For 2026, earthy inspired spaces, new colour ways and cozy layering is at the heart of the nursery trends for the year ahead.
If you’re getting ready to decorate a nursery for the impending arrival of your little one, or perhaps a little freshen up now they’re a bit older, prepare to be inspired and take your favorite elements from these incoming nursery trends.
The Nursery Trends Set to Dominate 2026
1.Blue Is In, and It’s Not Just For Boys!
Let’s face it, blue has always been a popular and traditional choice for a little boys nursery, but it’s going mainstream!
According to the paint trends for 2026, blues are almost as versatile as a neutral these days, and a bright, uplifting alternative to an off-white or warmer neutral.
Whilst the colour is slowly steeped in history of little boys rooms, there’s something so feel good and soothing about this colour that makes it ideal for unisex nurseries and for little girls.
Pair with a red, the opposite colour on the colour wheel to blue for a highly complementary contrast that looks amazing.
2. Earthy, Grounding Neutrals
Earthy inspired interior design is becoming one of the most popular design trends throughout a room, and a nursery is no different!
Any colours that can be drawn from nature work here, and because of their inherent link to nature they just feel good to be around in a nursery. Think muted greens, soft browns, creams and pops of red for added warmth.
Check out the below nursery space painted in Card Room Green by Farrow and Ball.
3. Reimagined Bunk Beds
Forget the iron and wooden bunk beds from the 90’s, they’re reimagined for today and are the ultimate place of rest in a nursery for when they’re older, or a kids bedroom.
Creating a bespoke wooden frame around the bunk beds allows you to create something totally unique, incorporating textiles and warmth through colour. What do you think?
4. Checkerboard – Check-Mate!
Check has been the word for the last couple of years, but it’s still reigning supreme in nurseries this year. Challenge the conventional and instead of placing it on somewhere obvious like a rug, think outside the box.
This unisex nursery has been created with the most stunning focal accent wall with this checkerboard wallpaper. It’s unusual, draws the eye in and really sets the tone for a beautifully earthy scheme. Carry some of the subtle print through on textiles such as cushions and curtains.
5. Wallpaper Drenching
‘Drenching’ in various forms has become the ‘IT’ decor trend this last year, and wallpaper is no exception. Whether you choose to drench all the walls, or include the ceiling in your design plans too, it’s the best way to create a statement in a nursery.
Shown below with the most beautiful Sandberg wallpaper. When opting for an approach like this, try to create a cohesive feel by matching a paint colour to one that fits within the wallpaper.
6. Natural Materials Are Here To Stay
One nursery trend that’s here to stay this year is the use of natural materials. Partly fuelled by the rise in earthy interior design, using such materials in a nursery is an easy way to add natural warmth and to create that link to nature.
Wooden elements, rattan, seagrass and jute are beautiful materials to use and which can easily be sourced, whether it’s with a rattan basket or a wooden crib.
7. Layering Textiles For Warmth
It’s all about layering to create that cozy, warm and elevated nursery and it’s one of the easiest things you can do in a nursery without having to spend a lot.
Combining a mix of textiles and textures will create that layered feel, think cushions, window treatments, canopies, light shades, rugs and bedding. The key to creating a relaxed, yet stylish look is to use fabrics with differing textures, colours and patterns to instil that added interest in the nursery.
8. Fun Pops of Colour
Nothing gives personality and fun like a generous pop of color. Whilst soothing, muted tones are generally recommended for nurseries as they don’t over stimulate, a few accent colours will create that fun, uplifting environment.
A trim color, wallpaper accent or even artwork are lovely ways to get these doses of color speaking in the nursery. Not sure what color to go for? Red is seemingly always a good idea as it helps you tap into the unexpected red theory, the theory which suggests a single pop of red will focus the eye and make a room feel complete.
9. Don’t Forget The Fifth Wall
Put down that paint brush now and ditch the bright white paint for your ceiling in favor of something a little more fun…
The ceiling is no longer becoming an afterthought and is very much one that is being included in design plans. Paint it, wallpaper it or even create a fun mural like this circus top ceiling in the image below. Bringing the paint or design around 30cm down from the ceiling can help to create even more of a cozy and cocooning space.
10. Layered Lighting Scheme
It’s all about the light! It’s never been easier to create a layered lighting scheme with the rise of rechargeable lamps and wall lights.
Rather than just relying on one overhead light, introduce lighting in different layers for a cozy, ambient feel. In a nursery, an overhead light, wall lights and a floor or table light will serve their function whilst also looking beautiful in the room.
11. Beautiful Window Treatments
We’re finding more ways to get creative and show our flair for design in our homes and elevating the windows is one of them.
Mixing a combination of window treatments will tap into creating that tactile feel whilst making the nursery feel warm and lived in. Combining elements such as cafe curtains with full length curtains or a roman blind with curtains are just a couple ways you could trial this in your nursery.
What do you think of the nursery trends for the year ahead? Let us know in the comments below!
