Sleeping like a babe seems like an empty promise for many sleep-deprived new parents. Sadly there is very little anyone can do to convince a baby to sleep but experts agree that a starting point is to provide a conducive environment. So how do you design a nursery to get some much needed rest? Here is some advice from the The Children’s Sleep Charity on how to create a calm bedroom.

DO use harmonious colours

“Decorate in neutral, calming colours, bright colours can be overstimulating.” Consider using softer colours and harmonious colour schemes which are more restful on the eye. These can be monochromatic, simple palettes using different shades of the same colour, or more varied palettes carrying two or three colours that sit adjacent to one another on the colour wheel. When choosing the fabric for the nursery curtains or blinds consider what colour wall and woodwork it will sit against: is the window frame white? Consider including a side and bottom on your roman blind which softens the contrast to the main body of fabric, such as an off-white border surrounding a grey central panel.

A simple, soft, colour scheme will grow with baby

If you haven’t chosen the wall colour then draw inspiration from a fabric or piece of artwork for the room; with the range of paints on the market and colour matching services it is much easier to start with a fabric you love and work backwards to the paint. You’ve already fallen in love with that sky blue? Not a problem, choose a curtain or blind fabric that is neutral so your nursery window treatment will stay relevant for the transition to a children’s room. If it seems too plain, consider a contrast piping or border in a complementary neutral or colour to add some character and playfulness.

DON’T feel tied down to the traditional pink for girls, blue for boys and yellow for waiting-to-find-outs.

Luxor Mid-blue blind with Linen Chintz Citrus bottom border

DO control the light.

Babies need to learn the distinction between day and night so consider having the option to filter strong sunlight in the day with voiles and a “blackout [solution] can be helpful, particularly during the summer months.”

Voiles can be simple roller blinds, easy to raise and lower, voile panels (think a roman blind made of voile) for a softer look or even voile curtains for a flowing, feminine feel. The space in the room and the overall look should dictate your choice as we install all options in line with the latest in child safety legislation. 

We installed motorised roller blinds in Perspective Screen Windspray Gray in this playroom, a great option for child safety.

The fickle British sun aside, living in a city can mean it is never quite dark at night so how to get a good blackout solution for the nursery? Blackout lined roman blinds are a great option in a nursery as they take little space. In a very bright room, or for someone who is more light sensitive, consider a lath & fascia with blackout curtains. Roller blinds are the least effective blackout option so to lessen the amount of light they allow around all sides keep the blind fabric near to the glass with a regular roll.

Dim-out roller blinds filter strong light, blackout is provided by lath & fascia and blackout curtains in Toutou.

DON’T choose a dark fabric to block light, any colour will do if it is blackout lined.

The triple pass blackout lining on this roman blind stops the light and cold air from coming through.

DO be mindful of the temperature.

Your nursery curtains or blinds will need to act as a way to regulate the changes in temperature from day to night and summer to winter. The Children’s Sleep Charity say: “Ideally the bedroom temperature should be around 16 to 18 degrees.” Layering voiles and blackout curtains or blinds are a great way to do this, filtering strong daylight which can heat a south-facing room in the summer or using thermal lining to keep out draughts and cold in the winter nights.

For nursery roman blinds or curtains consider using blackout lining which is more effective than interlining and a simple sateen lining at keeping out draughts or cold, to know more read our blog about it: Is interlining declining? 

Whatever you choose your nursery should be a place for you and baby to enjoy. If you need any help working out what is best for your window architecture or room scheme get in touch with one of our knowledgeable designers who can help.