When planning a nursery design, it’s only natural to think ahead. The most functional spaces are the ones that grow right along with your child. We always aim to design nurseries with quality pieces that stand the test of time. Investing in high-quality, transitional nursery furniture and timeless decor ensures your space can easily adapt to a toddler or big kid room, both in function and style. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite nursery pieces that blend thoughtful design with lasting quality, each one chosen to move effortlessly from nursery to big kid years.
1. A side table that transitions to a nightstand: A small side table is the perfect companion beside a glider during the infant stage and easily transitions into a bedside table or nightstand as your child grows. We love the Bondi Nightstand because it features a drawer for extra storage and rounded corners for softness and safety.
2. Versatile storage baskets: We love using storage baskets to keep any nursery organized and tidy. They make it so much easier to stay organized, whether you’re storing baby essentials, clothes, or toys. These Natural Storage Baskets come in several sizes and bring a beautiful, natural texture to the room. They can be used in the closet, on a bookcase, or just on the floor from the nursery to toddler room and beyond.
3. Flexible lighting: A floor lamp makes reading rocking and feeding in the glider much easier. It may need to be removed from the room for a time if you have a toddler who likes to pull things down, but it can make another appearance after that phase and can stay for the long haul. We love this Timeless Floor Lamp and recently featured it in our Earth Tone Virtual Nursery Design with Browns and Neutrals. It’s a versatile piece and can easily move around your home.
4. Stylish wall hooks: We love adding wall hooks to our designs for both function and style. Whether you choose simple, timeless options like these Round Brass Hooks, or something more playful to fit your theme, they’re a great way to keep things tidy. They’re perfect for hanging swaddles and diaper bags in the nursery, and can transition all the way to teen years for backpacks, jewelry and other items.
5. Book storage for years to come: We use book ledges in nearly all of our designs because they check all the boxes. They’re both functional and decorative! These Acrylic Wall Ledges are modern and super versatile. You can install them lower on the wall when you are ready to transition to a toddler or a playroom to help foster independence and make it easy for little hands to grab and clean up. If you no longer need book storage, they can be used to display artwork, special items or family photos.
6. Smart storage: One of the biggest nursery storage recommendations we make is a hamper with a lid. That way, you can use it for almost any purpose—storing toys, blankets, books or just use it as a laundry hamper. If you choose one that looks nice, like a Neutral Hamper with a Lid, you can use it in the closet or out in the room as a decorative piece as well. Its natural texture softens the space and later moves easily into a playroom or laundry nook. We highly recommend investing in quality bin that can handle play and everyday use!
7. A crib for the ages: Almost all cribs these days will convert to a toddler bed, but the Yuzu All Stages Crib is designed to grow with your child with 8 different conversions. It easily converts from a bassinet to crib to toddler bed, daybed, and finally a junior bed—making it a truly long-term investment piece. Babyletto also has Montessori inspired floor beds which offer lots of flexibility.
8. A solid dresser: In the nursery, you’ll need a dresser for storage and changing. But after that, it can just function as a normal dresser. Choose one that’s a neutral design so you don’t have to change it out even if you change other elements in the room. We love the clean lines and heirloom-level craftsmanship of the Bondi 6-Drawer Dresser. Start with a changing tray for the early years, then let it stand alone as a statement dresser later on. We love this in deep green, but it’s available in natural and dark wood as well. This also comes in a 9-drawer version if you have the space.
9. Hidden extra storage: A storage ottoman is a design multitasker with hidden storage, soft edges, and plush upholstery. It functions as a foot rest, a second seat for an adult, and of course extra storage. The boucle texture of this Enoki Storage Ottoman adds cozy charm, while the design transitions beautifully from nursery to reading corner. We’ve used this in several of our designs and it’s a client favorite!
10. Layer in some softness: You may have seen that almost every one of our nursery designs has this Washable Faux Sheepskin Accent Rug. It’s the perfect piece! It’s inexpensive, washable, can be used for tummy time, and helps to protect the rug/carpet/flooring underneath. After use in the nursery, it works perfectly in a cozy play corner for toddler, kid’s room or playroom.
Designing a nursery with longevity in mind can ease the transition to a toddler or big kid room. By choosing well-crafted, transitional pieces, you can design a room that evolves alongside your little one or can be passed down to siblings—beautifully blending function, comfort, and timeless style.
Discover even more inspiration in our curated selection of baby and kids’ furniture and decor that easily transitions from nursery to big kid room below.
Our favorite Side Tables with Storage for the Nursery
The Ultimate Guide to Blackout Curtains
Brand New Kids Furniture Collection from Babyletto
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