How Much Does a Nursery Cost?

This is the first question I hear from clients and basically anyone I talk to who is expecting. We start talking about budget and they inevitably always say that they don't know how much a nursery should cost. 

Well, the truth is it can cost as little or as much as you want. I know, it's not the answer you thought you'd be getting. But stay with me...

If you are willing to re-purpose furniture, search craigslist for deals, wait for sales or DIY, you can create a beautiful space on a very small budget. Or, if you have the money to spend, you can go all out with the perfect crib that costs $1,500+, all new furniture and custom wallpaper, paint, and installations. Whatever budget you have, you can make it work for your home and it will be beautiful because that is the room that you will bring your precious little one home to. 

Now, for purposes of this blog post and giving you an answer on how much a nursery costs, I am basing the following information on the assumption that you are starting with a completely empty room, need everything (ie. crib, dresser, lighting, decor, etc.) and have a medium range budget.

So, with that said...

The average you can expect to spend on a nursery is around $3,500 - after everything is said and done. 

The range I typically see with the nurseries I have designed is $2,500 to $5,000. If this number shocks you, remember it doesn't HAVE to cost that much. But if you're purchasing everything new, that is what you can expect to have spent once the room is complete. 

Below I have broken out the costs based on averages I have experienced with my clients so you can see where the money goes.

Cost breakdown based on a $3,500 budget:

Furniture = $1500.00-$2,000.00

This will be the largest chunk of the budget and consist of: the crib, dresser, rocker/glider, end table (*assuming you use the dresser as a changing table saving some money). Again, these are just ranges and it will be up to you decide if you want to splurge on one of these pieces and save elsewhere, or go middle ground on all three. 

• Rockers are usually in the $300-700 range
• dressers are $250 - $1000 depending on if you want brand name verse Ikea
• cribs are $200 - $700

Decor = $500.00 - $1,000.00

This category consists of shelving, rugs, lighting, baskets and book storage

Accessories = $500.00

Here you are looking at the items that really personalize your nursery, such as pillows, artwork, toys, stuffed animals, books, shelf trinkets. 

Baby Items = $500.00

This category is all about crib sheets (3-5), baby blankets (3), changing pad covers (2-3), and a baby monitor. Don't be fooled, these items can add up quickly. 

So that's it. If you want some ideas on where to shop for some items that are more unique and not so "big box", read this article.  I wish you the best of luck in your decorating and hope you enjoy the most beautiful and special room you'll ever design. 

with grace & gumption,

Corinne