HERE’S WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO SET UP A COSY NURSERY (AND WHAT YOU DEFINITELY DON’T)

Let’s be honest: the Pintrest nursery is a marketing trap.The second you google “nursery ideas” suddenly there are mood boards with eucalyptus garlands, cloud-shaped shelves, £800 rocking chairs and matching everything.

If you want to go all out — hell yes, go for it. Paint the arch. Add the canopy. We love that for you. But, if you’re trying to keep costs under control (because maternity pay is not exactly designed to fund a home makeover), the good news is: A nursery can still be calm, cosy, beautiful and practical without spending an arm and a leg.

1. YOU DO NEED A VIBE (NOT A WHOLE THEME)

Pick a feeling: warm neutrals, playful colours, cosy textures.This stops the panic-buying spiral where nothing matches and half of it ends up in a cupboard. You don’t need a fully coordinated “woodland animals” or “safari” theme — the baby will not notice if the curtains don’t match the cot sheet.

Cubbi Tip: For furniture & décor that naturally works together without being too matchy-matchy, check Mabel & Fox on Cubbi. Think soft neutrals, storage that actually looks nice, and pieces that grow with your baby — with a Cubbi discount to soften the blow.

2. PICK ONE SPECIAL PIECE (THEN BUILD AROUND IT)

Choose one “hero” item that makes you smile every time you walk in. A standout print, a personalised toy box, a cosy armchair, a cute mobile.Then keep everything else simple. You don’t need five statement pieces. One is enough to create the vibe.

Cubbi Tip: My 1st Years has beautiful personalised furniture and décor that adds that thoughtful touch instantly — no DIY required. Use your Cubbi discount to make the nice thing a smart buy.

3. LET THE WALLS BREATHE — ADD COSINESS WITH TEXTURES

Neutral or lightly painted walls are your best friend. They make the space feel calm and allow you to bring in warmth through blankets, cushions, curtains and soft toys. You don’t need designer wallpaper or a hand-painted mural. Texture does all the heavy lifting.

Cubbi Tip:For soft bedding and textiles that feel lovely on baby skin and look premium without the premium price tag, browse Natural Baby Shower through Cubbi.

4. RENT THE BIG STUFF BEFORE YOU COMMIT

If you’re eyeing up a smart crib or Next-to-Me sleeper but feel nervous about spending hundreds when you don’t know if your baby will like it — rent first. Babies are unpredictable, some love certain sleep setups. Others… absolutely do not. Renting lets you test without the regret.

Cubbi Tip: Cubbi members get discounts with Baboodle, meaning you can trial the pricier items before committing. If baby loves it — great. If not — no £300 mistake collecting dust.

5. PERSONAL TOUCHES MAKE THE ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME

This is the part that makes the nursery feel full of love.Scan photos in frames, little trinkets from family, a stack of favourite books, soft lighting, your baby’s first teddy. These touches cost very little but create all the warmth.

Cubbi Tip:Use your Cubbi discount with Snapfish or My Picture to print your favourite photos or baby scans. A couple of prints + a cheap frame = instant cosy nursery wall.

Your nursery doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even need to be finished before baby arrives. It just needs to feel calm, functional, and yours. Pick one special thing. Build slowly. Rent what you’re unsure about.Let the personal touches come naturally over time. And when you do want the lovely things (because we all do) Cubbi makes them more affordable — so parents don’t have to choose between beauty and budgeting.