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Boy, Oh Boy! Imaginative, Chic and Oh-So-Fun Themes for Boys' Nurseries
From a walk in the woods to a trip around the world, here are the most lovable themes for your baby boy's very first room
Congratulations, it’s a boy! Now you know what you’re having, you must be itching to start nesting and creating a bedroom of his dreams. It’s not only one of your baby’s first introductions to the world, you’ll both be spending a fair amount of time in there between feeding, changing and sleeping, so it’s quite important that you (and your baby) like to be in there.
Start by working out whether you want something serene and relaxing, stimulating and imagination-inducing or a little bit of both. Then, it’s really down to personal preference, and the images, colours and overall themes you would like your baby to be exposed to on a daily basis. From galaxies far, far away to urban jungles and serene woodlands, boys’ nurseries have come a long way from blue-on-blue colour schemes.
And it doesn’t have to cost the earth to create a successful theme. Sometimes it can be as simple as a few decals and creatively sourced prints for the wall, or one standout mural complemented by soft furnishings in similar tones. So, here is some inspiration for the most modern, fun and downright adorable themes for boys’ nurseries. Get ready to nest!
Start by working out whether you want something serene and relaxing, stimulating and imagination-inducing or a little bit of both. Then, it’s really down to personal preference, and the images, colours and overall themes you would like your baby to be exposed to on a daily basis. From galaxies far, far away to urban jungles and serene woodlands, boys’ nurseries have come a long way from blue-on-blue colour schemes.
And it doesn’t have to cost the earth to create a successful theme. Sometimes it can be as simple as a few decals and creatively sourced prints for the wall, or one standout mural complemented by soft furnishings in similar tones. So, here is some inspiration for the most modern, fun and downright adorable themes for boys’ nurseries. Get ready to nest!
Into the woods. Little boys love exploring the great outdoors, so a woodland theme is sure to spark the interest of even the tiniest explorer. The beautiful tree decal in this Melbourne nursery is a perfect starting point. We love how the leaves extend beyond the architrave. Soft, neutral colours and blond wood furniture work best with this lighter, blue, green and beige colour scheme. Then all that’s needed to complete the look are a few soft forest friends. Oh, and a red toadstool lamp, of course.
This is a different take on the woodland theme. The trees might look like a decal, but they were actually handpainted using an image projected onto the wall. Soft forest friends also make an appearance, including two red birds on the trees on the wall. Orange, yellow and brown are the central colours, including the mobile and tree canvases above the cot, giving this woodland a warm autumnal feel.
This incredible mural came from an old paint-by-number kit. The designer took a photo of it, uploaded it to her computer and then used a projector to overlay it on the wall before painting it. The deer with her baby is a fitting addition to a nursery, whether boy or girl, and really doesn’t need much else in the room to complete the theme.
Globetrotter. Your baby boy has the world at his feet, so why not consider a world-explorer theme? We love the fresh red, blue and white colour scheme of this Melbourne nursery, especially the combination of the soft blue chevron with the bold red and white stripes. The picture gallery, with its world map and global images is a subtle way to introduce the theme.
This amazing globe mobile was handmade using a vintage atlas, and features places that were meaningful to the owners – where they were born, where they live and where they went on their honeymoon. The walls continue the blue, red and white theme and were handpainted. The stripes and colours on the wall were actually inspired by a favourite onesie worn by the room’s tiny occupant! Well, where better to find inspiration?
Here are more ways to decorate your child’s room with maps
Here are more ways to decorate your child’s room with maps
These appropriately ‘worldly’ children’s books on display really tie the theme together beautifully, and are a great way to add decoration without it costing the earth. The book racks are actually IKEA spice racks, which were also used above the change table to store necessities.
Nautical but nice. Boats and boys … the two were made for each other! Here, navy, red and white are used to great effect, giving a stylish rather than overly cutesy end result. We love the red and white oar above the window and the chunky striped walls that show off the shape of the room. The nautical-inspired cushions and rug really add to the theme, but can easily be replaced when it’s time to transition to a toddler room. And how cool is that rope lamp from Pottery Barn?
Roll up, roll up! If you’re looking for a fun theme, look no further than the circus. The grey, white and red colour scheme keeps this circus stylish rather than garish. It’s the red marquee letter ‘K’ that really makes the room (you can buy them quite readily online from sites such as Etsy and eBay), while the oversized giraffe is another essential addition – after all, there must be something so magical to a child about a stuffed animal that’s bigger than he is! Finally, the hot air balloon mobile, colourful paper garlands and chevron fabric paired with the chunky striped wall are all inspired touches.
Take to the skies. This is an excellent example of just how brilliant decals can be! Placed at random against the navy blue wall, these simple gold and grey dots give the appearance of peering into galaxies far away. The vintage constellation prints on the wall are something a little boy would surely love to study as he grows bigger.
Sticking to the heavens, this alternative to the theme couldn’t be dreamier! The clouds were actually handpainted on the walls and ceiling, and the effect is nothing short of astounding. It would surely be impossible for your little one not to sleep well in here (especially with the ‘counting sheep’ mobile, too), and isn’t that the dream of every new parent? The black, grey and white colour scheme keeps the look masculine and modern.
Let your baby boy know he’s your shining star with this stellar theme. A beautiful wallpaper is a great base from which to decorate. Here, a grey, white and beige colour scheme was used, from the cot to the storage baskets and the organic-shaped rug on the floor. The overall effect is calming yet cheery.
Animal kingdom. The safari theme must be one of the more popular for boys and is produced here in traditional black and white. The bonus of this is that high-contrast monochrome is meant to be best for stimulating babies’ early vision. The black and white striped rug complements the zebra and rhino heads on the wall, Roman blinds, and the modern black and white glider, while the wooden elephant provides natural contrast.
If you think black and white is too stark, try brown and white, which still offers impact but is a little easier on the eye.
Looking for something simpler and even more modern? Choose your favourite safari animal and stick with that as your entire theme. Elephants are hero here – the modern wall decal was even custom designed. Pops of bright blue break up the otherwise grey and white colour scheme – notice the same blue is even on the ears of the wooden elephant mobile.
More: The Elephant is Definitely in the Room!
More: The Elephant is Definitely in the Room!
Even simpler again? Stick to a white colour scheme and frame some headshot-style photos of your favourite animals. This allows you freedom to build on this or keep the room simple with just the addition of a few cute accessories, such as the giraffe light fitting here, and some soft toys strategically placed around the room.
Urban jungle. The city skyline decal works really well in this nursery-cum-guestroom. The look is given a more whimsical and childish edge thanks to the cascading star mobile and ‘skywriting’ of the child’s name above the cot.
This is a brighter version of the cityscape theme in red, grey and blue tones. The silver racing car is a great touch, although it’s hard to imagine a baby boy who wouldn’t want to leap out of his cot to play with it!
Modern vintage. Have some fun with the geometric patterns of the ‘60s (again, great for visual stimulation in babies). Green, navy and grey is a sophisticated colour scheme, while modern and streamlined white furniture keeps the look fresh rather than dated.
Under the sea. Ok, so this technically isn’t a nursery, but how fantastic is this wallpaper? The rest of the room could be kept relatively plain, just picking out a few of the colours from the wall to finish the look.
Quirky and eclectic. Out-there colouring-in-style wallpaper combines with a bright green birdcage, vintage ride-on car and Charlie Chaplin-esque mobile. It might be too off-the-wall for some, but at the end of the day, an eclectic theme is sure to provide plenty of fodder for your little one’s imagination.
Classic contemporary. Here, the masculine grey, white and black colours are lifted by the dazzling Hollywood-style name in lights. The square streamlined furniture and geometric pendant light make this a thoroughly modern room for a thoroughly modern baby.
TELL US
Which is your favourite theme from the ones here, or are you planning a different theme for your little boy’s first room? Let us know all about it in the comments section.
MORE
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TELL US
Which is your favourite theme from the ones here, or are you planning a different theme for your little boy’s first room? Let us know all about it in the comments section.
MORE
Clever Kids’ Rooms: 15 Ideas for Girls’ Bedrooms that Shine
Building a Baby’s Room: Here’s How to Get Started
Teenage Boys’ Bedrooms That Celebrate Who They Really Are