Designing a nursery is an exciting journey, and a woodland-themed nursery is a perfect choice for parents who love nature and want to create a peaceful, cozy retreat for their little ones. Inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, woodland nurseries incorporate soft, earthy tones, natural textures, and adorable forest animals to bring a sense of warmth and adventure into your baby's space.
If you're ready to create the ultimate woodland nursery, follow these step-by-step tips, starting with inspiration and moving through wall colors, furniture, and decor!
Step 1: Gather Inspiration & Create a Pinterest Board
Before you start decorating, spend some time collecting inspiration. Pinterest is an amazing tool for this—create a board dedicated to your woodland nursery ideas and pin anything that speaks to you. Look for:
✔️ Nursery room designs with woodland themes
✔️ Nature photography that inspires the color palette (forests, mountains, meadows)
✔️ Wall murals or wallpaper with trees, animals, or rustic textures
✔️ Furniture ideas that complement the woodland aesthetic
✔️ Soft, cozy decor elements like blankets, rugs, and plush toys
By compiling your favorite images, you'll start to notice themes and color palettes emerging, which will help guide your design decisions!
Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
Step 2: Choose a Woodland Color Palette
The color palette is the foundation of your nursery, setting the tone for the entire space. A woodland nursery should feel warm, inviting, and inspired by the great outdoors. Here are some go-to color schemes:
🌿 Earthy Neutrals – Beige, taupe, soft browns, and warm grays create a cozy and timeless look.
🌲 Forest Greens – Sage, olive, and deep green bring a lush, woodland feel.
⛰️ Soft Blues & Misty Grays – These add a calming touch, perfect for mountain or lake-inspired themes.
🍂 Warm Rust & Mustard – Hints of burnt orange, terracotta, or mustard add warmth and depth.
For walls, you can go with solid paint in a soothing shade or opt for woodland-themed wallpaper featuring trees, mountains, or animals. A popular choice is a wood accent wall or a painted mural that brings the outdoors inside.
Step 3: Pick the Right Furniture
When choosing furniture, aim for pieces that are both functional and fit the theme. Think about timeless, neutral designs that will grow with your child. Some must-have items include:
🛏 A Crib in Natural Wood or White – A rustic wood crib adds warmth, while white keeps it airy and bright.
🪑 A Comfortable Rocking Chair or Glider – Look for one with soft, earthy fabric to complement the theme.
🗄 A Dresser & Changing Table – Opt for a wooden or vintage-style dresser that can double as storage.
📚 Open Wooden Shelving – Great for displaying books, stuffed animals, and decorative elements.
Natural materials like wood, rattan, or wickerwork beautifully in a woodland nursery. If you’re feeling creative, consider DIY-ing a reclaimed wood bookshelf or refinishing a thrifted piece for a more personal touch!
Step 4: Add Woodland-Themed Decor & Accessories
Now for the fun part—bringing the theme to life with decor! Here are some ideas to make your nursery feel like an enchanted forest:
🐻 Plush Woodland Animals – Deer, foxes, owls, and bears make adorable stuffed companions.
🌲 Tree or Forest Wall Decals – Easy to apply and remove, these can add instant charm to any wall.
🏡 A Canopy or Tent – A cozy reading nook with a soft canopy creates a magical hideaway.
🐾 Nature-Inspired Mobiles – Look for felt animals, clouds, or trees for a whimsical touch above the crib.
🕯️ Warm, Soft Lighting – String lights, soft lamps, or a nightlight in the shape of a moon or star keep the space cozy.
🌿 Nature-Inspired Rugs – A plush rug with leaf, tree, or animal prints can add texture and warmth.
Step 5: Personalize with Handmade & Sentimental Touches
A nursery should feel unique and special. Adding handmade or custom elements makes the space even more meaningful. Consider:
💚 A Personalized Embroidered Stuffed Animal – A custom plushie with your baby’s name and birth stats adds a sentimental touch.
🖼️ Framed Nature or Woodland Quotes – Simple phrases like "Adventure Awaits" or "Stay Wild, My Child" fit the theme perfectly.
📸 Photos of Family Adventures in Nature – If you have favorite outdoor memories, frame those pictures to create a personal gallery wall.
Photo by Arthur Poulin on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
Creating a woodland nursery is all about blending comfort, nature, and whimsy into a space where your baby can grow and thrive. By starting with a Pinterest board, choosing a calming color palette, selecting timeless furniture, and incorporating woodland-themed decor, you’ll craft a room that feels both magical and peaceful.
Looking for the perfect finishing touch? Check out Becky Sue’s Creations for custom-embroidered stuffed animals that make beautiful keepsakes for your little one’s nursery!