Children's bedroom with Mustard made Cabinet and childrens artwork

 

Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new arrival. From choosing calming colours to selecting meaningful pieces, every detail helps create a warm and welcoming environment for your child.

However, nurseries can quickly become filled with books, toys, clothing and everyday essentials. Thoughtful storage is key to keeping the space calm, organised and easy to use, particularly when working with a smaller room.

The good news is that nursery storage can be both practical and beautiful. With the right pieces and styling ideas, you can create a nursery that feels tidy, peaceful and full of character.

Here are some stylish storage ideas to help you organise a nursery while keeping the space feeling relaxed and clutter-free.

Wall Shelves for Nurseries

Wall shelves are one of the most effective ways to add storage to a nursery without taking up valuable floor space. By using vertical space, shelves allow you to store books, toys and decorative pieces while keeping everything within easy reach.

Open shelving also creates an opportunity to display meaningful objects such as favourite storybooks, small keepsakes or framed illustrations.

When styling nursery shelves, try to keep the arrangement simple and balanced. A few carefully chosen items often create a more calming atmosphere than filling every shelf.

You might consider styling shelves with:

  • a small selection of children’s books

  • a decorative toy or soft object

  • a small plant or natural element

  • simple ceramic pieces

Keeping the styling minimal helps the nursery feel peaceful while still providing practical storage.

Child reading a book on a couch in a playroom with shelves and toys.

Wooden Bookshelves for Children

Books quickly become a treasured part of childhood, and having a dedicated place to store them helps encourage a love of reading from an early age.

Wooden bookshelves are a beautiful addition to a nursery because they introduce natural warmth and texture into the room. Unlike brightly coloured plastic storage, wooden pieces often feel timeless and can grow with your child as the room evolves.

Beautifully crafted shelves from brands such as Autumn’s Corner combine functionality with thoughtful design. Handmade wooden shelves can hold books, toys and keepsakes while adding a sense of craftsmanship to the space.

Positioning a bookshelf at a child-friendly height also allows children to begin choosing their own books as they grow, helping create a nurturing and independent reading environment.

Children's books on wooden shelves against a white wall

Toy Storage Ideas

Toys are an essential part of a child’s development, but without a clear storage system they can quickly take over a room.

Simple storage solutions can make tidying up much easier while keeping toys accessible for play.

Some practical nursery toy storage ideas include:

  • open wooden boxes for favourite toys

  • small storage crates that can be easily moved

  • soft baskets for plush toys

  • toy chests that double as seating

Grouping toys by type can also make it easier to maintain order. For example, keeping books in one area, soft toys in another, and building toys in their own container can make the nursery feel far more organised.

Children's room with bookshelves, books, and a baby in a crib.

Baskets and Soft Storage

Soft storage solutions such as woven baskets are perfect for nurseries because they combine practicality with warmth and texture.

Baskets can be used to store everything from blankets and muslin cloths to toys and everyday essentials. They are also easy to move around the room, making them ideal for busy nursery spaces.

Natural materials such as seagrass, cotton and woven fibres add a gentle softness to the overall look of the room. These textures work beautifully alongside wooden furniture and neutral colour palettes, helping the nursery feel calm and welcoming.

Soft storage is particularly useful for items that need to be easily accessible, such as spare blankets or frequently used toys.

Nursery room with wooden dresser, crib, and decorative elements.

Keeping a Nursery Calm and Clutter-Free

A nursery should feel like a peaceful retreat for both parent and child. Thoughtful storage helps maintain that calm atmosphere by keeping everyday items organised and out of sight when they’re not needed.

Some simple ways to keep a nursery feeling uncluttered include:

  • choosing storage that blends with the room’s design

  • keeping only a few favourite toys on display

  • rotating toys and books occasionally

  • using baskets or boxes to group smaller item

Wooden shelves with children's books on a white wall, with a soft rug and toy in the foreground.

By focusing on quality storage pieces and simple organisation systems, it becomes much easier to maintain a calm and tidy environment.

Nursery storage doesn’t need to be purely practical. Beautifully designed shelves, baskets and handcrafted furniture can also contribute to the overall character of the room.

At Mash and Mint, we love sharing thoughtfully designed pieces that help create homes filled with warmth, craftsmanship and intention. Beautiful nursery furniture and shelving from brands such as Autumn’s Corner are perfect examples of storage that feels both functional and timeless.

With the right approach, nursery storage can support everyday family life while helping create a calm, nurturing space for your child to grow.

Find out more about Founder Daisy's story here