Obaby white and natural mini cot bed in a scandi style nursery | Nursery furniture - Clair de Lune UK

How to Optimise Your Small Nursery

6 Tips for Space-Saving Brilliance

Setting up a nursery in a small room doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, style, or practicality. With a bit of clever planning (and the right pieces!), you can transform even the cosiest corner into a beautifully functional nursery for your baby. 

 Here are our top six tips — plus a few space-saving Clair de Lune favourites — to help you make every inch count.

1. Make the Most of Vertical Space

Think beyond the floor! Walls can work wonders in small nurseries. Add floating shelves, wall-mounted organisers, or even a slim bookshelf for baby’s essentials and keepsakes. You’ll free up floor space while keeping everything neat and within reach. 

Top Tip: Display a few special books or soft toys on shelves for a homely, personal touch - it makes the room feel warm without cluttering it up.

2. Choose Multi-Purpose Products

When space is limited, versatility is your best friend. Look for nursery furniture that adapts as your baby grows, it’s both practical and budget-friendly.

Clair de Lune Juni Cot Bed with Under Drawer

The Clair de Lune Juni Cot Bed with Under Drawer is the perfect example. It features a handy built-in drawer for extra storage and even has a hanging rail at the end, ideal for blankets or little outfits. Designed to grow with your child, it transforms into a toddler bed when the time is right; saving you both space and money.
Shop Juni Cot Bed


Select Space-Saving Furniture

Small nursery? No problem! Compact and foldable furniture is key. The award-winning Clair de Lune Organic Folding Crib is a brilliant choice for tight spaces. With breathable mesh sides and a foldable design, it’s lightweight, portable, and tucks neatly away when not in use perfect for smaller rooms or visiting grandparents. 

Clair de Lune Organic Folding CribShop Organic Folding Crib

Another clever pick is the Waffle Palm Moses Basket with Folding Stand, which provides a cosy sleeping space for your newborn and folds down effortlessly for storage.

Clair de Lune Waffle Palm Moses Basket with Folding Stand

Shop Waffle Palm Moses Basket With Stand

4. Create a Smart Changing Station

When every inch matters, choose changing solutions that maximise space. The Clair de Lune Essentials Cot Top Changer is a true game-changer. It sits securely on top of your cot or cot bed, creating a changing area without taking up extra floor space - ideal for compact nurseries.
Clair de Lune Essentials Cot Bed

 It can be bought as part of a bundle with the Essentials Cot Bed or sold separately, and it’s compatible with most cots and cot beds (62–76 cm external width). Pair it with one of our Wedge Changing Mats for comfort and easy cleaning — stylish, practical, and perfectly sized for small spaces.
Shop Essentials Cot bed Bundles

5. Embrace Clever Storage Solutions

The secret to a tidy nursery? Smart storage that works hard for you. Think baskets, boxes, drawer dividers, and under-cot storage. Keep everyday essentials, like nappies and muslins, close by, and store outgrown clothes or spare bedding in labelled boxes to keep things organised.

 Adding an open toy shelf or a small bookcase helps little ones learn to tidy up, too!


6. Use Design Tricks to Open Up the Space

A few styling tweaks can make even the smallest nursery feel airy and bright. Choose light colours, use mirrors to reflect natural light, and keep the room visually uncluttered with a simple layout. Soft, neutral tones like sage, cream, or natural wood finishes (a Clair de Lune favourite!) create a calm and timeless look that won’t date as your baby grows. 

Bonus tip: Stick to a cohesive palette for furniture and textiles - it makes the space feel larger and beautifully put together.

Featured Space Saving Products

FAQs: Small Nursery Ideas & Space Saving Tips

1. How can I make my small nursery feel bigger?

Use light colours, mirrors, and open shelving. Keeping clutter to a minimum and choosing multipurpose furniture will make the space feel more open.

2. What’s the best cot bed for a small nursery?

The Clair de Lune Juni Cot Bed with Under-Drawer is ideal. It offers storage, converts to a toddler bed, and features a handy hanging rail.

3. Can I use a cot top changer on any cot?

Most cot top changers, including the Clair de Lune Essentials Cot Top Changer, fit cots and cot beds with an external width between 62–76 cm.

4. How do I save space when changing my baby?

Opt for a cot top changer instead of a traditional changing table, and pair it with a Wedge Changing Mat for comfort and easy cleaning.

5. Are folding cribs safe for everyday use?

Yes! The award-winning Clair de Lune Organic Folding Crib meets all UK safety standards and is perfect for both everyday use and travel.

Author: Chloé - Product Specialist & Mum of 2

Chloé is a product specialist at Clair de Lune, passionate about helping families find beautiful, practical, and safe products for their little ones. As a mum of two, she knows first-hand what works in a busy family home and loves sharing tips, advice, and inspiration to make parenting a little easier.

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