Discover the best nautical nursery ideas for a stylish and serene baby room. From sailor-themed décor to calming ocean colours, create a coastal haven for your little one where they’re guaranteed sweet dreams (and hopefully you get some sleep too!)
When it comes to designing a nursery, few themes are as timeless and charming as nautical. Whether you’re dreaming of breezy beach vibes, classic sailor stripes, or charming sea creatures, a nautical nursery blends sophistication and playfulness in equal measure. Perfect for boys, girls or gender-neutral nurseries, this sea-inspired style brings a touch of coastal calm to your baby’s first room that you just can’t beat.
In this guide, we’ll take you through stylish and practical nautical nursery ideas that balance aesthetics and comfort, helping you create a serene space your baby (and you!) will love. As a parent myself, these are some of my favourite tips for sorting a babies nursery and making a beautiful nautical themed nursery.
1. Start with a Soft Coastal Colour Palette
A nautical nursery begins with the right colour base. While navy blue is a classic choice, consider softening your palette with shades of seafoam green, baby blue, sandy beige, and crisp white. These lighter tones not only evoke a calming, oceanic vibe but also make the room feel airy and spacious.
If you’re after a more traditional maritime look, opt for navy and white stripes as a feature wall or incorporate touches of red and gold accents for a preppy, yacht-club style.
Top Tip: Use peel-and-stick nautical wallpaper with wave or anchor patterns for an easy update that’s also renter-friendly.
2. Incorporate Sea-Inspired Furniture
When it comes to nursery furniture, think clean lines with subtle nods to the sea. White or light wood cribs, dressers with rope-style drawer handles, and rocking chairs with navy cushions help tie the nautical theme together without overwhelming the space.
You might even find cribs with boat-like curves or beds shaped like miniature ships for toddlers later on. A driftwood-inspired changing table or a boat bookcase adds character while staying practical.
Seen in the City Style Tip: Look for sustainably sourced wooden furniture to bring in those earthy beach elements in an eco-friendly way.
3. Decorate with Nautical Nursery Wall Art
Wall art is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to express a theme. For a nautical nursery, opt for:
- Framed prints of whales, turtles, or lighthouses
- Watercolour sea life illustrations
- Inspirational quotes in sailor-style typography like “Let your dreams set sail” or “Ahoy, little one!”
You can also create a gallery wall mixing art with tactile elements like woven lifebuoys, wooden oars, or framed rope knots.
Bonus SEO Tip: Searching for nautical nursery wall décor will offer dozens of Etsy and boutique options that support small businesses.
4. Add Texture with Textiles and Rug
Textiles help add warmth and depth to your nautical nursery. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics in ocean hues, such as:
- Cotton or linen curtains with blue and white stripes
- A wave-patterned rug to anchor the space
- Nautical-themed bedding sets featuring anchors, fish, or sailboats
- A cosy blanket in shell, coral or rope textures draped over the rocking chair
Keep the overall feel soft and snug, ensuring fabrics are baby-safe and machine-washable for practicality. We love sites like Rugvista where you can find rugs such as the one above.
5. Create a Nautical-Themed Reading Nook
Every baby room benefits from a cosy reading corner, and a nautical theme offers the perfect inspiration. Add a small tent or canopy in soft blues, filled with plush pillows and a shell-shaped cushion. Hang fairy lights shaped like stars for a magical, under-the-sea glow.
Stock the shelves with themed books like The Rainbow Fish, Moby-Dick (BabyLit edition), or Goodnight Ocean to build your baby’s love for storytelling.
Fun Feature: Try a soft fabric boat beanbag for a playful touch that’s both adorable and functional.
6. Use Nautical Lighting Fixtures
Lighting sets the mood in any nursery. For a nautical space, consider:
- Lantern-style ceiling lights or pendant lamps
- Shell or starfish wall sconces
- A nightlight shaped like a lighthouse, boat or whale
A dimmable lamp is ideal for middle-of-the-night feeds, and soft lighting helps maintain a calm atmosphere.
7. Accessorise with Nautical Nursery Extras
The little details pull the whole look together. Some perfect nautical nursery accessories include:
- Anchor drawer knobs
- A mini wooden sailboat on a shelf
- Rope baskets for toy storage
- A personalised name sign in driftwood letters
- A tide clock for a sweet touch of authenticity
If you want to go all out, consider a hand-painted mural of an ocean scene, complete with waves, a friendly octopus, and clouds above.
8. Safety and Function First
While design is important, safety and functionality should always come first in any baby room. Ensure:
- All décor is securely attached
- No small, detachable parts are within reach
- Furniture is anchored to walls
- Window cords are out of baby’s reach
Choose items that are stylish but also functional, like a glider chair with storage underneath or a changing table that can convert into a dresser later. This makes it work for the short and long-term so is better economy wise too!
9. Where to Shop for Nautical Nursery Décor in the UK
Looking to bring your dream nursery to life? Here are a few UK-based shops and online boutiques that offer nautical nursery essentials:
- Cuckooland – Great for modern, design-led baby furniture
- JoJo Maman Bébé – (A personal favourite!) JJMB Offers charming sea-themed bedding and toys
- Etsy UK – For personalised nautical nursery wall art and handmade décor
- Scandibørn – Beautiful minimal nautical pieces and storage
- The White Company – Elegant coastal-inspired textiles and lighting
- Next – Beautiful decor pieces and furniture from their own brand and other companies too
Final Thoughts: Let Their Dreams Set Sail
Designing your baby’s room is one of the best bits of being pregnant and a nautical nursery is a perfect way to blend timeless style with childlike wonder. Whether you go bold with navy and stripes or soft with coastal pastels and natural textures, the key is to create a space that feels calm, welcoming, and personal.
From the soothing hues of the ocean to whimsical boat-shaped accessories, a nautical nursery can grow with your child and always evoke that dreamy, seaside feeling. Which of the above ideas are you going to use? Let us know in the comments below.
