Nautical Nursery Ideas: How to Create the Perfect Ocean-Themed Room for Baby
Ready to ride the wave of adorable? A nautical nursery isn’t just stripes and a token whale pillow (although those are important) it’s a whole mood. Calm, classic, and a little adventurous.
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, calming space that brings the beach to your baby, a nautical nursery is the way to go. Crisp whites, sailor-stripe navy, and sea-glass greens , rope textures, seagrass baskets, ahoy! These nautical decor elements will make your next 1000 diaper changes feel… cinematic.
If you want a nautical nursery that feels timeless, not theme-park, read on! Let’s explore this style, and give you a list of everything you’ll need to design a nautical nursery yourself.
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How To Create a Nautical Nursery
Here are some stylish and sweet ideas to bring your ocean themed nursery to life.
Choose Your Ocean Nursery Color Palette
A great nautical nursery starts with a sea-inspired color scheme. Think: Navy blue and crisp white for that classic coastal look Soft aqua, sand, and light grey for a serene ocean vibe Add in pops of coral or seafoam green for playful contrast These hues create a soothing space that’s perfect for nap time and story time. Plus, the colors easily grow with your child beyond the baby stage.
Incorporate Nautical Nursery Wall Decor
Let your walls make a splash with ocean-inspired details. Try: Under the sea wall decals (think whales, turtles, fish, and seaweed) Framed vintage sailboat prints or watercolor sea creatures A round mirror that looks like a ship porthole Shiplap or striped peel-and-stick wallpaper for a bold accent wall This is where you can lean into the theme and add personality to the space—without committing to anything too permanent.
Anchor the Room With the Right Furniture
Opt for furniture that feels classic but breezy: A white or driftwood crib works beautifully in an ocean nursery Pair it with a comfy glider in a navy or striped fabric Add a natural wood dresser or woven basket storage for texture Look for furniture with clean lines and coastal finishes to balance the theme without going too literal.
Ocean-Themed Nursery Textiles and Accessories
This is where the cozy factor comes in: Whale-shaped pillows and anchor-print crib sheets Rope lamps, jute rugs, and nautical stripe curtains A sailboat mobile or sea animal plush toys for a playful touch If you’re styling a baby boy nautical room, look for bold patterns like navy stripes or sea creature illustrations to keep things fun and engaging.
Create a Reading Nook or Play Corner
Use soft floor cushions, a bean bag chair, or a tent in calming blues and neutrals to build a cozy corner where you can cuddle up with your little sailor. Add a basket of books and a few soft toys to turn it into a calming retreat within the nursery.
Don’t Forget the Details
Finish your nursery with small touches that tie everything together: A name sign shaped like an anchor or surfboard Drawer pulls shaped like shells or ship wheels A height chart with a nautical twist Ocean sound machines to bring the calming waves indoors These little details elevate your nautical nursery and make it feel custom without going overboard (pun fully intended).
Nautical Nursery – Conclusion
Set Sail in Style Creating an ocean nursery is a fun and meaningful way to design a space that feels fresh, imaginative, and relaxing for both baby and parents.
Next time you need to build an under the sea nursery or a nautical theme baby room, remember that the key is balancing playful details with calming textures and tones.
Want to shop the look? I’ve curated my favorite nautical nursery finds—cribs, mobiles, wall art, and more on my LTK. Shop my LTK here!
