanted to spend at about $53, and the sheet set from Target was $10.
So all these items came up to a total of roughly $227. A full room reset under $250, I’ll take it. There’s still decor I want to do but I’m thinking about DIY’ing some canvas paintings.
Step 3: Baby Room Setup
My arch nemesis, assembly. I used to enjoy putting things together, but not these days. I’m at the point I’d rather pay the additional assembly fee. But we’re doing this on a budget! So I was actually sticking to it this time
Step 4: Rearrange for Space Optimization
I moved the furniture several times. I thought I wanted the bed centered until I saw how long it was in her room. Then, I wanted it in the corner in the same direction, until it was still too long to put the chair next to. So I ultimately decided it had to go sideways, which made me wish I bought a daybed like I wanted to. Maybe when this one gives out.
The key for me was play and walkable space. So I rearranged until it made sense. It was important for me to settle on the furniture layout before hanging a single picture in this baby room.
Step 5: Decorate
Aside from my beautiful Hello Kitty Quilt Set and LED light, I have yet to decorate. The walls feel bare but I wanted to ensure I was content with where I placed my furniture before I could visualize the wall layout. I also am deciding if I want to buy new curtains or repurpose these dusty rose curtains from my baby shower.
Drop your suggestions in the comments on what I should hang on the walls.
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