Choosing the Perfect Nursery Wallpaper: Tips from a Designer Mom
As a designer and a mom of two, I know how exciting — and overwhelming — it can be to set up a nursery for your first baby. You’re juggling all the basics: crib, changing table, diapers… the list never ends. But once the essentials are handled, you start thinking about details like nursery wallpaper to make the space feel cozy, calm, and just right — not only for your baby, but for you, too.
Wallpaper isn’t a necessity, but it can help set the mood of the room, add warmth, and even support early development. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for when choosing nursery wallpaper — from safety and stimulation to durability and style. Some of this is backed by science, some by experience.
1. Start with Safety
When it comes to nursery wallpaper, safety is always the priority. Ensure that the wallpaper materials you choose are safe for your child.
Choose non-toxic materials
Look for wallpapers made from natural fibers and printed with water-based inks. Avoid VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can linger in enclosed spaces and aren’t ideal for babies.
Fire safety matters
If possible, opt for wallpaper labeled “Class A fire-rated.” This indicates the highest level of fire resistance.
Prevent mold
Consider breathable, non-woven wallpapers. They help reduce the risk of moisture buildup and mold – especially in older homes or humid climates.
Look for these terms in product listings:
Non-woven base, breathable, mold-resistant, paste-the-wall, peelable or strippable.
2. Match Wallpaper to Baby’s Developmental Stage
Wallpaper can support your baby’s growth, especially in the early months. Here’s how wallpaper design choices can align with their development using:
0–3 Months: Visual Beginnings
Newborns respond best to high-contrast images and simple shapes. Think black and white or other high contrast combinations. Stripes, dots, and abstract forms can support early visual tracking and focus. Check out this article (Infant vision development: Helping babies see their bright futures! by Kylie Rymanowicz www.canr.msu.edu/)
3–6 Months: Recognizing Patterns
As babies begin to focus more and take in their surroundings, geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles become ideal. Repeating forms help support recognition and cognitive growth.
6–18 Months: Naming the World
This is the point-and-name stage. Wallpaper with simple objects — animals, fruit, vehicles — can help build vocabulary. You point, name it, your baby repeats.
18 Months and Beyond: Mood and Interests
Now wallpaper becomes more personal. Try coloring-style wallpaper with outlined images kids can recognize — or even help color.
Favorite themes like woodland scenes, outer space, or sea life can create comfort and joy.
And remember: it doesn’t have to be permanent – kids room will grow with your child. Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes updating your child’s room easy and mess-free.
3. Look for Durable, Flexible Options
Babies grow fast — and they’re messy. Here’s how to make nursery wallpaper work for your life:
Wipeable surfaces
Spills, smudges, and snack time accidents happen. Choose wallpaper that cleans easily to save time and effort.
Peel-and-stick options
Great for renters or anyone who likes to change things up. These wallpapers are low-commitment and easy to install or remove.
4. Keep Practical Details in Mind
Even the most beautiful wallpaper won’t work in your kid’s room if it doesn’t suit the space. Think about how nursery wallpaper will fit with the room’s other elements.
Room size
Light colors and small-scale patterns can make compact rooms feel bigger and more open.
Lighting
Always test samples in the actual room. Wallpaper can look very different in natural daylight versus lamp light.
Gender-neutral options
If you’re designing a shared room or planning ahead for more than one child, go for versatile tones like sage green, beige, or soft blue.
Don’t wallpaper the whole room
An accent wall or half-wall can add just enough visual interest without overwhelming the space — and it’s easier to update later.
Final Thought: You’ll Be Spending Time Here, Too
The nursery isn’t just for your baby — you’ll be spending plenty of time here as well. Midnight feedings, early mornings, messy play… you’ll see these wallpapered walls a lot. Choose nursery wallpaper that makes you feel relaxed and happy to be in the space. Something you won’t mind staring at during a 3 a.m. bottle session.
And don’t forget: every family is different. Some neurodivergent children find comfort in calm, repetitive wallpaper patterns. Others might thrive with more visual stimulation. Pay attention to what feels right for your child and your home.
All the designs shown here are mine, and I’m happy to adjust them to fit your space. Need a different scale, color, or orientation? Just ask — I offer free customizations.
Have questions or looking for something specific? Feel free to reach out. And if you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more design tips and ideas!
