24 Wondrous and Whimsical Nursery Ideas

Note: While these nursery photos are gorgeous, please know that itâs NOT safe to place stuffed animals, pillows, bumpers, or any loose items inside your infantâs sleep space until Baby is a year old. âDr. Harvey Karp
Thereâs no better way to embrace the sweet and precious days of childhood than with a nursery thatâs not only beautiful, but full of magic. Enter: the whimsical nursery! The great thing about whimsy is that it can be introduced into any nursery, whether themed, neutral, or any style in between. The only rules: Babyâs room must evoke fanciful feelings and a distinctly carefree vibe! Here, oodles of ideas to spark whimsy in your babyâs (or big kidâs) room!
Lively LoungingÂ
Photo: @changoandco
Part of creating a whimsical nursery is trading the tried-and-true for something a little more fun. For instance, instead of a traditional glider or even a standard sofa, set up a groovy lounge area on the floor. (Also: check out that wallpaper!)
Bearly Hanging On Whimsical Lighting
Photo and to purchase: Beautiful Halo
These darling bears can be added to just about any theme from fairy tale to circus for a creative and whimsical way to light up Babyâs room with wonder.
Classy & Whimsical Nursery
Photo: Serena & Lily
Yes, itâs absolutely possible to create a sense of whimsy in your babyâs nursery, while keeping it upscale and elegant. On-trend wicker and metallics paired with elephant wallpaper melds the best of both worlds! (See more elephant themed nursery ideas.)
Playful Pup Whimsical Nursery WallpaperÂ
Photo: @sophlog
As if doggies werenât fun enough, this amazing peel-and-stick wallpaper looks as if you Magic Marker-ed their sweet furry faces all over your babeâs nursery. Whimsy times twoâŚplus, SNOO!Â
Book Bliss
Photo: decor pad
A car thatâs a bed. A rainbow thatâs a light. A tree thatâs a bookshelf. When everyday objects mix with a bold imagination, wonder and whimsy follow!
Princely Palace
Photo: Houzz
Your little prince (or princess) will sparkle and shine in a fairy tale themed blue baby room bedecked with a tufted bed, silk curtains, a crystal light fixture, and crown-shaped cornice.
Pop Art Walls
Photo: @the.jonesy.life
Bold, beautiful, 1960s-inspired florals create such a fun nursery! And using burnt orange, gold, and blush bring just the right amount of elegance to the mix.Â
Modern Fairy TaleÂ
Photo: @tenleyclark
Once upon a time, a small child lived hereâŚand all their dreams were big and their room was beyond charming. The white walls work overtime making the sherbet color details in this room pop. The bunny mirror, bow hooks, and animal heads bring everything together.
Layered LevityÂ
Photo: DigsDigs
Whimsy does not have to look unsophisticated! This nursery, with its strategic bursts of bright fun, is elegant and wondrous all at once. Layering the dot wall decal atop the animal print is a fabulous way to mingle reality and fantasy. Swoon!
Mural Magic
Photo:Â @the_a_family_x
You donât need to be an artist to create a whimsical mural in your little oneâs nursery. Some bold lines coupled with bold colorsâplus some painterâs tape and maybe a few fanciful wall decals andâvoila! (Here, more SNOO nursery ideas!)
 A Sparking Shelfie
Photo: @soph__styles
Sparkly, tiny, and out-of-this-world cute: an assembly of fairies, glittery stars, flowers, princesses, and other magical details brings whimsy and wonder to this nursery. Create a shelf or corner like this and swap out the details as Baby grows or seasons change.
Garden Gaiety
Photo: Project NurseryÂ
A show-stopping chandelier and wallpaper that makes you feel like youâve entered a secret garden are prime examples of easy yet breathtaking ways to bring whimsy into your babyâs room.
Twinkles & Clouds Whimsical Nursery
Photo: Decor Pad
Cloud pillows on the wood plank wall and twinkling string lights morph Babyâs nursery into a dreamy woodland nursery. But remember, when decorating your babyâs room, keep the lights out of crib's reach. (Want more more cloud nursery ideas? Youâre in luck!)Â
Go Bananas!Â
Photo: Studio Munroe
Whimsical can mean different things to different people. One whimsical nursery could have a soft, billowy, dream-like feel, while another might be bursting with wackiness and fun. Here: The wacky and fun! Fruit wallpaper, an elephant dresser, tassels, wickerâŚall of it is perfection!
Ship-Ship Hooray!Â
Photo: @suziemcadam
Fanciful stories and wondrous dreams are the best stuff of childhood, and you can add these touches in the smallest and subtlest ways. A ship mobile strung up in the nursery is one such idea thatâll spark delight in your little one. (Check out even more nautical nursery ideas.)
3D Delight
Photo and to purchase: Sister Golden
The whimsy is in the details! When selecting artwork for your babyâs nursery, choose pieces that make you laugh, smile, or simply gawk in delight, like this stunning piece.
Star-Studded Wonder
Photo: Life with Brittany
The smattering of stars across the wall, the star-studded mobile, and the starburst chandelier all work together to create a room bursting with timeless magic.
A Celestial Celebration
Photo: Petit & Small
For an ethereal feel in your babyâs whimsical nursery, consider airy and twinkly accents, like a flowy canopy over your little oneâs reading nook and fairy lights. Just make sure the lights are fire-safe and strung out of Babyâs reach.
Swing into Action
Photo and to purchase: @sweet.swinging
Whatâs more fun than a playground right in your babyâs room?! With the proper support, an indoor swing can be the perfect finishing touch that inspires whimsyâand serves as a practical play element on rainy days!
Slide Time
Photo: Kids Interiors
Anything and everything that makes a childâs room fun is a win! A wood slide can be painted any color to fit their theme, or left bare for a more boho vibe. This room also proves that dark hues can be just as whimsical as brights and pastels!Â
A Joyous Jungle
Photo: Architectural DigestÂ
A safari or animal themed nursery canât help but be whimsical, and this tent-inspired ceiling takes the wonder over the top! Even though thereâs a lot going on here, a pleasing palette and functional furniture keep this nursery grounded in reality.
Paint Power
Photo: @thiscolourfulnest
With wallpaper and decals dominating nursery decor, itâs sometimes easy to forget the power of paint! The striped door and the scallop-edge wall in this childâs room is just oozing whimsy.Â
Looking Up
Photo: Fab Fatale
Painting or papering the ceiling is an unexpected way to add interest to your babyâs roomâand to ignite their imagination. Whether up top matches the rest of the room or not, whimsy is guaranteed.
Dreamy Butterflies
Photo and to purchase: Pottery Barn Kids
Anything that flies or floats brings a sense of magic and wonder to a babyâs room, and these feathery, glittering butterflies are no exception. Hang them up on an accent wall or above the crib to create visual interest as part of an all-out butterfly theme or just for some added sparkle.
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