A calm nursery doesn’t come from having less, it comes from knowing where everything belongs.
Open shelves and soft storage baskets make it easier to stay organised, while still creating a space that feels warm, personal and lived-in. Here’s how to declutter with confidence, then style what’s left in a way that feels both practical and beautiful.
First Declutter
Before styling comes simplifying. A gentle clear-out helps you make space for what really matters - without feeling overwhelmed.
Start small - You don’t need to do the whole nursery at once. Begin with one shelf or one basket at a time. Small wins build momentum.
Try a proven decluttering method - Popular approaches like the Marie Kondo method encourage keeping only what feels useful or meaningful. For nurseries, that might look like:
If it fits into one of the three categories above it’s worth keeping and giving it a proper place. If an item no longer serves a purpose or feels meaningful, letting it go, or donating it to charity can help make space for what truly belongs in your nursery now.
Sort into simple categories
By grouping things into daily use, occasional use and sentimental, you take the emotion and overwhelm out of decision-making. Instead of asking “Should I keep this?”, you’re simply asking “Where does this belong in our everyday life?”
Be realistic
Nurseries are lived-in spaces. Decluttering isn’t about perfection, it’s about making everyday life feel calmer and easier.
Then Display & Style
Once you’ve decluttered, styling becomes much easier and more enjoyable. With fewer items, each piece has space to be seen and appreciated.
Storage baskets that double as décor
Storage baskets are ideal for keeping everyday essentials close without adding visual noise. Use them to hold nappies, muslins, toys or spare blankets, grouping similar items together so everything has a clear place.
For a styled finish, you don’t need to hide everything away completely. Adding a softly draped blanket or a favourite teddy keeps the space feeling warm and lived-in, rather than overly styled.
Style shelves with intention
When it comes to open shelving, aim for balance rather than filling every surface. A few well-chosen pieces create a calmer feel than lots of smaller items.
A simple approach works well:
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A small selection of books you love reading together
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One decorative or natural element, like a plant pot or woven texture
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Something personal or meaningful, such as a keepsake or framed print
Leaving space between items helps the room feel more relaxed and easier on the eye.
Think about everyday life
Styling should support how you actually use the nursery. Keep regularly used items within easy reach, and place more decorative or sentimental pieces higher up or out of the way.
Storage That Grows with Your Family
Open shelving and baskets aren’t just for the baby stage. As your child grows, they adapt easily, from nappies and muslins to books, toys and treasured bits and pieces. By decluttering gently and styling thoughtfully, you create a nursery that feels calm now and flexible for whatever comes next.
If you’d like to explore storage designed to be both practical and beautiful, our shelves and storage collection are made to blend seamlessly into real family homes.
